Barr's Hill School and Community College

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 03/08/2004 Inspector Name Beryl Witheridge

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care, Full Day Care Setting Name St Mary's Day Nursery Setting Address Vicarage Road Strood Rochester Kent ME2 4DG

p.1

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

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

St Mary's Day Nursery and Out of School opened in 1992. It operates from three rooms from the ground floor of a Hindu temple in Strood. It serves the local area. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports ten children with special needs and could support children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week 48 weeks a year. Sessions are from 08.00 to 17.30. Eighteen staff work with the children. There are 16 staff with early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. Three staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a mentor from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

St Mary's Day Nursery provides good care for children. The nursery is run by staff most of whom have a recognised childcare qualification or are undertaking courses to update their knowledge. Staffing levels are maintained but staff must remember to maintain the ratios as children move from room to room. The nursery has use of several rooms and an outdoor play area. The space is utilised space well to provide the different aged children with a warm, bright, welcoming environment. The staff are very aware of the safety of the children within their care. There are risk assessments in place and health and safety checks. The front door has a CCTV and staff greet all parents and visitors in a small entrance hall away from the children. There is a policy for lost and uncollected children in place but this needs to be reviewed. Staff practise good hygiene routines and encourage the children in these constantly.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The activities provided for the children are varied, interesting and exciting. Children are also given free choice and toys are easily accessible. Planning shows that staff use their knowledge of the children to ensure that all their individual developmental needs are met. Staff work closely with the children taking an interest in all they do, talking and listening to them.

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 There is a good relationship with the parents. They are informed about all aspects of the group and copies of the policies and procedures, and notices, are displayed in the entrance hall for them to read. Staff keep a record of children's progress. Parents are invited into the group at any time to see these and discuss them with staff. A report is sent home at the end of their time at the nursery. Transition forms are completed when the children move from room to room but parents who work are not given regular information about their children's progress. Contact books are used for the parents with children in the toddler room to keep them informed of their progress.

p.2

What is being done well?

• The staff are very aware of the needs of the individual children. Activities are provided which are suitable to their needs and contribute to their development. The children are very happy, confident and secure. • Good hygiene practices are encouraged. Children know how and when to wash their hands. Tables are always washed before food is served. This develops the children's own good hygiene practices. • The staff use positive and consistent strategies to manage children's behaviour. These strategies are well thought out to ensure that children's individual needs are met. • The staff have a good understanding of child protection issues and are aware of the strategies and their responsibility to children, parents and each other to be used if there are any concerns. • Health and safety are recognised and regular risk assessments are carried out to ensure that the children and safe and secure when on the premises.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the completion of the register to include the times children arrive and depart • the staffing ratios in each room as the younger and older children mix • the procedures for lost and uncollected children • the range of resources which reflect equal opportunities and the diversity of society • the procedures for offering privacy to older children • the identification of the member of staff responsible for behaviour management • the opportunities for all parents to receive regular information about their child's progress.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

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.3

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 Ensure the register is completed correctly when children arrive and leave the nursery. 2 Review the lost and uncollected children to ensure that procedures are in place. 9 Ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity, including disability. 11 Ensure that there is a named staff member who is responsible for behaviour management issues. 12 Provide opportunities for parents to receive regular information on their children’s progress.

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