St Peter's CofE Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 05/07/2004 Inspector Name Sylvia Dindar

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name First Steps Day Nursery Setting Address Chichester College Westgate Fields Chichester West Sussex PO19 1SB

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of First Steps Day Nursery

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name First Steps Day Nursery Address Chichester College Westgate Fields Chichester West Sussex PO19 1SB

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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

First Steps Day Nursery has been registered since 1990 and operates in purpose built premises on the campus of Chichester College, to the west of the city. The registration is for 142 children aged 0 - 5 years. There are 64 funded three year olds and 35 funded four year olds. Children attend a variety of sessions. The group supports children who have special needs. Specific areas of the nursery are dedicated to different aged children. Enclosed outside play areas are also available and these have also been designed to meet the specific age groups. The nursery is open from Monday to Friday, 07:30 - 18:00, for 51 weeks of the year. A broad range of the community is served, children with special needs and those whose first language is not English attend. The staff hold a variety of qualifications and exceed the basic requirements with a number of staff holding a level 3 Qualification and above. Other staff either hold a

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Information about the setting

level 2 qualification or are training towards this level. The nursery offer outings to local sites and closely liaise with First Steps Crèche and the Child Care Centre offering after school and holiday care.

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How good is the Day Care?

First Steps Day Nursery provides good care for children. Staff have appropriate training, qualifications, and experience for their role as day care providers. The group operate from a purpose built building where good quality equipment and resources are laid out to promote children's independence and learning. A number of staff are supernumery and staff interact well with each other, ensuring the smooth running of the nursery. Documentation is well organised and mainly supports the group's practice. Staff show an awareness of safety issues and most hazards are identified. Children are taught about health and hygiene issues, ensuring they are protected from infection however the hand washing procedures are not securely in place. Individual dietary needs are recorded and children are offered a diet that is healthy and nutritious and in accordance with their parent's wishes. Staff have training and knowledge of the signs of child abuse and systems are in place to report such

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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 concerns, ensuring that children are protected whilst in the care of the nursery. Children are offered a broad range of well-planned exciting activities, which are suitable for their developmental needs. Staff show a good understanding of equal opportunities and play plans include activities which help children understand about the diversity of our society. Staff are proactive in developing and extending children's learning and children's individual contributions are valued, promoting their self-esteem. The group identify that some children may have special needs and plans provide for children on an individual basis. Staff use positive strategies to manage childrens' behaviour appropriate to their developmental stage. Children behave generally well. Parents are welcomed into the group and have opportunities to have an input into

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How good is the Day Care?

the running of the nursery. Daily verbal exchange and the sharing of records ensures that the parents are aware of their child's development.

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What is being done well?

• A higher than average ratio of staff hold a level three qualification and most staff have been with the nursery a number of years. This provides the nursery with a solid staff team providing continuity of care for children. • Written information on white boards shows that children are monitored and checked whilst they are sleeping. A daybook is used for sharing information such as parents advising the nursery of changes in routine. Staff have specific training in dealing with food intolerance. They follow specific written procedures, such as using different coloured bowls and placing a notice on the table where the child is sitting to alert all staff. Staff have training in how to administer a dose of adrenalin. The nursery has excellent security including C.C.T.V. • Settling in periods are used aiming for a smooth transition as children move through the nursery. Children have opportunities for free play allowing them

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What is being done well?

choice which promotes independence. Staff show good eye contact and talk and respond to babies developing communication. Tone of voice is used to warn children of dangers and soothe them when they are distressed. Children under three enjoy searching and discovering animals in the shredded paper, extending their knowledge of the world and developing language. A qualified teacher is employed to further develop and extend older children's learning. Through stimulating themes children are developing their knowledge of different countries and cultures. Through skilled story telling children are kept absorbed and involved and show enthusiasm for the things they learn. • An excellent range of outside play provision is available and children have free choice. A sensory garden offers purposeful opportunities to extend

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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 children's knowledge by providing such opportunities as making bricks out of mud to learn how bricks are made and walls are constructed. • Parents have access to an excellent range of pamphlets to support them in the care of their child.

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What needs to be improved?

• safety by ensuring outdoor toys are placed in such a way that children are not at risk of an accident • the procedures for recording children's arrival and departure, to ensure that they show an accurate record of children's attendance • the hygiene procedures, in particular hand washing routines and to ensure that resources are available allowing children to dry their hands after washing them.

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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 2 Ensure that records clearly identify accurate times of arrival and departure of children. 6 Ensure that physical play equipment is always safely positioned to minimise the risk of accidents. 7 Ensure all hygiene routines are securely in place.

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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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