St Nicholas House

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 05/04/2004 Inspector Name Barbara Christine Wearing

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Busy Nought to Fives Ltd Setting Address St Nicholas House Walton Lane Birchwood Park Warrington WA3 6YL

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Busy Nought to Fives Address Old Home Farm Brimstage Road, Brimstage Wirral Merseyside CH63 6HD

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

Busy Nought to Fives at St. Nicholas House opened in March 2003. It operates from ten rooms in a purpose built single storey building in the Birchwood Park area of Warrington. There are 113 children from 3 months to 5 years on role. This includes 19 funded 3 year olds and 13 funded 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of reasons. The setting supports children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The nursery is open from 07:45 - 18:00 five days a week, 51 weeks a year. There are 11 part time and 17 full time staff working with the children. Of these 20 staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. There are five staff working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Busy Nought to Fives provides good care for children. The setting has comprehensive procedures and policies which underpin the smooth running of the provision. Effective recruitment and induction procedures and ongoing support enables staff to fulfil their roles and responsibilities and develop their skills and childcare practices. Staff attend regular meetings and training. The building is purpose built and is organised well, offering children space and opportunity to explore a variety of activities and experiences. The setting has a good range of well maintained equipment suitable for all ages of children cared for. However in some areas there is a limited choice freely available. High levels of safety and hygiene are maintained. Staff are aware of and adhere to the relevant procedures such as those relating to health and safety, child protection and first aid. Children and babies are provided with healthy, balanced meals and

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

snacks, the majority of which are freshly prepared. Various dietary requirements are catered for. The children are confident and have fun taking part in the activities available to them. They are aware of their boundaries which are re-enforced throughout the day. Staff observe the children and are aware of their stage of development. However the

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 planning does not reflect the next steps for individual children's learning. Staff in the baby room are aware of and have full regard for each child's individual needs and routine. They offer the babies stimulation and affection. The provision has an effective settling in policy for new children and for children moving rooms throughout the nursery. Children are treated with equal concern and respect and the setting provides positive images of gender, disability, various cultures and ethnicity. There are good relationships with parents. Parents are welcomed and a range of information is shared in a variety of ways, though information about the complaints procedure is incomplete.

p.2

What is being done well?

• The setting fosters good relationships with parents and carers. There is a welcoming atmosphere and parents are respected and valued. Information is shared regarding the child and the provision during the settling in period. Staff care for children with full regard for their parent's wishes, in line with the setting's policies. Parents are given daily written feedback regarding their child's day, regular progress reports and the opportunity to attend open evenings. The management team act on feedback from parents regarding the provision. There is an informative notice board in the entrance to the setting and within each room. • Comprehensive policies and procedures aid the good organisation and smooth running of the setting. Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of these and work accordingly. The management team work closely together to develop the skills of the staff and the provision. Regular

p.3

What is being done well?

meetings are held at all levels throughout the setting and the organisation, staff carry out self assessments and annual appraisals are held. • Children enjoy taking part in the variety of activities on offer to them both indoors and outdoors. Staff working with the older children introducing topics in an exciting and meaningful way and children join in with enthusiasm. Children explore the resources available and communicate confidently with each other and staff. Older children put on wellingtons and use umbrellas so that they can access the enclosed outside area in wet weather. Children go on regular short walks when staffing levels allow. • Staff are sensitive to the individual needs of the children. They are skilled at settling children in to nursery and through their progression from the baby room through to the tweenie, toddler and pre-school rooms. Staff in the baby room cater very well for children's individual needs. They enjoy being with the

p.3

What is being done well?

babies and spend time singing, playing and talking with them.

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 • the planning to reflect the next steps for individual children's progress and learning • the accessibility of resources to develop children's creative skills and to consolidate and practise their skills in number and letter work • the complaints procedure to include the address and telephone number of the regulator.

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 3 Develop planning to ensure that it reflects the next steps for the children’s play, learning and development. 5 Provide more freely accessible creative resources, numbers, letters and words in order for children to consolidate their learning and practice skills at their own pace . 12 Ensure that the complaints procedure includes the name and address of the regulator.

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