Positive Steps Shellingford

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 07/12/2004 Inspector Name Jane Melissa Griffiths

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Positive Steps Day Nursery and Pre-School Setting Address Home Farm Church Street, Shellingford Faringdon Oxfordshire SN7 7QA

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Positive Steps Day Nursery Limited 4426856

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Positive Steps Day Nursery Limited Address Shellingford Primary Church Street Shellingford Oxon SM7 7QA

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

Positive Steps Children's Day nursery opened in 2004 and operates from a purpose built single storey building in the village of Shellingford, Oxfordshire. A maximum of 57 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 07:45 to 18:15 for 51 weeks a year excluding Bank holidays. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 24 children aged 6 weeks to under 5 years on roll. Children come from the local community. The nursery employs 6 staff. Five of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. One staff is working towards a qualification.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Positive Steps Children's Day Nursery provides good quality of care for children. Effective management systems are in place and four of the five staff hold appropriate qualifications. The premises is purpose built and is bright, clean and welcoming to young children and their families. Children have opportunities to explore a variety of toys and equipment, which are stored within their reach. There are no domestic style furnishings for children under the age of two years. Records are generally sufficiently detailed. The nursery is forward thinking in terms of safety and security systems with finger identity systems to provide easy access to staff and parents. Children are learning positive hygiene practices and benefit from regular drinks and nutritious snacks and meals. The children benefit from a varied range of positive images of diversity, which are complemented by the marking of a variety of celebrations. Staff are aware of

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

their duty to report any child protection concerns however, the procedural document does not accurately reflect local procedures. At the moment, there are no systems in place to share any procedural document with parents. Comprehensive records of children's development are maintained which are supplemented by photographs, examples of children's work and a six-week settling-in report. An exciting range of indoor and outdoor activities are provided for the children of all ages. Babies enjoy the exploration of sand and other natural materials. Staff manage any unacceptable behaviour positively. Children are happy and respond well to the caring staff team.

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 Parents report total satisfaction with the service. An informative notice board is maintained which complements the daily diaries for children under two years, the regular newsletter and the internal comments slips system.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

This is the first inspection since registration.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The nursery provides a warm and welcoming environment for young children and their families. The décor is fresh with children's murals displayed throughout. Each nursery room is furnished with appropriate storage systems which enable children to choose their preferred equipment. • Children enjoy their time in the nursery. They are happy and are developing independence. A range of pre-planned activities are available which include opportunities for babies to explore raw materials. Older children enjoy regular opportunities to undertake outdoor play and particularly enjoy using the large climbing equipment which is sited on suitable floor coverings. A separate computer room which is well-equipped, enables small groups of children to learn basic keyboard skills. • Children enjoy a range of nutritional snacks and meals. Staff caring for the children aged two years plus, have introduced a meal time mat, which clearly

p.3

What is being done well?

states individual children's allergies. Babies are held whilst bottle fed and are provided with fresh drinking water at regular intervals. • Partnership with parents is a particular strength of this nursery. Parents report total satisfaction with the service and are aware of whom to address any unresolved complaints. The reception area houses an up-to-date notice board to complement the internal comments slips. Regular newsletters ensure parents are kept informed and parents benefit from access to their children's records of development at all times.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• domestic style furnishings in the rooms for children under two years • child protection procedures to ensure they are in line with local ACPC procedures and to ensure that these are shared with parents before admission.

p.3

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

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 5 provide domestic style furnishings for children under the age of two years 13 ensure that the child protection procedure for the nursery complies with local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures and is shared with parents before admission

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