Acorns Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 16/02/2005 Inspector Name Elizabeth Patricia Edmond

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Acorns Pre-School Setting Address The Old Police House Little Market Place Masham North Yorkshire HG4 4DY

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Acorns Childcare Address The Old Police House Little Market Place, Masham Ripon North Yorkshire HG4 4DY

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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

Acorns Pre-school is a committee run group held in the former Old Police House, now operating as a community building, in the centre of Masham. The pre-school and holiday club have sole use of the annexe at the back of the building. This consists of one room with a private entrance and adjacent toilet facilities: the group also have the use of a small kitchen. The children live mainly in Masham and the surrounding area. The group cares for up to 20 children aged from 2 to under 8 years. The facility is normally open from 08:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday throughout the year: this can sometimes be extended at each end of the day by arrangement with the staff. There are usually clearly defined periods of pre-school and after-school sessions but the two age groups occasionally operate together when this is appropriate. The group offer funded nursery education places to those children of eligible age and have support from the local education authority in respect of this.

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Information about the setting

Of the 29 children on roll 9 three-year-olds and 6 four-year-olds receive nursery funding. There are currently no children with identified special educational needs nor any children attending use English is an additional language. The setting is a member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance. The staff team comprises a manager and deputy, supported by two assistants. The two key staff have recognised level three qualifications and the assistants also have relevant training and experience.

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How good is the Day Care?

Acorn's Pre-school provides good care for children. The staff provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere where children feel relaxed, confident and motivated. They have a positive approach to overall development and highlight special needs training as a current need. The accommodation is purpose built: inside, the children can easily access the resources and attend to their personal care needs. There is no enclosed area for outdoor play and the staff try to work around this by developing strategies to address the children's play needs whilst ensuring their safety. Documentation is well organised, with all required elements of record keeping completed appropriately.

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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 All reasonable measures are taken to ensure the children's health and safety. Safety issues are well documented and door security is very good. The toilets are checked regularly for cleanliness and children are reminded to wash their hands. The range of snacks is varied and nutritious and the children develop their self-help skills to a good level by helping at lunchtime. The staff get to know the children and families very well and confidently talk about the children's individual play needs. The children generally respond well to the cheerful staff and their approach to behaviour management: there is a lively yet pleasant atmosphere. The staff plan and provide a broad range of play-based learning opportunities: this has a positive impact on the children's development and overall wellbeing. The range of interesting outings for

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How good is the Day Care?

the children and effective follow-up work with maps and photographs further enhances their understanding and development. The group works well with parents and other carers. There is good level of communication between the two parties in verbal and written form. The complaints policy whilst explaining Ofsted's role in investigating complaints does not include the relevant contact details. Parents who take part in the inspection process are pleased with the care provided.

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What is being done well?

• The arrangements for meals and snacks are very good: the children freely help themselves to water, sample a range of interesting snacks and enjoy helping to clear away after lunch. This promotes a healthy attitude to food and develops the children's self-help skills to a good level. • The attractive displays of children's work and the inviting presentation of resources provide a stimulating indoor environment for the children: the children are motivated throughout the session and confidently help them selves to the craft materials to extend their play-dough game. • The group have a development plan in place which includes staff training, resources and the development of an outdoor play area. Effective implementation of this ensures that children have access to a constantly improving service. • The children collect boxes from the supermarket and busy themselves making them into vehicles: this ensures that children demonstrate their

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What is being done well?

understanding of the topic being covered and use their imagination freely. • The staff use their knowledge of the children's dispositions effectively: they know which of the children to encourage to take part and those who need time to stand and watch before joining in.

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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 continued implementation of the development plan particularly regarding special needs training and the further development of outdoor play, • documentation, to ensure that parents have contact details for Ofsted as part of the complaints policy.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

Concerns were raised against Standard 13; Child Protection. This was regarding the staff's confidence in handling child protection issues. A visit was made by a child care inspector to investigate the concerns. The provision was found to be complying with the National Standards and remains qualified for registration.

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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 Continue to follow own development plan particularly regarding training for the special needs co-ordinator and the further development of an outdoor play area. 12 Further develop the complaints policy to include contact details for Ofsted.

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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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