Busy Bees Day Nursery at Chafford Hundred

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 03/02/2004 Inspector Name Amanda Jane Morris

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care, Full Day Care Setting Name Leapfrog Day Nursery (Thurrock) Setting Address Drake Road Chafford Hundred Grays Essex RM16 6RW

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Leapfrog Day Nurseries (Trading)Ltd 3229362

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Leapfrog Day Nurseries (Trading)Ltd Address Central Office Second Avenue, Centrum 100 Burton Upon Trent STAFFS DE14 2WF

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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

Leapfrog Day Nursery opened in 2000. It operates from a two-storey premises with a totally enclosed play area and adjacent car park. It is situated on the edge of Chafford Hundred, within easy reach of rail and major road links. The Nursery serves the local area. There are currently 200 children from 6 weeks to 5 years on roll. This includes 43 funded three year olds and 8 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week all year round. Sessions are from 07:00 until 19:00. Thirty eight part-time and full time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. Twelve staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership

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How good is the Day Care?

Leapfrog Nursery provides good care for children. Staff are well deployed, ensuring children are given adequate support and care. Good use is made of space and other resources. Staff are committed to expanding their knowledge through training, providing children with a richer experience. The premises are warm and welcoming. The nursery benefits from a library area and sensory room. Play equipment is stimulating and provides children with sufficient challenge. Toys and materials promote equality of opportunity, however there are limited resources to promote disability awareness. Records are well maintained and accessible to parents. Staff are vigilant about children's safety at all times. There is a comprehensive risk assessment in place. Children's good health is promoted and positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection. There is a comprehensive sick child policy, which ensures children's welfare at all times. Staff have a good awareness of

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How good is the Day Care?

children's dietary needs, and snacks and meals are healthy and nutritious. Staff have a general understanding of child protection issues.

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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 are provided with a calm and relaxed environment in which to play and learn. Staff are interested in what children do and say, responding to them in a respectful manner. There are a broad range of activities which support children's language, imagination and mathematical thinking. Children are confident to explore and try new experiences, and relate to one another well. Children's differences are acknowledged and valued by staff. There is a designated person responsible for Equal Opportunities, who incorporates this into the working practise of the nursery. Strategies for dealing with unwanted behaviour are appropriate to children's ages and stages of development. Staff value good behaviour and use lots of praise and encouragement with the children. The group are successfully working in partnership with parents. There is good

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the nursery were asked to ensure that books were in good repair. The nursery has since joined the library and purchased new books. The nursery were requested to provide sufficient cots. There are 4 cots and 6 travel cots available for younger children. In addition to this the older children have use of sleep mats. It was requested that the nursery provide quiet areas to facilitate children's sleep patterns. The baby areas are divided into 4 separate groups so that they are less busy and quieter for children to sleep. The nursery were requested to ensure that parents signed the medication book to acknowledge when medication was given. This is being carried out. The nursery were requested to obtain ACPC guidance (Area Child Protection Committee Guidance) This is still outstanding.

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What is being done well?

• The Manager and Staff are committed to expanding their knowledge through training, which further enhances the care and education offered to children. • Staff are interested in what children do and say, providing children with a fun, calm and relaxed environment in which to play and learn. Children are able to make their own choices, developing their self esteem. They are involved in a broad range of activities which support their language, imagination and mathematical thinking and provide children with sufficient challenge. Children are absorbed and interested in their play. They are confident to explore and try new experiences and relate well to one another. Staff interact well with children, responding to them in a respectful manner. • There is a comprehensive risk assessment in place, significant risks are addressed. The setting maintains a high level of security. Providing children with a safe and secure environment.

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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?

• planning for children's play and learning • the staff's knowledge of Equal opportunities and Child protection • the provision of resources to promote disability awareness.

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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 3 continue development of planning to evaluate activities and plan the next steps for children’s play, learning and development. 9 continue developing staffs knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities issues and provide resources to promote positive images of disability. 13 develop staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues

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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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