Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth) Day Care of Children Perth Christian Centre 28 Glasgow Road Perth PH2 0NX Telephone: 01738 639792 Inspected by: Arlene Cattigan Type of inspection: Announced (Short Notice) Inspection completed on: 11 July 2012
Contents Page No Summary 3 1 About the service we inspected 6 2 How we inspected this service 8 3 The inspection 0 4 Other information 16 5 Summary of grades 17 6 Inspection and grading history 17 Service provided by: People with a Mission Ministries Ltd Service provider number: SP2007008898 Care service number: CS2007144301 Contact details for the inspector who inspected this service: Arlene Cattigan Telephone 01383 841100 Email enquiries@scswis.com Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 2 of 19
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 4 Good Quality of Environment 4 Good Quality of Staffing 4 Good Quality of Management and Leadership 4 Good What the service does well Children were cared for in a warm, welcoming, nurturing and carefully planned learning environment, where staff were kind and respectful. Children were very happy and settled and parents told us they were very satisfied with the nursery. Children were provided with a range of activities both indoors and outdoors. The staff encouraged parents to play an active part in the life of the nursery. What the service could do better At the inspection we spoke with the owner and the manager of the nursery. They told us that they had plans for developing specific aspects of nursery practice and this included: updating risk assessments and the managing children's behaviour policy; increasing the amount of toys and resources; replacing the daily sheet provided to parents at the end of each session with a weekly sheet; making better use of individual planning and next steps for each child; staff being trained in manual handling; Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 3 of 19
continuing to use a variety of age appropriate ways to gain children's feedback on events; ensuring children's health and wellbeing are supported fully by exploring their emotions and feelings; raising awareness of the Scottish culture and language. We also asked the manager to ensure that: Inspection report continued at least one member of staff working with the small group of children in the Glasgow Road Nursery has an up to date first aid certificate; there is additional written information in the folder of the child who has an allergy which describes the symptoms staff should look out for prior to giving medication. This should also be discussed with staff so they are fully aware of allergy symptoms and the procedure to follow if necessary; staff are provided with planned one to one time with the owner and manager of the nursery (perhaps annual appraisals would be a useful format) so that the staff member's achievements can be recognised and celebrated and areas for development and training needs identified. What the service has done since the last inspection Throughout our discussion the manager identified areas of practice that she is currently progressing or would like to develop; and willingly and enthusiastically sought our ideas and suggestions for the ongoing improvement of the nursery. We noted that since the last inspection: the premises had been redecorated, a new carpet had been laid and the kitchen and children's toilet had been upgraded; a selection of new toys and resources had been purchased; a new weekly planner had been introduced; individual planning sheets had been introduced for each child; twice monthly outdoor learning sessions were included in the activity programme running from April to September. Conclusion A warm and caring ethos 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. Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 4 of 19
The staff had developed positive relationships with the children and their parents. We saw staff warmly and personally welcome adults and children into the inviting nursery setting. Who did this inspection Arlene Cattigan Lay assessor: Not Applicable. Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 5 of 19
1 About the service we inspected Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road) was registered with the Care Inspectorate (CI) on 1 April 2011. The nursery is registered to provide care to a maximum of 14 children aged birth to those not yet attending primary school at any one time. This overall number includes a maximum of four children aged birth to under two years and a maximum of ten children aged two to those not yet attending primary school. The nursery operates from a designated area on the ground floor of Perth Christian Centre. The nursery accommodation comprises of a cloakroom, two adjoining rooms and integral toilet and kitchen facilities. Children also have access to a room on the upper floor of the building for physical play when they cannot get outdoors because of poor weather conditions. The nursery provider is People With A Mission Ministries Ltd. (PWAMM). The provider has another nursery in the National Outreach Centre in Riggs Road, Perth, and this nursery is also registered with the CI. The nursery has a wide range of policies and procedures which detail the operation of the service and these are added to and reviewed on a very regular basis. The nursery's aims and values had been reviewed in consultation with children and parents. The nursery welcome booklet explains to parents that the nursery aims 'to provide a child centred environment where children will be cared for in a safe, loving and stimulating way, ensuring that their needs are met within the group setting'. The statement continues, 'We aim to do this by offering the children in our care, a wide range of activities and opportunities which will stimulate their individual needs through play and fun. We also aim to provide childcare in a way that meets parents needs and work in partnership with them, therefore providing high levels of customer care at all times'. (Please note for the purpose of the report we will use the word 'parents' throughout to mean those who are the main carers of the children in the parent's absence.) Based on the findings of this inspection this service has been awarded the following grades: Quality of Care and Support - Grade Quality of Environment - Grade Quality of Staffing - Grade Quality of Management and Leadership - Grade Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 6 of 19
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 www.scswis.com or by calling us on 0845 600 9527 or visiting one of our offices. Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 7 of 19
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 We wrote this report after an unannounced inspection. The inspection was carried out by CI inspector Arlene Cattigan. The inspection took place between 9.30am and 5.30pm on 11 July 2012. We gave feedback on findings from the inspection, on the day of the visit, to the owner and nursery manager. 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 questionnaires for parents and carers of children using the service. Four 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 self assessment and annual return nursery's evidence folders policies and procedures folder a sample of newsletters a range of wall displays with information, photographs and topic work feedback from parent's questionnaires carried out since last inspection daily sign in and out sheet general development plan mindmap for current 'train' topic displayed snack and lunch menu a sample of children's folders accident and incident records medication records daily risk assessment checklist daily cleaning schedule displayed owner, manager and staff photographs key person display with the staff and children's names and photographs staff training records Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 8 of 19
staff meeting agendas and action points since the last inspection certificate of registration and insurance certificates. We spoke with various people about the service, including: Inspection report continued owner manager nursery practitioner nursery assistant all six children. We spent time observing how staff interacted with the six children aged three years and over. 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 www.firelawscotland.org Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 9 of 19
Quality Theme 2: Quality of Environment Grade awarded for this theme: Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of the environment within the service. Service strengths Evidence for this statement is included under statement 1.1. Areas for improvement Please refer to areas for improvement under statement 1.1. Grade awarded for this statement: Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Statement 2 We make sure that the environment is safe and service users are protected. Service strengths We found the service was performing well in the areas covered by this statement. We concluded this after we spoke with the owner, manager and staff, reviewed information within the nursery and examined the environment. The nursery was located in a designated area within the premises. We saw that there was a secure door entry system and that the environment was bright, fresh and in a good state of repair and decoration. The nursery had been recently painted, new carpeting had been laid and the kitchen and children's toilet and changing area had been refurbished. A variety of new toys had been purchased which were of a very good quality. Staff were aware of how to report building faults and any repairs needed. We saw that a daily risk assessment sheet was completed by nursery staff before the children arrived. This helped to maintain a safe environment for the children attending. At the start of the session parents completed the signing in and out sheet to ensure an accurate record was kept of the number of children in attendance. The space available was utilised appropriately during the inspection and offered children a range of activities suited to their needs and interests and the planned work being followed. Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 10 of 19
We saw that the nursery had a child protection policy which detailed staff responsibilities and the actions to be taken if concerns arose. The policy was displayed for staff and parents. The practitioner caring for the children had undertaken child protection training to further enhance her knowledge and understanding of this topic. We saw a member of staff changing a child and we noted she carried out the correct procedure and wore appropriate protective apron and gloves to prevent the spread of infection. Areas for improvement The manager told us that she intends to update the nursery risk assessment to more accurately reflect all areas of the nursery environment. Grade awarded for this statement: Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 11 of 19
Quality Theme 3: Quality of Staffing Grade awarded for this theme: Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of staffing in the service. Service strengths Evidence for this statement is included under statement 1.1. Areas for improvement Please refer to areas for improvement under statement 1.1. Grade awarded for this statement: Number of recommendations: 0 Number of requirements: 0 Statement 3 We have a professional, trained and motivated workforce which operates to National Care Standards, legislation and best practice. Service strengths We found the service was performing well in the areas covered by this statement. We concluded this after we spoke with the owner, manager and staff, reviewed information within the nursery and observed practice. There was a nursery practitioner and nursery assistant working in the nursery on the day of the inspection. The practitioner had a qualification in childcare and education and was skilled and experienced in working with young children. The nursery assistant did not hold a qualification recognised in the United Kingdom although she did have a social work qualification undertaken overseas. We saw that both staff were motivated and enthusiastic about their work with the children and worked very well together. We met the manager of the nursery who managed the two nursery sites and was working at the 'sister' nursery at the time of our inspection. We spent time with her discussing the overall operation of the nursery and examining evidence folders. The manager was qualified, trained, skilled and experienced in childcare and had attended a wide range of training in the previous year. We were pleased to note that all staff including the manager completed a reflective log after attending training which detailed their learning. Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 12 of 19
The manager and the nursery practitioner were registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (the registration body for care service workers). The nursery provided information to parents about the staff who worked there and we saw that staff photographs were displayed. This ensured parents and children could easily identify the individual staff members. The manager told us that she and her staff team spoke with each other informally on a daily basis about any matters relevant to the smooth running of the nursery. She told us that they met formally each month and we saw the agendas and action points noted. These showed that a wide range of topics were discussed including planning, events and outings and parental consultation. Children and parents were noted to be comfortable and relaxed with the staff and all parents we spoke to confirmed that staff were friendly and approachable. Areas for improvement We spoke to the owner and the manager about undertaking planned one to one time with staff (perhaps annual appraisals would be a useful format) so that the staff member's achievements can be recognised and celebrated and areas for development and training needs identified. Written records signed by both the owner or manager (depending on who conducts the meeting) and the staff member should be retained. Grade awarded for this statement: Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Inspection report continued Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 13 of 19
Quality Theme 4: Quality of Management and Leadership Grade awarded for this theme: 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 Evidence for this statement is included under statement 1.1. Areas for improvement Please refer to areas for improvement under statement 1.1. Grade awarded for this statement: Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 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 We found the service was performing well in the areas covered by this statement. We concluded this after we spoke with the owner, manager and staff, reviewed information within the nursery and observed practice. The manager monitored the overall quality of the service provided as she and the staff team carried out their day to day work, identifying areas for improvement from her own observations and from feedback from staff members, children and parents. The manager had updated nursery staff job descriptions and these had been given to staff. The manager discussed work related performance matters with staff members as and when they arose. The owner and the manager held informal discussions on a regular basis; and there were regular planned meetings held between staff, the manager and the owner which provided opportunities for discussion and sharing good practice. Agendas confirmed the range of topics discussed and the nursery's focus on continuous improvement. Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 14 of 19
Parents and staff were currently assessing the nursery's performance against the CI's National Care Standards and had reached Standard 5 out of 14. Parents and staff were asked to provide feedback on a different standard each month and as a result of feedback there had been changes to nursery practice. The owner and the manager told us about the 'end of the month' heads of department meetings which the nursery manager regularly attended alongside the owners and other seniors from the overall organisation. The manager told us that at these meetings she shared the nursery's achievements and future developments with other personnel within the organisation. This sharing of information at a senior level helped colleagues understand the work of the nursery and contributed to the efficient smooth running of the nursery and its integration within the wider organisation. The owner and the manager held identified roles which contributed to the smoother running of the nursery. Their photographs, names and titles were displayed to ensure parents knew who to contact if they had a query. The photographs and titles of the owner, manager and the staff team had been featured in a previous nursery newsletter which was issued to all parents. The manager had asked parents to comment on the quality of management and leadership of the nursery since the last inspection and the results had been collated and given to parents. The manager had also begun to seek the views of other stakeholders to assess the quality of the service provided and we saw one response which was extremely positive. We were pleased to note that the owner and the manager were clearly committed to improvement, and discussion through inspection and at feedback demonstrated that they were continually seeking new opportunities and ways to further develop the service. We saw the action plan that the manager had developed from the previous inspection and saw how all areas for improvement had been addressed. Areas for improvement We discussed with the owner and manager continuing to use the systems in place to improve the nursery service provided to children and their families; and continuing to seek a wider range of stakeholders' views. Grade awarded for this statement: Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 15 of 19
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 There is no other information to be included in this report relevant to the inspection. 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). Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 16 of 19
5 Summary of grades Quality of Care and Support - Statement 1 Statement 3 Quality of Environment - Statement 1 Statement 2 Quality of Staffing - Statement 1 Statement 3 Quality of Management and Leadership - Statement 1 Statement 4 6 Inspection and grading history Date Type Gradings 22 Sep 2010 Announced (Short Notice) Care and support Environment Staffing Management and Leadership Not Assessed Not Assessed 11 Nov 2009 Announced (Short Notice) Care and support Environment Staffing Management and Leadership Not Assessed Not Assessed 23 Jun 2008 Unannounced Care and support Environment Staffing Management and Leadership Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 17 of 19
All inspections and grades before 1 April 2011 are those reported by the former regulator of care services, the Care Commission. Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 18 of 19
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 0845 600 9527. This inspection report is published by SCSWIS. You can get more copies of this report and others by downloading it from our website: www.scswis.com or by telephoning 0845 600 9527. Translations and alternative formats This inspection report is available in other languages and formats on request. Telephone: 0845 600 9527 Email: enquiries@scswis.com Web: www.scswis.com Footprints Nursery (Glasgow Road, Perth), page 19 of 19