Acorn Childcare Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 26/10/2004 Inspector Name Janice Linsdell

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Acorn Childcare Nursery Limited Setting Address Off Greenbank Lane, Hartford Northwich Cheshire CW8 1JJ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Acorn Childcare Nursery Ltd 4829305

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Acorn Childcare Nursery Ltd Address 112-114 Witton Street Northwich Cheshire CW9 5NW

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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

Acorn Childcare Nursery opened in April 2004 and operates from a purpose-built facility, situated in the Hartford area of Northwich. The premises consist of five play rooms, a kitchen, office space, staff facilities and children's toilets. Each playroom has separate access to a fully enclosed outdoor area. The nursery is owned by a limited company and serves children from the local area. The nursery is registered to provide care for 58 children and there are 45 children from birth to under five years on roll, including five funded three year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery supports children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery opens five days a week from 08.00 until 18.00 all year round, except public holidays and a period between Christmas and New Year. There are 10 members of staff who work with the children, 6 of whom hold early

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Information about the setting

years qualifications to NNEB and NVQ level 2 and 3. All remaining staff are working towards a recognised early years qualification. As the nursery is in receipt of funding for nursery education and have access to a foundation stage teacher from SureStart.

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How good is the Day Care?

Acorn Childcare Nursery provides good quality care for children under five years. The nursery is bright, airy and welcoming to children and parents. Staff are generally deployed effectively and work well together as a team but the organisation of staff during some parts of the day does not always allow for the following of children's individual routines. All nursery documentation is accessible and well organised although there are some omissions in the children's registers. The nursery is safe and secure and children are closely supervised to ensure their safety. Staff implement good standards of hygiene to promote a healthy environment for children. Meals and snacks are well balanced and nutritious, in accordance with children's individual dietary needs and drinking water is available at all times. Children with special needs are well supported and staff work closely with parents and other professionals to ensure children receive appropriate care and support.

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How good is the Day Care?

Staff understand child protection issues and relevant procedures are in place to

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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 enable staff to take appropriate action to protect children from harm. Staff plan a variety of activities and play experiences to stimulate children and help them to learn and develop. Children have access to a good range of quality toys, equipment and play materials for both indoor and outdoor play. Staff actively promote equality of opportunity and help children to learn about cultural diversity. Good behaviour is valued, encouraged and well promoted throughout the nursery. Staff develop good relationships with parents and keep them well informed about the provision and all aspects of the children's care. Feedback from parents is positive about the staff, the high standard of care they provide for children and the friendly, happy atmosphere in the nursery.

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What is being done well?

• Staff meet children's individual needs well and offer appropriate care and support to help them learn and develop. They provide a stimulating range of activities for children to enjoy and their positive interactions with the children encourages children to have fun and feel comfortable and secure. • The nursery is well equipped and offers good facilities for children. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and the organisation of space and resources help to create an inviting and stimulating environment for children to enjoy. • Equal opportunities are well promoted in the nursery. Staff treat children with equal concern and respect. Attractive wall displays and various positive images of culture and ethnicity are available throughout the nursery, to promote equality and raise children's awareness of cultural diversity. • Staff work closely with parents and outside professionals to promote the welfare and development of children with special needs. Staff demonstrate a

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What is being done well?

pro-active and caring approach to supporting children, to make sure their specific requirements are addressed.

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What needs to be improved?

• the procedures for recording children's attendance • the organisation of children's lunch and sleep times.

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Outcome of the 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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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 2 Make sure that an accurate record of the names of children and their hours of attendance is consistently maintained in all rooms. 3 Improve the organisation of children's lunch and sleep times, to ensure that staffing issues do not cause any disruption to children's individual routines.

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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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