Southampton University Early Years Centre

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 01/12/2003 Inspector Name Judith Margaret Reed

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Southampton University Day Nursery Setting Address Building 41 University Road Southampton Hampshire SO17 1BJ

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Southampton University

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Southampton University Address 58-64 University Road Highfield Southampton Hampshire SO17 1TP

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Southampton University Day Nursery opened in 1976, and moved into new premises during the Summer 2003. It operates from Clarkson House, which is located on the campus of the University of Southampton in Highfield, Southampton, and serves the whole community. There are currently 118 children on roll. This includes 18 funded 3 year olds and 25 funded 4 year olds. Children can attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery staff are experienced with caring for children with special needs. Currently there are approximately 16 children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery opens five days a week for 50 weeks a year, according to the university calendar. Sessions are between 08:00 and 18:00. Twenty-six full and part time staff work with the children. Most staff are qualified to the NVQ Level III or equivalent standard in childcare. Three staff have also completed the Advanced Diploma (ADCE). There are on-going training programmes

p.2

Information about the setting

available to all staff throughout the year.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The day nursery provides satisfactory quality full day care for children. The nursery ensures staff are employed through appropriate procedures, and that they have an effective induction process. Most staff are well trained and experienced child carers. The nursery occupies a safe, well maintained building. Most paperwork is in place, although some additions and amendments are required. The staff ensure the premises are safe and secure at all times, as well as providing first aid equipment around the nursery. However, staff should ensure all medication is stored safely. The children are encouraged in good hygiene routines. Staff are aware of the individual needs of children concerning diet, but the organisation of meal times should encourage independence, as well as food consumption and learning.

p.2

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 encourage and value the younger children, while there is no clear structure for dealing with challenging behaviour in older children. Although a range of equipment is stored choices are limited for children. Staff need to extend the range to ensure that children of all ages have a free choice of a variety of stimulating play materials at all times. Staff encourage parents to visit the nursery to share their cultural festivals.Staff ensure parents are kept informed through regular newsletters, and some parents are involved in the management groups. A copy of the policies and procedures of the nursery is given to each family.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

This section does not apply as the last inspection was a registration visit.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The day nursery employs trained and experienced staff to care for children. There are appropriate processes for appointing staff, as well as effective induction procedures. The nursery occupies a large, spacious building, which is kept clean and well maintained. A large range of toys and equipment is stored around the nursery. • Staff at the day nursery are vigilant concerning health and safety matters, and regular risk assessments are completed. First aid boxes are available throughout the nursery. Staff encourage children in their good hygiene routines such as hand washing, and use of tissues. They are aware of the children's individual dietary requirements, ensuring the varied menu is suitable for all the children. All staff have recently completed in house training on child protection and are aware of procedures to follow. • The staff know the children well, and encourage parents to share their

p.3

What is being done well?

cultural celebrations in the nursery. They have a named special needs co-ordinator. The younger children are constantly encouraged and praised, and the staff are interested in them. • Parents are given copies of the policies of the nursery, and are involved in the management groups. They are kept informed and up to date through regular newsletters.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the choice and availability of activities for children to provide balance of learning in all areas • the policy for lost or uncollected child • the times of attendance included in daily register • the safe storage and recording of medication • organisation of snack, and meal times to encourage independence, food

p.3

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 consumption, and learning • staff awareness of behaviour management strategies and procedures.

p.3

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.

p.4

The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 3 Ensure a balanced choice of activities and a range of stimulating toys and equipment are provided, to promote all children’s learning in all areas at all times. 01/01/2004

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Ensure the policy for lost or uncollected child has information concerning lost children. 2 Ensure that the register shows times of attendance. 7 Ensure that the medication records and storage of the medication are in line with current guidance. 8 Organise meal and snack time to ensure children are encouraged to be independent, and learn from this enjoyable time. 11 Develop staff's awareness and understanding of effective ways to manage children's behaviour, taking into account age and stage of development.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

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

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6