Newcastle Children's Centre

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/04/2003 Inspector Name Gill Pollard

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Newcastle Childrens Centre Setting Address Mill Road CRAVEN ARMS Shropshire SY7 8QN

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

Newcastle Children's Centre is situated in the Community Centre opposite the primary school in Newcastle on Clun. In September l996 the community of Newcastle on Clun secured capital funding from South Shropshire District Council, Europe and the Rural Development Commission for a new Community Building which incorporates Newcastle Children's Centre. The Children's Centre was awarded a grant from the National Lottery Charities Board in March 2000 which has been allocated to the appointment of staff, and the purchase of major items of equipment such as computers and the finishing of an outdoor play area. They purchased other essential items such as books, toys etc. Newcastle Children's Centre is managed by a committee of parents and professionals. The group has funding for three and four year olds. The group is registered to provide care for 24 children aged 2yrs-8yrs and is open 08:00 - 18:00 throughout the year, school

p.2

Information about the setting

holidays included, with the exception of the week between Christmas and the New Year.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Newcastle Children's Centre provides good care for the children. Regular meetings ensure that all staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities. The staff are fully involved with the person in charge in planning an exciting range of activities which build on children's natural curiosity. The children's behaviour is managed in a calm, gentle manner and staff encourage the children's confidence and independence. Staff take care to ensure that children are safe indoors and outdoors, all the equipment is regularly checked and is well maintained. Staff conscientiously carry out the procedure outlined in the comprehensive safety policies. Staff work well in partnership with parents, parents are kept well informed about the day to day running of the nursery and they have access to written records which are kept on their child.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

The stable staff group have improved both the written policies and the quality of care given to the children by undertaking a quality assurance assessment of all aspects of the care of the children and the running of the nursery.

p.2

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 Provision for the two to five year olds is very good, staff give attention to the planning and evaluation of all the activities and information is regularly exchanged with the parents. There is a strong emphasis on equal opportunities throughout the nursery and the written policy covers all aspects of the nursery, it is understood by all the staff. The timetable for the out of school provision shows the children take part in a large range of activities where they can choose their own games and make decisions about playing indoors or out.

p.2

What needs to be improved?

Procedures to ensure children's dignity and privacy must be observed.

p.3

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 4 ensure children's dignity and privacy is always respected.

p.3

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.3

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

p.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

p.4

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is 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.4

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

p.4

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5