Acorn Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 01/03/2005 Inspector Name Margaret Jean Moore

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Acorn Nursery Setting Address Ministry of Defence Main Building Whitehall London SW1A 2HP

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Bright Horizons Family Solutions Ltd. 2328679

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Bright Horizons Family Solutions Ltd. Address 2 Crown Court, Crown Way Rushden Northamptonshire NN10 6BS

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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

The Acorn Nursery is a workplace nursery managed on behalf of a government building and is part of the Bright Horizons Family Solutions company. The nursery is sited on the ground floor, there are two large group rooms, a sleep room for the under 2's, toilets/changing area, kitchen and office. The registration is for 38 children under 5 years. This includes funded three/four year olds. There are three children with special needs and the group supports children with English as an additional language.

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Information about the setting

Opening times: 07:30hrs. to 18:30hrs. All year round. There are 11 full-time members of staff, which includes the manager and housekeeper.

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Information about the setting

The manager has an NNEB, more than 50% of the staff have an Early Years qualification and the others are attending courses leading to childcare qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Acorn nursery provides a good standard of care. Children are provided with well planned, imaginative activities with access to a good range of play materials in a stimulating environment. The facilities provided for babies are of a good standard, these include holistic play and treasure baskets. Staffing levels are appropriate to ensure that children are effectively supervised at all times.. There is a high standard of security for the children and staff and well thought out precautions in place to minimise risks to children, both in the nursery and on outings. Children are well supported in developing good personal hygiene practices. Practices regarding administering medicines and treating accidents are entirely appropriate.

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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 Meal plans are good, however, the finished meals have not always met parents expectations, due to provision in the kitchen area. One member of staff is responsible for co-ordinating the care of children with special needs (SENCO). Good documentation is kept on the children's individual needs and the nursery have good involvement with outside agencies. Staff are qualified and experienced this has a positive impact on children's development. Behaviour management within the nursery is consistent and focuses on positive re-enforcement. Children develop confidence and an understanding of right and wrong as a result of praise and support provided by the staff. Staff offer a warm welcome to parents and carers and take time to exchange information. A good range of written information is provided, including all policies

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How good is the Day Care?

and procedures, and frequently updated notice board.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This is their first inspection since new registration.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery is well managed with a committed team of staff in a stimulating environment for the care and learning of children. •• Curriculum planning is well-organised, with detailed profiles written on each child. Children are provided with a wide range of play opportunities relating to their learning and developmental needs. • Behaviour is managed with staff using positive methods to engage children's attention and rewarded them with frequent praise. • There are strong links with parents, written parents Family Guide gives parents and careers information on all aspects of the service.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

Complaints regarding Std 8. Meals provided for the children.

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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 8 ensure meals provided for children are healthy and nutritious.

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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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