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INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 28/01/2005 Inspector Name Timothy Butcher

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Noahs Ark Pre School Setting Address The Wooden Classroom Farrington Road, Paulton Bristol BS39 7LW

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Noah's Ark Pre-school Address The Woodem Classroom Farrington Road, Paulton Bristol BS39 7LW

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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 Arc Pre-school is managed by a voluntary committee. It opened in 1976 and operates from a purposely adapted building in the village of Paulton, Bath and North East Somerset. The pre-school serves the local and surrounding area. A maximum of 26 children may attend the pre-school at any one time. The pre-school is open each weekday from 09.00. to 11.45 and 12.45. to 15.20. during school term times. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 64 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. Of these 50 children receive funding for nursery education. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery employs nine staff. Seven staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. Two staff are working towards a qualification. The setting receives support from a support worker from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Noah's Ark Pre-School provides satisfactory quality care for children. A warm and welcoming environment is established. A wide and balanced range of resources are well organised to make the most from the available space. Toys, equipment and furniture are at a height to be comfortable for children. Toys, some of which are new, are rotated in and out of use to provide suitable variety. They are selected to be a link with planned activities around a theme. Staff work well as a team and ratios are usually more than adequately met. Not all staff are familiar with all policies and procedures. The group provide 'stepping stone' sessions for children approaching the start of school. The premises are secure and access is monitored. Staff are vigilant about children's safety. Children learn good hygiene practices, such as hand washing but the toilet facilities do not provide sufficient privacy for children. First aid requirements are met

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How good is the Day Care?

but the procedure and record, should medication be given to children, is inadequate. Drinks of water are readily available to children and they are encouraged to be independent and to help themselves. Children engage in a wide range of interesting play activities each day. Planning is theme-based and covers all aspects of development. There is a key worker system in place. Staff know children particularly well, for example, children's home

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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 circumstances and are able to refer to children's own experiences when discussing topics or themes. Children are encouraged to explore and to investigate. Staff support play well, for example, through asking questions to extend children's thinking and by providing appropriate praise. Children enjoy warm relationships with staff. A close partnership with parents exists. Information is shared about the child. Parents are consulted. Parents comment positively on the care provided and the friendliness of staff. The complaints policy does not include full information of the regulator.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection Noah's Arc Pre-school agreed to meet six actions, five of which related to documentation and procedures. The other action related to the availability of drinking water for children. Drinking water is visible and readily available for children. As a result, the needs of children should they become thirsty are well met. The majority of the committee have completed or are in the process of completing the necessary vetting procedures. Ofsted have been notified of more recent changes in role or membership. Children are potentially better protected from unsuitable persons, as a result. There is now an operational procedure in place for outings and the manager is aware of the settings responsibility for the safe conduct of any outing. Children are potentially better protected as a result. A written record of significant incidents is maintained. Parents are potentially better informed, as a result.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The child protection procedure now contains the contact details of the local child protection team, as requested. As a result, staff are better informed and better able to carry out their responsibilities to protect children. The complaints procedure now includes the regulators telephone contact details. The procedure is incomplete as it does not include the address of the regulator. As a result parents do not have the full contact information of the regulator, should they wish to make a complaint.

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What is being done well?

• Staff know children particularly well. They have warm relationships with children. Children are treated as individuals and have their needs sensitively met. Children are supported, are settled and appear at ease in their surroundings. Children feel valued, appear engaged and well behaved. • There are a stimulating range of activities and play opportunities on offer to children. Activities are carefully planned and aimed at supporting children in all areas of their development. Children appear to have their interest maintained and to enjoy the experiences on offer to them.

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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 • There is a positive relationship with parents. Initial and subsequent procedures contribute to the identification of children's individual needs. Staff are approachable and make themselves available for discussions with parents. Parents are confident about the care provided and the support that their children receive.

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What needs to be improved?

• the privacy of children when using the toilet facilities • the procedure and record when medication is given to children • the information in the complaints procedure.

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

Std Action Date 7 Keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children. 28/01/2005

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 4 Ensure that children are provided with sufficient privacy when using the toilet facilities.

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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 14 Extend the complaints policy and procedure to include details of the regulator.

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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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