Whitecotes Primary Academy

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/06/2003 Inspector Name Bridget Copson

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name St Mary's Pre-School Setting Address Church Rooms Yeovil Somerset BA22 8LJ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

St Mary's Pre-School is a committee run group situated in a church hall in the centre of the village of Ilchester. The pre-school operates from the ground and first floor of the listed building and also has use of the secure playground to the rear of the premises. The facility serves the local community and is also used by some children from RAF Yeovilton which is nearby. The group is registered to provide 26 places for children aged between two and five years, accepting children from the age of two and a half years. They are registered to receive funding for three and four year olds. There are no children attending with special education needs. There are no children attending with English as an additional language. The pre-school opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions run from 09.15 to 11.45 and 12.45 to 15.45 Monday to Thursday, and 09.15 to 11.45 on Fridays. Tuesday and Thursday

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Information about the setting

afternoon sessions are particularly structured for the children due to start school. Eight members of staff work with the children. Four either hold or are working towards a level three qualification. One staff member is working towards a level two qualification. The pre-school has links with the local school, to which most children go on to attend. The setting receives support from the Early Years Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Mary's Pre-school provides satisfactory care for children. The team of eight staff hold a variety of training certificates. They regularly attend training opportunities to update their knowledge and skills. Staff are well deployed with good adult:child ratios maintained. The group offer a warm and welcoming environment to parents and children. Space is well organised with two playrooms and a spacious outdoor play area in use to offer varied, interesting sessions with space for children to play freely. Staff have a good understanding of safety issues. They supervise the children well and maintain a safe, secure environment both inside and outdoors. The group offer a good range of activities to promote all areas of development and learning. Resources are stored well to allow children free access. Afternoon groups are available with more focused activities for children reaching school age. The group

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How good is the Day Care?

have an effective key worker system in place for observing children's development and enabling them to offer appropriate challenges to help children progress in all areas of learning. However some staff's expectations of children's abilities can be too high. Staff listen with interest and enthusiasm, encouraging children to think for themselves. Children are interested, happy and confident. They can make decisions are developing personal independence. Appropriate strategies are used consistently to manage behaviour. Staff include and value all children equally and efficient

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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 systems are in place to ensure individual needs are met in all aspects of the provision. Staff keep parents well informed of their children's progress. They maintain regular communication to ensure information is exchanged and respect parent's wishes. Parents have access to policies, procedures and appropriate records, some of which requires additional information.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group agreed to put in place a clear staff recruitment and vetting procedure and to ensure the first floor area is adequately heated prior to being used by children. The Manager and committee are now working to an appropriate recruitment and vetting procedure which is in place. The first floor heating is activated prior to children arriving to ensure a suitable temperature is maintained.

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What is being done well?

The Pre-school make good use of space and resources to offer chn interesting, well organised sessions with a high adult:child ratio maintained. (Standard 2). The Pre-school offer a good range of activities to promote all areas of development. Children focus on aspects of the different areas of learning throughout the session and during more focused afternoon sessions. The Pre-school have a good key worker system in place for observing children's progress and planning their next stage of development. Staff promote children's learning through encouraging discussion, questioning and decision making. They respond with enthusiasm and interest. (Standard 3) The staff have a good understanding of safety requirements and ensure measures are in place to ensure a safe, secure environment at all times. (Standard 6) The staff include and value all children equally. They have effective measures in place to meet individual needs well. (Standard 8,9,10) The staff

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What is being done well?

encourage parents to share what they know about their child and respect their wishes. Parents are kept well informed about the provision and their child's progress. (Standard 12)

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What needs to be improved?

the challenges set for children in order to meet all children's needs and abilities. (Standard 3) written consent from parents, to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment (Standard 7) the child protection policy, to include procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation against a staff member or volunteer (Standard 13)

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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 3 Ensure appropriate challenges are offered according to children’s stage of development. 7 Request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. 13 Ensure that the child protection procedure for the Pre-school complies with local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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 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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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

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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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