King Charles I Secondary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 07/09/2004 Inspector Name Helen Maria Steven

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Marsham Street Community Childcare Centre Setting Address 121 Marsham Street London SW1P 4LX

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Westminster Children's Society 2228978

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Westminster Children's Society Address 121 Marsham Street London SW1P 4LX

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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

Marsham Street Community Childcare Centre was registered under the Children Act in 1992 and is one of 12 voluntary nurseries run by Westminster Children's Society. The nursery is on the third floor of a four storey building that also houses WCS head office and First Steps nursery. It operates from two rooms and has a fully enclosed roof garden. The nursery is based in a socially and culturally diverse area of South Westminster. The nursery aims to provide a service for families from the local community, which includes placements funded by Social Services. There are currently 20 children on roll. This includes 10 funded 3 year olds. The group opens five days a week throughout the year. Sessions are from 08:30 - 17:30 full time, and part-time placements are 2-3 full days. The setting aims to support children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. 5 full-time staff work with the children one of which is a long-term agency worker.

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Information about the setting

The majority of the staff have early years qualifications. WCS is an NVQ assessment centre and currently one staff member is being supported in achieving an NVQ qualification. There is a cook based within the building who provides fresh food daily and caters for children's individual dietary needs. The nursery staff receive support from a speech therapist, psychologist and physiotherapist and also benefit from support afforded by the Westminster Children's Society. The nursery has been undertaking a pilot scheme for quality assurance.

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How good is the Day Care?

Marsham Street Community Childcare Centre provides good care for children. The nursery is effectively organised and well staffed with most staff holding relevant childcare qualifications and all have opportunities for on-going training. Children have access to a very good range of play materials. Children are unable to use the outside area freely but have regular slots to enable them to have outdoor play daily. Despite the use of a wall fan in each playroom the temperature of the nursery remained hot. There is a good range of policies and procedures in place which are stored in the managers office. Most relevant documentation is up to date. The staff have a good understanding of ensuring children's safety in the nursery and

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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 when outside. They have a sound understanding of good hygiene practices within the nursery environment and practices regarding administering medicines and treating accidents are entirely appropriate as are child protection procedures. An on-site cook prepares a balanced and varied range of foods that effectively meets the dietary needs of the children, however sweet puddings are offered very regularly. The staff team have a sound understanding of planning and assessment for the children, they provide a stimulating range of activities, although no specific plans were identified for the week of inspection. The staff are very focussed and interested in working directly with the children and behaviour is managed effectively. There is a clear equal opportunities policy in place which is reflected throughout the nursery

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How good is the Day Care?

and staff aim to provide good care for children with special needs ensuring links are made with other professionals. The nursery staff aim to have a good working relationship with parents although there was limited written information regarding the nursery available at the time of inspection.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The fire exits were clearly identified and the blind cords in the playrooms have been made safe. There was evidence available of the first aider's training and a document has been drawn up to offer information on the vehicle, driver and insurance details of the WCS minibus although the information provided was outdated. There is now a registration procedure in place for staff attendance but it was not filled in by every staff member. The visitors book was not available to be used by the inspector or new parent settling her child as it was full and a new page was not yet printed.

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What is being done well?

• The staff use positive behaviour management strategies in line with the children's level of understanding and maturity. They lead by example and work closely with the children in finding constructive solutions to problems. They offer lots of praise and encouragement and are successful in creating a general atmosphere of calm. • Staff have developed links with other professionals to ensure that the individual needs of children are met. Links with a speech therapist, psychologist and physiotherapist have given staff the opportunity to develop their knowledge and practices. There is currently a specific focus by the staff to develop the children's language skills. • Children are provided with a large and varied range of toys and play material that are accessible and are well maintained. The play provision is stimulating and provides sufficient challenge. Staff organise a balanced range of activities taking into account the ages and stages of development of the

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What is being done well?

children. Children are able to select their own resources and on the day of inspection children were enjoying finding different ways of playing with large

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What is being done well?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 cardboard boxes set out in the garden area, they used them as dens, drums and for role play. • The manager provides guidance and support for his staff team and leads by example to instigate good practice. There are prompts for staff around the nursery giving examples of relevant questions and words they could use in the area to promote language and enhance children's learning.

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What needs to be improved?

• The temperature of the playrooms, which were observed at 82f on the day of inspection despite two wall fans being used.

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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 4 ensure that the nursery is maintained at a comfortable temperature for children.

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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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