St Thomas Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/02/2005 Inspector Name Marina Anna Howarth

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St. Thomas Pre-School Setting Address St. Thomas C of E Primary School Astley Street Leigh Lancashire WN7 2BP

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of St. Thomas Pre-School

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St. Thomas Pre-School Address St. Thomas C of E Primary School Astley Street Leigh Lancashire WN7 2BP

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ORGANISATION 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

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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.

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Information about the setting

St Thomas Pre - School Group was registered in 2002, it operates from a detached single storey pre-fabricated building located on the site of St Thomas Church of England Primary School, on the outskirts of Leigh town centre. A maximum of 16 children may attend the pre-school at any one time. The setting will provide sessional care from 9:30am to 11:30am and 12:45pm to 3:15pm, Monday to Friday, term time only. There are currently 34 children from 3 to 5 years on roll. Of these 33 children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from a wide catchment area. The pre-school supports children with special educational needs. The pre-school employs three staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Thomas Pre-School Group provides good care for children. There is adequate space for the number of children it is registered for. The environment is warm and welcoming to the children and their parents'. The play space is very well equiped with toys and resources, all of which are appropriate for the different age groups the provision is registered to care for. The staff employed all have recognised child care qualifications. The correct staff/child ratio is maintained at all times. All appropriate documentation is in place. There are comprehensive health and safety policies, which is reflected in practice ensuring that the environment is a safe place in which children can play and learn. Staff promote the children's personal hygiene well through good hygiene practices. They raise children's awareness of healthy eating by providing a varied range of nutritious snacks, however staff must ensure that children's individual dietary

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How good is the Day Care?

requirements remain confidential. Children have access to a wide range of age appropriate activities that provide sufficient challenge in a child centred, homely environment. There are very good relationships between staff and children. The quality of the interactions demonstrates a mutual respect and warm and trusting relationships are held. Individual needs of the children are effectively addressed. Staff listen to them and

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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 involve themselves in activities. This impacts on the children's interest and promotes the excellent behaviour, which was observed. Good behaviour is encouraged and rewarded. Partnership with parents' is good. Initial visits and discussions with parents establish children's individual needs. Ongoing verbal communication ensures the parents' are kept up to date about the activities and progress of their children. Parents' are provided with good information, which ensures they are fully informed about their child's care. Information about the complaints procedure requires updating with relevant contact number.

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What is being done well?

• There are very good relationships established between staff and children. The staff team work well together and have a positive impact on the children. The children are confident, settled and highly motivated. • The provision is warm, welcoming, safe and well maintained. Children have access to a wide range of age appropriate activities and quality toys. Children are able to select toys independently and staff actively encourage learning through play. • There is a good awareness of health and safety, and positive steps are taken to ensure that this is maintained. • Staff promote children's personal hygiene well through good hygiene practices, for example hand washing and blowing noses. • Staff develop good relationships with the children and effectively address individual needs, the good quality interaction significantly enhances all aspects of children's development. • Partnership with parents' is effective. Well maintained, detailed

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What is being done well?

documentation and regular verbal communication keep parents' informed of all aspects of service, and of their children's activities and progress.

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What needs to be improved?

• the complaints procedure needs to identify the local Ofsted regional address and contact number. • the confidentiality maintained of children's dietary requirements.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 There are no complaints to report.

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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.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 8 Ensure that information of children's individual dietary needs remains confidential at all times. 12 Ensure that the complaints procedures has the local regions address and contact number displayed.

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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

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STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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