Harlequin Childcare

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/03/2005 Inspector Name Gill Thornton

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Harlequin Childcare Setting Address The Old School House 54 Downham Road Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 2SH

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Harlequin Childcare Address Sopris 1A Metcalfe Way Haddenham, Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 3UP

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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

Harlequin Childcare is a privately owned day nursery. It opened in 2004 and operates from a large house on the outskirts of Ely. There are five areas, three downstairs and two upstairs. A maximum of 58 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 07.30 to 18.30, 51 weeks of the year with the exception of public holidays. All children share access to a secure outdoor play area. There are currently 93 children aged from 3 months to 5 year on roll, of these 29 children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from the surrounding area. The nursery employs 16 staff. 12 of the staff including the manager hold an appropriate early years qualification. Four staff are working towards a qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Harlequin Childcare provides good quality care for children. A warm and welcoming environment is provided in which children are happy and well settled. The premises are safe and secure and every room is decorated with posters and stimulating displays. Space and resources are organised effectively within each room to create a stimulating and accessible environment. Older children are cared for on the first floor with younger children grouped by age and stages of development on the ground floor. The children have daily access to a safe outdoor area to promote their physical development. Children are provided with a wide variety of resources and activities to encourage their learning and development which reflect the nursery's ethos of child centred learning. The experienced and well qualified staff work well together to support children's play, encourage perseverance and develop their independence. Staff are

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How good is the Day Care?

consistent in managing children's behaviour and children respond well to the good role models they provide. Comprehensive policies and record keeping systems are in place to ensure children are looked after according to their parent's wishes. Children are provided with freshly

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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 cooked meals and snacks and their individual dietary needs are met. All staff are aware of the correct procedures to follow to protect children and health and hygiene issues are given appropriate attention. Partnership with parents is good. Staff work closely with parents to meet children's individual needs and keep them informed about their children's progress.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery have experienced and qualified staff who have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities so helping the provision meet children's needs effectively. Forward planning ensures that staffing ratios are well met and staff shift patterns ensure there is a continuity of care, thus enabling the children to feel safe and secure. • Children's individual needs are met through a stimulating range of planned and spontaneous activities and play situations that help to develop their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. Planning encompasses the whole nursery from the youngest babies to the rising 5's to ensure that all activities offered are of an appropriate level. • All staff contribute to extensive children's profile's which detail their progress throughout their time at nursery, embracing Birth to Three Matters through to the Foundation Stage. These are shared with parents to provide a meaningful

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What is being done well?

picture of their individual children. • Staff work closely with parents to support their children by welcoming them into the setting and valuing their contribution to provide consistency of care. All children receive a home visit prior to starting at the nursery and parents are invited to open afternoons to provide them with opportunities to share in the nursery's approach to heuristic learning. Parents value the care provided, feel staff are approachable and caring and meet individual children's needs effectively.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The nursery actively promotes an heuristic approach to child centred learning, following children's interests to effectively promote their learning and development.

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What needs to be improved?

• The continuing development of staff knowledge to enhance their practice.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

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 concern was raised in relation to Standard 2: Organisation, alleging that staff ratios were not maintained at all times when the nursery was in operation. Ofsted investigated this concern by carrying out an unannounced visit on 27/10/2004. Inspectors noted that back up emergency staff were not included in the registers. An action was set to ensure that all adults present on the premises are recorded and that times of arrival and departure are noted. A satisfactory response to this action has been received and the provider remains qualified for registration.

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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 2 Continue to further extend staff's knowledge and practice by accessing external training to further enhance the ethos of the group.

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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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