Acorns Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/09/2004 Inspector Name Linda Dawe

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Acorns Pre-School (Cockington) Setting Address Cockington Primary School Old Mill Road Torquay Devon TQ2 6AP

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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

Acorns Pre-School (Cockington) was originally registered in 1999 and was owned and run by the present owner as part of a partnership. She became the sole owner, and therefore re-registered the pre-school, in 2004. The pre-school is situated in a pre-fabricated temporary classroom in the grounds of Cockington Primary School and is registered to care for 20 children aged 3 to 5 years. It is open Monday to Friday from 08:45 to 15:00, term-times only and offers two funded nursery education sessions per day, with the option of children staying over the lunch period. The pre-school supports children with special educational needs and children for whom English is an additional language, providing one-to-one support where required. Eight staff are currently employed with an additional member of staff available for emergency cover. The owner and majority of staff have level three qualifications in childcare. The pre-school is currently undertaking accreditation with the Pre-School Learning

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Information about the setting

Alliance and also receives support from the Foundation Stage Advisory Teachers.

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How good is the Day Care?

Acorns Pre-School (Cockington) provides good quality childcare. This pre-school is owned run by an experienced practitioner who continues to attend regular training in order to update her skills and knowledge of caring for young children. There is a consistent staff team who are clear about their roles, which enables them to work effectively together. Available space is well organised to provide children with a variety of activities safely. Children have free access to a wide range of toys and equipment. Documentation is clear, easy to understand and underpins the efficient running of the pre-school. Overall staff are vigilant about children's safety and have effective procedures in place to ensure this. Good hygiene practices are in place. Healthy eating is promoted with children being offered regular healthy and nutritious snacks. Children receive constant praise and encouragement from staff and as a result their

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How good is the Day Care?

behaviour is good. Staff have a sound knowledge of child protection issues and procedures.

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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 Children undertake a wide range of well-planned activities. Staff are knowledgeable about children's individual needs and support children with special needs well. Relationships with parents are good due to the staff's friendly approach and clear procedures that are well documented.

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What is being done well?

• There is an effective system in place to make sure everyone in the pre-school is aware of children's food allergies. • There is a busy feel in this pre-school; children are engrossed in activities and well supported by staff. • Children are polite, well-behaved and caring towards each other with staff providing good role models. • Children with special needs and English as an additional language are supported well and integrated effectively within the setting.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 6 Meet any recommendations made by the Fire Safety Officer with regards to smoke detection systems and recording of persons present in the building.

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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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