The Rocking Horse Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 10/06/2004 Inspector Name Linda Gail Moore

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Rocking Horse Day Nursery Setting Address 81 Heanor Road Ilkeston Derbyshire DE7 8DY

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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

Rocking Horse Day Nursery opened in November 1990, and is one of a group of nine day nurseries under the ownership of Mrs J. Orme. It operates from premises in the town of Ilkeston. The whole of the ground floor and a large outdoor area is used for the care of children. There are shops and parks in the immediate area. The nursery serves the local and surrounding community. The nursery provides full day care and out of school care. The nursery is open for five days a week from 08:00 am to 18:00, 52 weeks of the year, closing for bank holidays. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are currently 70 children on roll. There are eleven staff who work regularly with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to N.V.Q. level 2 or 3. The setting receives support from the Derbyshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Rocking Horse Day Nursery provides good quality care for children. The Manager and staff team are warm and friendly, creating a welcoming environment for parents and children. Effective managers ensure good use is made of space, time and resources. There are clear procedures for the recruitment of staff and a good induction process is in place. Staff are positively encouraged to undertake further training. Staff work well together, and there is an effective key worker system in place throughout the nursery. Clear routines and procedures enable staff to work consistently and children feel secure and confident. The premises are well-maintained and benefit from recent re-furbishment to the outdoor play area. Staff ensure the children's safety both indoors and out, with good safety measures in place and good levels of supervision. Children's individual dietary requirements are met, meal times are a happy, social occasion. However,

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How good is the Day Care?

opportunities could be taken during this session to further develop the children's independence. Good health and hygiene practice is promoted with the children. Staff oversee a broad range of stimulating, enjoyable activities and engage well in the children's play and conversation. The planning and assessment systems throughout the nursery are effective and ensure the children's individual needs are met. A good range of equipment and resources are available that are regularly

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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 checked and maintained. Behaviour is managed well. Praise is given for positive behaviour and achievement. Staff and parents have established good relationships. Parents are kept well informed with a daily exchange of verbal and written information. A range of written policies, procedures and records are in place and made available. Parents views are sought with their requests and wishes respected. Parents make positive comments about the nursery, identifying that 'they are extremely satisfied' and 'staff are very friendly, helpful and professional'.

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What is being done well?

• Good leadership and management ensure staff are deployed effectively, have a clear awareness of their individual responsibility and can develop through training opportunities. • Effective planning ensures the children have the opportunity to access the wide range of toys and activities available. Children are encouraged to make decisions, explore and investigate. • Well-designed and equipped outdoor play area available, giving regular opportunities for physical play within a variety of stimulating and safe activities. • Staff provide a welcoming, friendly and attractive environment for children and parents. They have developed a good partnership with parents due to effective written and verbal communication. Parents receive good information about the provision and their children's progress. • The manager and staff treat any concerns raised by parents as a valuable way of identifying areas where they may improve their service. They are keen

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What is being done well?

to implement new ideas to improve practice and documentation.

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What needs to be improved?

• opportunities during mealtimes to promote the children's independence and develop their ability to make choices.

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Outcome of the 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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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 Develop the organisation of mealtimes to further encourage the children’s independence.

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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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