Your Co-op Little Pioneers Nursery and Pre-School, Cainscross

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/03/2005 Inspector Name Ruth Tharme

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Imagine Co-operative Childcare Setting Address 70 Westward Road Cainscross Stroud Gloucestershire GL5 4JG

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Imagine Co-operative Childcare Address New Barclay House, 234 Botley Road Oxford Oxfordshire OX2 0HP

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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

Imagine Co-operative Childcare registered in 2004. It operates from purpose-built premises next to the Co-op Store in Stroud. It is a Neighbourhood Nursery and serves the local community. There are currently 102 children on the roll. This includes 32 funded 3 and 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are currently no children attending who have special needs or who speak English as an additional language. The nursery opens 5 days a week throughout the year. Sessions run from 07.30 until 18.00. There are 12 full-time staff and 5 part-time staff who work directly with the children. Well over half the staff have recognised early years qualifications. The setting receives support from a Foundation Stage Consultant from the Early Years and Childcare Services.

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How good is the Day Care?

Imagine Co-operative Childcare provides good quality care for children. Staff are friendly and welcoming. They provide a safe and stimulating environment where children are happy and relaxed. Health and safety standards are exceptionally good. Security is given a high priority and access to the premises is closely monitored. Effective nappy and hand-washing procedures are well implemented by staff. There are clear and well-documented procedures for dealing with children who are ill. Most staff hold first aid qualifications. They are well informed about child protection issues. Activities for all age groups are well planned and promote children's development effectively. Babies enjoy finger painting and exploring an interesting array of toys and equipment. Older children are finding out about the world around them, making bark rubbings and exploring the garden area. All areas are well equipped with an

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How good is the Day Care?

excellent range of resources. Staff clearly take pride in their environment and ensure that toys are clean and in good condition. They know the children well and take positive steps to ensure that individual needs are met. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals such as the Special Needs Co-ordinator and a speech and language specialist. Positive images are evident throughout the setting. Children's diets are particularly well managed. Children behave well and respond positively to staff who are calm and fair.

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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 There is an excellent relationship with parents. They are particularly well informed and speak highly of the nursery. They are provided with clear written information including an overview of nursery policies. Staff are welcoming and approachable and are available to speak with parents on a daily basis. Documentation is of a high standard and is routinely shared with parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable as this is the first inspection since registration.

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What is being done well?

• Staff involved in food preparation are very well informed. There are effective and well-documented procedures to ensure that special diets are carefully managed and all meals and snacks are of an exceptionally high standard. Fresh, organic produce is readily available and babies enjoy freshly prepared weaning foods such as mango puree. • There is a comprehensive risk-assessment programme in place which is well managed by a named health and safety representative. Staff are vigilant and implement safety procedures effectively. • Parents are provided with high-quality information about the provision. A comprehensive information pack is provided when children join and regular newsletters, a parent notice board and clear information about nursery activities are provided. • Documentation is maintained to a very high standard. All entries are detailed, comprehensive and accurate. Entries are routinely signed by parents.

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What needs to be improved?

• The accessibility of all policy information contained in the operational plan to ensure that parents and staff are well informed.

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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 14 Ensure that all policy information is readily available to parents and that staff are well informed at all times.

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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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