Newsham County Infant School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 29/09/2004 Inspector Name Mary Van De Peer

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Hunton & Linton Underfives Setting Address The Village Hall, West Street Hunton Maidstone Kent ME15 0RS

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Hunton and Linton Underfives 1035846

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Hunton and Linton Underfives Address Hunton Village Hall West Street, Hunton Maidstone Kent ME15 0RS

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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

Hunton and Linton Underfives Pre-School opened in 1985. It operates from one room in a village hall in the rural area of Hunton. A maximum of twenty-four children may attend the pre-school at any one time. The pre-school is open each weekday, term time only, from 09:15 - 12:00. There is also a lunch club on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday until 13:00. All children share access to a secure outdoor play area. There are currently thirty-two children aged from two to five years on roll. Of these, twenty-five children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from a wide catchment area. The pre-school currently supports one child with special educational needs and none who speak English as an additional language. The pre-school employs eight staff who work with the children. Two members of staff hold an early years qualification to NVQ level 2 or 3 and two staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Hunton & Linton Underfives Pre-School provides good quality care for children. The pre-school is a well-organised provision. The staff and committee work effectively as a team. The policies and procedures are well written and made available to parents. The pre-school have effective procedures for the recruitment and vetting of staff. The premises, toys and equipment are clean and well maintained. The children are safe and well cared for. The premises are secure. Risk assessments are carried out regularly. Children have access to a suitable outdoor play area. However, the areas available could be organised to provide children with more space. Children and staff practice emergency evacuation procedures every half term. The pre-school's accident and medication records are well maintained and confidential. Children are provided with drinks and snacks which are healthy and nutritious. The pre-school has child protection procedures which are in accordance

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How good is the Day Care?

with local authority guidelines. The pre-school is currently supporting a child with special educational needs. There are effective procedures in place to help staff provide appropriate care to all children. The pre-school provide a good selection of toys and activities which help children

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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 develop in all areas of learning. However, there could be further opportunities for children to have more choices in their play. The staff have a positive attitude towards equal opportunities, however resources reflecting the diversities in today's society could be improved. Staff praise and encourage good behaviour and are appropriate role models. Children's general behaviour is good. The staff and committee have a very good relationship with parents and carers. There is plenty of positive feedback from parents. They receive verbal feedback about their children's progress for key workers.

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What is being done well?

• The premises are welcoming, warm and safe for children. They are able to play freely in and out of doors. • The paperwork and documentation relating to the pre-school is well kept and is up to date. This helps to ensure that staff and parents can provide consistency of care to the children. • There are effective procedures for the recruitment of new staff. This helps to ensure that staff who care for the children are suitable to do so. • The staff interact well with the children. They work hard to meet the individual needs of the children. Children are supported appropriately. • There is a good supply of toys, materials and equipment. Children are happy and engaged in their play. • Staff carry out written risk assessments. This helps ensure that the toys and equipment children play with are safe and hygienic. • The staff actively promote personal hygiene practices with the children. They are learning when and how to wash their hands effectively.

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What is being done well?

• Staff and committee have a good regard towards health and safety. There are plenty of staff with appropriate first aid training at each session. Children's accident and medication records are well kept. • The staff have a positive and pro-active attitude towards the care of children with special needs. Children are supported appropriately. • The staff are consistent when dealing with children's behaviour. Children respond well to adult guidance and praise. • Parents receive a user-friendly Welcome Pack, including policies and procedures of the pre-school. The communication between staff, committee and parents is good, helping towards the continuity of care for all the children.

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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 • the use of the available space and resources to extend children's' choice • the resources promoting equality of opportunity.

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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 3 Review use of space and resources to give children extended choice. 5 Review use of toys and materials promoting equality of opportunity.

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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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