Brookside Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/09/2003 Inspector Name Caryll Lawrence

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Brookside Pre-School Setting Address 1st Gatley St. James Scout Hut Gatley Hill Gatley Cheshire SK8 1EY

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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

Brookside Pre-School is based at the Gatley Scout Headquarters in the Gatley area of Stockport and provides sessional care during term time for 24 children aged two years nine months to five years. Twelve children were in attendance on the day of inspection. Sue Wilbraham and Jo Hume manage the group jointly, for the day-to-day operation; however there is a voluntary management committee. The group opens from 09:15 until 12:00 each morning, but is now also providing extended hours from 09:00 until 13:00, when children are either collected from Pre-School or escorted to Gatley Primary School. The children who attend are from the local community, which includes the Stockport and Manchester districts. The rooms used by the group are a large main room, toilet facilities off the entrance hall and the use of a kitchen. There is large outdoor area, which has hard standing surface, and a grassed area for the children's use.

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Information about the setting

The group is registered to receive funding from the Department of Education and Skills in respect of nursery education for three and four year olds Both managers have appropriate qualifications and have a commitment to developing staff skills and knowledge through further training. Several staff members are currently undertaking further training in special needs and child protection.

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How good is the Day Care?

Brookside Pre-School provides good quality care for children aged between two and five years. Staff are deployed well, they play an active role in encouraging, supporting and facilitating the children's play and learning. Most policies and procedures are in place and most contain sufficient detail, they are available for staff and parents to underpin the operation of the group. The premises and outdoor play area are used creatively to provide a warm, welcoming and interesting play environment, this is divided into different types of play and activity areas. They have a large variety of good quality age appropriate toys, equipment and play materials. Staff implement good procedures, precautions and routines to promote hygiene standards and the children's health and safety. At snack time the children's social skills and development are encouraged. Children can now remain for lunch bringing

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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 their own packed lunches. Children's individual needs are met well; staff actively promote equality of opportunity through resources and activities. The group plan and provide a wide variety of age appropriate play and learning activities which are designed to stimulate the children's interest and development. Consistent daily routines help children feel secure and enjoy their day; they confidently choose and enthusiastically participate in the play and activities. Positive methods are used to encourage desirable and manage unacceptable behaviour. Children have good relationships with each other and staff and they behave well. The group has good relationships with parents, staff work in partnership with parents giving daily feedback on how a child has spent his/her day.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group had six actions. Two related to facilities in the building, two to records and two to safety. Repairs have been made to the heating system and the washing facilities. This ensures the room is warm and children have adequate washing facilities. The outside area has been made safe and appropriate fire exit signs are now in place for safe evacuation in case of fire. The children's records are now available to parents and Ofsted's contact number is included in the complaints procedure.

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What is being done well?

• Staff actively encourage, support and facilitate the children's play, activities and learning. Children and staff interact positively and have good relationships with each other. • The premises are used creatively to make a welcoming, stimulating and interesting play and learning environment. Play areas are divided into different types of play and activity areas with toys and equipment within easy reach and access. Children confidently choose and enthusiastically participate in the play and activities. • Children are interested, enthusiastically join in and enjoy their play and learning with the wide variety of toys, equipment and activities provided. • Staff implement good procedures, precautions and routines to promote hygiene, health and safety to reduce the risk to children of accident and illness. Risk assessments are undertaken on a regular basis. • Consistent and positive methods are used to encourage and promote good

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What is being done well?

behaviour, manage challenging behaviour and to help the children learn right from wrong. Children are respectful of each other and staff; they behave well. • The group have good relationships with parents, they are regularly given feedback about their child and the group, and their written comments reflected this.

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• the continuing development of resources which reflect equality of opportunity • the development of the existing child protection policy to include the procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation made against a member of staff.

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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 5 Continue to develop the existing range of resources which reflect equality of opportunity. 13 Develop the child protection policy to include the responsibilities of staff to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer.

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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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