St Peter's Roman Catholic Primary School, Blackburn

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/09/2003 Inspector Name Suzanne Joyce Stedman

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Sandpiper Pre-School Setting Address 105 Kingfisher Close Shoeburyness Southend-on-Sea Essex SS3 9YB

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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

Sandpiper Pre-School opened in 1980. It operates from two rooms and a foyer to a community centre in Shoeburyness. The Pre-School serves the local area. There are currently 21 children from 2 to 4 years on roll. This includes 17 funded 3 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:00 until 12:00. Four full-time members of staff work with the children; three have early years qualifications. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Sandpiper Pre-School provides satisfactory care for children. Staff regularly attend training courses enabling them to keep up to date with current childcare practices. Equality of opportunity is considered when recruiting staff. There is an effective operational plan that is regularly updated. Space is used well; children freely access toys and equipment and consideration is given to how children are grouped. The playrooms are bright, welcoming and decorated with children's work. Good quality play equipment is provided. Records are readily available and confidentiality is maintained. Staff implement the majority of procedures to ensure that children are safe. Two areas for attention were identified. A clear record of arrival and departure times is available and is used when practicing fire drills. Clear policies and visible instructions help to raise staff awareness of health issues. All staff members have up to date first

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How good is the Day Care?

aid training. Children are given a choice of drinks for circle time while water is freely available through out the sessions. Staff members demonstrate awareness of their responsibilities and of appropriate procedures concerning children’s well-being. Children are involved in a wide range of well- planned activities and benefit from positive staff interactions. The setting is visually reflective of people’s differences

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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 and staff encourage children recognise and value them. Staff have no recent training in equality of opportunity. Procedures that meet children's individual needs are well implemented and advice is regularly sought from other professionals. Praise and encouragement are used consistently to give clear messages about how children are expected to behave and children respond well. Staff have positive relationships with parents and are well informed about the provision and their children’s progress.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group agreed to update their child protection policy and to devise a procedure for checking fire equipment. The child protection policy has been updated and a procedure is in place for checking fire equipment.

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What is being done well?

• Activities are well planned and interesting. Staff support children when they choose their own activities and direct play to help children learn new skills such as outdoor games. Opportunities are created for children to learn literacy and number skills through everyday activities such as choosing a drink and about other cultures by celebrating festivals. • Resources and equipment are stimulating and provide good learning opportunities. Specific equipment is provided for children with special needs and to help children learn about people’s differences. • Staff are well informed about children’s individual needs. They have attended training courses to promote their awareness and information is made available to them. Parents and other agencies are consulted to ensure that children make good progress. • Positive methods for managing behaviour are consistently used. Children are taught to share and take turns; they are given praise and their achievements

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What needs to be improved?

• safety checks in relation to berries and prickles in the garden and ensuring that all electrical sockets are covered or inaccessible.

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Outcome of the 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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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 6 make sure that potential hazards to children are minimised (This refers to uncovered electrical sockets and berries and prickly plants in the garden)

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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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