Mendip House Nursery & Pre School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 29/05/2003 Inspector Name Deborah Jane Starr

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Mendip House Nursery & Pre School Setting Address 17 Bedford Road Weston-super-Mare Avon BS23 4EJ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of Mendip House Nursery & Pre School

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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

Mendip House Nursery and Pre-School is situated in the South Ward of Weston-Super-Mare, located near to Weston hospital and local schools. The premises were previously used for commercial business and have now been renovated to offer care to local children. The nursery is divided into two parts. The Sunshine Room for children aged 6 weeks to 2 years is on the first floor and the Pre-School Room for children aged 2 to under 5 years is on the ground floor. All children have access to the landscaped garden at the rear of the premises The nursery offers care to a maximum of 42 children; of whom no more than 12 are under 2 years of age. The nursery is open Monday to Friday 8.00am - 6.00 pm for 51 weeks of the year. The nursery provides care for children in receipt of funding. There are 4 full time members of staff and 3 part time members of staff including the registration holders who work directly with the children. All staff are appropriately

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How good is the Day Care?

Mendip House Day Nursery and Pre-school provides satisfactory care for children. Staff are committed and supported by the management team to develop their skills through on-going training. The staff have a sound knowledge of policies and procedures and their practice effectively reflects the operational plan. Staff are committed to ensuring a safe environment for children, however the accident book has not been countersigned by parents on occasion. The nursery is well organised and maintained to a high standard, resources are of a high quality and are continually being extended. Imaginative use is made of all areas, but particularly with reference to the garden, which allows children to investigate, explore and use a variety of senses. Staff have a clear understanding of how children learn and plan a stimulating range of activities for all children which help them progress and in which they are interested and enjoy. Children are seen as individuals and staff are able to

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How good is the Day Care?

identify and sensitively met their needs. Written assessment reports of children's progress have not yet been introduced for all children. Staff work well with parents to ensure their children are settled and progress in their development. Parents are welcomed into the nursery and staff make themselves accessible. Parents are aware of the activities and events within the nursery through individual discussions with staff and regular newsletters

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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 Since registration in July 2002, the nursery has been accepted to join the Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative and has received additional funding to implement this scheme. This has enabled plans for the expansion of the premises to be drawn up and for additional resources to be purchased and identified. The management team has shown a strong commitment to enabling staff to access on-going training and to reviewing policies, procedures and the organisation of the nursery day to met children's needs.

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What is being done well?

staff plan a stimulating range of activities using a wide range of toys and resources which help children of all ages progress and in which children are interested and enjoy [Standard 3] the well thought out design and decoration of the nursery creates a bright, airy, imaginative use of space both inside and outside [Standard 4] staff work sensitively and skilfully with children and parents to ensure that each child's' individual needs are met [Standard 10] staff work closely with parents to develop positive relationships and provide them with clear information about the nursery [Standard 12]

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What needs to be improved?

provide written assessment reports of child's progress to all parents. [Standard 3]. accident book is signed by all parents.[Standard 7]

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 undertake assessment reports on children’s developmental progress in respect of children aged 2 –5 years 7 ensure records of accidents to children are signed by parents

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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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