Kids Planet Monkseaton

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 03/10/2003 Inspector Name Stephen Graham

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Children's Choice Nursery Setting Address Norham Road Whitley Bay Tyne and Wear NE26 3NR

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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

Children’s Choice Nursery opened in October 2000. It operates from an adapted building, purposely redesigned for daycare use, in Monkseaton, Whitley Bay. The nursery is open to all parents. The nursery opens five days a week for 51 weeks of the year, only closing in the period between Christmas and the New Year, and on Bank Holidays. Opening hours are from 08.00 until 18.00. The nursery is registered for a maximum of 40 children aged from birth to five years, including those funded by the Nursery Education Grant. Overnight care is not provided. The full staff complement, including management, ancillary and supply staff exceeds 20, all staff are suitably qualified and experienced. The nursery receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Children’s Choice Nursery provides a good level of care for children. The management and staff team are very experienced and qualified and have a good commitment to ongoing training and review of the service. The nursery is well organised and welcoming with space and resources used effectively. Key staff take specific areas of responsibility ensuring that expected standards are met at all times. Planning and the programme of activities takes into account and meets the individual, age appropriate needs of children as they progress through the nursery. Their progress is well supported and recorded. Staff work within the nursery’s operational plan, which contains well developed and presented policies, procedures and records. Management and staff have a sound awareness of safety issues both inside and out, taking positive steps to minimise the risk of accidents and to promote safety. Staff have a good understanding of the health care needs of children and maintain

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How good is the Day Care?

appropriate procedures to ensure that these are met. Arrangements to provide food and drinks through the use of specialised staff are good, these are confirmed with parents in advance and take into account the individual dietary needs of each child. Staff have an appropriate awareness and training in child protection. Planning is good, providing social, recreational and developmental activities that

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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 meet the needs of the children attending, including those with specific special needs. Staff work well as a team to provide a positive approach to managing children’s behaviour and children are well behaved. Good communication with parents ensures that they are fully involved and aware of how their children are cared for and are developing. Noticeboards and newsletters for parents are informative and the responses received to the parental questionnaires very positive. Initiatives to further develop good practice within the Nursery are shared with parents in advance for their consideration.

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What is being done well?

• All staff are well qualified and experienced, all are well supervised with their personal development encouraged and supported. •• The operational plan, policies, procedures and records ensure that good use is made of staff, space and resources to meet the children’s needs. Staff are deployed effectively. • Children take part in a range of activities and play opportunities which helps them progress in all areas of development. An interesting activity programme is planned in advance and with consideration to children’s individual needs. • Staff promote the safety of children through their practise and procedures. Staff understand and implement health and safety requirements and are vigilant about safety. • Staff use appropriate and consistent strategies to manage children’s behaviour. • A balanced and nutritious range of food and snacks is provided to the children by the catering staff, taking into account any specialist dietary needs.

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What is being done well?

• The health needs of each child are properly assessed and met. Staff are active in promoting good hygiene. • There are very good relationships with parents and carers with regular exchanges of information, knowledge and expertise about the children.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The management and staff are pro-active with regard to parental involvement, actively encouraging them to participate, and become involved in consultation on decisions within the nursery, where possible. The enthusiasm and satisfaction of parents is evident and can be seen from their responses to the pre-inspection parental questionnaires.

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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 • Close staff supervision to continue to be maintained to ensure that the raised edges in the outdoor play area do not cause a hazard to small children.

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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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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

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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