27
Amber Kindergarten Day Care of Children Camphill Schools Murtle Estate Bieldside Aberdeen AB15 9EP Telephone: 01224 867935 Inspected by: Karen Provan Type of inspection: Unannounced Inspection completed on: 10 December 2013

Amber Kindergarten Day Care of Children

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    2

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Amber KindergartenDay Care of ChildrenCamphill Schools Murtle EstateBieldsideAberdeenAB15 9EPTelephone: 01224 867935

Inspected by: Karen Provan

Type of inspection: Unannounced

Inspection completed on: 10 December 2013

ContentsPage No

Summary 31 About the service we inspected 52 How we inspected this service 73 The inspection 114 Other information 245 Summary of grades 256 Inspection and grading history 25

Service provided by:Camphill Rudolf Steiner Schools Limited

Service provider number:SP2003000021

Care service number:CS2003016365

Contact details for the inspector who inspected this service:Karen ProvanTelephone 01224 793870Email [email protected]

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 2 of 27

SummaryThis report and grades represent our assessment of the quality of the areas ofperformance which were examined during this inspection.

Grades for this care service may change after this inspection following otherregulatory activity. For example, if we have to take enforcement action to make theservice improve, or if we investigate and agree with a complaint someone makesabout 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 5 Very Good

What the service does wellThe staff promote a warm and inclusive environment in which children and familiesfeel welcome and nurtured.

What the service could do betterStaff should continue to explore ways in which children and parents may be involvedin assessing and improving the whole of the service.

What the service has done since the last inspectionImprovements made since the last inspection include:

• Staff reviewed the hand washing process. The children now wash their handsin smaller groups which ensures a smoother process.

• Following parent feedback the service purchased more challenging outdoorclimbing equipment.

• The parent handbook has been reviewed and updated.

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 3 of 27

ConclusionThe service provides a warm and nurturing environment in which children's andparents' individuality is recognised and supported.

Who did this inspectionKaren Provan

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 4 of 27

1 About the service we inspectedThe Care Inspectorate regulates care services in Scotland. Information in relation to allcare services is available on our website at www.careinspectorate.com.

This service was previously registered with the Care Commission and transferred itsregistration to the Care Inspectorate on 1 April 2011.

Requirements and recommendations

If we are concerned about some aspect of a service, or think it could do more toimprove its service, we may make a recommendation or requirement.

• A recommendation is a statement that sets out actions the care serviceprovider should take to improve or develop the quality of the service butwhere failure to do so will not directly result in enforcement.Recommendations are based on the National Care Standards, relevant codesof practice and recognised good practice.

• A requirement is a statement which sets out what is required of a care serviceto comply with the Public Services Reforms (Scotland) Act 2010 andRegulations or Orders made under the Act or a condition of registration.Where there are breaches of the Regulations, Orders or conditions, arequirement must be made. Requirements are legally enforceable at thediscretion of the Care Inspectorate.

Amber Kindergarten is in the Camphill Early Childhood Centre located on the CamphillRudolf Steiner School's Murtle Campus. The school is in a semi-rural area to the westof Aberdeen.

The service is registered to provide a care service to a maximum of sixteen children,aged from 12 months to 7 years at any one time. The service currently operatesMonday to Friday during school term, between the hours of 9.30am and 12.30pm.

The early years programme is based on the Waldorf Curriculum. It is also informed bythe later research of Karl Konig, other contemporary educationalists and researchersof child development, and by the Curriculum for Excellence.

The aims of the service include:

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 5 of 27

• To provide a warm, safe, nurturing environment for your children, integratingcare and education in a holistic way to support their healthy development andsense of wellbeing.

Based on the findings of this inspection this service has been awarded the followinggrades:

Quality of Care and Support - Grade 5 - Very GoodQuality of Environment - Grade 5 - Very GoodQuality of Staffing - Grade 5 - Very GoodQuality of Management and Leadership - Grade 5 - Very Good

This report and grades represent our assessment of the quality of the areas ofperformance which were examined during this inspection.

Grades for this care service may change following other regulatory activity. You canfind the most up-to-date grades for this service by visiting our websitewww.careinspectorate.com or by calling us on 0845 600 9527 or visiting one of ouroffices.

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 6 of 27

2 How we inspected this service

The level of inspection we carried outIn this service we carried out a low intensity inspection. We carry out theseinspections when we are satisfied that services are working hard to provideconsistently high standards of care.

What we did during the inspectionWe wrote this report following an unannounced inspection. The inspection wascarried out by Inspector Karen Provan. The inspection took place on Tuesday 3December 2013 between 8:45am and 2:15pm. We gave feedback to the manager andstaff on 3 December and received further copies of records on 10 December 2013.

During the kindergarten session the children spent most of the time in the gardenand had snack and took part in a Eurythmy session in the classroom.

As part of the inspection, we took account of the completed Annual Return and SelfAssessment forms that we asked the provider to complete and submit to us.

We sent eight Care Standards Questionnaires to the manager to distribute to theparents and carers of children who used the service. Parents and carers returned eightquestionnaires before inspection.

During this inspection process, we gathered evidence from various sources, includingthe following:

We spoke with:

• fourteen children who used the service• four parents/carers• the manager• two staff

We looked at:

• health and safety records• accident and incident records• complaints records• children's records including individual care plans

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 7 of 27

• medication records• service parent and carer questionnaires• service photographic displays of activities and information• newsletters and communications issued to parents• classroom displays• observing how staff work• observing the interactions between staff and children• staff Continuous Professional Development records• service Improvement Plan records• examining equipment and the indoor and outdoor environment.

Grading the service against quality themes and statementsWe 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'. Undereach quality theme are 'quality statements' which describe what a service should bedoing well for that theme. We grade how the service performs against the qualitythemes 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 ourinspections. These are extra checks we make on top of all the normal ones we makeduring inspection. We do this to gather information about the quality of these aspectsof care on a national basis. Where we have examined an inspection focus area we willclearly identify it under the relevant quality statement.

Fire safety issuesWe do not regulate fire safety. Local fire and rescue services are responsible forchecking services. However, where significant fire safety issues become apparent, wewill alert the relevant fire and rescue services so they may consider what action totake. You can find out more about care services' responsibilities for fire safety atwww.firelawscotland.org

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 8 of 27

What the service has done to meet any recommendations we madeat our last inspection1. The manager and staff should ensure that the activities provided allow children tochoose from a balanced range of activities.

We observed the children to play in the garden for most of the session. The childrencould choose from a range of activities to suit their individual interests. Thisrecommendation has been actioned. Please refer to Quality Theme 1, Statement 1 forfurther information relative to this recommendation.

The annual returnEvery year all care services must complete an 'annual return' form to make sure theinformation we hold is up to date. We also use annual returns to decide how we willinspect the service.Annual Return Received: Yes - Electronic

Comments on Self AssessmentEvery year all care services must complete a 'self assessment' form telling us howtheir service is performing. We check to make sure this assessment is accurate.The Care Inspectorate received a completed Self Assessment document from theprovider. We were satisfied with the way the provider completed this and with therelevant information included for each heading that we grade services under.

The provider identified what it thought the service did well, some areas fordevelopment and any changes it had planned.

Taking the views of people using the care service into accountThere were sixteen children present in the kindergarten during the inspection. Weobserved the children enjoying time out in the garden, raking leaves, making 'soup'and playing on the climbing equipment. The children also had snack in theclassroom and a Eurythmy session. We spoke with fourteen children and mostindicated that they really enjoyed coming to Amber. The children were verycomfortable involving the inspector in their activities and chatting about what theywere doing.

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 9 of 27

Children's comments included:

• "We've got sparrows in our garden".• "Come and see where we are going to put our bird feeder".• "Look at the size of my pile of leaves, it's really big".• "We're making chicken soup.......it's not really soup, we're just pretending....it's

really mud pie".• "Do you like muesli....I like muesli.....I like mine with milk....would you like a

biscuit?"• "We've all got our own napkins".• "Ok...let's fill the teapot up....put it like that.....ok mum".

Taking carers' views into accountEight parents/carers returned completed Care Standards Questionnaires followinginspection. We had the opportunity to speak with a further four parents/carers duringour inspection. Everyone said that they felt very welcome in Amber and comfortablewith staff. They told us that they felt they and their children were very well supportedby staff and that staff were extremely caring of the children.

Parents/carers comment included:

• "Excellent staff and service. My child feels nurtured and has made greatstrides in her development".

• "Amber Kindergarten provides a very high quality environment and excellentcare. The staff is very professional at all times and attentive to my child'sindividual needs".

• "In my opinion Amber Kindergarten is an exceptional place that provides aservice of very high standard. My children are very happy and settled thereand I am confident that staff always has their best interest in mind".

Parents/carers comments and references to our questionnaires are includedthroughout this report.

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 10 of 27

3 The inspectionWe looked at how the service performs against the following quality themes andstatements. Here are the details of what we found.

Quality Theme 1: Quality of Care and SupportGrade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good

Statement 1We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving thequality of the care and support provided by the service.

Service strengthsWe did not inspect all the Quality Statements within this Theme on this occasion. Thefindings are based on inspection of Quality Statements 1 and 3.

At this inspection we found that the service was very good at involving children andparents in assessing and improving the quality of care and support provided by theservice. We looked at service improvements, service questionnaires, newsletters,records of consultation, spoke with children, parents and staff and observed staffpractice to assess this statement.

Staff welcomed children and their families into the kindergarten at the beginning ofthe session and conversed with the child and the parent about what the child hadbeen doing since they last attended Amber. Parents shared information about theirchild and highlighted anything of significance which might affect their child'sdemeanour. When the parents arrived to collect their children staff discussed whattheir child had been involved with during the session and relevant information aboutthe individual child's morning. Parents told us and we observed that parents and staffdiscussed the care and support needs of children on a regular basis.

Parent's comments included:

• "I can't praise this service enough. The staff are lovely, very welcoming andnon-judgemental. They are readily available and always receptive to anyconcerns or suggestions".

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 11 of 27

• "We are regularly asked for opinion about the service both verbally andthrough questionnaires".

• "We have regular meetings to discuss our child's progress and developmentbut this is very much ongoing on a daily basis".

Staff had very good knowledge of the children in their care and throughout thesession encouraged the children to contribute their ideas. Children contributed todiscussion throughout the session and documentation and observation indicated thatchildren's contributions influenced the forward planning for the service and theindividual child.

Parents liked that they received a regular newsletter telling them about the topics/activities being explored and other relevant Amber news.

Parents told us that families were welcome to spend time in Amber at any time andoften attended special celebrations, for example St. Martin's walk, Advent Garden andthe upcoming Christmas Celebrations.

Staff readily encouraged children to explore the activities and their interests andsupported them to make decisions and extend their learning. This promotedchildren's independence and personal development. We observed staff, children andparents to have relaxed, respectful relationships and parents told us that staff werevery supportive of the children and their families.

It was clear that children's and parents' contributions influenced the forward planningfor the individual child and the quality of the service.

Of the Care Standards Questionnaires returned seven parents strongly agreed and oneparent agreed that the service involved them and their child in developing the service,for example asking for ideas and feedback. Five parents strongly agreed and oneparent agreed that staff asked for their child's views about the activities and outings,and used them to plan future activities. One parent didn't know and one parentthought this not applicable.

Areas for improvementThe service should continue to maintain and improve upon the very high standard ofquality. They should ensure they are rigorous in identifying any areas for improvementand implementing action plans to address these.

Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good

Number of requirements: 0

Number of recommendations: 0

Statement 3

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 12 of 27

We ensure that service users' health and wellbeing needs are met.

Service strengthsWe did not inspect all the Quality Statements within this Theme on this occasion. Thefindings are based on inspection of Quality Statements 1 and 3.

At this inspection we found that the service was very good at ensuring children'shealth and wellbeing needs were met. We looked at children's records, health andsafety records; spoke with children, parents and staff and observed staff practice andthe environment to assess this statement.

Staff and parents shared comprehensive information about children and Amber beforeeach child started with the service. The parents, together with their children,completed a comprehensive record of information which included family, languagespoken by child with family, likes, dislikes, allergies and any additional support ormedication needs. The parent/s also provided their thoughts on how best to settletheir child into Amber, their child's particular strengths and any areas fordevelopment which would benefit from additional support. This information thenhelped to support the settling in process and the forward planning for the individualchild.

Documentation indicated that staff undertook regular observation and assessment ofeach child which then influenced the next steps in learning for that child.

Parents told us that during the induction process staff took into account their child'sindividual needs and effectively supported the child and the parent to settle in toAmber.

Parent comments included:

• "Staff know my child really well and are very receptive to our input asparents".

• "Staff really appreciate children's individuality."• "Amber seem to have a little bit more of everything, time, patience, staff."

Documentation examined and observation indicated that the programme reflectedchildren's individual emotional, personal and social needs. Staff promoted the health,wellbeing and safety of the children in their care whilst encouraging children to makereasoned decisions and choices about their own safety. This effectively supported thedevelopment of children's skills and promoted their independence.

Staff were considerate of children's individuality and encouraged children to be kindto each other with friendships being encouraged and supported. Staff knew individualchildren well and were observed to effectively promote positive behaviour.

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 13 of 27

There were effective cleaning schedules in place and the environment was observedto be clean. Staff undertook appropriate infection control procedures during thepreparation and serving of snack and ensured effective and appropriate hand washingby the children. This minimised the spread of infection.

The children enjoyed healthy snack items and staff demonstrated an appropriateawareness of the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Amber promoted a holistic, healthyliving approach which included organic food. The children took turns to be snackhelpers which promoted their independence and social skills. The programmedelivered by Amber also included baking, gardening, painting/drawing, regularoutdoor activity and arts and crafts.

Accidents and incidents were appropriately recorded and shared with parents. Recordsdemonstrated that staff had an effective knowledge of the administration of first aidfor minor injuries.

Of the Care Standards Questionnaires returned six parents strongly agreed and twoparents agreed that staff regularly assessed their child's learning and developmentand used this to plan their child's next steps. Eight parents strongly agreed that theirchild regularly got fresh air and energetic physical play.

Please refer to Quality Theme 1, Statement 1, Quality Theme 2, Statement 2 andQuality Theme 3, Statement 3 for further information relative to this statement.

Areas for improvementThe service should continue to monitor and improve upon the very good standard ofquality. They should ensure they are rigorous in identifying any areas for improvementand implementing action plans to address these.

Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good

Number of requirements: 0

Number of recommendations: 0

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 14 of 27

Quality Theme 2: Quality of Environment

Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good

Statement 1We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving thequality of the environment within the service.

Service strengthsWe did not inspect all the Quality Statements within this Theme on this occasion. Thefindings are based on inspection of Quality Statements 1 and 2.

At this inspection we found that the service was very good at involving children andparents in assessing and improving the quality of the environment within the service.We looked at service improvements, service questionnaires, newsletters, records ofconsultation, spoke with children, parents and staff and observed staff practice toassess this statement.

Of the Care Standards Questionnaires returned eight parents strongly agreed thattheir child can experience and choose from a balanced range of activities and that theservice has a suitable range of equipment, toys and materials for the children.

For information relative to this Statement please refer to Quality Theme 1, Statement1.

Areas for improvementThe service should continue to monitor and maintain the very high standard ofquality. They should ensure they are rigorous in identifying any areas for improvementand implementing action plans to address these.

Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good

Number of requirements: 0

Number of recommendations: 0

Statement 2We make sure that the environment is safe and service users are protected.

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 15 of 27

Service strengthsWe did not inspect all the Quality Statements within this Theme on this occasion. Thefindings are based on inspection of Quality Statements 1 and 2.

At this inspection we found that the service was very good at making sure theenvironment was safe and the children were protected. We looked at resources, safetyrecords, written risk assessments, medication records, spoke with children, parentsand staff and observed staff practice and the environment to assess this statement.

Staff had discussion with the children and parents as they arrived at Amber whichincluded confirming who would be picking up each child at the end of the session.This ensured that all children left with a responsible adult. The building was seen tobe in a good state of repair and there was a process in place for repairs to be carriedout. Documentation and observation indicated that there were effective cleaningsystems in place and the environment was seen to be clean and fresh.

Amber comprised of two classrooms with a cloakroom area and toilets to which thechildren had safe, independent access.

Children had independent access to classroom resources which were laid out in amanner that allowed individual and co-operative play. During the session the childrenspent most of the session in the fenced garden, raking leaves, hanging bird feeders,making mud pies and exploring the play equipment. We observed children to enjoythe activities and be motivated by them. Staff interacted with children in a mannerwhich promoted children's confidence, extended learning and encouraged children'scontributions.

The children had regular access to outdoor spaces including wooded areas within thecampus grounds. Staff practiced risk/benefit assessment and encouraged children toassess the safety of situations and activities for themselves. This promoted children'sself-awareness and confidence. Appropriate recorded risk/benefit assessments hadbeen developed for the premises and outings. Staff recorded appropriate informationin respect of accident and incident which indicated an effective knowledge of theadministration of first aid for minor injuries.

We observed the children and staff to wash their hands at appropriate times and inan effective manner. Parents and staff told us and records indicated that parents wereaware of the exclusion periods for childhood illness. These contributed to the controlof the spread of infection.

All staff demonstrated appropriate knowledge about keeping children safe andappropriate local contact numbers were available should staff have a child protectionconcern.

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 16 of 27

Of the Care Standards Questionnaires returned eight parents strongly agreed that theservice was safe, secure, hygienic, pleasant and stimulating and that the service had asuitable range of equipment, toys and materials for the children.

For further information relative to this Statement please refer to Quality Theme 1,Statements 1 and 3 and Quality Theme 3, Statement 3.

Areas for improvementThe service should continue to monitor and improve upon the very good standard ofquality. They should ensure they are rigorous in identifying any areas for improvementand implementing action plans to address these.

Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good

Number of requirements: 0

Number of recommendations: 0

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 17 of 27

Quality Theme 3: Quality of Staffing

Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good

Statement 1We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving thequality of staffing in the service.

Service strengthsWe did not inspect all the Quality Statements within this Theme on this occasion. Thefindings are based on inspection of Quality Statements 1 and 3.

At this inspection, we found that the service was very good at involving children andparents in assessing and improving the quality of staffing in the service. We looked atservice improvements, service questionnaires, newsletters, records of consultation,spoke with children, parents and staff and observed staff practice to assess thisstatement.

Of the Care Standards Questionnaires returned seven parents strongly agreed and oneparent agreed that they were confident that staff have the skills and experience tocare for their child and support their learning and development. Eight parents stronglyagreed that their child appeared happy and confident with staff

For information relative to this Statement, please refer to Quality Theme 1, Statement1.

Areas for improvementThe service should continue to monitor and maintain the very high standard ofquality. They should ensure they are rigorous in identifying any areas for improvementand implementing action plans to address these.

Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good

Number of requirements: 0

Number of recommendations: 0

Statement 3We have a professional, trained and motivated workforce which operates to NationalCare Standards, legislation and best practice.

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 18 of 27

Service strengthsWe did not inspect all the Quality Statements within this Theme on this occasion. Thefindings are based on inspection of Quality Statements 1 and 3.

At this inspection we found that the service had a very good professional, trained andmotivated workforce, which operated to National Care Standards, legislation and bestpractice. We looked at staff training records, relevant policies and procedures, recordsof staff meetings, spoke with children, parents and staff and observed staff practiceto assess this statement.

The service maintained the correct staff:child ratios as required, in line with theNational Care Standards and their conditions of registration. Three of the staff hadbeen with Amber for a number of years and the support worker since August 2013,this provided continuity for the children and the service; we observed staff to workwell together.

Staff were suitably qualified for the roles they held and where required, registeredwith the appropriate professional bodies. Staff demonstrated an awareness of theirresponsibility to ensure minimum hours of continuous professional development(CPD) in order to meet the conditions of registration with the professional bodies.

We observed staff and children to have relaxed respectful relationships, with staffencouraging children to make informed choices including decisions about theirpersonal safety. Staff undertook high quality interactions with children and extendedchildren's learning where appropriate which promoted children's individualdevelopment.

Parents spoken with commented,

• "I find staff to be very patient, perceptive and welcoming".• "I like that staff provide both structured and individual activities".• "Staff know my child really well and value individuality".

Staff met regularly to discuss the forward planning for the service and the children.The manager undertook monitoring of staff practice and staff undertook peer reviewof activities and practice. Staff told us that they found this useful as oftencolleagues highlighted different aspects of a situation and their input usually provedinfluential in improving outcomes for children.

The manager and staff undertook regular supervision during which time theyreflected on staff performance and development and discussed any futuredevelopment requirements. These strategies contributed to continued best practiceand good outcomes for children.

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 19 of 27

Records indicated that all staff had undertaken regular training in child protection andfirst aid (that is training at least every three years as indicated by best practiceguidance). Records indicated that one staff had undertaken food hygiene/safetytraining within the last three years. We observed staff practice to be appropriate inthese areas. Staff CPD records detailed that staff undertook additional training asrequired in order to promote best practice and good outcomes for children. Trainingundertaken included epilepsy, inclusion, attachment, outside art and problem solvingoutdoors.

Of the Care Standards Questionnaires returned seven parents strongly agreed and oneparent agreed that the staff had the skills and experience to care for their child andsupport their learning and development and that there was always enough staff toprovide a good quality of care.

Please refer to Quality Theme 1, Statements 1 and 3 and Quality Theme 2, Statement 2for further information relative to this Statement.

Areas for improvementRecords examined indicated that not all regular staff had maintained up to date coretraining (child protection, food hygiene and first aid) as is current, recognised bestpractice. Two staff had not maintained up to date food safety/hygiene training.

See Recommendation 1.

Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good

Number of requirements: 0

Number of recommendations: 1

Recommendations

1. The provider, manager and staff to ensure that all staff undertakes regular,comprehensive training, including core training, in order to ensure up to dateknowledge and promote continued best practice and good outcomes for children.

National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16Standard 3 - Health and wellbeing, and Standard 12 - Confidence in staff.

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 20 of 27

Quality Theme 4: Quality of Management and Leadership

Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good

Statement 1We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving thequality of the management and leadership of the service.

Service strengthsWe did not inspect all the Quality Statements within this Theme on this occasion. Thefindings are based on inspection of Quality Statements 1 and 4.

At this inspection we found that the service was very good at involving children andparents in assessing and improving the quality of management and leadership of theservice. We looked at service improvements, service questionnaires, newsletters,records of consultation, spoke with children, parents and staff and observed staffpractice to assess this statement.

Of the Care Inspectorate questionnaires returned eight parents strongly agreed thatoverall they were happy with the quality of care their child received in this service.

For information relative to this Statement, please refer to Quality Theme 1, Statement1.

Areas for improvementThe service should continue to monitor and improve upon the very high standard ofquality. They should ensure they are rigorous in identifying any areas for improvementand implementing action plans to address these.

Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good

Number of requirements: 0

Number of recommendations: 0

Statement 4We use quality assurance systems and processes which involve service users, carers,staff and stakeholders to assess the quality of service we provide

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 21 of 27

Service strengthsWe did not inspect all the Quality Statements within this Theme on this occasion. Thefindings are based on inspection of Quality Statements 1 and 4.

At this inspection we found that the service had very good quality assurance systemswhich involved those with an interest in the service in assessing the quality of theservice provided. We looked at service improvements, service questionnaires,newsletters, records of consultation, current improvement plan, spoke with children,parents and staff and observed staff practice to assess this statement.

The kindergarten had developed an appropriate statement of aims and objectives andcomplaints and child protection policies and procedures which were discussed withparents during induction. Parents told us that they had never felt the need to make aformal complaint as staff encouraged parental involvement in the service and alwayshad time to listen if you had a concern.

The kindergarten used quality assurance models which included:

• Child at the Centre 2• Aberdeenshire Council quality assurance programme.

Discussion with children, parents and staff, observation during inspection andexamination of relevant documentation showed that assessment and improvement ofthe kindergarten was ongoing throughout the year.

Feedback from parents about the service was actively sought during the year and anyimprovements or suggestions acted upon where possible. This information included:

• Feedback from parents following the return of service questionnaires.• Verbal feedback from parents during the year.• Feedback from regulatory bodies for example Care Inspectorate, Education

Scotland.

Parents and staff told us that they had meaningful discussion on a regular basis.Parents told us that they had a really good relationship with the staff and knew howto contact the manager should this be required. The current improvement planincluded:

• Undertaking regular team meetings.• Staff to share responsibility for planning structured activity.• In the winter term classroom practice to be evaluated.

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 22 of 27

For further information relative to this Statement please refer to Quality Theme 1,Statement 1 and Quality Theme 3, Statement 3.

Areas for improvementThe service identified in the Self Assessment document that they would continue todevelop self-evaluation and reflective evaluation of practice for all staff.

Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good

Number of requirements: 0

Number of recommendations: 0

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 23 of 27

4 Other information

ComplaintsNo complaints have been upheld, or partially upheld, since the last inspection.

EnforcementsWe have taken no enforcement action against this care service since the lastinspection.

Additional InformationN/A.

Action PlanFailure to submit an appropriate action plan within the required timescale, includingany agreed extension, where requirements and recommendations have been made,will result in the Care Inspectorate re-grading a Quality Statement within the Qualityof Management and Leadership Theme (or for childminders, Quality of StaffingTheme) as unsatisfactory (1). This will result in the Quality Theme being re-graded asunsatisfactory (1).

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 24 of 27

5 Summary of grades

Quality of Care and Support - 5 - Very Good

Statement 1 5 - Very Good

Statement 3 5 - Very Good

Quality of Environment - 5 - Very Good

Statement 1 5 - Very Good

Statement 2 5 - Very Good

Quality of Staffing - 5 - Very Good

Statement 1 5 - Very Good

Statement 3 5 - Very Good

Quality of Management and Leadership - 5 - Very Good

Statement 1 5 - Very Good

Statement 4 5 - Very Good

6 Inspection and grading history

Date Type Gradings

23 Nov 2010 Unannounced Care and support 5 - Very GoodEnvironment Not AssessedStaffing Not AssessedManagement and Leadership Not Assessed

24 Feb 2010 Announced (ShortNotice)

Care and support 6 - ExcellentEnvironment Not AssessedStaffing 5 - Very GoodManagement and Leadership Not Assessed

26 Mar 2009 Unannounced Care and support 6 - ExcellentEnvironment 5 - Very GoodStaffing 5 - Very GoodManagement and Leadership 5 - Very Good

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 25 of 27

All inspections and grades before 1 April 2011 are those reported by the formerregulator of care services, the Care Commission.

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 26 of 27

To find out more about our inspections and inspection reportsRead our leaflet 'How we inspect'. You can download it from our website or ask us tosend you a copy by telephoning us on 0845 600 9527.

This inspection report is published by the Care Inspectorate. You can get more copiesof this report and others by downloading it from our website:www.careinspectorate.com or by telephoning 0845 600 9527.

Translations and alternative formatsThis inspection report is available in other languages and formats on request.

Telephone: 0845 600 9527Email: [email protected]: www.careinspectorate.com

Inspection report continued

Amber Kindergarten, page 27 of 27