Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales

Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales Children Act 1989 (as amended by the Care Standards Act 2000) Inspection report Full day care Tiny Tots Clytha Square 1 The Avenue Clytha Square Newport NP20 2FF Date of publication 12 May 2010 You may reproduce this Report in its entirety. You may not reproduce it in part or in any abridged form and may only quote from it with the consent in writing of Welsh Ministers.

Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales South East Wales 6th Floor Civic Centre Pontypool Torfaen NP4 6YB 01495 761200 01495 761239 Name of setting : Tiny Tots Clytha Square Contact telephone number: 01633 222832 Registered Person/Responsible Individual Person in charge: Nicola Harper & Clare Sawkins Michelle Arnold Number of places: 60 Date of this visit : 5 March 2010 Dates of other relevant contact since Introductory visit last report: Date of previous report publication: 22/08/08 Inspected by: Sandy Pearce Page 2

Guidelines on inspection Introduction This report has been compiled following an inspection of the setting undertaken by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) under the provisions of the Children Act 1989 and associated regulations. The primary focus of the report is to comment on the quality of care and protection experienced by the children. The report contains information on how we inspect and what we find. The report is divided into eight distinct parts reflecting the broad areas of the National Minimum Standards. The CSSIW Inspectors are authorised to enter and inspect registered child care settings at any time. Inspection enables the CSSIW to satisfy itself that continued registration is justified. It also ensures compliance with: The Children Act 1989 (as amended by the Care Standards Act 2000) and associated regulations, while taking into account the National Minimum Standards for this type of registered setting The setting`s own Statement of Purpose At inspection, CSSIW tries to capture the views and experiences of service users by means of questionnaires for the parents/carers, staff and by engagement with children who use the setting. At any other time throughout the year visits may be made to investigate complaints and to respond to any changes in the service. Readers must be aware that a CSSIW report is intended to reflect the findings of the inspector at a specific period in time. Readers should not conclude that the circumstances of the service will be the same at all times. The Registered Person is responsible for ensuring that the service operates in a way which complies with the service specific regulations. CSSIW will comment in the general text of the inspection report on their compliance. For those regulations which CSSIW believes to be key in bringing about change in the particular service, they will be separately and clearly identified in the requirement section. As well as listing these key requirements from the current inspection, requirements made by CSSIW since the last inspection, which have been met and those which remain outstanding are included in this report. The reader should note that requirements made in last year`s report which are not listed as outstanding have been appropriately complied with. Where key requirements have been identified, the Registered Person is required under Regulation 3C (Compliance Notification) to advise in writing, the appropriate regional office of the completion of any action required by CSSIW. The regulated service is also responsible for having in place a clear, effective and fair complaints procedure which promotes local resolution between the parties in a swift and satisfactory manner, wherever possible. The annual inspection report will include a summary of the numbers of complaints dealt with locally and their outcome. Page 3

CSSIW may also be involved in the investigation of a complaint. Where this is the case CSSIW makes available publicly a summary of any matters it has been involved in together with any action taken by CSSIW. Should you have concerns about anything arising from the inspector`s findings, you may discuss these with CSSIW or with the Registered Person The Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales is required to make reports on registered facilities available to the public. Most reports are public documents and will be available on the CSSIW web site: www.cssiw.org.uk Summary This inspection report is based on the information provided in the Self Assessment Form received prior to the inspection, discussion with one parent, information provided by staff and parents in questionnaires, discussion with the provider and manager, talking with children and staff during the course of the inspection, observation in all of the group rooms, outside play areas and other facilities indoors for messy play, soft play/ball pool, viewed a sample of records/procedures and an inspection of the premises. Tiny Tots Clytha is one of three nurseries within the Tiny Tots group. The range of policies and procedures and documentation in place were applied across all three nurseries. There was a manager in each of the nurseries and the two providers regularly spend time in each of the nurseries. The Clytha nursery is registered with CSSIW for up to 60 children aged from birth to 8 years and operates between the hours of 08.00 and 18.00. The nursery is a large Victorian building near the centre of Newport city centre and very close to the local hospital thus making it very convenient for working parents. It had parking in the grounds and therefore provided parking off the road for parents to deliver and collect their children. The nursery had secure entry arrangements and outside play space. On the day of inspection the nursery was well presented and brightly decorated; the children s work was displayed extensively. It was pleasing to note the improvements arising from recent changes and decoration and to hear of the plans for continued improvement to the premises. Positive features identified at this inspection were: A hands on/high presence approach of the two Directors. Improvements to the premise and plans for further improvements. A well established, qualified and experienced manager/management team. A well established and experienced core staff team Staff observed to be child focused A good atmosphere in the nursery with children moving between a range of activities during the course of the day Robust recruitment practices and records to demonstrate this along with the support of a specialist organisation for human resources issues Good recording processes Page 4

Areas identified for development: Review of the complaint procedure. Clarify reporting arrangements for the quality of care review. Page 5

Choice of service Inspector`s findings: There were no changes to the Statement of Purpose. The company/nursery had a parent pack which was given to any parent who makes an enquiry about using the nursery for their child. The parent pack was written in a user friendly manner and contained an appropriate range of information. In questionnaires parents indicated that the information they needed was in the pack and they were satisfied with the information provided. The contract and information provided by parents included consent for medical treatment, health, times of attendance at nursery, fees, notice arrangements, food/special dietary needs, clothing etc. The nursery used English as its main language of communication but some Welsh was introduced with children via activities in the older groups. The directors of the nursery plan to rebrand the company as they would like the title to more effectively reflect the range of services they provide. To this end they have reviewed the parent pack and will reprint when this process is complete. When the directors have completed their plans they were aware of the need to notify the CSSIW and the Certificates of Registration can then be amended accordingly. Requirements made since the last inspection report which have been met: When completed Requirements which remain outstanding: (previous outstanding requirements) Original timescale for completion New requirements from this inspection: Timescale for completion Good practice recommendations: Page 6

Planning for individual needs and preferences Inspector`s findings: The nursery had a policy on individual needs and assessment. Parents provided information about their child at the point of placement and share details around dietary needs etc. Good communication systems were in place between the nursery and parents. The manager was supernumerary and took responsibility for most part in answering the door as parents/children/visitors arrive. This provided positive opportunity for parents to speak with the manager if they wished. If the manager was not available to do this the deputy or the assistant would fill this role. In questionnaires parents indicated that good communication systems were in place and they felt well informed about their child s experience at nursery each day because they talk to staff on arrival/collection and the nursery used a daily diary to keep parents informed about key issues of the day such as food, sleep etc, and the activities children have participated in. It also provided an opportunity for parents to communicate with staff if they wanted to or if they would not be bringing their child themselves. None of the children had special needs although the nursery was satisfied that they would be clear about what needs they were able to manage should such a request be made. Links had previously been made with the SENCO and should a need arise would do so again. Parents would be involved in providing key information and guidance. Children attended the nursery from different cultural backgrounds. The manager described all children being treated as individuals and of care being taken to meet individual dietary needs, to celebrate different festivals and to promote a respectful culture. Very good recording processes were in place to facilitate monitoring of accidents, incidents, visitors and a register of children. These records were viewed and were found to be clear, easy to read and well maintained. The nursery office had lockable filing cabinets for secure storage. Page 7

Requirements made since the last inspection report which have been met: When completed Requirements which remain outstanding: (previous outstanding requirements) Original timescale for completion New requirements from this inspection: Timescale for completion Good practice recommendations: Page 8

Quality of life Inspector`s findings: The nursery used the seven areas of learning through a project and basic skills approach as a basis for the work and activities provided. Improvements were being made to development and assessment records in line with local authority and foundation phase information and requirements. The educational planning, observing and recording had been developed with guidance from the foundation phase and early years professionals. Children were encouraged to be independent and appeared confident and were evidently well supported by enthusiastic and interested staff. There was a wide range of activities, toys, equipment and play opportunities available with some rooms used by children in all of the groups at different times eg the soft play room with ball pool. Children were observed to take part in a good variety of experiences including painting, crayoning, learning Welsh words, singing, stories, cars, building blocks, ball pool etc. The outdoor area was used to extend the children s learning outside. Suitable clothing and wellington boots were available for all the children. Outdoor equipment included trikes, scooters, bats, balls, hoops etc. Children were observed to use these in the hard surface area as rain had made the ground very soft. The areas with slides etc was fenced in a separate area and was therefore accessed when the weather was suitable. Children were observed to enjoy their activities, to be able to play with other children, to be encouraged to share and resolve differences, to help tidy toys away at the end of a session, to develop their reasoning and physical skills. Staff were observed to be attentive to children and their needs and to interact in a warm caring manner. Children who attended for after school club were observed to be provided with a range of play opportunities when they arrived from school and to be provided with a meal and drink. Interaction between the children and staff was respectful and relaxed. Staff were observed to be attentive to the children, to listen to their news and join in activities with them. Page 9

Quality of care and treatment Inspector`s findings: Children were provided with key staff in group rooms; this provided consistency of care. Staff in the nurseries work across the groups and nurseries if there is a need to cover for staff absences. In questionnaires parents indicated that they knew the staff that looked after their children and were confident about the quality of care provided. One parent said Staff are great, easy to approach and my daughter always enjoys her nursery days. The nursery had a positive approach to behaviour management and staff were observed to be attentive to children and to be respectful and warm in their interaction with children. Any significant incidents were recorded. Health information about each child was obtained at the point of joining the nursery. The nursery had arrangements for medication to be held in a drawer of a locked filing cabinet in the office or if it needed to be kept refrigerated in a container in the fridge in the kitchen. If a child needed medication, prescribed or non prescribed, the parent would complete a request form and given details of what and when it was to be administered and the date and time of the last dose given. The nursery had a record sheet on which medication administration was recorded and signed by the staff member administering; the parent signed the sheet when collecting the medication with the child at the end of the day. Only the manager, deputy or assistant manager administered medication. A sample of medication administration records was viewed. All staff had completed First Aid Training except the staff member on maternity leave. The nursery provided breakfast, lunch, tea and snacks for the children. Tea was provided to children who attended the after school club. A significant number of the children at this nursery had special dietary needs arising from medical, preference or cultural needs. The cook took great care to record the specific details of what individual children could eat and to check each day which children were in and to clarify what their needs would be. Care was taken to ensure that children were provided with fresh fruit and vegetables each day. Children ate in their group rooms and staff were attentive to good hygiene practices in relation to table cleaning, hand washing before/after meals and teeth cleaning. Meals were a social occasions with good manners encouraged. Page 11

Staffing Inspector`s findings: Staff recruitment practices were explored and a sample of staff files were viewed. The sample of files viewed indicated that good robust recruitment practices were in place with all relevant checks and records being in place. Two new staff had been appointed in 2009. The company had a contract to use the service of a human resources company (Peninsula) that were described as very good, effective and responsive to any queries or request for guidance. They were described as providing a 24 hour service and included the provision of advice on employment and disciplinary matters. The company director had a spread sheet that indicated that all the core checks had been carried out and provided very useful monitoring information for events such as when CRB was due for renewal. New staff were described as being required to complete a period of probation there were examples of staff who had not successfully completed their probation period and had therefore left the company. The manager at the nursery maintained a file for each staff member to include emergency contact details, record of appraisal, and record of training attended/completed. A very good response from staff questionnaires was received for this inspection 13 responses. In questionnaires staff indicated that they felt very supported by their managers and were given guidance when they requested it. The questionnaires indicated that staff received good training opportunities. Staff meetings were held every two months staff could add issues to the agenda for discussion at the meeting. The nursery enjoyed the benefit of having a low staff turnover and a core of staff who have worked at the nursery for long periods of time. The company appraisal system had an incentive built into it that enabled staff to earn additional annual leave hours as reward. Page 13

Conduct and management of the service Inspector`s findings: Tiny Tots Clytha Nursery was a well established nursery registered for up to 60 children aged 0 8 years of age. At the time of inspection 30 children were in attendance; occupancy levels were not reaching the nursery potential. Tiny Tots Clytha had a breakfast club, after school club, holiday club and nursery and operated between the hours of 08.00 and 18.00. The nursery was one of three Tiny Tots nurseries. The two directors regularly spent time in the nursery and were found to have well established relationships with the manager, staff, children and parents. The Director described plans to rebrand the company so that the title can better reflect the full range of service they provide ie after school club, holiday club and wrap around care. They were aware of the need to notify CSSIW in writing about these changes so that the necessary amendments can be made to the Certificate of Registration. Clear management arrangements were in place. This nursery had a manager, deputy and assistant manager to meet the management needs of the nursery. The manager was supernumerary, when she was absent the deputy or assistant manager become supernumerary with their group room responsibilities then filled by other nursery staff. The assistant manager post was a new post. The manager was appropriately qualified and experienced. She was organised, efficient and effective at meeting the needs of the nursery. The deputy and assistant manager were appropriately qualified and experienced; they were described as holding specific responsibilities and of being able to cover for the manager in her absence. The managers of the three Tiny Tots nurseries were said to meet with the directors every 3-4 months. In relation to quality assurance, management sought the views of key stakeholders in order to continue to develop the service. The nursery had a suggestion box but no comments had been received via that route. Completion of part two of the CSSIW self assessment form constitutes satisfactory completion of the requirement for a review of the quality of care. However, regulations further require that a report be produced relating to this review and a copy of it be made available to parents and staff. Please consider how this report can be produced and shared with relevant parties; the guidance from the IIP assessment may also provide some useful guidance. There was a notice board with information for parents attention it may be that a report on the review of the quality of care could be put on the notice board. The nursery had been subject to an Estyn inspection; this had been a very positive inspection. Questionnaires completed by parents and staff for this inspection provided very positive comments about the nursery, staff and management of the service. Page 15

Complaints and protection Inspector`s findings: Complaints: The nursery had a complaint procedure; a brief procedure was included in the Terms and conditions provided to parents and the full procedure was displayed on the notice board for parents attention. It is recommended that the procedure be reviewed against the indicators of the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Children Act 1989 (Regulatory Reform and Complaints) (Wales) Regulations 2006 to ensure full compliance. The nursery manager had dealt with some concerns/complaints from parents in relation to children being bit by other children. The manager described making every effort to manage such incidents sensitively in relation to those children who had been bitten and those who bit, and their parents. The nursery had sought specialist advice and continued to be mindful of these issues in their daily work with the children. Child Protection: All staff received up dated child protection training in January 2010. Information about child protection and safe care was included in the staff handbook and policies and procedures folder. It was being revised at the time of inspection. There had not been any child protection concerns at the nursery since the last inspection. Requirements made since the last inspection report which have been met: When completed Requirements which remain outstanding: (previous outstanding requirements) Original timescale for completion New requirements from this inspection: Timescale for completion Good practice recommendations: It is recommended that the complaint procedure be reviewed to ensure full compliance with regulations. Page 17

The physical environment Inspector`s findings: Tiny Tots at Clytha was located close to Newport town centre and the hospital. It is a large Victorian house/property with facilities provided on three floors. The top floor was used by the older children for after school club and office provision for administration and the directors. The first floor was used for babies/toddlers, and the ground floor was used for older toddlers/pre school children. In addition to group rooms the nursery had designated rooms for messy play, soft play and imaginative play. The nursery was decorated with children s work in all areas. The reception area had been improved with a partition wall having been removed and the area decorated. It was looking light, bright and airy and was a very nice reception area. Steps had been taken to decorate areas of the nursery, in particular the communal area and stairwell, to very positive effect. There were plans for further decoration and improvements including new replacement windows and carpets. The Director described having consulted with the planning, fire and conservation specialists as the building was in a conservation area and subject to limitations for change. It was positive that such changes/improvements were in progress. The plans include improvement to the outside play areas. In order for there to be no disruption to the nursery operations, care had been taken for work to be carried out during evenings and weekends. The nursery had off road parking facilities in the grounds. Outside play was in three areas, one was only used by the older children who attended for holiday or out of school club, one was fenced off for access when ground/weather was suitable to access the slide etc, and the third area was a hard surface area used in all weathers and suitable for bikes, scooters etc. The self assessment form completed in readiness for this inspection by the directors and manager confirmed that attention had been given to all aspects of safety and maintenance of the premises. It confirmed that risk assessments were in place in relation to the premise and outings. Environmental health and fire service requirements were described as met. Page 18