St Michael's School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 28/06/2004 Inspector Name Jacqueline Crawford

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Lindens Pre-School Group Setting Address 39 Highdown Avenue Worthing West Sussex BN13 1QL

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

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

p.1

ABOUT THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality and standard of day care. When making judgements, inspectors have regard to how well the provider meets the National Standards for under Eights Day Care and Childminding. A list of these is attached. The report identifies strengths and areas for improvement. This inspection report must be made available to all parents.

p.2

Information about the setting

Lindens Pre-School Group opened in 1979. It operates from a free standing building and an additional area on the ground floor of the proprietor's home. Children have access to the secure garden for outside play. Lindens Pre-School group serves Worthing and the surrounding area. There are currently 48 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. This includes 15 funded 3 year olds and 23 funded 4 year olds. Children attend a variety of sessions or full days. The setting supports children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week during school term times. Sessions are between 09:00 and 15:30 on most days. One full-time member of staff and 10 part-time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 3. Currently, 1 member of staff is working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives

p.2

Information about the setting

support from a mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) and from the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PLA).

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Lindens Pre-School Group provides a good standard of care for children. The pre-school provides a welcoming, creative and stimulating environment which enables children to feel settled and secure. The majority of staff are experienced with over half of them holding recognised childcare qualifications. They are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities and are deployed well, often giving children individual attention. Staff work effectively as a team. They are guided by a clear set of policies and procedures, which they implement and understand. Some additional information needs to be added to the complaints procedure. Effective routines and procedures ensure a safe and secure environment for children and staff. Regular fire and emergency procedures are practised and recorded. An adequate number of staff maintain current first aid certificates. Staff raise children's awareness of personal care and hygiene practice during the daily routines. They act

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

in the children's best interest at all times and keep appropriate records. Simple snacks and regular drinks are provided, lunch boxes are suitably stored. Staff

p.2

How good is the Day 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 actively promote equal opportunities in their practice, all children are valued and their individual needs met. Staff have a clear knowledge of child protection issues and procedures. The children are happy, motivated and sociable. Staff interact extremely well with the children and have a clear understanding of their developmental needs. The broad and balanced range of topics and activities capture children's interests, promote learning through play and are fun. There are good behaviour management strategies in place, which children understand, consequently behaviour is very good. Parents are provided with detailed information about the provision, some of which needs to be revised and up-dated. They are warmly welcomed into the pre-school and are kept fully informed about their child's care and progress.

p.2

What is being done well?

• Staff provide a relaxed, stimulating and caring environment, where children can explore, play and learn. Children enjoy an extensive range of activities and resources, both indoors and outside, which are imaginative and fun. For example, the children's garden, growing flowers and vegetables. Staff are interested in what children do and say, encouraging them to make decisions, share their ideas and to relate to others. • The provision is welcoming, creative and well maintained. Space is used effectively to create an imaginative, stimulating play and learning environment. The extremely good outdoor play area and facilities can be used throughout the year. • The extensive range of indoor and outdoor equipment and resources, which promote stimulating play, equal opportunities and educate the children about the diversity of society. The equipment is stored at appropriate levels and is accessible to the children, encouraging independence and self-choice.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff act as extremely good role models, encouraging children to be well mannered and thoughtful to others. Simple behaviour management strategies are used, which are shared with parents and children understand. • Parents receive a warm and friendly welcome, they are kept fully informed about the provision and their child's care and development. There are many opportunities for parent involvement in the pre-school, during social events and learning activities. Very good links are established between home and the pre-school.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the written information in the prospectus for parents, regarding the regulator

p.3

What needs to be improved?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Foundation Stage of learning • the complaints procedure, including the address and telephone number of the regulator.

p.3

CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

All registered persons must comply with all conditions of registration included on his/her certificate of registration. As a result of this inspection conditions of registration have been imposed / varied / removed and a new certificate of registration will be issued.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 12 Provide the correct information to parents in the propectus, relating to regulation and inspection and the Foundation Stage of learning. 14 Ensure the complaints procedure includes the address and telephone number of the regulator.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

STANDARD 2 - ORGANISATION

The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

p.5

STANDARD 3 - CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

p.5

STANDARD 4 - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

p.5

STANDARD 5 - EQUIPMENT

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.

p.5

STANDARD 6 - SAFETY

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

p.5

STANDARD 7 - HEALTH

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

p.5

STANDARD 8 - FOOD AND DRINK

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

p.5

STANDARD 11 - BEHAVIOUR

Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

p.6

STANDARD 12 - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.

p.6

STANDARD 13 - CHILD PROTECTION

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

p.6

STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, or to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent.

p.6

STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

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

p.6