Little Stars Day Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 26/07/2004 Inspector Name Sandra Jean Russell

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Grimsby College Nursery Setting Address Units 1 & 2 Nuns Corner Site Grimsby North East Lincolnshire DN34 5BQ

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Grimsby College Address Units 1 and 2 Nuns Corner Site Grimsby North East Lincolnshire DN34 5BQ

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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

Grimsby College Nursery first opened in 1986. It is a private facility run under the management of Grimsby College. The nursery is situated within the college grounds in accommodation consisting of several mobile rooms all linked by enclosed corridors. Children receiving nursery education funded places have access to two playrooms and two enclosed grassed and paved outdoor areas. Babies and children aged two to three have separate play areas. Kitchen and toilet facilities are available. The nursery serves the childcare needs of the students and staff from the college and any remaining places are open to the general public. The nursery is registered to provide care for 71 children aged from six months to five years. There are currently 100 children on roll. Systems are in place to provide support for children who have special educational needs or speak English as an additional language. The nursery has the support of the North East Lincolnshire

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Information about the setting

Early Years Service. The nursery opens from 08:30 to 17:15 on Monday to Friday all of the year apart from bank holidays and Christmas week. Seventeen full and part-time staff are employed, all of whom hold a relevant qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Grimsby College Nursery provides good quality care for children. The premises are safe and clean. A high priority is given to providing a hygienic environment. Dietary needs are addressed at snack times and parents are asked to provide a packed lunch. Although the nursery does not encourage the supply of home cooked meals, due to environmental health recommendations, staff offer good advice regarding foods with low salt and sugar content. An extensive range of toys and games ensures that children's interests are fostered and developed. The activities provided, indoors and out, help children progress and play imaginatively. However,children's natural curiosity as learners is not always encouraged by staff, for example, opportunities to identify their own name. Outings and visitors to the nursery, are arranged to extend children's experiences. Behaviour is managed very well. Staff present as good role models, encouraging children to

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How good is the Day Care?

use good manners, share and help each other. Partnership with parents is very good. The parents are provided with good quality

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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 information about the setting and ongoing communications ensure that they are kept updated with their child's progress. A warm welcoming environment ensures that families are comfortable and at ease in the setting.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the nursery agreed to ensure the security of the outside area and foyer and to provide a safe and hygienic nappy change area; latches to the outer gates are out of the reach of the children and key pad locks are in place on the nursery doors; a suitable nappy change room has been provided. They also agreed to include relevant details in the complaints procedure; this now contains the name and address of the regulator.

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What is being done well?

• A wide selection of interesting and stimulating toys and activities are provided. Art and craft activities, construction, role play and story-telling enable the children to develop and progress. A challenging and imaginative outdoor area is provided. Outings to libraries, parks and the gardening/bakery/building departments within the college, as well as visits from the police, an optician and story teller, all provide valuable learning experiences. • A warm, welcoming atmosphere is provided by the bright, well decorated rooms. Displays, posters and information boards, as well as the friendly natured staff ensure that children and their families feel comfortable and at ease in the setting. • Health and safety are addressed well. Care is taken to ensure that children are protected from hazards. They are encouraged to be aware of hygiene procedures and the use of pictorial reminders of hand washing routines,

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What is being done well?

ensures that children understand and learn. • Behaviour is managed very well. Children are given clear explanations about expectations, enabling them to respond confidently. Staff praise and encourage the children where appropriate, fostering high self esteem. They listen to and respond to children's questions carefully and patiently, presenting good role models for the children. • Parents are provided with very good quality information in the form of booklets, leaflets and posters. Policies and procedures are made readily available and key workers ensure that parents are kept up to date with the daily progress of their child.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The provision of various outdoor areas includes a very well resourced section that is covered by rubberised safety surfacing. A variety of imaginative and challenging play opportunities are provided in the form of large scale Connect Four, threading frames and basket ball hoops, to enhance co-ordination; decorated drain pipes that provide opportunities to explore size and capacity; 'washing lines' for role play and wind chimes that provide sound and musical experiences.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

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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What needs to be improved?

• the extension of opportunities for children to identify their own names.

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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 3 Continue to extend the existing good practice, ensuring all opportunities for children to learn are explored.

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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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