First Steps Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 19/05/2004 Inspector Name Sue Taylor

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Health Tots Nursery Setting Address The Burton Unit The Conquest Hospital,The Ridge St. Leonards-on-Sea East Sussex TN37 7RD

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust Address Kings Drive Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 2UD

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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

Health Tots opened in 1990. It operates from a building on the hospital site. There are 4 rooms used for childcare. The nursery has use of enclosed outdoor areas. The nursery serves the local area for National Health Service and Primary Care Trust staff. There are currently 78 children from 4 months to 8 years on roll. This includes 11 funded 3-year-olds and 13 funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery supports children with special needs and children for whom English is an additional language. The nursery opens 5 days a week during all year round. Sessions are available within the full day from 6:45 until 17:30. Sixteen part time/full time staff work with the children. Fifteen have early years qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

Health Tots provides good care for children. The nursery is well organised with clear policies and procedures. A high level of qualified and experienced staff care for children. Premises are welcoming though the environment does not fully reflect the wider community. Areas are used well, though the flooring and décor are in need of some attention. The wide range of good quality toys and play materials are used effectively. Resources and activities reflect other cultures and disabilities. There is limited comfy seating in the rooms, particularly in the babies and toddler areas. All documentation and paperwork is well organised, clear and detailed. The premises are secure and staff supervise children well. Efficient processes are in place to keep children safe. Clear procedures help protect children from illness and infection. The premises are clean with good light and ventilation. Drinks are provided

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How good is the Day Care?

throughout the day and baby routines are followed. A balanced meal is provided and mealtimes are a positive social occasion. Children's individual needs are met positively. The staff have a good understanding about child protection issues and procedures help protect children. The opportunities in the Tweenies room prepare children for the move to pre-school.

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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 All children are happily occupied with planned activities. The use of Birth to Three Matters recording system is beneficial, giving positive direction to staff. Guidelines for behaviour management include approaches for different age ranges. Staff are very positive and encouraging, sensitive to children's needs. Children are relaxed, content and confident. Good written information is available on children's achievements and shared with parents and carers with additional information for babies under a year. Staff recognise the need to fully involve parents and share information for good communication.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the nursery were asked to reduce the hazards in the outside area. Since this the area has been completely re surfaced. A safety all weather surface is in place in addition to areas of grass and bark. The use of the area is planned with opportunities for children to explore sand and water as well as use the various ride on toys safely. The area can get quite hot though there is some shade and the staff are very aware of sun safety. Access to the area is safe and would be suitable for children with mobility difficulties.

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What is being done well?

• The high adult to child ratios allow for times when children benefit from one to one attention. This is particularly positive in the baby room and helps build secure relationships. • The written information that is shared with parents of the younger children gives good detail about their child's achievements. A daily sheet for parents of the babies gives useful information about their child's day. •• The use of the Birth to Three Matters materials has a positive effect on the care of children. Recordings demonstrate how a child is developing in varied areas, with an emphasis on children having positive experiences throughout the day. • Meal times are sociable occasions. There are good opportunities for positive communication between the staff and children, alongside encouraging good eating habits. • The staff are very involved with the children's care and play. They spend a lot of time talking and playing with them. They show great interest in what

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What needs to be improved?

• the appearance of carpets and general décor with better provision of comfy seating • the overall environment, by ensuring there is a greater reflection of the wider

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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 community •• child protection documentation, by including details of the procedure to be followed should there be allegations against adults at the nursery.

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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 4 look to improve the overall appearance of the nursery environment with regard to (i) the carpets and décor and (ii) by ensuring that the wider community is positively reflected 13 ensure that the child protection policy for the nursery includes the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer

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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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