Wildmoor Heath School

Hedca Pre-School Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 109812 Inspection date 19/03/2010 Inspector Lilyanne Taylor

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Setting address Coombe Road, Gosport, PO12 4JB

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Telephone number 0239 2588023 Email hedca.preschool@googlemail.com Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as

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you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way. Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

HEDCA Pre-school has been registered since 1996. It is a management committee run pre-school that has charitable status. The pre-school operates within the HEDCA community centre which is situated in a residential area of Gosport, Hampshire. The pre-school has sole use of two classrooms and shared use of the toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed outside play area.

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Description of the setting

The pre-school is registered to care for a maximum of 52 children at any one time; all of whom may be in the early years age range. Currently there are 92 early years age group children on roll. Care is also able to be provided for children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The pre-school supports children with special educational needs and those to whom English is an additional language.

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Description of the setting

The management committee employ 12 members of staff; most of whom hold a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) to level 2 or 3. Some staff are currently on training to achieve an NVQ or to enhance their existing qualification.

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Description of the setting

The operational hours of the pre-school are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm during term-time only. Children's hours of attendance are able to be flexible within these times.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The pre-school is not able to demonstrate how the safety of children is assured at all times. Some policies and procedures worked to are not effectively implemented or carried out in practice and some documentation and records are not in place or maintained as required. Children make satisfactory progress in their learning and development. They are provided with a suitable range of activities and play experiences which ensure they have fun and enjoy their time. The manager and staff are currently reviewing the documents they use to record children's progress to ensure a clear picture of where children are in their learning in all areas is shown. Overall the pre-school provides an inclusive environment. Staff respect children's backgrounds and through the systems in place for partnership working all children's individual care needs are able to be continuously supported. Recently the pre-school has introduced flexible provision. This means children are able to

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

attend various hours throughout the pre-school day which meets their needs, and, those of their parents.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the early years provision requires significant improvement. The registered person is given a Notice to Improve that sets out actions to be carried out.

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further?

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To comply with the requirements of the EYFS the registered person must take the following action by the specified date:

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further?

 ensure the premises, both indoors and outdoors are safe and secure (Safeguarding and Welfare) 03/04/2010

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further?

 take steps to prevent intruders entering the premises (Safeguarding and Welfare) 03/04/2010

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further?

 conduct a risk assessment and review it regularly at least once a year or more frequently where the need arises (Suitable premises, environment & equipment) 03/04/2010

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further?

 keep a record of the risk assessment clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review, and any action taken following a review or incident (Organisation) 03/04/2010

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further?

 ensure the daily record of the names of children looked after on the premises includes their hours of attendance (Organisation) 22/03/2010

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further?

 put in place effective systems to ensure that the individual needs of all children are met (Organisation) 19/06/2010

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further?

 update the complaints procedure to ensure details for contacting Ofsted and an explanation that parents can make a complaint to Ofsted should they wish is included. (Safeguarding and welfare) 03/04/2010

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop a system for self-evaluation and informed discussion to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all chidren  further develop the systems for recording children's progress so it is clear to see the actual stage of development children are at in all areas and what the key persons plans are in order to move them on in their next steps of learning  ensure when working in partnership with other Early Years Foundation Stage providers that the information exchanged includes reference to individual children's education so that their learning and development is able to be continuously supported.

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the early years provision

The pre-school is in breach of a number of Welfare Requirements. This is having a significant impact on their ability in being able to fully assure children are kept safe at all times. Systems for gaining entry to the pre-school and the methods used to monitor people accessing the corridor between the pre-school rooms are not robust enough to ensure the rooms children are in can only be gained by persons that have been authorised. Risk assessments completed are only basic and do not identify all hazards children may be exposed to. They are only conducted within the rooms children use and do not identify key safety issues with regards to the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 premises. Records of attendance do not show the actual times children are in the staff's care. Records show fire drills have been carried out; however, these have not been practised with all children.

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the early years provision

All staff are aware of the procedures to follow should they have concerns a child may be being abused. Records of injuries children may come in with are kept and shared with parents. Recruitment procedures ensure all staff are appropriately vetted to ensure their suitability.

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the early years provision

The responsibility for ensuring the pre-school runs effectively and meets the needs of all children is the responsibility of the Management Committee who are the registered providers. However, they have little to do with the day to day running of the pre-school; this task is delegated to the manager who has only recently been appointed. Systems for monitoring and evaluating the provision as a whole are not fully in place. As a result not all areas identified for improving the safety of children at this inspection have been recognised, and those which have been have not been effectively addressed.

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the early years provision

Most staff are trained in first aid which ensures minor injuries of children are able to be dealt with. The majority of the time parents are informed of any injuries their children may have sustained when they arrive to collect them. However, in the event of this not happening systems have recently been put in place to ensure staff make contact with them so they are informed later the same day.

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the early years provision

The pre-school operates from two rooms within a community centre and staff make every effort to ensure they are welcoming to all children and their parents. They are appropriately resourced each day and set out ready for children when they arrive each session. Children are able to move between the two areas throughout the day so that they have access to a variety of play experiences which support their learning in all areas. Staff ensure children play outdoors on a daily basis and the outdoor area is used well as an extension to indoors. Plans are in place to create an allotment alongside the play area; this will provide children with the opportunity to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers. Children are able to make choices about where they would like to play. Staff are deployed effectively and because the premises are for shared use they ensure when children wish to use the bathroom facilities that they are escorted.

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the early years provision

The pre-school operate an open door policy whereby parents are welcome to stay and play with their children if they so wish and they are able to speak to staff at any time. Daily communication staff have with parents keeps them informed about their child's day and provides them with some knowledge of how their children are progressing. Information on notice boards helps to keep them up to date with some aspects of the provision. Parents express they are happy with the pre-school and that they are kept informed of their children's progress. Some information contained in the parents pack has not been updated to reflect current guidance. For example, the complaints procedure does not state parents have the right to contact the regulatory body or the contact details for the same should they wish to do so.

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the early years provision

Systems in place ensure children with English as an additional language are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 supported and parents help to translate key words. A member of staff who is the named Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator liaises with parents and other agencies to ensure children's individual care needs are met and they receive the support they require in order to make progress in their learning and development. Although information is exchanged with other Early Years Foundation Stage provider's children attend this only ensures their care is continuously supported.

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the early years provision

Recommendations raised at the last inspection have successfully been addressed. Records of attendance are now completed in ink and parents acknowledge medication administered. Also a range of activities to support children develop their writing skills and recognition of numbers and problem solving are regularly provided.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and content. However, because some policies, procedures and records are not in place, kept as required or effectively carried out in practice this means children's safety is being compromised.

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and outcomes for children

Although staff have sound knowledge of the stage of development individual children are at and what they need to plan for their progression, this is not reflected in the records that are kept. Learning journey books are not detailed to show the area of learning being achieved or worked towards, and, children's summary of development records do not provide sufficient information in order to gain an accurate picture of the stage of development children are at. As a result it is not clear to see what children can do or what the plans are for their progression across all areas of learning. This staff are currently reviewing.

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and outcomes for children

Children have established good relationships with staff. They enjoy listening to stories read by them and are confident in asking for their support particularly when attempting to get dressed for outdoor play. Children talk readily to others about their items of clothing and are keen to show them that they have their favourite television/film characters on. Staff sit with the children, interacting with them and joining in with their play ideas. They ask questions to challenge children's thinking such as how many play dough cakes have you got, what will happen when you cook them, will they be hot or cold. Children thoroughly enjoy listening to music and show confidence in their use of the radio cassette player; they know how to turn the volume up and down and are able to change the setting from cassette to radio. They use their imagination well and create musical instruments by using various objects they have around them. For example a salt container and sieve is

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and outcomes for children

used as a drum, train carriage as a flute and a shopping basket rubbed up and down on a mirror as a washboard. Walls around the pre-school show children have many opportunities to develop their emergent writing skills through a range of mark making activities. Children are beginning to recognise numerals and are learning how to calculate using groups of objects such as compare bears. They are encouraged to appreciate differences and similarities in people through a suitable range of activities, resources and posters that reflect diversity. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle and a range of healthy and nutritious snacks which cater for all children's individual dietary needs are offered to them throughout the session. Children enjoy being able to prepare their own snacks and use knifes to place spread on their toast. Children are encouraged to

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and outcomes for children

follow good hygiene practices and staff remind them to wash their hands at appropriate times. The use of paper towels to dry them reduces the risk of cross contamination. Plenty of opportunities are provided for children to be out in the fresh air. They play in the well equipped outdoor play area and develop their physical skills by crawling, balancing and climbing on a range of equipment. They play skittles, throw and catch a ball and jump and run along the banks of the grassed area.

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and outcomes for children

Overall children behave well; they are encouraged to be polite and to show respect for resources. All children are becoming aware of behaviour that is acceptable and that which is not through the clear explanations they are given. In addition they are becoming aware of the affect their behaviour can at times have on others. Staff are aware at times the behaviour children display is as a result of their additional needs and they are sensitive in their handling of such incidents. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 4 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 4

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 4 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure children receiving childcare are kept safe and free from harm (Welfare of the children being cared for) 03/04/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure no one can enter the premises without the knowledge of a person who is caring for children on the premises (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) 03/04/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 undertake a risk assessment of the premises and equipment: at least once in each calendar year, and immediately, where the need for an assessment arises. Ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to minimise any identified risks. (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) 03/04/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as required for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Welfare of the children being cared for) 03/04/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as required for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) 03/04/2010

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