Laburnum Nursery Centre Day Care of Children Laburnum Road Viewpark Uddingston G71 5AB Inspected by: (Care Commission Officer) Type of inspection: Maureen Gough Unannounced Inspection completed on: 11 December 28 1/2
Service Number Service name CS26114929 Laburnum Nursery Centre Service address Laburnum Road Viewpark Uddingston G71 5AB Provider Number dummy Provider Name SP23237 North Lanarkshire Council Inspected By dummy Inspection Type Maureen Gough Care Commission Officer Unannounced dummy Inspection Completed Period since last inspection 11 December 28 11 months dummy Local Office Address Princes Gate, 6 Castle Street, hamilton ML3 6BU dummy 2/2
Introduction Laburnum Nursery Centre was registered by the Care Commission in May 26 to provide a sessional and daycare service for children aged from birth to those not yet attending primary school. The service is available to nine children aged from birth to under two years, 15 children aged from two to under three years, and 72 children aged from three to those not yet attending primary school. There are currently 198 children using the service throughout the week. The nursery operates between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year. The nursery, located in Viewpark, Uddingston, is based within a joint campus which is shared with the local primary school. Two playrooms are available to children aged from birth to under three years and one spacious playroom is available to children aged from three years to those not yet attending primary school. The building also houses a staff room, offices, kitchen, parents room and suitable toilet facilities. Children also have use of fully enclosed outside play areas as well as the school gymnasium. The nursery aims to create a safe, secure, stimulating and healthy learning environment through promoting a positive ethos. The full Statement of Aims and Objectives is available to service users. Based on the findings of this inspection the service has been awarded the following grades: Quality of Care and Support - Grade 4 Good Quality of Environment - Grade 5 Very Good Quality of Staffing - Grade 5 Very Good Quality of Management and Leadership - Grade 5 Very Good This inspection report and grades represent the Care Commission s 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. Please refer to the care services register on the Care Commission s website (www.carecommission.com) for the most up-to-date grades for this service. Basis of Report This report was written following an unannounced visit by two Care Commission Officers on Thursday 11 December 28 between the hours of 9.3am and 4.3pm. Before the Inspection The Annual Return The service submitted a completed Annual Return as requested by the Care Commission. The Self-Assessment Form The service submitted a self-assessment form as requested by the Care Commission Views of service users Twenty-five care standards questionnaires were issued and 11 were returned before the inspection visit. 3/2
The service had devised questionnaires for parents and children and these were also examined as part of this inspection. Two parents and a grandparent were consulted during the inspection visit. Regulation Support Assessment The inspection plan for this service was decided after a Regulation Support Assessment (RSA) was carried out to determine the intensity of inspection necessary. The RSA is an assessment undertaken by the Care Commission Officer (CCO) which considers complaints activity, changes in the provision of the service, nature of notifications made to the Care Commission by the service (such as absence of a manager) and action taken upon requirements. The CCO will also have considered how the service responded to situations and issues as part of the RSA. This assessment resulted in this service receiving a low RSA score and so a low intensity inspection was required. The inspection was based on the relevant Inspection Focus Areas and associated National Care Standards, recommendations and requirements from previous inspections and complaints or other regulatory activity. Staff at inspection This inspection was carried out by Maureen Gough and Ann Dornan, Care Commission Officers. Evidence Evidence was gathered from a number of sources including: A review of a range of policies, procedures, records and other documentation, including the following: - child protection policy and complaints procedure - whistleblowing policy - professional review and development policy - administration of medication procedures - administration and storage of medication policy - parent support group minutes - minutes of staff meetings and training records - staff monitoring sheets - accident and incident records and permission slips - children's record of achievement folders and staffs' planning folders - service questionnaires - children s registers - service improvement plan Discussion took place with the head and depute head of centre, four early years workers and generally with children present. Observation took place of staffs' practices and the environment and equipment were examined. Care Commission Officers took all of the above and The Regulation of Care (Requirements as to Care Services) (Scotland), Regulation 22, SSI 114, into account, and reported on how the service was performing in the following quality themes and statements: Quality Theme 1: Quality of Care and Support 4/2
Quality Statement 1.1 and elements of Quality Statement 1.3 Quality Theme 2: Quality of the Environment Quality Statements 2.1 and 2.5 Quality Theme 3: Quality of Staffing Quality Statements 3.1 and 3.3 Quality Theme 4: Quality of Management and Leadership Quality Statements 4.1 and 4.4 Inspection Focus Areas Protecting People - Child Protection and Notifications Inspection Focus Areas and links to Quality Themes and Statements for 28/9 Details of the inspection focus and associated Quality Themes to be used in inspecting each type of care service in 28/9 and supporting inspection guidance, can be found at: http://www.carecommission.com/ Fire Safety Issues The Fire (Scotland) Act 25 introduced new regulatory arrangements in respect of fire safety, on 1 October 26. In terms of those arrangements, responsibility for enforcing the statutory provisions in relation to fire safety now lies with the Fire and Rescue service for the area in which a care service is located. Accordingly, the Care Commission will no longer report on matters of fire safety as part of its regulatory function, but, where significant fire safety issues become apparent, will alert the relevant Fire and Rescue service to their existence in order that it may act as it considers appropriate. Further advice on your responsibilities is available at www.infoscotland.com/firelaw Action taken on requirements since last Inspection There were no requirements resulting from the last inspection of this service. Comments on Self Assessment 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 future development plans. View of Service Users Children present were observed to be very happy and content in their surroundings. They played happily throughout the inspection with the activities and resources provided. Some were confident to speak with Officers about what they liked to do and places they liked to visit. Some of their favourite activities were painting, bathing the babies, drawing, sand and water play and playing on the chute. View of Carers Eleven parents completed care standards questionnaires providing them with the opportunity 5/2
to assess and comment on the quality of care and support, the quality of the environment, the quality of staffing and the quality of management and leadership. Ten parents strongly agreed with the statement, overall, I am happy with the quality of care my child receives in this service, with one parent agreeing with the statement. Most parents strongly agreed that staff shared information about their child s learning and development with them, where appropriate. All parents strongly agreed that their children could experience and choose from a balanced range of activities. All parents also strongly agreed that they were kept informed about what was happening in the service, for example through newsletters and information boards, with one parent agreeing with the statement. Three parents agreed that staff asked for their child s views about the activities and outings, and used them to plan future activities with six parents strongly agreeing with the statement. Some parents replied not applicable to this statement. Parents comments included: Since my child has attended this nursery he has improved in all aspects of his development and I would recommend this nursery to anyone and would also like to point out that every single employee are so friendly and welcoming. This is my second experience with the centre and I only have positive comments. My child has came on leaps and bounds. Some additional comments are contained within this report. Parents consulted during the inspection expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the service. They felt they were kept well up-to-date with the children's nursery day and said that staff discussed all issues regularly with them. They spoke very positively about the management and staff team. They said that families were delighted with all aspects of the nursery. 6/2
Quality Theme 1: Quality of Care and Support Overall CCO Theme Grading: 4 - 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 provided parents, carers and children with various methods to allow the service to gain their views on the quality of all aspects of the service provided. These included informal daily discussions, 2-way daily diaries, and questionnaires for parents and children, parents' meetings and a yearly open evening. There was also a Parents' Support Group in place. Home visits took place for children under three years of age. Parents wrote in the service questionnaire: "The open day was very interesting & helpful, as it put to rest my worry of my child beginning big Nursery School." "I am totally satisfied in every way with the Nursery, most importantly my child is happy." Staff stated that they spoke with parents and children daily and these informal discussions provided opportunities in which they could express opinions and share their views on the service. A parent wrote in the care standards questionnaire: "â â.. I am well informed on my sons activities and progress." Children were consulted during mind-mapping sessions. Their ideas and suggestions were recorded in floor books. Children's views were considered when programmes were being developed and this was reflected in staffs' planning. Children had suggested the home corner be changed into a Christmas shop and they were observed enjoying themselves in this area during the inspection. They had also chosen the songs for the Christmas concert, i.e., Scottish songs. One of the children enthusiastically showed an Officer her Special Book which included a record of her achievements. She proudly showed off her artwork and discussed all her photographs. She said she had chosen the photos and paintings in the folder and that her mum got to see the folder. Subsequently an additional group of children proudly showed Officers their Special Books. Parents were encouraged to add their comments on the contents. These included the following: "I am so pleased â.. is doing well." "The special book looks great. Lots of nice photos, and a good recording of her activities at nursery." The service audited the results of questionnaires and parents were informed of the outcome. 7/2
The findings influenced the future development of the service and this was evidenced in the service's improvement plan. Following discussions with management and staff, observations, a review of documentation, and consultation with service users this service was found to have a very good performance in relation to this statement. Areas for Development An area for improvement highlighted by the nursery in the self-assessment was to develop the content of questionnaires for children and parents and to identify the best time of the year to issue these, taking account of the busy nursery year. The service also planned to develop the annual open evening to ensure the interests of all nursery users were met. The service is maintaining a high standard of performance against this quality statement and should continue to involve parents and children in assessing and improving the quality of care and support provided. CCO Grading 5 - Very Good Number of Requirements Number of Recommendations Statement 3: We ensure that service user's health and wellbeing needs are met. Service Strengths The only elements of this statement that were examined during this inspection visit were in relation to administration and management of medication, children's dietary requirements, first aid and child protection. Procedures were in place for the administration and storage of medicines and staff were fully aware of the procedures for administering medication. Medicines were stored in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines. Parents had completed permission slips detailing the reason for medication, time to be administered and dosage to be given. Staff had received training for the administration of certain medications. Children's dietary requirements were appropriately met and staff were fully aware of children's allergies. A detailed list was displayed appropriately for staff to follow. Suitably stocked first aid boxes were provided in each playroom and named first aiders had been identified. An appropriate child protection policy and recording system was in place within the nursery and staff displayed a very good understanding of the procedures to be followed if there were 8/2
any concerns about any of the children in their care. All staff had attended in-house child protection training in August 28 and the head of centre confirmed that new staff received child protection training as part of their induction programme. The address of the local Social Work Department and relevant telephone numbers were recorded. The nursery had a copy of the Area Child Protection Committee Child Protection guidelines and staff were aware of the documents - Protecting Children and Young People: The Charter, and Protecting Children and Young People: The Framework for Standards. These documents, together with numerous leaflets and important information relating to the protection of children were available in the parents' room. Staff said they talked to children about being safe as part of their ongoing development and learning. Staff used appropriate methods to encourage children to talk about their feelings and about being respectful and kind to others. Discussions took place through the use of the "feelings box" as well as through storytelling, songs and rhymes. The staff had created a caring and relaxed atmosphere for the children. They were observed to be happy, confident and content within their surroundings. Children were encouraged in their individual efforts and to value themselves and others. Some of the activities children enjoyed during the inspection were painting at the table, playing with musical instruments and building a house with large bricks. Some children chose to play outdoors and asked for the bikes and cars. Following discussion with management and staff, observations, a review of documentation and consultation with service users, this service was found to have a good performance in relation to this statement. Areas for Development There was no record of medicines stored on the premises. (See requirement 1) The procedure for the administration of medication did not contain details that parents should have given their child the first dose of a new medication or what action staff should take if a child refused to take their medicine. (See recommendation 1) Staff said that they informed parents of the time they had administered the last dose of medication to their child. However, records did not confirm that parents had been given this information. (See recommendation 2) The head of centre agreed to further develop the procedures for absence management. The head of centre agreed to maintain a 'list of contents' within the service's first aid boxes. An area for improvement highlighted in the self-assessment was to continue to work towards achieving the gold health promoting nursery award. CCO Grading 4 - Good Number of Requirements 1 9/2
Number of Recommendations 2 1/2
Quality Theme 2: Quality of Environment Overall CCO Theme Grading: 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 The methods provided to service users to allow them to participate in assessing and improving the quality of the environment within the service were similar to those detailed in quality statement 1.1. Some of the questions in the service questionnaire related to the environment and security procedures. A parent wrote: "I am confident that my child is happy and confident in her environment and is looked after safely." The head of centre and staff confirmed that children's views were acted on when new equipment and resources were being purchased. Children chose the materials for the malleable area, such as the colour, texture and smell of the dough. Parents had expressed concern about the lack of space in the buggy store and this was resolved to their satisfaction by management. Following discussions with management and staff, observations, discussions with service users, and a review of documentation, this service was found to have a very good performance in relation to this statement. Areas for Development Please refer to quality statement 1.1. The service is maintaining a high standard of performance against this quality statement and should continue to provide parents and children with opportunities to participate in assessing and improving the quality of the environment within the service. CCO Grading 5 - Very Good Number of Requirements Number of Recommendations Statement 5: The accommodation and resources are suitable for the needs of the service users. 11/2
Service Strengths The nursery provided a safe, bright and welcoming environment for children. A very good range of equipment and resources, including some multi-cultural materials, were available to children that enhanced their learning and development. All equipment was age and stage appropriate and was clean and in good condition. Resources were easily accessed and well presented to the children. Examples of children's work and photographs were effectively displayed throughout the nursery, for children and parents to enjoy. Very useful information was displayed for parents within the entrance foyer, hallway and parents' room. This included leaflets on local events as well as nursery information. Children were observed to be happy and relaxed in their surroundings. During the inspection they were offered a wide range of opportunities and appropriate challenges. Staff interacted skilfully with children to develop their understanding and extend their learning. They had developed a responsive environment where children were confident and happy. In the care standards questionnaire most parents "strongly" agreed that the service had a suitable range of equipment, toys and materials for the children. Following discussion with management and staff, observations, a review of documentation, and consultation with service users, this service was found to have a very good performance in relation to this statement. Areas for Development Areas for improvement highlighted in the self-assessment were to further develop the outdoor areas as planned through fundraising and grants. The service is maintaining a high standard of performance against this quality statement and should continue to ensure that the accommodation and resources are suitable for the needs of service users. CCO Grading 5 - Very Good Number of Requirements Number of Recommendations 12/2
Quality Theme 3: Quality of Staffing Overall CCO Theme Grading: 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 The methods provided to service users to allow them to participate in assessing and improving the quality of staffing in the service were similar to those detailed in quality statement 1.1. Some of the questions in the service questionnaire related to the quality of staffing. The responses were favourable in relation to the staff team. Comments about staff included: "Everyone goes out of their way to be polite & helpful." "Always made to feel welcome." "The staff are wonderful academically and personally, they are all lovely and create a lovely warm, welcoming, contented atmosphereâ â â.. He's happy, safe and in the genuine care of hard working ladies." Parents wrote in the Care Commission questionnaire: "I am more than happy with the staff and the service provided." "â â and would also like to point out that every single employee is so friendly and welcoming." "Staff are always approachable and friendly but professional." A good relationship was observed between parents and the staff team during the inspection and a good exchange of information took place. In responses to the care standards questionnaire most parents "strongly" agreed that their children appeared happy and confident with the staff. Following discussion with management and staff, observations, consultations with service users, and a review of documentation, this service was found to have a very good performance in relation to this statement. Areas for Development Please refer to quality statement 1.1. The service is maintaining a high standard of performance against this quality statement and should continue to provide parents and children with opportunities to participate in assessing and improving the quality of staffing in the service. 13/2
CCO Grading 5 - Very Good Number of Requirements Number of Recommendations Statement 3: We have a professional, trained and motivated workforce which operates to National Care Standards, legislation and best practice. Service Strengths Staff were deployed appropriately to ensure continuity of care and they were fully aware of their roles and responsibilities. They displayed a very good knowledge of the individual needs of children. Staff monitored children's progress and learning effectively, using current best practice guidance. Performance review and development was in place for all staff. They had a good range of qualifications, skills and experience relevant to the aims of the service and had been encouraged to use their individual skills and expertise. Staff had access to a range of training opportunities through the local authority's annual training programme. They had attended various external training opportunities over the last year in addition to in-service sessions. Training was linked to the needs of individual staff members and the nursery's improvement plan. Staff stated that they had found training they had attended to be very useful and beneficial. Minutes of meetings examined highlighted that regular staff meetings took place. Staff displayed enthusiasm and commitment to the nursery, worked well as a team and were keen to develop the service further. A useful set of policies and procedures was in place and these were appropriately implemented by staff. They displayed a good knowledge of the regulatory role of the Care Commission, the National Care Standards, and their responsibilities under the Codes of Practice issued by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). All members of early years staff were registered with the Council. Following discussion with management and staff, observations, a review of documentation, and consultation with service users, this service was found to have a very good performance in relation to this statement. Areas for Development It was noted in the self-assessment that managers planned to continue to monitor the work of the centre and to strive to keep the staff team motivated and enthusiastic. The service is maintaining a high standard of performance against this quality statement and should continue to ensure there is a professionally trained and motivated workforce in place. CCO Grading 14/2
5 - Very Good Number of Requirements Number of Recommendations 15/2
Quality Theme 4: Quality of Management and Leadership Overall CCO Theme Grading: 5 - Very 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 The methods provided to service users to allow them to participate in assessing and improving the quality of the management and leadership of the service were similar to those detailed in quality statement 1.1. Some of the questions in the service questionnaire related to the leadership of the service. Positive responses were noted in responses. Written comments included: "â â â.. the ladies are lovely, they go out their way to help you, are very kind and informative regarding the nursery." "From the office staff to the head you couldn't meet nicer folkâ â." "You have a wonderful team of staff. I have never seen an unhappy worker at Laburnum." Comments in the care standards questionnaire included: "The centre is well organized and I feel confident to entrust my son's care with Laburnum Nursery Centre." "Ruth and Pat are the 'Dream Team' in my opinion. Along with their staff they provide a safe, welcoming, interesting and diverse environment for the children to play and learn." Parents spoken with confirmed they were aware of the service's Complaints Procedure. Parents said they were given the opportunity to read, and comment on, the previous inspection report. They confirmed they had been given information relating to the new grading process. Parents confirmed they were encouraged to help in playrooms and at special events. Parents stated that they had been given an informative handbook which contained nursery policies and procedures. They felt they could offer their comments on any of the service's documents. Following discussion with management and staff, observations, a review of documentation, and consultation with service users, this service was found to have a very good performance in relation to this statement. Areas for Development Please refer to quality statement 1.1. The service is maintaining a high standard of performance against this quality statement and should continue to provide parents and children with opportunities to participate in assessing 16/2
and improving the quality of management and leadership. CCO Grading 5 - Very Good Number of Requirements Number of Recommendations 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 quality of work of the staff team was effectively monitored by the management team and records indicated that regular staff meetings were held and staff were encouraged to contribute their views and ideas on service delivery. Members of the management team often worked alongside staff and monitored staffs' planning. Staff spoken with said they felt fully supported by management. All staff were involved in reviewing the quality of all aspects of the provision and this evaluation resulted in plans for improving the service. Evaluation procedures were based on relevant materials and followed national and local advice. A detailed improvement plan was in place which set out clear targets and timescales for achievements. Parents' and children's views and suggestions were also used to further improve the service. The nursery had successfully gained the Health Promoting Nursery Silver Award and was working towards gaining the gold award as well as their 2nd Eco flag. The nursery had also been awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Summer Flower Festival 28, Miniature Garden Competition. The head of centre was aware of the Care Commission's notification procedures and her responsibility for reporting matters to the Social Services Council in relation to staff misconduct. Management and staff displayed a commitment to providing a quality service and were enthusiastic about developing the service further. Following discussion with management and staff, observations, discussions with service users, and a review of documentation, this service was found to have a very good performance in relation to this statement. Areas for Development The nursery planned to evaluate the effectiveness of the monitoring calendar and to keep up-to-date with quality assurance procedures as they develop. 17/2
The service is maintaining a high standard of performance against this quality statement and should continue to provide service users, carers, staff and stakeholders with the opportunity to assess the quality of service provided. CCO Grading 5 - Very Good Number of Requirements Number of Recommendations 18/2
Regulations / Principles National Care Standards 19/2
Enforcement There has been no enforcement action against this service since the last inspection. Other Information None. Requirements 1. The Provider must maintain a record of medicines for the use of service users which are kept on the premises from which the care service is provided. This is in order to comply with: SSI 22/114 Regulation 19.(3)(j) - Records Timescale for implementation: within 24 hours of the publication of this report. Recommendations 1. The manager should further develop the procedures for the administration of medication to ensure there is information stating that parents should have given their child the first dose of a new medication. The procedures for staff to follow should a child refuse medication should also be included. National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16, Standard 3.6: Health and Wellbeing. 2. The manager should ensure parents have signed dosage sheets to confirm they have been informed when the last dose of medication was given to their child. National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16, Standard 3.6: Health and Wellbeing. Maureen Gough Care Commission Officer 2/2