Noahs Ark Pre School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/06/2003 Inspector Name Pauline Margaret Todd

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Noahs Ark Pre School Setting Address Robertson Barracks Swanton Morley Dereham Norfolk NR20 4TX

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Noah's Ark Pre School

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Noah's Ark Pre School Address Robertson Barracks Swanton Morley Dereham Norfolk NR20 4TX

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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

Noah's Ark has been running for some years but only registered as a full daycare provider with Ofsted in 2002. It is managed by an elected committee and operates from four rooms in the Community Centre on Robertson Barracks at Swanton Morley. The group serves both the military and the local civilian community. At the time of the inspection the group are caring for 24 children aged two to five years, however, a variation to their registration has been agreed to develop their service to care for 54 children under 8 years, to incorporate provision for out of school care. No overnight care is provided. They are able to accept funding for three and four year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group are able to provide care for children who have special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group is open Monday to Friday 08.00 to 18.00 all year round. Seven full and part-time staff work with the children. Most of them have an early

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Information about the setting

years qualification and some are currently on training programmes. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and they are members of the Pre-school Learning Alliance and the Norfolk Early Years Support Network.

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How good is the Day Care?

Noah`s Ark provides satisfactory care for children aged two to five years. The staff have a good awareness of the risks to children`s health and safety and take steps to ensure their setting is safe and secure both inside and outdoors. The outdoor area needs to be made free from hazards and their operational plan needs to include procedures to follow if a child is lost. The good health of children is promoted and the children are reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Although it is recommended that the staff look at the layout of the rooms to ensure they are making best possible use of the space available, the premises are clean and suitable for their purpose and provide flexible playspace for the children. Children`s work and colourful posters are displayed. There are sufficient, suitable, safe toys and equipment which children can access easily, however, there needs to

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How good is the Day Care?

be further items available that reflect diversity and provide stimulation for the older

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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 children. The group has built warm and trusting relationships with their parents and they are well informed about the provision and their child`s progress. Their complaints procedures should be developed to include details of the role of Ofsted. Satisfactory documentation is kept although further details need to be recorded about children`s specific needs and their likes and dislikes on admission to the group. There is a range of planned activities and play opportunities that help children to make progress in all areas of development. The children spend time playing freely indoors and outside and also undertake structured large and small group activities. The children relate well to each other and some friendships are being formed.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This is the group`s first inspection since registration with Ofsted.

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What is being done well?

• The staff give the children good supervision and undertake risk assessments to ensure their environment remains safe to prevent accidents. Their premises are secure and effective systems are in place to monitor the safe arrival and collection of the children. (Standard 6) • The staff have a secure knowledge of health and hygiene procedures to promote children`s good health. The premises are clean and there are good standards of hygiene present. The group has arrangements for sick children, to protect others in their care from illness and infection, and good information is given to parents regarding contagious illnesses. Their procedures for administering first aid and medication are robust. (Standard 7) • The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and carers to meet the needs of the children. There is a good exchange of information between staff and parents on arrival and collection to promote children`s well

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What is being done well?

being and development. Procedures keep them informed about the provision and the progress of their children. (Standard 12)

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What needs to be improved?

• the grouping of the children, so that they can all take an active part in the activity being held (Standard 2) • the range of activities, to ensure they are stimulating and challenging for the older children and the staff remain interested in what the children say and do (Standard 3) • the layout of the rooms, to provide separate areas for different activities (Standard 4) • the play equipment, to provide stimulating activities and play opportunities for the older children (Standard 5)

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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 safety of the outdoor playspace (Standard 6) • the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice (Standard 9) • the information obtained regarding children`s specific needs, their likes and dislikes (Standard 9) • the language used by staff when encouraging the children to follow instructions (Standard 11) • the complaints procedure, to include details of Ofsted (Standard 12) • the procedures to follow if an allegation of abuse is made against a member of staff or volunteer (Standard 13) • the procedures for staff to follow if a child is lost (Standard 14)

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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 2 ensure that the children are grouped appropriately so that they can all take an active part in the activity being held 3 provide a suitable range of activities which are stimulating and challenging for the older children and ensure the staff remain interested in what the children say and do 4 ensure that the layout of the rooms provide separate areas for different activities 6 ensure the outdoor play area is free from hazards 9 ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice 9 obtain further information regarding children`s specific needs, their likes and dislikes at admission

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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 11 ensure the staff use positive language when encouraging the children to follow instructions 12 make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint, including details of Ofsted 13 ensure that the child protection policy includes procedures to follow if an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer 14 ensure staff have procedures to follow if a child is lost

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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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