Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 03/08/2004 Inspector Name Janet Fairhurst

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Tavistock House Day Nursery Setting Address Tavistock House Caretaker, Borough Road Sunderland Tyne and Wear SR1 1PG

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Tavistock House Ltd Address Tavistock House Borough Road Sunderland Tyne and Wear SR1 1PG

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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

Tavistock House Day Nursery opened in 2003. It is a privately run nursery that operates from a three storey, grade two listed building in its own grounds, situated in Sunderland city centre. The ground floor has three group rooms accommodating babies, toddlers and pre-school children; kitchen and laundry facilities are also available on this floor. There are five rooms on the first floor; two of these rooms are not used by the nursery but are currently rented out on a temporary basis to another nursery. The three further rooms are used by the holiday play scheme children. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The nursery serves the local community and employers in the area. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting provides full day care and out of school care for 71 children. There are currently 30 children aged from three months to five years on roll; this includes two

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Information about the setting

funded three-year-olds. There are no children attending who have special needs and none who speak English as an additional language. The holiday play scheme is due to commence in August 2004 and provides care for children aged from three to eleven years. The nursery opens five days a week, all year round. Sessions are from 07.30 until 18.30. There is one part-time and nine full-time members of staff employed to work with the children; all have early years qualifications. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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How good is the Day Care?

Tavistock House Day Nursery provides good quality care for the children in an environment which is warm, welcoming and very well maintained. All staff are well qualified and some have a wealth of experience in childcare. Effective grouping of the children and staff helps to promote children's feeling of security and confidence. Toys and equipment are of very good quality and are well-maintained. Relevant staff training is actively encouraged and used to update and develop skills, which reflects the strong commitment to the continuous development of the setting. All regulatory paperwork is in place and is meticulously maintained. A detailed operation plan covering all aspects of the care offered has been developed and underpins the smooth running of the group.

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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 Staff observe very good hygiene procedures at all times and show high regard for children's safety. Regular risk assessments are undertaken and safety procedures followed. A closed circuit television system (CCTV) has been installed which provides assurance to parents and more fully ensures the safety of both children and staff. The garden is used on a regular basis and provides an excellent outlet for children to explore and investigate their environment. All staff provide the children with a very good range of learning opportunities and demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of young children. Interaction is of a very high quality. They are caring in their approach, know the children well and value them as individuals. The key worker system is effective in supporting the relationship

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How good is the Day Care?

between children, staff and parents. Children's behaviour is very good and is managed in a consistent and appropriate manner. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are kept well informed through an effective range of written information and informative displays on notice boards, newsletters and formal meetings.

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What is being done well?

• Good use is made of the space, deployment of staff, materials and equipment, which in turn provides children with a stimulating and interesting range of activities and experiences. Toys and equipment are of a very high quality and support all aspects of play and learning. • Staff form warm and trusting relationships with children. Consistent daily routines provide children with a strong sense of security and confidence. Staff engage freely in children's play and offer a high level of care. Staff have included the outdoor play area effectively to create a continuous play environment for all the children. • The premises is of outstanding quality; it provides children and parents with a welcoming, safe and aesthetically pleasing environment. There has been considerable thought and consideration given to the initial design and layout of each room and, as a result, children's all round needs are fully met.

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What is being done well?

Security of the premises is given high priority; secure door entry, visitor monitoring systems, CCTV and vision panels all provide reassurance to both parents and staff. • There are very good relationships with parents. They are kept well informed about the service provided and their child's progress through verbal interaction, written information and through the comprehensive range of high quality records and policies.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The physical environment effectively supports children as learners and adults as workers. It is decorated, equipped and maintained to a very high standard and is

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 very well presented. The mixture of calm and bold colour schemes and soothing music combine to help to create an atmosphere of restfulness and comfort. Each room has been specifically designed to meet fully the needs of the individual age groups; the babies are situated away from the outside play area to enable them to rest and play peacefully, whilst the layout of the other rooms encourages children to learn through first hand experiences, explorations and investigation. Internal and external high quality security and monitoring systems have been installed which more fully ensures a safe and secure environment. The outdoor play area is innovative, and both planned and used creatively, providing opportunities for children to dig, plant, climb, run and use their imaginations. (Standard 4).

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What needs to be improved?

• the identification and inclusion of all modes of transport within the relevant policy.

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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 6 Ensure that all modes of transport used for outings and visits are identified and included in the transport policy.

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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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