Mini Me's Pre-School

Mini Me's Pre-School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Mini Me's Pre-School

Unique Reference Number EY331592 Inspection date 23 June 2006 Inspector Christine Bonnett

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Mini Me's Pre-School

Setting Address Isleworth Public Hall, South Street, ISLEWORTH, Middlesex, TW7 7BG Telephone number 07932 085 895

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E-mail

Registered person Mini Me's Pre-School Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Sessional care

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E-mail

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Mini Me's Pre-School is privately owned. It opened in 2006 and operates from adjoining rooms in Isleworth Public Hall, Isleworth in the London Borough of Hounslow. A maximum of 24 children may attend the pre-school at any one time. The pre-school is open each weekday from 09:30 to 12:30 during term time. Children have access to a small enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently nine children aged two and three years on roll. The pre-school supports children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The nursery employs two staff. The manager holds an appropriate early years qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted as the cloakroom and playrooms are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness. Children are also developing good self-care skills, as they are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. The risk of cross-infection between children is reduced because the cloakroom is well equipped with liquid soap and warm-air hand dryers. Children enjoy healthy mid-morning snacks that take account of individual dietary needs. The selection of food available includes a range of fruit and raw vegetables. Milk is served at snack-time, and water is available throughout the session. Children enjoy physical activities indoors, as the garden is very small. They have sufficient indoor space to play ball games and ride bikes, which contribute towards keeping healthy and developing good physical skills. Effective policies and procedures are in place for administering medication and

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Helping children to be healthy

managing accidents as staff hold first aid certificates. However, policies and procedures need to be developed to ensure that children are not over exposed to the harmful effects of the sun.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move around freely in an environment that is light, bright, clean and welcoming. Security is good, and ensures that children cannot leave the premises unseen. Fire exits are clearly marked and unobstructed. Although the fire drill procedure is displayed, it has not been practised with children to ensure they can be escorted quickly and safely from the premises, should the need arise. In addition, items placed on top of fireguards, create a fire hazard. Children enjoy the wide range of toys and play resources available. Many are stored in open fronted shelving units, which allow children to develop their independence by helping themselves. The furniture, such as low-level tables and chairs, are suitable for their needs, and are clean and in good condition. Risk assessments on the premises, and movement of furniture have not been conducted to identify and minimise risk to children and staff.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the staff’s satisfactory knowledge of child protection matters. For example, they are aware of the indicators of child abuse, and the procedure for reporting concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at nursery. They arrive happy and confident and quickly settle into the routine as they play enthusiastically with a wide range of toys and resources. The day is planned to provide a balance of active and quiet play to meet the needs of all the children. The Birth to three matters framework is being developed and introduced into the planning of activities to support children's learning in their earliest years. Children's vocabulary is developing because staff ask questions to encourage them to think and respond appropriately. For example, when playing with the doctor's kit, children are asked, "what's the matter, are you feeling ill?". Children concentrate well when listening to stories and join-in familiar action rhymes with obvious pleasure. Mathematics is promoted, as counting is incorporated into the daily routine, such as counting the number of children at register time.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children laugh and have fun as they relate well to the staff and other children. Their confidence and self-esteem is reinforced because of the care and kindness given to them by staff.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected and valued as individuals. Appropriate praise and encouragement is given to enhance self-esteem and confidence. Children's behaviour is good as they are engaged in meaningful play. Age-appropriate and positive strategies are used to manage any difficulties that may arise. Children develop an understanding of other cultures and faiths within society as they have access to a satisfactory range of resources that give a positive reflection of diversity. These include books and play figures. However, although children with special needs are welcome in the pre-school because staff have a positive attitude towards this area of childcare, there are no positive images of disability. Information about the pre-school is available for parents to consult to ensure that they are aware of how their child is spending their time. Parents are greeted warmly by staff, and have the opportunity to share any relevant information with them to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

ensure the needs of their child are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a well-organised environment. It affords them sufficient space to explore the play equipment in hygienic and safe conditions. The staff also organise the day to include a balance of quiet times and more physical activities. This helps to ensure children's overall developmental progress. Staff work well together, and focus

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 on the needs of the children. They are appropriately deployed around the rooms to ensure that children are supervised at all times. Children's well-being is promoted as all required documentation is maintained and policies and procedures are implemented effectively by staff. However, the accident book and attendance register lack the necessary detail. The setting meets the needs of all the children for whom it provides care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • devise a policy, and implement a procedure to follow to ensure children are protected from the harmful effects of the sun • ensure fire drills are carried out periodically • ensure surfaces of fire guards are kept clear at all times to prevent the risk of fire • conduct a risk assessment of the premises and movement of furniture to identify and minimise risk to children and staff • ensure details of any treatment given is recorded in the accident book, and that children's surnames are included in the accident book and attendance register.

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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