Herlington Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 25/03/2004 Inspector Name Linda Cass

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Herlington Pre-School Setting Address Herlington Community Centre Orton Malborne Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE2 5PW

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Herlington Pre-School Committee 1036950

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Herlington Pre-School Committee Address Herlington Community Centre Orton Malborne Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE2 5PW

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

Herlington Pre-School operates from Herlington Community Centre. The group have sole use of three rooms. A forth room is used as a library. There is a large outdoor play area to the rear of the building. The premises are shared with staff working within the adjoining Health centre.

p.2

Information about the setting

The Pre-School provides full day care to children in the local community. They provide a breakfast club and a transport service to the local schools. The setting operates from 07.45am to 3pm term time only. A Lunch Club is incorporated into the day. Children attending the club bring their own packed lunch. The Pre-School are registered to care for 94 children between the ages of 2 to 8 years. There are currently 139 children on role, of these, 89 receive government funding. Eight children attend with special educational needs. The Pre-School is run by a committee of parents and is managed by two members of staff who hold a level three qualification in childcare. There is a further eight members of staff of whom five are qualified. Six additional staff supervise the Lunch Club. Two of these staff also supervise the Breakfast Club.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Herlington Pre-School provides satisfactory care for children. A dedicated team of staff work well together to ensure children are given valuable play opportunities. The rooms are set out with a range of interesting and accessible activities. However, the children are not grouped according to their age and ability and this restricts the planning of appropriate and meaningful activities geared specifically for the more able children. There is an excellent range of resources both indoors and outside that enable children to learn as they play. They are given plenty of opportunity for free play within the warm and welcoming environment. Sound policies and procedures support the smooth running of the group. Documentation is clear and accurate, although parents do not currently sign to given permission for medication to be administered. Safety within the setting is very good. Risk assessments inform staff of potential

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

hazards. Accidents are linked to the risks so that they can be addressed effectively. Good hygiene standards are maintained throughout the setting. Children are offered

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 healthy snacks and drinks are readily available. Staff actively promote equality of opportunity. Children are valued as individuals and are given support in a caring and sensitive manner. Satisfactory procedures are in place regarding child protection, although staff have not updated their knowledge of current procedures by attending training. Staff encourage children to try new activities and they are happy and secure within the group. Staff value each child and what they have to offer. They sit at their level and give appropriate praise and encouragement. Children's behaviour is good. Partnership with parents is very good. An informative and useful prospectus contains relevant information for the parents. Information on the group is also displayed on notice boards. Positive comments have been given by the parents regarding the

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

There were no actions set at the last inspection.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Children feel secure within the friendly, warm and welcoming environment. Staff are attentive to meeting their individual needs and offer them support and encouragement. The children enjoy their time at the Pre-School and are given opportunities to learn through a variety of interesting activities using the excellent range of resources available. • The committee ensure staffing levels are high and all vetting procedures are followed so that children are kept safe and are well cared for during their time at the Pre-school. Effective risk assessments ensure that children are kept safe from hazards. • Staff incorporate themes into the planning of activities so that children are given a range of valuable opportunities to learn about various topics. Festivals are acknowledged and resources reflect the multicultural society in which the children live. For example, Indian music is played in the background as children play and the dressing up trolley has many outfits that

p.3

What is being done well?

children of all cultures can identify with. • Documentation is well organised and supports the daily operation of the group. Staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities and carry out their work competently. The setting is well managed by two dedicated managers who have created an environment where children and parents feel welcome. Parents are encouraged to spend time in the Pre-School and positive relationships have been formed.

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 • the organisation of activities within the rooms • staff's knowledge of current child protection issues.

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

The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 7 Ensure parents sign to give permission for medication to be administered to their child. 25/04/2004

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Organise the grouping of children into appropriate groups so that their needs and abilities can be met more effectively. 4 Organise the rooms so that children are able to access a broad range of activities that encourage them to use their creativity throughout the session. 13 Ensure staff update their knowledge of child protection issues by attending a course.

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