Mucky Pups Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 04/03/2004 Inspector Name Diane Ashplant

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Mucky Pups Nursery Setting Address 250 Lyndon Road Solihull West Midlands B92 7QW

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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

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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

Mucky Pups Nursery opened in 2000. It operates from premises situated in a small row of shops in a slip road off the main Lyndon road in Olton. There is limited parking outside. The nursery takes place on the ground floor and consists of a large play space which is divided into two separate areas by a ramp. There is a kitchen, utility, office/staff room, children's and staff toilets, and a nappy changing area. Access to the nursery is through the side entrance via a fully enclosed concreted outdoor play space. The nursery uses the services of an outside caterer for lunch. The owner, who is also the manager, lives upstairs with her family. The nursery serves the local area and also takes children to and from the local school nursery and provides an after school service for a few older children. The owner also has a separate baby nursery across the road. There are currently 48 children from 2 to 8 years on the roll. This includes 6 funded

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Information about the setting

3-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery currently supports a number of children with special needs. The nursery opens five days a week all year round excluding bank holidays. Sessions are from 07.30 to 18.30hrs. There are five full time staff including the owner working with the children. All the staff have an early years qualification to NVQ level 3. The nursery has one part-time staff working towards a recognised early years qualification and also regularly takes students. There is also another additional staff member employed to help at lunch time. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Mucky Pups Nursery provides good care for children. The staff form a supportive and committed team and work happily and effectively together. Although not vast, the space available is carefully organised to meet children's needs well. The nursery is brightly and attractively decorated with many examples of the children's work which creates a welcoming and interesting environment for both children and parents. Staff have a good awareness of children's safety and most precautions have been taken to ensure children are protected from potential hazards. However, a more

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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 regular and efficient fire drill would provide a high standard throughout. The children are encouraged to develop their own awareness of safety and behaviour and are given appropriate and clear explanations so they understand what is acceptable. There is frequent use of encouragement and praise and staff set good examples so that behaviour is usually good. All appropriate routines are in place to promote children's health. Meal times are relaxed, social occasions and children enjoy a healthy balanced menu. The daily programme of activities is carefully planned so that children have many opportunities to engage in a very good balance of free and more structured play sessions. An extensive range of well maintained resources supports all activities and provide challenging and stimulating play experiences. Children are well occupied,

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How good is the Day Care?

happy and learning and interaction with staff is good. Outdoor play is a regular part of the daily programme. Partnership with parents is good and staff are approachable and supportive. Parents are encouraged to get involved and are kept well informed both verbally and through written records of their children's progress. All the paperwork is in place although attention to detail could be improved in some areas.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable, as there were no actions raised at the previous Inspection.

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What is being done well?

• This is a busy, friendly environment where children participate enthusiastically and enjoy themselves. The space is carefully arranged so that all available space is well used. Furniture and screens are effectively positioned to provide different areas of activity and occupation. • The staff team works well together and good communication and regular staff meetings ensure everyone feels involved. They all share in the planning and preparation of activities and know each child's individual progress and achievements so they can talk knowledgably to parents. • Mealtimes are good social occasions. Children are given a balanced healthy choice and individual dietary requirements are well met. Fresh drinking water is always available. Standards for food preparation are good and the involvement of an extra person at lunch time leaves other staff free to attend to the children. • Activities are carefully planned and well resourced to provide interest and

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What is being done well?

stimulation. The "focus activity" links well into many areas of learning. Staff encourage children's participation and development by good use of language and questions and by their own enjoyment and involvement. • Children are seen as individuals and are encouraged to respect and care for each other and to share and get on well together. • Communication with parents is open and friendly. Good written and verbal information from the start ensures they fully understand the services that the

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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 nursery provides. Staff work hard to include all children and liaise closely with parents and appropriate support services to maintain a consistent approach and ensure that individual needs, including special needs, are met effectively.

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What needs to be improved?

• the practice and recording of fire drills • the documentation of medication records and procedures for lost child.

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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 that fire drills are carried out regularly and details recorded accurately in the fire log. 7 Ensure that all medication records are signed by parents. 14 Provide a written statement explaining the procedure to be followed if a child is lost.

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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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