Lady Mount Pre-School Group

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/02/2005 Inspector Name Sylvia Cornock

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Lady Mount Pre-School Group Setting Address 9 Portal Road Wirral Merseyside CH61 5YD

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Ladymount Pre-School

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Ladymount Pre-School Address Ladymount RC Primary School 9 Portal Road Wirral Merseyside CH61 5YD

p.1

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

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

Ladymount Pre-school opened in 1984. It operates from two rooms and the school hall within Ladymount Primary School in Pensby, Wirral. It serves the local community and beyond. There is an enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 63 children from two to five years on roll. This includes 34 funded three year olds and 17 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently have no children with special educational needs or who speak English as an additional language. A maximum of 26 children may attend the pre-school at any one time. The setting opens five mornings, Monday to Friday each week from 09.00 to 12.00. and three afternoons 13.15 to 15.15, term time only

p.2

Information about the setting

Four full time members of staff work directly with the children, of whom three have an appropriate early years childcare qualification with a further member of staff currently undertaking NVQ level two. They are members of the Pre-school Learning Alliance.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Ladymount Pre-school provides good quality care for children. Staff are enthusiastic and committed to further training to enhance existing good practice. Staff/child ratios are good, which enables children to receive appropriate support and encouragement during each session. The environment offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where children feel valued. Space is used well, with suitable equipment and furniture provided. All documentation is in place and well kept, although the daily register is not accurate at all times. There are well managed, clear routines that help children feel secure. Staff complete regular risk assessments. Staff emphasises safety at all times and children have a good awareness of potential dangers. Accidents and any medication which is administered are recorded appropriately. Children's individual dietary needs are met well. Aspects of hygiene practices are good throughout the pre-school. Children

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

have equal access to all activities. There is a clear child protection policy for staff and parents.

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 The pre-school plans a wide variety of interesting and exciting activities both indoors and outside for all children. The large range of good quality equipment ensures children have many opportunities to develop and learn, and to progress to their full potential. Staff know the children well, they encourage them by talking and playing imaginatively, which helps children look forward to their day. Staff/child interaction is effective, as a result the children have 'fun' and their behaviour is good. There are very good relationships with parents. The business-like approach and well documented policies ensure continuity of care for their children. They share information about the children through daily discussion. Parents make positive comments about the care provided.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

At their last inspection they agreed to update and review some of their policies and procedures. This was to include information for parents in the complaints procedure and written policies for the management of the provision. They were also asked to develop and review the operational plan and ensure all records are readily accessible on the premises. A regular yearly review of all policies and procedures now takes place which ensures that parents and management keep up to date with regulations. The introduced operational plan and records system supports the care and education for all children. They also agreed to provide a more comprehensive range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and to assess and minimise the risk to children with regards to the storage of handbags. All children are involved in the wide variety of activities on offer and can access all resources to promote their

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

understanding of diversity and equal opportunity. Handbags and other objects are stored in a cupboard out of reach of the children. These measures enhances children's safety and well being.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The high staff ratios and good qualification levels mean that children's individual needs are being thoroughly assessed and met well during sessions.Throughout the pre-school the planned activities provide a wealth of experiences and opportunities that are interesting and exciting, to promote children's welfare and develop their learning skills. • The toys and equipment are varied, accessible, stimulating, and well set and spaced out, enabling children to freely choose. • There is a strong emphasis on safety. The use of a key pad and door bell ensures children's safety inside and outside the pre-school. • The encouragement and praising of children leads to good behaviour, including good personal hygiene, table manners and kindness. • There are comprehensive well written policies, covering all aspects of the

p.3

What is being done well?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 pre-schools work, which is shared with parents and understood by all staff.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the introduction of a system which ensures that the daily register is accurate at all times.

p.4

inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

There are no complaints to report from 1st April 2004.

p.4

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 2 Ensure that your daily record of children's attendance is always kept accurately and is up to date at all times.

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