Lynwood Ashtree Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 23/03/2004 Inspector Name Lesley Sharples

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Lynwood Day Nursery Setting Address Ashtree House 22 Old Newbarn Village Barrow in Furness Cumbria LA13 9NG

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Terrence Shereston and Diane Shereston Address 260 Abbey Road Barrow-in-Furness Cumbria LA13 9JJ

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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

Lynwood Ashtree Day Nursery has been registered since May 2003. It is situated in a residential area on the outskirts of the town centre of Barrow. It serves the local community and surrounding areas. Facilities within the detached property are all situated on the ground floor and comprise of a pre school room, wet room, baby room, sleep room, quiet room, staff and children's toilets. There are two separate outdoor play areas, one an activity garden and one for babies and toddlers. Registration is for a total of 43 children aged 0-5 years. The provision supports families who have children with special needs. There are no children attending for whom English is a second language and six children are currently in receipt of nursery education funding. The staff team is led by a qualified and experienced supervisor and five full time and two part members of staff. All are qualified apart from two who are undertaking

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Information about the setting

training in NVQ Level 3 Childcare and Education. The nursery is open from 08:30 - 17:30 hours for 51 weeks of the year. Support is gained from the Early Years Childcare and Development Partnership and courses are attended by the registered providers and staff.

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How good is the Day Care?

Lynwood Ashtree Day Nursery provides good care for children. The environment is very welcoming, homely, warm, well maintained and this helps the children feel secure and settled. Space is used creatively to maximise the provision offered and children have the opportunity to experience a range of different play areas. The organisation relating to documentation is good. Records are stored appropriately and are accessible when required. The operational plan works well in practice and all policies and procedures are well written. The staff team work well together and keep knowledge and skills updated by attending and sharing courses. There is a clear understanding of keeping children safe and reasonable steps have been taken to minimise risks however the outdoor area requires some attention. The premises are secure and closely monitored at arrival and departure times. Child

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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 protection procedures and responsibilities are clearly understood. Good hygiene practice forms part of the children's daily routine. Meals and snacks provided are nutritious and healthy. There are well planned activities which support children's learning in all areas. Monthly themes provide for good learning experiences in all areas of development. Resources are also good and staff promote good behaviour and ensure children experience a wide range of opportunities mainly in their key groups as well as getting together in larger groups for socialisation. Many resources and activities help children to learn of the world about them as well as issues of diversity. The children are happy and well cared for. The nursery supports families who have children with special needs and works with other professionals in a combined approach to

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How good is the Day Care?

meeting needs. Partnership with parents is underpinned by good communication on a daily two way basis as well as sharing written information about their child's development. The staff team work hard to provide a high quality service for parents and their children.

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What is being done well?

• The environment is warm, welcoming and bright. Premises are well maintained and provide a homely and comfortable setting for the children and staff. Areas are created throughout the nursery to provide a variety of different play environments for the children to experience during their day. • There is a broad range of well planned and themed activities. These provide a balanced and stimulating programme for the children which help them make progress in all areas of their development. Staff observe and record what children do to help to plan the next steps in children's learning. Children are interested in their play, are happy and relate well to each other and adults. • The resources, equipment and materials used throughout the nursery provide a stimulating day for the children. They are accessible to children to promote independence and choice. Furniture includes settee and adult seating as well as comfortable seating for children.

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What is being done well?

• Sleeping children are well catered for. They have individual bedding and appropriate facilities to ensure they are comfortable and warm. The room is supervised and individual needs are met regarding comforters so that they feel safe and secure. • Dietary needs are met and this is ensured by regularly updated information made known to all staff. Meals and snacks provided are healthy and nutritious and include fresh fruit and vegetables. Mealtimes are relaxed and all the children eat together at attractively laid tables ensuring a pleasant and sociable time.

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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 • Parents are kept well informed of all aspects of nursery life and their opinions valued. From information gathered there is an overwhelming appreciation of the service offered and the input from the staff to provide for their children's welfare, education and happiness whilst attending the nursery. Good communication tools are in place for those parents wishing to partake in Home/Nursery books as well as daily verbal updates.

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What needs to be improved?

• the safety and security of the new outdoor area • the evidence of risk assessments carried out.

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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 6 Ensure the front outdoor play area is safe and secure. 6 Carry out a full risk assessment to evidence health and safety matters have been reviewed.

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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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