The service was registered with the Care Commission on 1st April 2002. A maximum of 60 children aged from 0 - 5 years can be cared for. The service operates from 08:00 hours to 18:00 hours, Monday to Friday throughout the year.

The accommodation comprised of 3 main rooms, 1 quiet/sensory room, appropriate toilet facilities, kitchen, office, staff accommodation and outdoor areas.

The service was inspected after receiving a Regulatory Support Assessment (RSA) to determine what level of support was necessary. The RSA is an assessment undertaken by the CCO which considers: complaints activity, changes in the provision of the service, nature of notifications made to the Care Commission by the service, action taken upon requirements etc.

This service was required to have a low level of support that resulted in an inspection based on the National Care Standards for early education and childcare up to the age of 16 inspection themes and any recommendations and requirements from previous inspections, complaint or other regulatory activity.

Before the visit:

• The manager submitted a paper annual return and self evaluation document to the Care Commission.

During the visit which took place 21 November 2006, the Care Commission Officer spoke with:

• The service manager
• The manager
• 9 Staff
• 8 Children

The Care Commission Officer also looked at a range of policies, procedures and records including the following:

• Insurance Certificate
• Child Protection policy
• Planning records
• Staff records
• Menus

Observations of practice as well as an examination of the premises also took place.

The Care Commission Officer took all of the above into account and reported on whether the service was meeting the requirements associated with The Regulation of Care (Requirements as to Care Services) Regulations 2002 [SSI 2002 114] and the following National Care Standards for early education and childcare up to the age of 16:

• Standard 3: Health and well-being 3.1, 3.2, and 3.4
• Standard 7: A Caring Environment 7.3 and 7.6
• Standard 12: Confidence in Staff 12.1 and 12.2

In particular the inspection focused on the following themes:
Safer recruitment, nutrition, tooth brushing, child protection and caring for
children under three years.

No requirements were made in the last inspection report.

The self evaluation document contained a number of the service's strengths and some areas for development within the service. These were consistent with the Officer's findings.

Through discussions with, and observations of the children present during the inspection visit, they were happy and secure in the service. Older children were keen to discuss their experiences.

Thirteen service user questionnaires were returned to the Care Commission. All stated that they were happy/very happy with the service overall. Comments included: "I feel the staff know my son very well. They know his likes and dislikes and always treat him as an individual" and "I am very happy with the way staff look after my child". Further details are contained under standard headings.

No enforcement action had been taken since the last inspection.

No recommendations were made in the last inspection report.

A requirement is a statement setting out an enforceable action required of a service provider in order that the service comply with current legislation, usually within a specific timescale.

No requirements were made at this time.

A recommendation is a statement setting out proposed actions to be taken by the service provider aimed at improving the quality of service (based on good practice and professional judgement) but which would not be subject to enforcement action if not actioned.

1)   A copy of the local Area Child Protection Committee Child Protection
guidelines to be obtained and used to support current child protection
procedures.

National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16 -
Standard 3: Health and Wellbeing.