Fledglings Nursery & Preschool

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/01/2004 Inspector Name Jane Mount

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Fledglings Nursery & Preschool Setting Address Chesham Road Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 3AH

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Fledglings Nursery & Preschool 04225720

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Fledglings Nursery & Preschool Address Chesham Road Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 3AH

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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

Fledglings Nursery and Pre-school is situated in a rural area on the outskirts of Berkhamsted in extensive private grounds and is one of two private nurseries owned by B&M Care. The two nurseries are on separate sites, one in Redbourn which opened in 2003 and the Berkhamsted nursery which opened in 2001. B&M Care also own a chain of residential nursing homes for the elderly and a residential home is situated in the grounds alongside the day nursery. The manager is Maryann Dennehy and the assistant manager is Lisa Bright. Children that attend come from Berkhamsted and the surrounding area. Fledglings offer sessional and full time care and is open from 08:00 - 18:00, Monday to Friday. The nursery is registered for 52 children aged under 5 years and from January 2004 receives funding for 3 and 4 year olds. It offers a play based curriculum linked to the Early Learning Goals and the Foundation stage and a keyworker system supports

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How good is the Day Care?

Fledglings Nursery and Pre-school provide good quality care for children. A stimulating, secure environment is provided that allows young children to develop and learn through play. The children's care, learning and play are supported well by the staff who monitor the children's progress through regular observations, planning and evaluation. There is an effective keyworker system which enables staff to establish positive relationships with children and parents. There are clear procedures in place to ensure staff have a consistent approach to their work with regular staff meetings and induction training for new staff. The staff have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities and generally they are keen to develop their skills through regular training. The dietary needs of the children are met well and special dietary requirements are sensitively cared for, with information being recorded appropriately and shared with

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How good is the Day Care?

all staff. Good hygiene is promoted through having a clear health and safety policy which staff implement well and safety is overall satisfactory. There is a strong partnership with parents. Information is shared on a regular basis and parents are kept well informed of their child's progress. Policies and procedures

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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 are available to parents and are generally comprehensive. All children are valued and included. Displays and resources reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability and staff ensure the children learn about equality through their play.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider agreed to develop and introduce induction training for all new staff. This has been implemented and effective procedures are now in place. The provider also agreed to re-organise staffing to ensure that children aged under 2 year's were cared for by suitably qualified and experienced staff. The Ducklings room has been re-organised providing a mobile and a non-mobile room for babies. Staff qualifications and experience are now appropriate for the care of this age group. The nursery also agreed to ensure activities would be planned to meet the children's individual needs and this included the under 2's. This has been achieved with staff involved in planning and providing play opportunities to cover all areas of learning and the children's progress is also monitored. Fledglings agreed to conduct a risk assessment and to review the equal opportunities policy to have regard for current legislation and to positively promote

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What has improved since the last inspection?

equal opportunities relating to nursery admissions. A risk assessment has been completed and the equal opportunities policy has been reviewed and there is now an admissions policy. It was also agreed the nursery would have regard to the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice. The nursery have the publication and training is being organised for the Special needs co-ordinator.

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What is being done well?

• The level of interaction between staff and children is carefully balanced. The children are given time to play and learn independently and also time with activities which need more support and direction from staff. Staff monitor the children's progress and use the information to meet the individual needs of each child. (Standard 3) • A broad range of activities and resources are available to support language, mathematical thinking, imagination and creativity. The children are interested in and want to play with what is available. Play materials promote equality of opportunity. (Standard 5) • Staff are well informed and carry out good hygiene practices through effective staff induction and training. Arrangements for first aid and administering medicines work well. (Standard 7)

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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 • A welcoming environment is provided. Staff work in close partnership with parents and information is shared effectively. (Standard 12) • Comprehensive records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the setting are maintained and these are shared with the parents. (Standard 14)

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What needs to be improved?

• the organisation of procedures to minimise hazards in the event of emergency evacuation (Standard 6) • regard for the Code of Practice through appropriate training (Standard 10) • the written child protection statement. (Standard 13)

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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 6 Ensure fire doors are free of possible trip hazards at all times. 10 Ensure the named member of staff for Special Needs completes a SENCO course. 13 Ensure written child protection statement states procedures to be carried out in accordance with local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines.

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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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