Hillwood Primary School Nursery Day Care of Children Station Road Ratho Station Newbridge EH28 8PT Telephone:

Transcription

1 Hillwood Primary School Nursery Day Care of Children Station Road Ratho Station Newbridge EH28 8PT Telephone: Inspected by: Alison Precup Type of inspection: Unannounced Inspection completed on: 25 January 2013

2 Contents Page No Summary 3 1 About the service we inspected 5 2 How we inspected this service 7 3 The inspection 10 4 Other information 20 5 Summary of grades 21 6 Inspection and grading history 21 Service provided by: City of Edinburgh Council Service provider number: SP Care service number: CS Contact details for the inspector who inspected this service: Alison Precup Telephone enquiries@careinspectorate.com Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 2 of 23

3 Summary This report and grades represent our assessment of the quality of the areas of performance which were examined during this inspection. Grades for this care service may change after this inspection following other regulatory activity. For example, if we have to take enforcement action to make the service improve, or if we investigate and agree with a complaint someone makes about the service. We gave the service these grades Quality of Care and Support 5 Very Good Quality of Environment 5 Very Good Quality of Staffing 5 Very Good Quality of Management and Leadership 4 Good What the service does well Children were cared for in a bright and welcoming nursery environment. Children were happy, confident and settled and parents told us that overall they were very satisfied with the quality of care their children received at the nursery. Children were provided with a range of activities both indoors and outdoors. Staff interacted extremely well with each of the children throughout the day and they encouraged children's negotiating skills, listening carefully to them, answering their questions fully and extending their interests wherever possible. What the service could do better The nursery should continue to develop a variety of ways to involve children and families in assessing and improving the quality of the service. Staff should review more access for children to use the outdoors. Staff should also look at reviewing snack process. What the service has done since the last inspection The nursery has continued to develop further the involvement from parents. Ipads have also been introduced into the playroom and the nursery hope to have more of these in the future. Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 3 of 23

4 Conclusion Inspection report continued A warm and caring environment was evident throughout the inspection visit. The children were seen to be happy and content as they played with a range of toys and materials which supported their learning and development. The staff had developed positive relationships with the children and their parents. Who did this inspection Alison Precup Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 4 of 23

5 1 About the service we inspected The Care Inspectorate regulates care services in Scotland. Prior to 1 April 2011, this function was carried out by the Care Commission. Information in relation to all care services is available on our website at This service was previously registered with the Care Commission and transferred its registration to the Care Inspectorate on 1 April Requirements and recommendations If we are concerned about some aspect of a service, or think it could do more to improve its service, we may make a recommendation or requirement. - A recommendation is a statement that sets out actions the care service provider should take to improve or develop the quality of the service but where failure to do so will not directly result in enforcement. - A requirement is a statement which sets out what is required of a care service to comply with the Public Services Reforms (Scotland) Act 2010 and Regulations or Orders made under the Act, or a condition of registration. Where there are breaches of the Regulations, Orders or conditions, a requirement must be made. Requirements are legally enforceable at the discretion of the Inspectorate. Hillwood Primary School Nursery is registered to provide a day care service for 20 children aged 3 years to primary school entry. The Nursery operates Monday to Friday 8:50am to 11:25am. Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 5 of 23

6 The service was provided by City of Edinburgh Council and operated as part of Hillwood Primary School. A secured entry system was in place. The Nursery has access to one large playroom, kitchen area, entrance area, garden to the rear and toilets. The overall environment is nurturing, purposeful and conducive to learning. On the day of the inspection, children were seen to be happy, relaxed and confident. The aims of the Nursery included the following statements: ' We aim to value each child in our care and help them fulfill their full potential. We aim to provide each child with a variety of activities suited to their ability and interests. We aim to provide a healthy, safe environment where we can nurture the children. We aim to operate a system where everyone is treated fairy and equally' Based on the findings of this inspection this service has been awarded the following grades: Quality of Care and Support - Grade 5 - Very Good Quality of Environment - Grade 5 - Very Good Quality of Staffing - Grade 5 - Very Good Quality of Management and Leadership - Grade 4 - Good This report and grades represent our assessment of the quality of the areas of performance which were examined during this inspection. Grades for this care service may change following other regulatory activity. You can find the most up-to-date grades for this service by visiting our website or by calling us on or visiting one of our offices. Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 6 of 23

7 2 How we inspected this service The level of inspection we carried out In this service we carried out a low intensity inspection. We carry out these inspections when we are satisfied that services are working hard to provide consistently high standards of care. What we did during the inspection The report was written following an unannounced inspection which took place on 25 January2013. The inspection was carried out by inspector Alison Precup. The inspection took place between 8.45am and 1.00pm We gave feedback on findings from the inspection, on the day of the visit, to the Head Teacher of the Primary School and staff in the nursery. On the day of the inspection there were 10 children present with 2 staff, one student and a helper. As requested by us, the service sent us an annual return. The service also sent us a self-assessment form. We provided the service with 10 questionnaires for parents of children using the service. 2 completed questionnaires were returned before the inspection. In this inspection we gathered evidence from various sources, including the relevant sections of policies, procedures, records and other documents: * supporting evidence from the annual return and self-assessment * displayed information, photographs and children's work * policies and procedures folder * results of parents questionnaires and surveys * a sample of children's files * planning * attendance registers * cleaning schedules * minutes from last staff meetings * certificate of registration * insurance certificate. Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 7 of 23

8 The nursery submitted a self-assessment form. This contained information on the strengths of the nursery and areas for further development. It also contained much information on how parents, children and carers participated in the process. We spoke with various people about the service, including: * Nursery staff * Four parents * Most of the children * Head Teacher We spent time observing how staff interacted with the children. We also considered the general environment and equipment used in the service. Grading the service against quality themes and statements We inspect and grade elements of care that we call 'quality themes'. For example, one of the quality themes we might look at is 'Quality of care and support'. Under each quality theme are 'quality statements' which describe what a service should be doing well for that theme. We grade how the service performs against the quality themes and statements. Details of what we found are in Section 3: The inspection Inspection Focus Areas (IFAs) In any year we may decide on specific aspects of care to focus on during our inspections. These are extra checks we make on top of all the normal ones we make during inspection. We do this to gather information about the quality of these aspects of care on a national basis. Where we have examined an inspection focus area we will clearly identify it under the relevant quality statement. Fire safety issues We do not regulate fire safety. Local fire and rescue services are responsible for checking services. However, where significant fire safety issues become apparent, we will alert the relevant fire and rescue services so they may consider what action to take. You can find out more about care services' responsibilities for fire safety at Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 8 of 23

9 The annual return Every year all care services must complete an 'annual return' form to make sure the information we hold is up to date. We also use annual returns to decide how we will inspect the service. Annual Return Received: Yes - Electronic Comments on Self Assessment Every year all care services must complete a 'self assessment' form telling us how their service is performing. We check to make sure this assessment is accurate. A fully completed self assessment document was submitted by the service. This was completed to a satisfactory standard and gave relevant information for each of the Quality Themes and Statements. The service identified its strengths and some areas for future development and gave good evidence of service user involvement and how they planned to implement changes. Taking the views of people using the care service into account On the morning of the inspection there were 10 children present. We chatted informally to the children during the inspection, and observed them at their play. We saw that all the children were happy, confident and settled as they played with their chosen activities. All children went to a planned trip to the local library. Children told us they enjoyed coming to the nursery and that they liked the staff who cared for them, the toys they played with and the snack. Taking carers' views into account The service was issued with 10 Care Standards Questionnaires. 2 of these were returned. From the questionnaire it was established that all were either very happy or happy with the service. We spoke to some of the parents when they collected their children from nursery all the parents spoken to said they thought the nursery was good and that their children enjoyed going. Other comments were: "Very happy with the nursery" "Brilliant" "Staff are great and very approachable" "I would recommend it to others" Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 9 of 23

10 3 The inspection We looked at how the service performs against the following quality themes and statements. Here are the details of what we found. Quality Theme 1: Quality of Care and Support Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of the care and support provided by the service. Service strengths The nursery was offering very good opportunities for parents and carers to participate in assessing and improving the quality of the care and support provided by the nursery. The Nursery was using a variety of methods which involved parents and carers and had an impact on the nursery. These included, within the reception, notice boards, regular information to parents and carers about their children through informal daily discussions and more formal parents' meetings to discuss children's progress. Parents were encouraged to contribute to the development of the nursery at the registration stage Questionnaires were carried throughout the results of these were shared with parents. There had been a "Graffiti Board" where parents could write what they thought about the service, this had also been used within the school. We suggested that this be used again as it appeared to be an interesting a creative way to gather parents and children opinions on the nursery. Prospective parents and carers were provided with an introductory pack which included relevant information relating to the service. Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 10 of 23

11 Parents are encouraged to contribute to the life of the nursery through helping with trips to the library, park and outings. The nursery staff had invited parents to stay and play so that they could learn more about the nursery and what their children are learning through play. Parents were actively involved in fund raising for the nursery, helping to run the Halloween party for the children and involved in the Harvest lunch last year. Children were involved in in developing the nursery through circle time and group times. Areas for improvement The nursery have developed some very good ways for parents and children to be involved in the nursery, some of these could be developed further for example: Using two stars and 1 wish to gather the views of the parents and children which could then be used to plan further improvements. The nursery had identified through their self-assessment that they were going to develop a parents room. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 11 of 23

12 Statement 3 We ensure that service users' health and wellbeing needs are met. Service strengths Inspection report continued The nursery provided very good opportunities to ensure that nursery user's health and wellbeing needs were met. Healthy eating was promoted throughout the nursery. Children had access to fresh fruit throughout the session All staff were observed to interact warmly and appropriately with the children who were observed to be relaxed and comfortable in their care. An infection control policy was in place and we observed that this contributed to a clean and well maintained environment. Children were observed to routinely wash their hands prior to having snack. There was evidence to support the nurseries approach to child protection matters. Staff had a very clear understanding of their roles and knew to direct concerns to the designated child protection officer within the school and what measures to take thereafter. All had participated in child protection training An appropriate Child Protection policy was in place. This contained all the key information required by the National Care Standards and was shared with parents/ carers. The nursery described the settling in process where good relationships began to be established between parent and centre. Each family was treated individually in an endeavour to meet their needs. The nursery policies outline of the service allowed for discussion at an early stage and helped prevent any misunderstandings prior to the commencement of a placement. A very good range of physical activities were on offer and these contributed to the physical well being of the children. These included; outside, an enclosed area with space for children to run and use bikes and other wheeled equipment. Inside the nursery had access to a large gym hall. On the day of the inspection a small group of children were using this space for running games. Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 12 of 23

13 Areas for improvement On the day of the inspection we observed that all the children were called away from their activities to have snack. We recommended that staff review this approach and look at how children could have more choice in when or if they want snack. Recommendation 1 One child had a skin allergy and parents had provided cream for this. Staff should follow their medication processes and ensure that the cream is kept in a suitable place, that they use gloves to administer it and that they record each administration of it and that this is shared with the parents. Recommendation 2 Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 2 Recommendations 1. Staff should review how they carry out snack with the children. National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 5 Quality of experience 2. All medications administered to children should be recorded and parents informed and the nursery should follow it own medication policy. National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 3.6 Health and Wellbeing Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 13 of 23

14 Quality Theme 2: Quality of Environment Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of the environment within the service. Service strengths There were very good opportunities provided for service users and carers to participate in assessing and improving the quality of the environment within the service. See Quality Statement 1.1 Areas for improvement Please see the areas for improvement in Quality Statement 1.1 Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 14 of 23

15 Statement 2 We make sure that the environment is safe and service users are protected. Service strengths The nursery had very good procedures in place to ensure that the environment was safe and that children were protected. The building was well maintained both inside and outside in the gardens. Any defects to equipment or structures were reported to the Head Teacher. Entry to the nursery was through an entry system. There were notices to remind parents and visitor to ensure the door shut behind them. A visitors signing in book was in place. Playrooms were well laid out with areas for group play, individual play and rest times. Risk assessments were carried out on a regular basis on all areas of the nursery. Cleaning procedures were in place and staff were following them. A complaints procedure was in place and information regarding how to make complaints was up on the reception notice board. Good links had been made with other health professionals to support staff in their care of children. Areas for improvement The nursery were looking at undertaking some changes to the environment for example the steps and the edging to make them more visible. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Inspection report continued Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 15 of 23

16 Quality Theme 3: Quality of Staffing Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of staffing in the service. Service strengths There were very good opportunities provided for service users and carers to participate in assessing and improving the quality of staffing within the service. See Quality Statement 1.1 Areas for improvement Please see the areas for improvement in Quality Statement 1.1 Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of recommendations: 0 Number of requirements: 0 Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 16 of 23

17 Statement 3 We have a professional, trained and motivated workforce which operates to National Care Standards, legislation and best practice. Service strengths Within the nursery there had been some changes of head teacher. The current head teacher has only been in place since January The head teacher has acknowledged that she will need time to settle into her new role and has already begun to meet with the nursery staff. Nursery staff meetings were in place and staff informed the officer that they were informative and useful. Training needs are identified and met through in house training and external training opportunities. One staff member had recently completed a certificate in Frobel provided by Edinburgh University. Staff were in the process of registering with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Management and staff understood their responsibilities under the SSSC codes of conduct. There was good continuity of staff. Staff informed the officer that they found the new management to be supportive and approachable. Areas for improvement Staff have identified that they will continue to look at training opportunities that will enhance and improve the experiences for children. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Inspection report continued Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 17 of 23

18 Quality Theme 4: Quality of Management and Leadership Grade awarded for this theme: 4 - Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of the management and leadership of the service. Service strengths There were good opportunities provided for service users and carers to participate in assessing and improving the quality of the management and leadership of the service. See Quality Statement 1.1 Areas for improvement Please see the areas for improvement in Quality Statement 1.1 Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 18 of 23

19 Statement 4 We use quality assurance systems and processes which involve service users, carers, staff and stakeholders to assess the quality of service we provide Service strengths The nursery had some quality assurance systems in place to improve the quality of the service. As previously reported the Head Teacher had been newly appointed and had yet to begin formal monitoring and evaluating of the nursery. The head teacher had met with the nursery staff and had plans to continue with annual monitoring using the Child at the centre 2 and the Curriculum for Excellence. Nursery staff were responsible for evaluating their own practice in the nursery as part of their on-going work and regularly reflected on practice through daily discussion, staff meetings and when they talked to parents. Nursery staff were involved in the weekly staff meeting with the whole school and met together on a regular basis to plan and evaluate the work they did within the playrooms. The information gathered was used to inform the future planning. Staff had a natural rapport with the children and their views were valued and incorporated into the plans wherever possible. Areas for improvement The nursery had identified that they wanted to involve parents more in evaluating the nursery. The Head Teacher discussed her plans for monitoring the nursery and the work they do with parents. Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Inspection report continued Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 19 of 23

20 4 Other information Complaints No complaints have been upheld, or partially upheld, since the last inspection. Enforcements We have taken no enforcement action against this care service since the last inspection. Additional Information Action Plan Failure to submit an appropriate action plan within the required timescale, including any agreed extension, where requirements and recommendations have been made, will result in SCSWIS re-grading the Quality Statement within the Management and Leadership Theme as unsatisfactory (1). This will result in the Quality Theme for Management and Leadership being re-graded as Unsatisfactory (1). Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 20 of 23

21 5 Summary of grades Quality of Care and Support Very Good Statement 1 Statement Very Good 5 - Very Good Quality of Environment Very Good Statement 1 Statement Very Good 5 - Very Good Quality of Staffing Very Good Statement 1 Statement Very Good 5 - Very Good Quality of Management and Leadership Good Statement 1 Statement Good 4 - Good 6 Inspection and grading history Date Type Gradings 22 Mar 2012 Re-grade Care and support Not Assessed Environment Not Assessed Staffing Not Assessed Management and Leadership 3 - Adequate 9 Mar 2012 Re-grade Care and support Not Assessed Environment Not Assessed Staffing Not Assessed Management and Leadership 1 - Unsatisfactory 28 Jun 2010 Unannounced Care and support 4 - Good Environment Not Assessed Staffing 4 - Good Management and Leadership 4 - Good Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 21 of 23

22 All inspections and grades before 1 April 2011 are those reported by the former regulator of care services, the Care Commission. Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 22 of 23

23 To find out more about our inspections and inspection reports Read our leaflet 'How we inspect'. You can download it from our website or ask us to send you a copy by telephoning us on This inspection report is published by the Care Inspectorate. You can get more copies of this report and others by downloading it from our website: or by telephoning Translations and alternative formats This inspection report is available in other languages and formats on request. Telephone: enquiries@careinspectorate.com Web: Hillwood Primary School Nursery, page 23 of 23