Chelmsford YMCA Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 26/06/2003 Inspector Name Barbara Ann Bush

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Chelmsford YMCA Day Nursery Busy Feet & Cosy Toes Setting Address Victoria Road Chelmsford Essex CM1 1NZ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Chelmsford YMCA Day Nursery Busy Feet & Cosy Toes

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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

Busy Feet and Cosy Toes Day Nursery opened in 1993 . It operates from rooms within the YMCA building in central Chelmsford. The nursery serves the local and wider community. The nursery is registered to provide care for a maximum of 55 children aged between three months and under five years. In addition the group operates an out of school scheme providing places for 26 children from four years to under eight years. There are currently 56 children on the roll. This includes 15 funded children three year olds and 7 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. A small number of children have special needs and the group could support children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week for 51 weeks of the year. Sessions are from 7.30 am until 6.00 pm in the day nursery. The out of school club opens 7.30 am until 6.15 pm. Fourteen staff work with the children with four managers. Ten have early years

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Information about the setting

qualifications. Seven staff are currently on training programmes. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) the Essex Day Nurseries Association and the Pre-School Learning Alliance.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Busy Feet and Cosy Toes Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The management team are committed to training and providing staff who understand the needs of the children. Work is done to ensure the curriculum is varied allowing each child to experience a range of activities during the day. A great deal of effort has been made to refurbish the building, livening up the rooms with bright paintwork, posters and murals. This has made the building more inviting and welcoming for children and parents. Emphasis is made on health and safety issues with daily checks made to ensure the building is free from hazards. Care is taken to instil in the children the need to have good hygiene routines and staff also take responsibility to clean equipment and wash their hands regularly. Investment has been made in new equipment reflecting equal opportunities issues. There is a willingness to care for

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How good is the Day Care?

children with special needs and support their families. Staff are also aware of their responsibility regarding child protection issues. Effort is made to plan each day around the children and the curriculum does contain a good variety of activities. However a greater amount of energy and enthusiasm is required from the staff to ensure that children derive the optimum amount of learning and fun from the activities that are provided for them. The nursery has sufficient resources to meet the needs of the children. Children are expected to respect each other, share and

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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 co-operate. Good manners are praised and good behaviour recognised and valued. There is an extensive amount of information available to parents through the notice boards, newsletters and time with the key workers. Information on each child is recorded on their registration forms and it is recognised that the parents are the primary carers. Account is taken of children's dietary needs and favourite pastimes. Records are confidential and available for parents

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the registered provider agreed to ensure that staff members met the required level of qualification and were suitably vetted. It was also agreed that the behavioural management policy would be reviewed and an addition made regarding an anti-bullying statement. These actions have been completed.

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What is being done well?

The decoration and artwork on the walls gives the rooms a welcoming feel for children and parents. (Standard 4) Catering for the children is well planned, menu is varied and well presented. (Standard 8) Finance has been used to buy new resources for equal opportunities. (Standard 9) There is a willingness to care for children with special needs and support their families. (Standard 10)

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What needs to be improved?

anticipating the children's needs; (Standard 3)

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 devise a system for planning and implementing a suitable range of activities for children, which is appropriate for their stage of development and based on their individual needs

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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 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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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

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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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