Ford Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 16/11/2004 Inspector Name Ann Marie Lefevre

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Ford Pre-School Setting Address Ford First School Ford Berwick-upon-Tweed Northumberland TD15 2QA

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Ford Pre School 1042921

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Ford Pre School Address Ford First School Ford Berwick-upon-Tweed Northumberland TD15 2QA

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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

Ford Pre-school was registered in September 2003. The group provides places for a maximum of 16 children at a session. The children are aged from two to five years. There are currently 17 children who attend the various sessions. Children who have special needs and those who have English as an additional language are well supported in the setting. Sessions are available on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 08.45 to 11.15, in term time. Childcare is provided within Ford First School, which is located in a small rural village. Children attend from the village and the surrounding areas. Many of the children attending will progress to the school reception class. The children are accommodated on the ground floor of the two storey building. The school hall was used as the main playroom, however, an additional refurbished room has been identified for use by the group as the main early years playroom. Toilets are adjacent

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Information about the setting

to the playroom. There are facilities for the provision of refreshments. The school hall is still used for more active play and for joint activities with the school. There is an enclosed outside play yard adjacent to the playroom. Further areas are available in the school grounds for fully supervised play. The group participates in the Foundation Stage of Learning initiative and there is provision for funded three and four year old children to attend. There are two regular staff members, one with a teaching qualification, two regular volunteers and also committee members who are relief helpers; all have gained Ofsted clearance. Staff and volunteers are participating in, or plan to complete, appropriate professional training. Students are welcomed into the setting; they are supervised at all times and gain clearance in relation to their placements. The group also benefits from the support of a Local Authority Early Years adviser.

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How good is the Day Care?

Ford Pre-school provides good quality care for children. The staff are dedicated to offering a comfortable, stimulating and welcoming environment where children feel safe, secure and happy. Structured routines are in place and children respond well to these. Staff members take effective measures to promote health and safety awareness in the children.

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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 Staff develop very good relationships with the children and offer a range of interesting and fun activities so that children gain and develop skills and knowledge. There is a wide selection of good quality, age appropriate, playthings and equipment. The sessions are carefully planned, but there is flexibility which allows for children's preferences and their stages of development. Staff are skilful in ensuring that children are able to participate in planned and incidental activities. This is evident as children are able to choose from a wealth of table top and floor activities. The children are kept fully occupied and clearly gain a great deal from being with the other children and the staff members. There is a strong sense of community with the school. The pre-school children are able to meet with reception class children and

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How good is the Day Care?

teachers in morning assembly and other joint projects. Partnership with parents is very good. Staff share useful information and provide opportunities for parents to discuss and monitor their children's progress. The high standard in childcare provision is reflected in the positive questionnaires completed by parents and in the discussion with a parent at the time of the inspection. Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place. Most records are very well maintained, however, one minor accident record was not signed by the parent of the child concerned. The staff are willing to take additional measures to enhance the existing good practice in relation to recording systems.

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What is being done well?

• The staff team are committed to developing their own child care practice and they have participated in a range of training initiatives. They are looking towards additional training to build upon their existing knowledge and skills. • Staff are very involved in children's activities and are interested in what they do and say. There is a very good range of resources which provide interesting, stimulating and fun activities. The children enjoy attending and are very comfortable with the staff and with each other. • Staff are skilled in ensuring there are equal opportunities for the children. This is reflected in the overall management of the group. • There are good recording systems, comprehensive policies and procedures, and other useful information in place to inform practice and parents.

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What needs to be improved?

• the procedure for completing the accident record book to ensure that all entries are signed by the parent of the child concerned, or the designated adult responsible for collecting the child.

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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

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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 7 Ensure that all entries in the accident book are signed by a parent of the child concerned, or by the designated person responsible for collecting the child.

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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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