The Priory Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/12/2004 Inspector Name Carol Mansell

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name The Priory Nursery Setting Address St John Ambulance Headquarters Stanmore Road Stevenage Herts SG1 3QA

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of St John Ambulance 1077265

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St John Ambulance Address St. John Ambulance: County Headquarters The White House, Argyle Way Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2AD

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality and standard of day care. When making judgements, inspectors have regard to how well the provider meets the National Standards for under Eights Day Care and Childminding. A list of these is attached. The report identifies strengths and areas for improvement. This inspection report must be made available to all parents.

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Information about the setting

The Priory Nursery opened in 2004 and operates from one large room in a designated building in Stevenage in Hertfordshire. A maximum of 26 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each week day from 07:30 to 17:30 for 50 weeks of the year. All the children have access to the secure enclosed outside play area. There are currently 25 children aged 2 years to under 8 years on roll, of whom 4 of the children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from the local and widening catchment area. The nursery supports a number of children with special needs, and also supports children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery employs 6 staff and a cook, 4 of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. Staff receive on-going training. The nursery have input from a qualified teacher and the local Special Education Needs Co-ordinator, they also attend the local Day Nursery Networking meetings.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Priory Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. Staff provide a friendly, comfortable environment where children are treated with understanding. Children are able to select freely from an adequate selection of toys and equipment. However, attention needs to be given to the availability of resources to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The nursery provides a variety of nutritious, home cooked healthy meals for the children. Staff are conscious of good hygiene procedures and their routines promote the health of children in their care. There is a written system to identify and minimise risks, which is generally effective. However, an element of the safety procedures needs to be reviewed. Staff provide interesting and varied daily activities, which encourage children's development, and allows them freedom to explore the resources independently. Staff are interested in the children and interact with them throughout their play using

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How good is the Day Care?

language appropriate to their level of understanding. Staff are sensitive to the needs of individual children in the group. The behaviour boundaries are in place. However, procedures for behaviour management need to be re-assessed.

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How good is the Day Care?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The nursery staff have established friendly relaxed relationships with parents and exchanges information verbally as appropriate. Most of the documentation necessary for day care practice is in place. But issues regarding the National Standards, updating information and parental signatures need to be addressed.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable as this is the first inspection since registration

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What is being done well?

• There are high staffing levels in place, which enables a good level of interaction between the staff and children at all times. Staff work well as a team and are enthusiastic in their approach to the children. They use space effectively and provide appropriate furniture and play equipment for the ages of the children being cared for. • Staff show a clear awareness of safety both inside and outside the nursery. They have effective supervision in place and conduct risk assessments regularly. Staff are committed to promoting good hygiene through their routines and policies, which are understood by the children and shared with parents. Dietary information is gathered through discussion with parents and the cook plans her meals accordingly. She offers a variety of healthy nutritious meals and snacks and encourages the children by rewarding them with stars. •• There is an emphasis on free play both inside and outside offering the

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What is being done well?

children opportunities to explore, investigate and enjoy physical play everyday. Children have access to the resources and can make independent choices whilst younger and less able children are given support. The staff display the children's creative work well giving high regard for the children's efforts. Staff know the children well and have effective procedures in place for gathering information and meeting the children's individual needs. The children are learning respect and to value those around them and their environment. • Staff have fostered positive, friendly relationships with parents who are welcomed into the nursery. Verbal information about meals, activities, and the child's general well-being is given to parents each day. Staff are dedicated to undertaking training courses, this helps them keep up to date with ongoing information as well as developing their own learning and practice. Parent comments on Ofsted questionnaires are positive and

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What needs to be improved?

• the accessibility of sharp knives in the kitchen area • the resources for equal opportunities - particularly those reflecting disabilities

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What needs to be improved?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • the procedures for obtaining parental signatures on the medications administered record • the availability and knowledge and understanding of the National Standards for full day care for children under 8 years • a named person for behaviour management issues • updating of information to Ofsted regarding changes to the named contact or additional bank staff working with the children.

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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

All registered persons must comply with all conditions of registration included on his/her certificate of registration. As a result of this inspection conditions of registration have been imposed / varied / removed and a new certificate of registration will be issued.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 5 Increase resources reflecting disabilities to meet equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices. 7 Ensure parent's signatures are obtained when putting an entry into the administration of medication book. 11 Provide a named person with responsibility for behaviour management issues 14 Obtain a copy and increase knowledge and understanding of the National Standards for Full day care for under 8's

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by the time of the next inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

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STANDARD 2 - ORGANISATION

The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

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STANDARD 3 - CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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STANDARD 4 - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

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STANDARD 5 - EQUIPMENT

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.

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STANDARD 6 - SAFETY

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

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STANDARD 7 - HEALTH

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

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STANDARD 8 - FOOD AND DRINK

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.

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STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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STANDARD 11 - BEHAVIOUR

Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

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STANDARD 12 - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.

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STANDARD 13 - CHILD PROTECTION

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, or to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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