First Steps Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/12/2004 Inspector Name Kathryn Margaret Clayton

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name First Steps Nursery Setting Address Ice House Victor Street Grimsby North East Lincolnshire DN32 7QN

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name First Steps Grimsby Ltd Address Ice House Victor Street Grimsby North East Lincolnshire DN32 7QN

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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

First Steps Nursery is a privately owned facility in central Grimsby that was established in 1988. It is a Pre-school Learning Alliance accredited setting that operates from a large ground floor room in a building that was formerly an Ice House. The nursery also has the use of a kitchen, toilets, and a small soft surfaced outdoor play area. A maximum of twenty-six children aged from two to five years may attend the nursery at any one time. The owner also has another nursery nearby that cares for babies and children under three years of age. There are currently twenty-seven children who attend throughout the week, mainly from the local area. The nursery is open from 08:00 to 18:00 on Monday to Friday all year apart from public holidays and Christmas week. In April 2004 the nursery formed a partnership with the local Surestart programme and is now a satellite of the East Marsh Children's Centre. Six full and part time staff

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Information about the setting

are employed including a qualified teacher. All other staff hold, or are working towards a relevant childcare qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

First Steps Nursery provides good quality care for children aged two to five years. The enthusiastic, well-qualified staff have clearly identified roles, and are well supported in their own development by management. The key worker system is effective in helping staff to gain a good understanding of individual children. Children are offered very good support during their time at the nursery. Staff have a good knowledge of the very well-organised documentation that supports the smooth running of the nursery. Children have excellent freedom of movement in the bright and attractive play space. They enjoy choosing from a very good range of well-organised, accessible toys and play materials, attractively displayed in different areas. A safe environment is maintained both indoors and outdoors, and children's personal safety is effectively monitored by staff at all times. Children are encouraged to learn about healthy eating

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How good is the Day Care?

and are provided with well-balanced nutritious home-cooked meals that are served in a sociable atmosphere. Staff make sure children learn about most aspects of personal hygiene.

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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 Children enjoy a good range of stimulating play opportunities. Their independence skills are effectively developed in a number of ways. Children are offered choice in play, and their behaviour is excellent. Staff create a calm environment using effective positive strategies, to encourage acceptable behaviour in children. Staff make sure all children are respected as individuals and their needs are met. Staff develop good relationships with parents by keeping them well informed about their children's progress. Parents receive useful information about the nursery when their children enrol. Staff are friendly and welcoming and encourage parental involvement in the nursery.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection the safety of children has been improved by providing additional security measures at the entrance to the nursery, and by securely fixing wall mounted heaters. Record keeping has been improved by making sure the record of medicines administered includes all of the required detail. Children now enjoy regular safe outdoor play in the small enclosed soft surfaced play area. Children now have the use of an additional toilet and washbasin.

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What is being done well?

• Children enjoy playing in the bright and attractive environment. The large play space offers excellent freedom of movement and is arranged into different areas, for example, physical area, creative, design, role play and a very comfortable book area with soft seating where children can rest and share books. • The play space is set out to effectively promote children's independence. For example, children can easily access toys, their own bags, coats, and shoes. Staff encourage them to wash their hands independently, pour drinks at snack time, and try to put on their own aprons. • Staff used positive strategies to constantly re-enforce acceptable behaviour, and children behave very well. Staff are calm, and consistent at all times, they ensure children are actively engaged in play and give praise and encouragement and stickers as rewards for any acheivement. Staff are good role models, they encourage children to learn good manners, for example, by

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What is being done well?

thanking children when they respond appropriately. • Children's safety is effectively monitored. Staff undertake a full safety check of the outdoor area before it is used. There is a secure entrance system with a buzzer at the main door, and a further keypad system on the inner door. Staff carefully check the identification of any visitors. • Children enjoy sitting together to eat freshly prepared, well-balanced nutritious home-cooked lunches and snacks. This helps them to learn about healthy eating and good table manners. Some examples of lunches provided include shepherds pie, beef hotpot, home-made chicken nuggets, and lasagne.

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What is being done well?

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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What needs to be improved?

• hygiene practices, by taking positive steps to prevent the spread of infection when children dry their hands.

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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 7 Ensure positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection when children dry their hands.

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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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