Archived: Woodlands Special Needs Nursery

We viewed documentation, which included children's support plan files and activity files. They also had photographic records entitled 'My Time' books, which showed them engaged in different activities. We saw that consent was obtained from children's parents or guardians for different aspects of care and treatment before it was commenced.

We viewed the premises and saw that they were clean and well organised. They were attractively designed to enhance the children's enjoyment.

We looked at medication procedures and records and found that these were satisfactorily maintained.

We viewed some staff training records and found that they demonstrated that staff kept up to date with mandatory training, and were able to develop their own skills and competencies.

We found that there were reliable systems in place to address any concerns or complaints.

The Trust managed staff recruitment and ongoing training through the central departments at Medway Maritime Hospital. There was a trained nurse on duty at each session, so that health needs were monitored throughout the children's stay.

Children came in on Monday to Thursdays for structured play sessions. On Fridays, children came in for structured therapy sessions with a team of health professionals. Their parents or guardians usually stayed for these sessions. Some children attended sessions during the week and on Fridays.

We obtained people's views of the service by talking to family members who were present at the play/therapy sessions with their children; and by reading people's questionnaire responses.

People spoke very positively about the service. One mother said 'The staff are amazing. I can always ask anything; and I can raise any concerns and know they will listen to me and respond to me.' Another mother said 'My son has improved so much, and his confidence has improved. He does not cry now if I leave him. He is making lots of progress. I am sure he would not be doing this well without coming here.' Another parent commented 'The whole experience has been excellent.'