Sunshine Corner Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 25/01/2005 Inspector Name Cilla Rachel Mullane

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Sunshine Corner Setting Address Aylesham CP School Attlee Avenue, Aylesham Canterbury Kent CT3 3BS

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Pre-school Learning Alliance 4539003 1096526

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Pre-school Learning Alliance Address First Floor, Sandon House 55 Quarry Hill Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 2SA

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Sunshine Corner Nursery and Out of School Club opened in 2004. It operates from a purpose designed building in the grounds of Aylesham Primary School. The premises consist of a main nursery room, with toilets and a kitchen, a baby unit, with a sleeping room, kitchen and changing area, a staff room, office, adult toilets, and a parents' room. The after school club also uses the school hall. Up to ten older or more able children join in the school's reception class, when accompanied by nursery staff. Babies have their own outside play area, and toddlers and pre-school children share the reception class play area. Sunshine Corner serves the local area. There are currently 75 children from birth to under 5 years, and 28 children aged 5 to under 8 years on role. Of these, 37 children receive funding for nursery education. The setting supports children with special needs, and currently there are no children

p.2

Information about the setting

who speak English as an additional language. The nursery opens five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 08.50 to 11.20, and from 12.20 to 14.50. Children can attend all day from 07.45 to 18.00. The after school club operates during school term times from 15.00 - 18.00. There are 15 staff working with the children. Most staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3 and 6 staff are working towards a qualification. An early years teacher works with the funded children. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Sunshine Corner provides good care for children. Most staff have childcare qualifications, and there is a commitment to ongoing training in childcare issues. Communication within the nursery is good, helping staff to work consistently and evaluate their practice. Appraisals are planned to assess performance of staff. Careful thought is given to planning the environment, with clearly defined areas for different types of activities. The nursery is well equipped with good-quality toys and equipment, and children have constant access to a broad range of toys. The premises have recently been risk assessed, and safety precautions are all in

p.2

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 place. Staff outlined clear health and hygiene procedures, and most health records are kept efficiently, but parents do not sign the entries in the medication record. Meals are nutritious, kitchen staff are aware of dietary needs, and children attending after school receive healthy snacks. Some staff have had recent child protection training, and are able to deal with concerns sensitively and appropriately. Children in the baby unit, nursery and after school club have opportunities to join in a broad range of meaningful activities, which interest and challenge them. The quality of staff to child interaction is good, with adults working closely with the children. Children's independence is promoted effectively. Displays around the nursery show positive images of diversity in society. There are trained staff to work with children

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

with special needs. There are consistent strategies for managing children's behaviour, in policy and observed in practice. Children are calm, secure and confident, know their boundaries, and are generally well behaved. The importance of working with parents is understood, and they are well informed about their children's progress, and generally happy with their children's care. However, some parents were unaware of the complaints procedure, and planning of activities is not displayed for parents.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The operational plan for the baby unit has been prepared by all the staff, and has encouraged them to evaluate their practice, and work consistently. Supervisors' meetings are used constructively to help ensure consistent practice within all areas of the nursery, and to consider where improvements may be make. • Staff in the baby unit provide an excellent variety of planned activities, and a good staff ratio provides opportunities for 1:1work. Children attending the after school club are offered a range of activities and choices. Children throughout the nursery appeared confident and secure, and were busy with interesting activities. • Risk assessments of the premises are up to date, due to a member of staff have had recent training. • There is a rolling programme of first aid training, so that most staff have qualifications. Effective health and safety procedures were explained by the cook, and in the baby unit staff described sensible procedures for nappy

p.3

What is being done well?

changing, labelling food, and washing bedding. • Informative contact records are kept for babies. All children have comprehensive record forms, including information about their individual needs, and appropriate written permissions are sought from parents. There are regular meetings with parents, to inform them about their child's progress, and parents' comments indicated their satisfaction with the standard of care,

p.3

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 and the informal exchange of information.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• staff appraisals, which are currently not carried out • the medication record, which is not signed by parents • the availability of complaints and child protection policies to parents • opportunities for parents to see the plans for activities.

p.4

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Introduce a system of staff appraisals. 7 Ensure that parents sign the medication record to acknowledge the entry. 12 Ensure that parents are made aware of the child protection and complaints procedures, and that activitiy plans are available to parents.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6