Section 9 - Nutrition . serving food and oral health
Full day care Menus are varied and offer a balanced diet, including a cultural variation, with a vegetarian option. Each child has their own place mat with picture on; this also gives information on any allergies etc. the kitchen is clearly out of bounds for all children and staff are only allowed in certain areas of the kitchen. The cook ensures that fresh fruit and veg are served daily and at least 5 varieties a day are given to the children. The menus are clearly displayed for parent’s attention. The cook has a good understanding of the nutritional needs of the children and has good relationships with the staff and children. Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day. The staff make meal times as enjoyable, social time for the children.
Section 10 - Health and Safety
The nursery have a commitment to Health and Safety and ensure that the nursery and all staff, children, parents and visitors welfare is paramount. All Health and Safety systems are in accordance to the Health and Safety At Work Regulations. The nursery is well maintained to a very high standard; care was taken with fixture and fittings to ensure this high quality was maintained. All areas are safe and secure for the variety of play opportunities that are made available to the children. General cleaning routines were carried out by the staff of all the equipment and toys. The nursery decoration is maintained to a high standard and all rooms are bright and cheerful. The kitchen area is well away from the children; they have appropriate storage space and systems for cleaning areas. All areas have been made safe for children with appropriate glazing, door opening etc. risk assessments are carried out and reviewed regularly. Staff are aware of and conform to the use of protective clothing. They have a clear medication policy that staff are aware of. I observed that in addition to medication consent being given by the parent it is also authorised by the manager before being administered, it is then recorded thoroughly. They have all the appropriate fire fighting equipment and have regular fire drills and checks. Staff are encouraged to give up smoking and the smoking area is well away from the premises and unseen from the premises. Staff have a detailed induction, which informs them of all the Health and Safety procedures. Staff felt that if they were not sure of anything they would ask management. The nursery displayed a clear policy of exclusion and incubation period for ill children and staff were able to tell me what the exclusion, illness policies were. Health and Safety procedures and policies in the nursery are well documented and staff’s knowledge was evident during the assessment.
