UNITOTS - University of Worcester

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 23/11/2004 Inspector Name Saida Cummings

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name UNITOTS - U.C.O.W. Setting Address Henwick Grove St Johns Worcester Worcestershire WR2 6AJ

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name University College Worcester Address Henwick Grove Worcester Worcestershire WR2 6AJ

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

Unitots opened in 1984 and is part of the facilities offered by the University College of Worcester. Childcare is offered to teaching staff and students, as well as users from the community. Children are accommodated in a specifically adapted nursery unit based within the University Campus. They are cared for in several ground floor rooms depending on their ages and stages of development. The outdoor play facilities consist of two fully enclosed paved and grassed areas situated to the rear of the nursery. There are currently 61 children from 3 months to 4 years on roll, of these 9 receive funding for nursery education. The setting has facilities in place for supporting children who have a special need and for whom English is not a first language. The group opens 5 days a week for 51 weeks of the year. Sessions are from 08:00 to 18:00. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are 14 part-time and full-time staff who work with the children. Twelve of the

p.2

Information about the setting

staff hold appropriate qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. Currently one staff member is working towards an appropriate childcare qualification. The setting receives support from a mentor teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). They also attend local EYDCP forum and partnership meetings.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Unitots provides good care for children. There is a warm and welcoming environment with children's work displayed. Children are well cared for and supported as staff are deployed effectively to ensure high ratios are maintained. Staff work well together as a team to ensure children's needs are met. All children are treated equally and have equal access to resources and activities. They are also encouraged to take part and be included. Children's progress and development is encouraged by use of a stimulating range of activities. These are adapted to ensure children's individual needs and abilities are met. Staff provide an interesting and stimulating balance of activities, allowing for more active and relaxing activities. Children have access to a broad range of play equipment and resources, including toys and materials to promote their awareness of diversity. They are provided with nutritious and healthy food which is freshly

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 prepared on a daily basis. Parents are also given the choice of providing their own food if they wish. The premises have been made safe by use of safety items to ensure hazards and risks to children are minimised. Although sleeping children are regularly checked by staff, there are no records maintained. There are good systems in place concerning the safe arrival and collection of children. Parents are informed of the guidelines concerning sick children to ensure they are made fully aware of the procedures. There are well-managed strategies and procedures in place for dealing with behavioural management issues. However, staff have not attended appropriate behaviour management training. Staff have a good relationship with parents, ensuring children are cared for according to their wishes. Children's development and progress are regularly

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

discussed with parents. There are comprehensive written policies and procedures in place which are implemented by all staff. However, some policies and procedures need reviewing and developing.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable, as there were no actions raised at the previous inspection.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff arrange the outdoor area, playrooms and resources imaginatively to encourage the children to make decisions and to be independent. The space available is organised to meet children's requirements and is used appropriately and creatively. • Children's interest is captured because staff provide many varied and exciting activities. Staff encourage and praise children ensuring their individual developmental needs and confidence are nurtured. Children are involved, interested and enjoy their play. • Staff are deployed effectively during indoor and outdoor activities to ensure risks to children are minimised. There are good hygiene procedures in place which all staff, children and parents are made aware of, thereby reducing risks to children. • A high priority is given to meeting children's individual needs and regular discussions are held with parents concerning all aspects of care. Staff ensure parents are kept well informed of their children's activities, events and any

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the record keeping procedures for the monitoring of sleeping children • the written behaviour management policy to include procedures to follow for any bullying issues, and staff's knowledge and understanding of behavioural

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 management • the written details concerning the procedures to follow in the event of an allegation being made against a staff member or volunteer.

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

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 13 Review existing policies to ensure they fully explain, in writing, the procedures to follow in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against a staff member or volunteer. 6 Develop record keeping procedures for the monitoring of sleeping children. 11 Develop the written behaviour management policy to include procedures to follow for any bullying issues, and improve staff's knowledge and understanding of behaviour management by ensuring they access appropriate training.

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