Christopher Pickering Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/06/2004 Inspector Name Jane Plested

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Christmas Cottage Nursery Setting Address Christmas Cottage Haw Lane, Bledlow Ridge High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP14 4JJ

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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

Christmas Cottage Day Nursery has been open for over six years. It operates from rooms on the ground and second floor, of the nursery owner's home. The premises comprise of the main playroom, a second playroom that is also used as the dining area, three bedrooms that are used for resting, a kitchen and toilet with adjacent changing area for babies. There is an enclosed outside area for children's play. There are currently 27 children on the roll. The day nursery is not in receipt of funding for three and four year olds. There are currently no children who speak English as an additional language or that has special needs. The day nursery opens 5 days a week, 51 weeks a year. The nursery is open from 08:00 until 18:00. The children attend for a variety of sessions. There are five staff who work with the children. The leader and two other staff members hold early years qualifications to level three or above and another holds a

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Information about the setting

level two qualification. One staff member is working towards a relevant early years qualification at level two. The nursery is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PSLA). The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Christmas Cottage Day Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The owner has not informed Ofsted of all relevant changes to the setting. Staff induction procedures are not fully effective, some staff are unfamiliar with a number of the settings policies and procedures. The nursery provides a welcoming environment for children. Children have access to ample toys and equipment, and enjoy opportunities for outside play. The procedure for ensuring baby toys are clean, is not clear. Staff have an understanding of safety issues. Equipment is used effectively to keep children safe. They are pro-active in protecting children from the harmful effects of the sun. Good hygiene practice for nappy changing and toileting procedures are not always followed. Information for parents on nappy changing is limited. Food provided by parents is stored appropriately. The daily menu provides some fresh food for

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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; other meals are frozen. The child protection policy does not contain the necessary detail and some staff are not confident in the recognition of the common signs of child abuse and reporting procedures. Children enjoy a variety of activities. Some staff miss opportunities to support and develop children's early learning and social skills during activities and meals. The nursery is small and intimate; as a result children enjoy contact with others, both younger and older than themselves. Children enjoy stories and music sessions. Behaviour is generally good, and children respond to the staff's strategies to promote good behaviour. Some staff are less able manage minor incidents of unacceptable behaviour well; they fail to explain why the behaviour is unacceptable.

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How good is the Day Care?

The nursery offers a range of opportunities that help children learn about diversity. Parents consider the staff to be caring and approachable and are happy with the service provided. They value the feedback via the home contact diaries. Most relevant paperwork and written procedures are in place.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the nursery agreed to ensure that a procedure is implemented covering how the situation of a lost or uncollected child is managed and another for checking resting babies. They also agreed to ensure the premises are clean and hygienic. In addition the nursery agreed to make sure a Child Protection Procedure is implemented that is in line with the local Area Chid Protection Committee's procedures and review and update existing policies and procedures. The nursery has reviewed its policies and procedures. Most of these are now more up to date and hold the required detail, with exception of the child protection policy. There are clear procedures that set out what will happen if a child is lost or uncollected. Records now show that staff check resting babies regularly and a baby monitor is in operation throughout sleep periods. The nursery has implemented cleaning procedures that ensure the premises provide a clean and hygienic

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What is being done well?

• Children are interested in and enjoy their play with the Duplo and small world resources. They select from a range of activities and resources, most of which are suitable for all age groups. Whole group activities such music sessions are fully participated in by children and staff, the songs and actions are well known. • Children are given free movement from inside to outside during good weather. They enjoy opportunities for sand and water play with ample resources in the garden. Physical play is provided for both inside and outside. Strategies are in place to protect children from the harmful effects of the sun; several large umbrella's are over activity tables, staff apply sunscreen with consent from parents and encourage the wearing of hats. • Children have opportunities to learn about diversity. There are toys and

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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 resources that help children learn about differences that are integrated with others. Christopher Bear and his diary, provides children with a variety of opportunities to learn about the different families attending the setting, other people in the children's lives, such as friends, relations and siblings and places travelled to by peers during their holidays. These are illustrated by written parental entries and with photographs.

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What needs to be improved?

• understanding of when Ofsted must be informed of changes, so that changes to persons living on the premises or to the property are reported to the registering body • plans and staff induction, so that the operational plan sets out how the setting works and there is a clear systematic programme that makes sure staff are fully familiar with the settings policies and procedures • staff knowledge and understanding, so that opportunities are taken to develop children's early learning and social skills during play and at mealtimes • hygiene and nappy changing procedures, so that good practice is followed including using gloves and informing parents of changes and staff ensure children wash their hands after toileting • hygiene, toys used by babies are cleaned after use • behaviour management strategies, so that children understand why their behaviour is unacceptable • procedures and staff knowledge, so there is procedure to be followed in the

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What needs to be improved?

event of an allegation of abuse being made against a member of staff and they are familiar with the signs that cause concern and know where to report child protection issues.

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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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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE NEXT?

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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 13 Develop a procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against a member of staff and develop their knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. 12/07/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 1 Ensure that Ofsted is notified of all relevant changes. 2 Develop the operational plan further so that it sets out how the setting works and ensure staff induction procedures are effective so that they are fully familiar with the settings policies and procedures. 3 Develop staff understanding of how to use opportunities to enhance children’s early learning and social skills during play and at mealtimes. 7 Ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding hand washing and nappy changing. 11 Develop staff's awareness and understanding of effective ways to manage children's behaviour, taking into account their age and stage of development.

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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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