Ashdene Independent Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/05/2003 Inspector Name Debra Elizabeth Jean Dahlstrom

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name ASHDENE INDEPENDENT PRE SCHOOL Setting Address Thoresway Road Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 6LJ

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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

Ashdene pre - school is a 24 place resource for children aged 2.5 to school age, which takes place in a large mobile building in the grounds of Ashdene Primary school. All the supervisors have the Diploma in Pre-school Practice (DPP), and one has a teaching qualification. The deputy supervisor and two of the assistants have also completed the DPP. There are no children currently attending who have special needs, although children have attended in the past and the group feels it has provided a good service to the child and family. The group have funded places, and most of the staff have an first aiqualification which was updated in October 2001.

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How good is the Day Care?

Ashdene Preschool provides satisfactory care overall for children aged from two and a half years to five years. Staff organise an interesting programme of activities for the children and encourage them to make choices about their play and learning. The staff create a warm and welcoming environment with consistent everyday routines which make children feel secure. The quality of care, learning and play for children is good, staff plan a balanced range of activities for children which are both exciting and familiar to children. Children are happy and settled. There are good relationships with parents. They know what is going on through regular newsletters and the updated notice board. Parents often contribute to the development of the play activities, by bringing in items relating to the themes. Most areas for promoting children's health and safety are satisfactory. Some of the documentation required is

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How good is the Day Care?

not in place and changes to practice is recommended.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the provider agreed to include the details of the regulator in the complaints procedure, bullying in the behaviour policy and procedures in the event of allegations against staff. Also the risk assessment is to be reviewed, an incident record to be made and a non smoking policy to be displayed. Finally the provider is to retain evidence that staff checks are completed. A record of staff checks is not retained on the premises and procedures in the event of allegations against staff are not included in the child protection statement, these were described as an oversight and will be attended to. All other actions had been addressed from the last inspection. Several staff have undertaken a number of training workshops and two staff have completed the Diploma in Preschool Practice( DPP)

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What has improved since the last 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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What is being done well?

the staff have very good relationships with the children. They enjoy their company and know them well. The children are happy and settled.(Standard 3) planning of activities is good, there are a wide range of interesting activities which are exciting to the children and likely to promote learning. Children play enthusiastically with a good range of toys and equipment. Children are encouraged to think for themselves, to ask questions therefore extend their language, mathematical skills and understanding of the world around them.(Standards 3/5) staff meet the children's individual needs well. The planning of activities takes into account the differences in the children's abilities and stages of development. Children have opportunities to try new skills which are both challenging and rewarding to them.(Standard 9) the children respond well to clear guidance and praise, they eagerly take part in all the

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What is being done well?

activities and readily tidy away when asked to. Staff have high expectations of the children's behaviour which is well met. Children are polite and have respect for others and behave well.(Standard 11) parents and staff are involved in the children's care and learning at the pre school .(Standard 12)

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What needs to be improved?

-review current documentation by: retaining confirmation that staff are vetted and risk assessments are carried out, ensure the written policies includes uncollected children and the child protection statement includes the procedure should allegations be made against staff. A record of visitors is also needed. (Standard 14) -make drinking readily available to children.(Standard 8) -review the storage of equipment in areas used by children.(Standards 6/7)

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 1 confirm that all relevant staff checks are carried out. (Standard 1.2) 28/06/2003

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

6 ensure the equipment stored in the reception area does not pose a hazard to children.(Standard 6.1) 28/06/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 retain a record of your risk assessments and action taken (Standard 6)

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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 7 review the storage of children’s play equipment in the boys toilet (Standard 7) 8 ensure drinking water is readily accessible to children (Standard 8) 14 ensure there is a written policy in the event of allegations made against staff. (Standard 14) 14 ensure there is a policy for uncollected children. (Standard 14) 14 provide a record of visitors. (Standard 14)

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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 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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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

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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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