Railway Cottage Nursery Day Care of Children

Railway Cottage NurseryDay Care of Children17 Carlibar RoadBarrheadGlasgowG78 1AA

Type of inspection: Unannounced

Inspection completed on: 26 June 2014

ContentsPage No

Summary 31 About the service we inspected 42 How we inspected this service 63 The inspection 104 Other information 255 Summary of grades 266 Inspection and grading history 26

Service provided by:Glens Management Limited

Service provider number:SP2012011918

Care service number:CS2012309484

If you wish to contact the Care Inspectorate about this inspection report, please callus on 0845 600 9527 or email us at [email protected]

Inspection report continued

Railway Cottage Nursery, 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 4 Good

Quality of Environment 4 Good

Quality of Staffing 4 Good

Quality of Management and Leadership 4 Good

What the service does wellWe saw that staff had developed good relationships with families using the service.The nursery had a range of play equipment and an all-weather outdoor play area.Parents told us they were happy with the quality of care provided

What the service could do betterThe service should take action on the recommendations identified within this report.

What the service has done since the last inspectionThis is the first inspection of the service

ConclusionThe service was continuing to develop and improve. We saw that they had made goodprogress since they started providing the service.



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

This service registered with the Care Inspectorate on 11 September 2013.

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

- A recommendation is a statement that sets out actions the care service providershould take to improve or develop the quality of the service but where failure to do sowill not directly result in enforcement. Recommendations are based on the NationalCare Standards, relevant codes of practice and recognised good practice.

- A requirement is a statement which sets out what is required of a care service tocomply with the Public Services Reforms (Scotland) Act 2010 and Regulations orOrders made under the Act or a condition of registration. Where there are breaches ofthe Regulations, Orders or conditions, a requirement must be made. Requirements arelegally enforceable at the discretion of the Care Inspectorate.

Railway Cottage Nursery provides a care service to a maximum of 32 children frombirth to those not yet attending primary school - 9 children from birth to under 2years and 23 children from two years to those not yet attending primary school(within this number a maximum of 15 children will be aged 2 to under 3 years).

The service is located in a renovated property in the Barrhead area of EastRenfrewshire. The service has sole use of the premises which have secure door entry.The building has two main playrooms and an enclosed outdoor play area along with asheltered outdoor play area.

The service aims and objectives included:

'To provide high quality service for children and families.'

'To provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment through a balance of directedand free choice activities for all-round child development, and by providing activitiesbased around the Curriculum for Excellence and Pre-Birth to Three.'

'To have an open door policy for parents and children.'



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

Quality of Care and Support - Grade 4 - GoodQuality of Environment - Grade 4 - GoodQuality of Staffing - Grade 4 - GoodQuality of Management and Leadership - Grade 4 - 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.



2 How we inspected this service

The level of inspection we carried outIn this service we carried out a medium intensity inspection. We carry out theseinspections where we have assessed the service may need a more intense inspection.

What we did during the inspectionWe wrote this report after an unannounced inspection visit which took place on 20June 2014. The inspection was undertaken by one Care Inspectorate Inspector. Thiswas the first inspection of the service.

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 15 care standards questionnaires to the manager to distribute to parents.Three questionnaires were returned to us before the inspection. We also spoke withparents by telephone.

At this inspection, we gathered evidence from various sources including:

- parental questionnaires- participation information- policies and procedures- children's files- care plans- planning and mind maps- staff records- training- medication- risk assessments- accidents and incident records- quality assurance.

We spoke with:

- the provider- the manager- staff members- parents



- children.

We also considered the environment and observed staff at work.

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



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.

We received a fully completed self assessment document from the service provider.We were satisfied with the way the service provider had completed this and with therelevant information they had given us for each of the headings that we grade themunder.

The service provider identified what they thought they did well, some areas fordevelopment and any changes they planned. The service provider told us how thepeople who used the care service had taken part in the self assessment process.

Taking the views of people using the care service into accountWe gathered the views of children and young people attending the service. We spoketo children who told us about their nursery and what they enjoyed about it. Weobserved children and they were settled in the nursery setting. Children's commentsincluded:

"We are having sandwiches.""We like going out to the garden.""I am playing with my friends."



Taking carers' views into accountWe sent out 10 questionnaires and we received three back from parents. We alsospoke with three parents during our visit.

In the returned questionnaires, all three parents strongly agreed that overall they arehappy with the quality of care their child receives in this service.

We received the following comments from parents.

'Since our first visit to the establishment both myself and my partner have been verypleased with the welcoming and home from home environment which is provided forour child.'

'I appreciate that the same staff care for my daughter. I feel this has helped her settlein well to a different environment.'

'We've been really happy with the nursery so far.'

'Staff seem really nice and my children are really settled.'

'They tell me how they have been each day, I'm happy with that.'

'The facilities are great and they have a good outdoor area.'



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: 4 - 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 found that the service had developed good ways of involving parents and childrenin assessing and developing the service.

Parents told us they were happy with the level of involvement they had in the nurseryand that it suited both their and their children's needs. We saw that staff had builtgood relationships with parents and there were opportunities for discussions aboutcare routines at the beginning and end of sessions. Staff shared information on howchildren's days had been and for new children settling in staff took time to discuss allaspects of the nursery and answer any questions for parents.

We saw that children were supported by staff to make plans, decisions and choices asthey moved around the nursery playroom. We saw children being independent andthe playrooms were laid out to allow free choice. Simple mind maps and discussionswith children allowed staff to use their views to plan the programme of activities.

Staff had started to gather the views of parents through questionnaires and theywere also using social media to share information with parents. There were plans inplace to use social media as a tool for gathering feedback and sharing improvements.Newsletters were handed out regularly and used to share important informationabout the nursery. Parents had been consulted on the menus and they weregathering a wish list of toys and resources.

These positive approaches to involvement showed that the service was working withfamilies to continually develop and improve the nursery.



Areas for improvementThe service's self assessment stated that completed parental questionnaires wereavailable and once collated staff will act upon suggestions made by parents. The selfassessment also stated that staff hope to establish a parents' forum in order to giveparents a chance to meet with the manager or depute manager once every 6 to 8weeks.

We saw that the service had plans in place to further involve parents and children inimproving the nursery; this was detailed within the development plan and selfassessment. This will ensure that parents and children are consulted on all aspects ofthe service and involved in the developments. We found that there could be furtherways to involve people using the service in assessing and improving the outcomes forchildren. (See Recommendation 1)

Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good

Number of requirements: 0

Number of recommendations: 1

Recommendations

1. The provider should develop and improve the ways that parents and children canbecome involved in assessing and developing the service.

National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16:Standard 12 - Improving the service.



Statement 3We ensure that service users' health and wellbeing needs are met.

Service strengthsWe looked at infection control practice under this statement. We also looked at careplans, medication and how the service was meeting children's individual needs. Wefound that the service performance was good in this area.

The nursery had a good range of policies and procedures in place to promote thehealth and wellbeing of children attending the service. We saw that staff werefollowing best practice guidelines in relation to infection control. Staff were all familiarwith the most up to date guidance and we saw them encourage children to washtheir hands throughout the day.

We saw that staff wore suitable protective clothing when dealing with children'spersonal care or when cleaning up spillages.

The cook had attended food and hygiene training and she provided all meals andsnacks for children. Lunch was prepared freshly each day on the premises and we sawthat children had a positive meal time experience.

Tables were set and children could serve themselves where appropriate. The cookspent time with the children encouraging them to taste the different vegetables andcourses on offer. The lunch menu was healthy and well-balanced. Staff had consultedparents and took ideas from what the children enjoyed and asked them their views.

We saw that the environment was clean and well maintained; staff had a schedule ofcleaning and maintenance for the nursery. We found that children were being caredfor in a clean and safe environment.

The service was involved in Childsmile, the national toothbrushing scheme, andshared information about this with parents before children started. This showed thatstaff were promoting healthy lifestyles for all children.

The service had a suitable medication policy and procedures for the safeadministration and storage of medication. All staff told us medication was storedappropriately and where necessary in the fridge. Staff were aware of theirresponsibility to ensure they followed policies and procedures when administeringand storing medication. There was a clear procedure for signing medication in andout of the building; this was overseen by the manager. This positive approach tomedication helped to ensure that medication was stored and administered safelywithin the service.



We saw that the service ensured that children had the opportunity for comfortablerest periods throughout the day. Cots were available for children within the baby roomand staff were responsive to children's individual needs. Children within thedownstairs section had comfortable beds in a quiet place in the playroom. They hadplans in place to use the quiet room for sleeping as the nursery gets busier. We foundthis was a positive approach to being responsive to children's care routines.

We saw that staff knew the children well and had made good links with parents toensure they were working together to meet children's individual needs. We sawpositive interaction between staff and children as staff supported them in their careneeds.

Staff were responsive to the children individually, there was a number of children stillsettling into the nursery and staff were working with parents to support them tosettle. Some children had extended visits and some children were benefiting fromshorter visits.

Parents were asked to provide an all about me record or care routine before theirchildren started. Some families had returned these and they were used by staff toplan routines and provide activities. Care plans and development profiles were in theearly stages of being developed and there were opportunities for the manager tosupport staff through one to one supervision and team meetings to develop these.

There were regular opportunities at the beginning and end of sessions for staff andparents to discuss children's care routines. This ensured that parents and staff wereworking together to meet children's individual needs.

Areas for improvementThe service's self assessment stated that the cook continues to work with anutritionist to provide a healthy and popular menu for children.

The self assessment also noted that staff have plans in place to make a dedicatedsleep area for older children.

We found that hand washing for the older children was easier as the children couldindependently wash their hands at the sinks within the toilets and playrooms and wesaw staff encouraging this.



Hand washing for the under twos section was not as easy as there were no low sinkswithin the playroom and staff were using baby wipes to clean the children's face andhands after lunch. We also saw some missed opportunities where staff should havewashed their hands. The manager will monitor and offer guidance and training inrelation to infection prevention and control. It was agreed that the service wouldimprove hand washing for children in the under twos section and ensure staff areoffered regular updates on infection control. (See Recommendation 1)

We saw that children's care plans were in the early stages of being developed due tothe short period of time the nursery had been operating. We saw that some children'sindividual folders had information on children's needs, however some folders did not.We asked the manager to ensure that they take responsibility for ensuring parentsreturn the completed forms and where they had discussions with parents aboutchanges to children's individual care needs they record this within their care plans.This will ensure that staff are working with parents to ensure they are providing careand support to each child based on their individual needs. (See Recommendation 2)

We saw that since the staff team had taken up their posts within the nursery thatthere had been limited training opportunities for staff. The service had highlightedthat this is a priority as part of its ongoing programme of improvement. We discussedwith the manager the importance of regular updates for staff in child protection, firstaid and food and hygiene. The staff team would also benefit from training in theCurriculum for Excellence and Pre-birth to Three: Positive Outcomes for Scotland'sChildren and Families. (See Recommendation 1 under Quality Theme 3, Statement 3).




Recommendations

1. We saw that the service would benefit from training and development for staff oninfection prevention and control including suitable hand washing practice within acare service.

National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16:Standard 3 - Health and wellbeing.



2. The provider should ensure that each child has an individual care plan whichis updated a minimum of six monthly or more often if required.

National Care Standards early education childcare and education up to the age of16: Standard 3: Health and wellbeing.



Quality Theme 2: Quality of Environment

Grade awarded for this theme: 4 - Good

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

Service strengthsThe service was involving parents and children in assessing and developing theservice.

For participation information, please refer to Quality Theme 1, Statement 1.

Areas for improvementFor information on areas for improvement for this statement, please refer to QualityTheme 1, Statement 1.






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

Service strengthsWe considered the safety of the environment and risk assessments under thisstatement and found the service performance to be good.

The service was located in a newly opened and refurbished building with fresh décor,new fixtures and fittings and a range of resources. The service had made the best useof space within the playrooms and was continuing to work with the space providedand change things around to suit the needs of the groups of children.

The reception areas were welcoming with information displayed for parents. We sawthat there was a comfortable sleep area for children in both sections of the nursery;this ensured that children could have comfortable rest periods throughout the day.

The nursery had a large enclosed outdoor play area; there was a range of surfaceswhich allowed for different activities. A covered area outdoors allowed for outdooraccess in all weathers. The children in the baby room were benefiting from a shadedarea on a hot day. It could also be used as a shelter on a wet day. There was a carpark with ample parking for parents.

We saw that the building was refurbished to a high standard. Toilet facilities, lowsinks for hand washing and a suitable kitchen met infection control requirements. Wesaw that the premises were clean, hygienic and well maintained. There was aschedule of cleaning and maintenance which was overseen by the provider directly.

There was a suitable door entry system at the front door and visitors to the servicesigned in. There was a system in place at the beginning and end of sessions wherethe manager would be available at the front door to welcome parents and ensuresafety at the front door.

The management team had developed an overall risk assessment for the premisesand outdoor play area. We saw that they were continually assessing risk throughoutthe day to ensure a safe, hygienic and secure environment for children attending theservice.

Of the three questionnaires returned to us, all parents strongly agreed that the serviceis a safe, secure, hygienic, smoke free, pleasant and stimulating environment. Allparents we spoke with commented that the environment was good and they werehappy with the facilities.



Areas for improvementThe service's self assessment stated that they intend to purchase a bilingual welcomesign for the foyer.

We saw that if the door was left open or when leaving the building children couldcome out of the main entrance and make their way down the path which leads to themain road. The provider agreed that they would put a barrier in place at the end ofthe path to minimise risk to children. (See Recommendation 1)

We saw that the front door and the children's toilets were very closely positioned.Staff were vigilant of children going to the toilets and they were vigilant of peoplecoming in and out of the nursery. All visitors and parents were let in and out by amember of staff. The manager was available at busy periods near the door tomaintain safety.

The service should ensure that it has a clear risk assessment for how staff managethe front door and who is responsible for ensuring it is closed behind visitors. As thenumber of children grows having clear procedures in place will ensure that this iswell-managed.

We saw that the service had developed risk assessments for the play spaces. Riskassessments could be further developed by ensuring they have a detailed dailychecklist which shows staff what they should check, for example specific hazards.This will be beneficial for new staff. The manager should have an overview of all riskassessments as part of the overall monitoring of the nursery.




Recommendations

1. The provider should put a barrier in place at the end of the pathway at the mainentrance to minimise risk and ensure that children do not have access to the road.

National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16:Standard 2 - A safe environment.



Quality Theme 3: Quality of Staffing


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









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

Service strengthsWe found that the service performance was good for this statement.

The manager along with all staff members held appropriate qualifications for workingwithin a childcare setting; this showed that the provider was ensuring that theservice had a suitably qualified staff team.

The manager, along with permanent staff, was registered with the Scottish SocialServices Council (SSSC). New staff were in the process of registering. The SSSC isresponsible for registering people who work in social services and also regulates theireducation and training. This ensured that staff had the right skills and training tocarry out their role within the nursery.

We saw positive interactions between staff and children. Parents commented thatthey were happy with the staff team and their child's experience so far. The servicehad a good staff structure and staff felt supported by the management team.

Staff were working well as an effective team and there was a positive ethos withinthe nursery. Staff had taken time to get to know families well and they demonstratedthat they knew children well and they were meeting their individual needs.

Areas for improvementThe service's self assessment stated that staff will begin to collate and distributetraining packs every month so that all staff are familiar with the policies andprocedures of the setting.

Although we saw that the whole staff team was qualified to a minimum of SVQ level3. The service should have an overall training plan for the staff team to ensure it has aplanned programme of training and development to develop and improve outcomesfor children. (See Recommendation 1)

Training and development to support staff in their roles should include childprotection, first aid, Pre-Birth to Three and the Curriculum for Excellence. (SeeRecommendation 2)






Recommendations

1. The manager should have an overall training plan in place for the staff team.

National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16:Standard 14 - A well-managed service.

2. The provider should provide a range of training opportunities for staff includingchild protection, first aid, Pre-Birth to Three and the Curriculum for Excellence.

National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16:Standard 13 - Confidence in staff.



Quality Theme 4: Quality of Management and Leadership


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









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

Service strengthsWe found that the service had good quality assurance systems and processes whichinvolved service users, carers, staff and stakeholders.

We saw that the service was in the early stages of quality assurance. There was ashort term plan in place since setting up the nursery and the service was well on itsway to meeting the targets. The service had started to put into place a developmentplan for future goals and further developing the nursery. We also saw that staff wereinvolved in regular meetings and discussions about future developments of theservice.

The provider along with staff had a shared vision and was involving parents andchildren in future plans for the service. A recent questionnaire was issued to gatherthe views of parents on their experience of the service along with views forimprovement. The service had taken action on points raised and given feedback tofamilies using the service.

The service was in the early stages of developing its planning. Children were involvedin planning and creating simple mind maps where staff gathered children's views ontopics of interest and what they want to learn about. This showed that children couldinfluence the programme. Children were also consulted about meals and snacks, toysand equipment.

In the returned questionnaires, one parent strongly agreed and two agreed that theservice has involved them and their child in developing the service, for example askingfor ideas and feedback.

Areas for improvementThe service's self assessment stated that staff supervision, one to one meetings andannual appraisals will be a priority for the service. Child at the Centre 2 self evaluationwill be undertaken and the findings will be the foundation of future developmentplans for the service. The self assessment also stated quality assurance through staffsupervision and room compliance audits will also play a large part in improving theservice.

As the nursery had recently opened it was still in the early stages of quality assurancesystems. It had developed a basic development plan with a summary ofimprovements. The service should continue to build on this.



The manager should have a clear overview of the service and a planned programmeof developments and improvements. We discussed the benefit of having a monitoringcalendar to ensure there is an effective system of monitoring and evaluation across allaspects of the nursery. (See Recommendation 1)

The service should further involve parents, children and stakeholders in assessing anddeveloping the service.




Recommendations

1. The provider should ensure that there is an effective programme of monitoring andevaluation for the service.

National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16:Standard 14 - Well-managed service.



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).



5 Summary of grades

Quality of Care and Support - 4 - Good

Statement 1 4 - Good


Quality of Environment - 4 - Good



Quality of Staffing - 4 - Good



Quality of Management and Leadership - 4 - Good



6 Inspection and grading history

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



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



Documents

Railway Cottage Nursery Day Care of Children