Perry Hall Junior School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 01/12/2003 Inspector Name Vanessa Wood

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Halstead Nursery Setting Address Halstead CP School Otford Lane, Halstead Sevenoaks Kent TN14 7EA

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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

The Halstead Nursery has been operating since 1983 at the current premises and has been in operation within the village for nearly 40 years. It operates from a school classroom in Halstead County Primary School in Halstead. There are currently 21 children aged from two years to four years on roll. This includes three funded three year olds and three funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. One child has special needs and no children speak English as an additional language. The pre school opens for five days a week during school term time only. Sessions are from 09:10 until 15:00 hours. Six part/full time staff work with the children. Four have early years qualifications and one member of staff is currently on a training programme. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. The pre school is taking part in the Kent Quality Assurance scheme.

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How good is the Day Care?

Halstead Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. Staff communicate well with the children and create an environment that is warm and welcoming. Staff have remained constant for many years ensuring consistent care is provided for children. The nursery has sole use of a school room. Organisation of the room is good ensuring children's individual needs are met appropriately. Staff are vigilant in ensuring children's safety and a risk assessment of the premises is completed every day. All identified hazards have been made safe. Children are made aware of good hygiene practices. Staff provide a snack for the children mid morning and in the afternoon, and parents provide a packed lunch, but drinking water is not freely accessible at other times of the day. Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment which offer stimulating play opportunities to meet the needs of developing children. Furniture is child size

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How good is the Day Care?

and appropriate. Staff manage behaviour well. Children are happy and approach staff with confidence.

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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 Staff have a good relationship with parents and take time to talk to parents when they collect children. A good prospectus is in place giving parents relevant information about the nursery. The nursery has written policies but these lack sufficient detail as does the register of attendance.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery was asked to up date policies. One has been up dated but two still need to be adjusted to allow for current legislation.

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What is being done well?

• The environment is warm and welcoming to young children and parents. • The nursery provides an interesting and stimulating balance of activities to meet the developing needs of the children. • Staff are consistent in managing behaviour and value and encourage good behaviour. • Staff have a good working relationship with parents and all information is shared.

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What needs to be improved?

• the availability of drinking water. • the written policies on confidentiality and child protection, to ensure they follow current legislation. • the attendance register, to ensure that it reflects the actual times of attendance.

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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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The Registered Person should have regard to the following recommendations

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 maintain an accurate record 8 allow the opportunity for children to have access to drinking water at all times 12 update the complaints policy to show the correct information about the regulator. 13 update the child protection procedure for the pre school complies with local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures

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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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