Post House Nursery Ltd

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 12/05/2003 Inspector Name Janet Maureen Banham

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Post House Nursery Setting Address Post House Nursery Chesterfield Derbyshire S43 1DE

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

Post House Nursery opened in 1996. It operates from a Grade 11 listed building in the centre of Brimington village. The nursery serves local and commuting families. The nursery may care for a maximum of 34 children under 5 years; of these only 12 may be under two years. There are curently sixty three children aged between three months and 4 years on roll. This includes 22 funded three year olds and 4 funded four year olds.. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are no children who speak English as a second language. The nursery supports one child with special needs. The setting is open every weekday except Bank Holidays from 8:00 am to 6:00pm A total of twelve staff work with the children. All have early years qualifications. The staff group is supported by the owner and a cook. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). The owner and manager are actively involved with

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Information about the setting

the Partnership and the National Day Nursery Association.

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How good is the Day Care?

Post House Nursery provides good care for children aged 0 - 5 years. Priority is given to ensuring children are safe both within the nursery and in the grounds. Assessments outlined in comprehensive safety policies are regularly carred out. Health and hygiene practice is good Children are grouped appropriately with qualified staff who maintain a consistent approach in their care and practice. Children with special needs are fully included. Staff set clear, positive limits and consequently behaviour is good. They offer praise and encouragement and act as good role models. Children under two years enjoy individual routines of playing and sleeping. All children benefit from a wide range of activities and regular routines. Staff develop close relationships with the children and are aware of individual need. The nursery has a wide range of toys and equipment and a secure and interesting outside play space. Children were stimulated and happy and used the garden to

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How good is the Day Care?

explore and investigate. The nursery establishes good relationships with parents and carers. Registration, settling in and administrative procedures are comprehensive. Verbal and written information is shared daily with parents. Policies are clear and accessible. Parents are kept up to date with any changes. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There were no actions or recommendations from the previous inspection.

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What has improved since the last 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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What is being done well?

The nursery is well equipped and appointed. Toys and activities are imaginative, well planned and accessible to the children. Walls and ceilings are decorated with the children's work; current themes and posters. Space is used appropriately to the benefit of the children's development and play needs. (Standards 3,4 & 5) The outside play area has been planned and landscaped well. Children enjoy a variety of physical play in three distinct areas of the garden. The quality of the equipment is good. There is emphasis on safety and security. (Standards 4, 5 & 6) . All staff are recruited with at least a level 3 qualification and are encouraged to continue with in-service training. Staff are familiar with the comprehensive polices and procedures which become part of daily practice. Staff meetings and individual appraisals take place regularly. (Standard 2 & 14) Strong relationships with parents are established.

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What is being done well?

The nursery offers a warm personal welcome along with comprehensive registration, information and policy documents. Information on the children is shared on a daily basis, with additional progress and development reports issued at regular intervals. (Standard 12 & 14)

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The registered person has created an interesting and varied outside play area from part of the nursery garden, providing a wealth of exciting, imaginative learning opportunities for the children.. The bark covered, shady area encourages investigation and exploration and creates physical challenges particularly for the younger children. The lawned area provides fragrant flowers, shrubs and insects, whilst the hard surface is used for a variety of wheeled toys. Landscaping and equipment are of a high quality. Particular attention has been paid to safety and security. (Standards 3 & 6) .

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What needs to be improved?

safety and hygiene procedures for nappy changing in the ground floor bathroom.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 4 review the nappy changing facilities in the ground floor bathroom to

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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 improve safety, hygiene and privacy.

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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 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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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

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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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