Sturton Cygnets Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 23/09/2004 Inspector Name Gill Ogden

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Sturton Cygnets Setting Address The School House, School Lane Sturton by Stow Lincoln Lincolnshire LN1 2BY

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Sturton by Stow Pre-School Group Committee 1038936

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Sturton by Stow Pre-School Group Committee Address Sturton by Stow CP School School Lane, Sturton by Stow Lincoln Lincolnshire LN1 2BY

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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

Sturton Cygnets has been registered for many years, originally known as Sturton-by-Stow playgroup. It is based in Sturton-by-Stow Primary School. Sessions run each weekday during school term time from 09:00 until 11:30. Currently 16 children attend for a variety of sessions. They are all from the local, rural area. Eight of the children, all aged three, receive funding for nursery education. No children speak English as an additional language and no funded children have special needs. The classroom the group uses is situated on the ground floor, next door to the reception class. The group shares an outdoor play area with the class and toilets. There are four regular members of staff. One is qualified to NVQ level 3 in Early Years Care and Education and another to level 2. The group can access advisory staff through the Lincolnshire Early Years and Devlopment Partnership and is currently working with the Area Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.

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Information about the setting

The group is a member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance and is working towards achieving its quality assurance.

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How good is the Day Care?

Sturton Cygnets provides good quality care for children aged between two and a half and five years. The staff team are experienced and attend regular training events. They have warm, caring relationships with the children which creates an environment where individual needs can be met well. The premises are clean and well-maintained and posters and art work are used to make them bright and inviting. Children are supported well to develop good hygiene habits and enjoy a variety of food for snacks. Close attention is paid to children's safety through good staffing ratios, clear risk assessment and regular fire drills. Staff have a good understanding of child protection issues. A wide range of toys and play resources have been built up over time. They are used to support interesting and appropriate activities which help the children achieve and learn. Staff act as good role models and their positive approach to managing

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How good is the Day Care?

children's behaviour is effective. Children who have special needs are included well and receive good support.

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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 The partnership with parents is relaxed and co-operative. Some parents form the management committee and all are welcomed into the group at any time. They receive some useful written information but clarification is needed on some aspects. All records are kept satisfactorily and documentation is reviewed regularly.

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What is being done well?

• Staff know the children well as individuals and consider their needs carefully. For example, they have created a visual timetable which they are using successfully with a child who is finding it difficult to settle in the group. He can look at it with them to work out how many other activities there are before it is time for his mother to collect him. • Staff have developed a good working relationship with the area special needs co-ordinator. They discuss activities they have developed to support children and review the individual education plans. • Staff take up training opportunities regularly. They try to attend as a team so that they can learn as much as possible in the best interests of the group and the children. • The level and type of activities is planned carefully to meet the current stage of the children. For example, at the moment all the children are very young and still settling in so they are enjoying lots of pretend play and exploring

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What needs to be improved?

• the information parents receive regarding Ofsted's contact details and the group's approach to managing children's behaviour.

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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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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE NEXT?

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 12 Improve the information parents receive regarding Ofsted's contact details and the group's approach to behaviour management.

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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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