childcare inspection report on ocean day care nursery...

Childcare Inspection Report onOcean Day Care Nursery

Unit 5Vanguard WayNeptune Point

CardiffCF24 5PG

Mae’r adroddiad hwn hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg

This report is also available in Welsh

Date of Publication Thursday, 6 July 2017

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Description of the serviceOcean Day Nursery was registered in December 2016 and has been operational since January 2017; it is currently registered to care for up to 48 children aged from birth to the age of five. The nursery is located within a large indoor play centre on a busy industrial estate on the east side of Cardiff. It is open from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday throughout the year. There is a Responsible Individual (RI) and a Person in Charge (PiC) who manages the nursery on a day to day basis. Care is delivered through the medium of English. Summary of our findings

1. Overall assessmentCare of the children is generally good and children benefit from attending a nursery which is bright, clean and welcoming. Resources are of good quality and suitable for the age range of the children who attend. Staff are enthusiastic about their roles and appear to enjoy working with the children. The overall environment is spacious, bright and benefits from being a large open plan space in which the children can explore with some degree of independence. The outside play area is separated from the building and is an area that is still being developed in terms of purchasing resources. Management of the service requires some improvement as there were areas in which the Child Minding and Day Care (Wales) Regulations (2010) and (NMS) National Minimum Standards for Regulation Childcare for Children up to the age of 12 years (2016) were not being consistently met. However, the PiC was open and transparent in her dealings with us and was committed to undertaking all necessary improvements. At the time of this inspection, the nursery had low enrolments and was still in the process of trying to grow the business.

2. ImprovementsThis was the setting’s first full inspection following registration and therefore no improvements have been identified.

3. Requirements and recommendations Any areas of non compliance identified have been addressed by the PiC and therefore a non compliance notice has not been issued. Areas for future development and on going improvement have been highlighted in a section towards the end of this report.

1. Well-being Summary

We found that children are happy and settled and have developed secure relationships with the staff that looked after them. Children are busy and able to play with a range of activities which stimulate their curiosity and development.

Our findings

1.1 To what extent do children have a voice?

Children have a voice and their needs are considered. Children are able to move around the nursery and follow their own interests. Each area of the nursery has a choice of activities and equipment which children can mostly access independently. Many toys are out on display or stored in easy to access boxes. The older children were able to make choices regarding their activities, with some choosing to play at length with bathing the babies, whilst others enjoyed playing in the sand and searching for dinosaurs in the tray of mud. However, children are not consulted over the choice of activities or their views sought after they completed an activity and this is an area that the nursery should consider developing. The children are comfortable approaching staff for assistance when they require it and we frequently heard children asking for help and chatting with them about their play.

Home routines and personal preferences are followed, particularly in the baby section. Baby’s sleep and feeding routines mirror those they experience at home and staff react well to their changing needs. This resulted in the babies being happy and contented. Staff responded in a timely manner to requests.

Children have a voice and their wishes, views and preferences are listened and responded to in a positive way.

1.2 To what extent do children feel safe, happy and valued?

Children are generally settled, happy and relaxed. We saw children arriving at the nursery and they promptly left their parents / carers to play with activities that captured their interest. Children told us who their friends were and introduced us to areas of the nursery where they liked to play. Throughout all play rooms, staff interacted and played with the children. Babies respond well to their main care givers and enjoyed being held and played with; they responded with happy babbles and big broad smiles. The older children’s perseverance and good behaviour was rewarded by words of praise and smiles of recognition. These children have stickers placed on their Home Communication Daily sheets so that parents can share in the celebration of their child’s good behaviour or hard work. Due to the current low numbers attending, a key worker system has not been introduced, but the PiC confirmed that this is a system she is looking to introduce, once numbers increase and more staff are employed. Some of the children’s work is displayed on the wall, but this is something that could be developed further.

Children have developed strong attachments with staff, which is an important element in ensuring children feel happy and safe in their environment.

1.3 How well do children interact?

Children interact well with their peers and are supported in their social development by the staff. We saw that most of the older children were polite and able to take turns. The children responded well when staff used phrases such as, “we are kind to our friends.” This positive reinforcement of behaviour encouraged children to be kind to each other and reminded them what was acceptable without using negative language. We heard children using ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ throughout the inspection. Children were visibly pleased when staff praised them for sharing and being kind to each other. We saw plenty of examples of the older children sharing their toys and developing friendships with their peers. Younger children responded well to the staff caring for them and followed simple instructions and guidance given. Staff sat on the floor, to be at the children’s level, reading books and playing with building blocks. Throughout the service, staff used appropriate strategies to help children learn how to socialise with their peers and develop positive relationships, which resulted in the nursery being a happy and calm environment.

Children enjoy positive interactions with their peers and the people who are looking after them.

1.4 To what extent do children enjoy their play and learning?

Children are motivated and engaged in their play and learning. We saw children playing with a variety of age appropriate toys such as building blocks, colouring activities, imaginative play with dolls. These activities enabled children to extend their creative and imaginative play. There was lots of chatter and conversation as well as laughter and warm interactions. Our observations showed that the staff and the resources available, support children to extend their learning further. Most children concentrate for an appropriate amount of time for their stage of development, during staff led activities and older children demonstrated that they had been paying attention by responding appropriately, answering questions and lots of general conversation.

Observations demonstrated that children have a balance of organised and free play activities. Staff follow activity plans and we noted that there was some evaluation of activities, but this was not done in any depth. Feedback is not routinely gained from the children. Effective evaluation of activities support future planning so that it is appropriate and meets the needs and interests of the children.

Observations demonstrated that children enjoy their play and learning but more detailed planning and evaluation of activities could develop this further.

1.5 How well do children develop, learn and become independent?

Children learn and develop well and this is beginning to be evidenced in their individual learning logs/records. Targets for next steps are clearly identified. At snack time the older children were given the time and encouragement to pour their own drinks and help themselves to their snack from a shared plate. Toilets and hand washing facilities were

located within easy reach of the children and were of an appropriate size, so that children can use these facilities without the need of adult support. However, consideration could be given to promoting independence further by ensuing aprons are near to the messy play area and resources such chalks, paints and paper are left out so that children can help themselves when playing independently, as they rely on staff to do this for them.

In general, more could be done to support children to develop a range of self help skills. This will provide them with skills for life as well as preparing them for when they move into full time education. Gaining independence also helps to develop self esteem within young children.

2. Care and Development Summary

Overall, we observed that staff demonstrated that they value their relationships with the children and provide them with a range of activities that help them to develop. We found that staff understand many key policies and practices and follow these in their every day work. The staff team are mostly appropriately qualified and/or experienced.

Our findings

2.1 How well do practitioners keep children safe and healthy?

The nursery has been awarded a Level 5 by the Food Standards Agency and we saw that regular smoke alarms tests had taken place. One emergency evacuation had been undertaken since opening in January 2017; these should be completed at least once every three months. There are daily risk assessments and these are completed by staff in a timely manner. Not all staff have appropriate first aid qualifications, food hygiene or safeguarding training, but enough had to ensure that the nursery remained compliant with the regulations. The PiC gave assurances that all staff would receive appropriate training in these areas within the coming months.

We reviewed the medication policies and procedures and saw that parents/carers sign to give consent for the administration of medication. However, we informed the PiC that the policy and administration of Paracetamol based medication should be reviewed, as the current policy was not in accordance with Standard 11 of the National Minimum Standards. The PiC confirmed that this would be completed as a matter of priority. Accidents forms were completed but the layout of the form did not include a place for parents/carers to sign. These forms need to be reviewed so that parents/carers signatures are included, this will provide evidence that parents are aware of any accident or incidents that have taken place. The nature of the accidents did not give any cause for concern. Food provided at the nursery is freshly cooked and menus indicate that the food is varied and healthy. It looked and smelt appealing. The nursery employs a cook who is aware of any food intolerances and religious preferences and makes adjustments as required.

Overall, children and their parents can be assured that practitioners and managers are mindful of their responsibilities in providing a safe and nurturing environment.

2.2 How well do practitioners manage interactions?

Nursery staff are consistent in their approach to dealing with children’s behaviour. We discussed strategies that staff would use within the nursery and found these were consistent with the behaviour management policy. Staff are patient and speak to children clearly about the expectations within the nursery. We heard staff remind children to “be kind” to one another and encouraged them to share and take turns. Staff act as good role models by demonstrating good manners and polite interactions. We observed that they spoke in calm and gentle tones, which were respectful and warm.

The service provides a calm and reassuring environment for children to play and learn.

2.3How well do practitioners promote children’s play, learning and development and meet their individual needs?

Staff have developed relationships with the children and strong bonds have been formed. Our observations showed that staff have a good understanding of the children’s needs and are able to provide appropriate activities for their abilities. We viewed a sample of the children’s developmental records and found that these are beginning to record the children’s stages of development. Staff informed us that each child has a development diary/file which they update regularly. These contain monthly observations, photographs and artwork completed by the children and is a lovely keepsake for the parents. Information gained from observations is used to form a judgement on the child’s development and next steps in learning are identified. However, it would be beneficial to record when the child has actually met their target. The nursery uses the Birth to Three Matters framework for the younger children before implementing some of the principles of the Foundation Phase. Further training and information on the Foundation Phase would be beneficial to ensure all staff fully understood how to plan, implement and evaluate against the framework.

Staff have a good understanding of the children’s development needs and promote their play and learning.

3. EnvironmentSummary

The environment is bright, clean and inviting. The indoor play space provides children with opportunity to explore, play and be active. The nursery’s outdoor play area is separate from the main nursery and has to be accessed via steps. The nursery has the advantage of being able to use Mambos Indoor Play Centre, as both services are owned by the same company.

Our findings

3.1 How well do leaders ensure the safety of the environment?

Overall leaders ensure the environment is safe. There are daily risk assessment checklists completed by staff; these were seen to be robust and thorough. Safety certificates for both electricity and gas were in date and the insurance certificates were also up to date. Advice had been taken from a Fire Safety Officer to ensure evacuation from the nursery is safe and appropriate. Play rooms were seen to be free from trip hazards and were safe places to play and learn. The outdoor play area provides a safe and suitable outdoor play space for the children to use, although this is still being developed in terms of purchasing suitable resources.

Leaders are conscientious and mindful of their responsibilities in providing a safe and secure setting for their staff and the children who attend.

3.2 How well do leaders ensure the suitability of the environment?

The nursery has a secure entrance and appropriate space both indoors and outdoors for children to play. There is a separate sleep room for young babies and they have a changing area which is separate to their playroom. Older children have access to a bathroom with four small toilets and low level wash hand basins to support independence. All areas of the nursery were clean, well presented and free from any obvious hazards. Coat pegs at children’s height are placed near to the nursery door and children are able to store their personal belongings. Some art work belonging to the children is displayed, but this is sparse and we spoke with the PiC about developing this element of the environment. There are a number of brightly detailed murals on the walls and these are eye catching and colourful.

Overall, the environment is a safe, secure and an appropriate space in which children can play and learn.

3.3 How well do leaders ensure the quality of resources and equipment?

Furniture within the nursery is of a good standard; it is clean and well presented and fit for purpose. However, we noted that there were no Welsh or multi cultural resources, books or toys. This was discussed with the PiC as toys and resources should reflect the society in which children live and grow. Resources were fairly plentiful but we discussed how areas such as the home corner could be enhanced further and how

this would further develop the children’s play opportunities. We saw that the nursery had three paining boards/easels which were in excellent condition; indicating that these were not regularly used by the children. Paint, paper and chalks were kept in tubs in a storage unit; we would expect such resources to be made readily available to the children at all times. In the baby area we noted that some babies were placed in baby bouncers/rockers that were clearly too small for them. Staff need to ensure that the resources they are using are fit for purpose and follow the manufacturers guidelines in terms or age and weight restrictions.

Leaders need to have a plan to further develop the overall environment to maximise learning and play opportunities for the children who attend.

4. Leadership and ManagementSummary

The nursery is still in its infancy and many systems and procedures are yet to be fully developed due to the low number of children attending and small staff team in place. Managers are mindful of their responsibilities and are keen to provide a high quality service. They were open and transparent throughout the inspection process. Staff informed us that that they felt well supported in their roles.

Our findings

4.1 How effective is leadership?

Overall leadership is somewhat effective, there are clear processes in place and staff know who to approach if they have any issues or difficulties. Managers have a vision for the future and are able to discuss their long term plans and goals. There is a clear Statement of Purpose and policies and procedures meet the requirements of child care regulations and NMS. Staff undergo a basic induction into the nursery, but on going supervision and team meetings are not embedded into the service and therefore they are not compliant with regulation 29(3)(a). We discussed the need for these systems to be implemented as a matter of priority as this will provide staff with an opportunity to raise any concerns and discuss their ideas, as well as management sharing information and expectations in a more formal manner.

Overall leadership is effective as the nursery is currently quiet and still being developed. However, managers need to ensure they are introducing systems which will support the management of the setting and business as it grows and becomes busier. This will also ensure they remain compliant with the regulations and NMS.

4.2 How effective is self evaluation and planning for improvement?

Self evaluation and planning for improvement is not evident. There is no on going development plan for the nursery and management have not sought the views of staff or parents in terms of how they could grow and develop the setting in the future. Managers need to make themselves aware of the requirements to compete the Self Assessment form (SASS) and which will be distributed by CSSIW in the coming months and we directed them to website for further information and guidance on both the SASS and the inspection process. We saw from the weekly plans that there is some evaluation of activities undertaken by the children, but this is a little sparse in detail and could be developed further.

The leadership team need to develop more robust systems in self evaluation and planning for improvement and include staff, parents and children in this process

4.3 How effective is the management of practitioners, staff and other resources?

Overall management of the setting requires some improvement. Both the RI and the PiC need to become far more aware of the expectations and requirements of managing a registered child care service. During the first visit, we noted that many of the documents required under Regulation 28,(Schedule 2, Part 1) were not in place, such as two references and employment history, therefore not demonstrating that safe and robust recruitment procedures had been undertaken. This was discussed with the PiC and the necessary information was provided following the inspection and therefore a non compliance notice was not issued. Even though the nursery is quiet and most of the staff are new to their posts, on going staff management systems such as regular team meetings and one to one supervision sessions need to be embedded into the routines of the setting. It is considered good practice for all staff working with children, to have completed training in Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding and Food Hygiene and although the nursery meets the necessary regulations, there are gaps in the staff’s training in these areas.

Overall, the management of the nursery is adequate but effective systems need to be embedded into the setting to ensure the nursery remains fully compliant with the regulations as the business grows and more children attend.

4.4 How effective are partnerships?

Partnerships with parents are generally effective. Parents are provided with daily sheets evidencing what the children have done. For the younger children information is also included on food, sleep and toileting. The PiC informed us that newsletters are sent to parents informing them of any changes or events due to take place at the setting and there is also a closed social media account which parents can access. The nursery has also arranged Open Days in which parents can attend to view the nursery and its resources. Parents are provided with information such as copies of the Statement of Purpose and other policies to support them to make a decision. One parent stated in questionnaires that “my child loves coming here and misses the staff when she doesn’t attend. My daughter has attended other nurseries and this one is by far the best.” Parents also confirmed that they have a verbal handover at the end of each day which is informative.

Partnerships are effective and the nursery understands the importance of working effectively with parents and carers for the benefit of the children attending.

5. Improvements required and recommended following this inspection

5.1 Areas of non compliance from previous inspectionsNone

5.2 Areas of non compliance identified at this inspectionRegulation 29(3)(a) as on going supervision and team meetings are not currently undertaken. A non compliance notice has not been issued as many of the staff have not being working at the service for longer than three months and had received an induction.. The PiC also assured inspectors that regular supervision will be introduced for all staff as a matter of priority.

5.3 Recommendations for improvement Further develop the environment by displaying children’s work and purchasing

resources to enhance the children’s experiences such as developing the home corner and outside play area;

ensure there are a range of Welsh and multi-cultural toys and resources to accurately the reflect the society in which the children live;

consider ways in which children’s independence can be further developed by ensuring art and craft resources and aprons are easily accessible to them;

develop the voice of the child by including their views in both planning and evaluating activities;

ensure all staff receive appropriate training in Paediatric First Aid, food hygiene, safeguarding training and where appropriate the Foundation Phase;

review the policy and administration of Paracetamol based medication to ensure it is fully compliance with Standard 11 of the NMS;

review accident forms so that they include parents/carers signatures;

record when children meet their next steps in learning and

ensure resources used are fit for purpose and follow manufactures’ guidelines in terms of age and weight restrictions, in particular relation to baby bouncers.

How we undertook this inspection

One inspector undertook an unannounced inspection visit which examined all four themes over two visits on Thursday 1st and Monday 5th June 2017. A total of nine hours was spent at the nursery. The following methodology was used to gather evidence for this report:

Observations of care routines and practices; discussion with the PiC and practitioners; feedback from one parent; two completed CSSIW Staff Questionnaires; conversation with several children; visual inspection of both inside and outside play areas; consideration of information held by CSSIW; sight of a range of policies and procedures and consideration of information held in staff personnel files and children’s

developmental files.

Further information about what we do can be found on our website www.cssiw.org.uk

http://www.cssiw.org.uk/

6. About the service

Type of care provided Childrens Day CareFull Day Care

Responsible Individual Victoria Ellis

Person in charge Felicity Davies

Registered maximum number of places

48

Age range of children Birth to aged five

Opening hours Monday to Friday 7.30 am to 6.30pm

Operating Language of the service English

Date of previous CSSIW inspection First inspection following registration in December 2016

Dates of this inspection visit(s) 1st and 5th June 2017

Is this a Flying Start service? No

Does this service provide the Welsh Language active offer?

This is a service that does not provide an “Active Offer” of the Welsh language. It does not anticipate, identify or meet the Welsh language needs of people/children who use, or intend to use their service. We recommend that the service provider considers Welsh Government’s “More Than just Words follow on strategic guidance for Welsh language in social care.”

Additional Information:

childcare inspection report on ocean day care nursery...

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