Little Gems Pre-School (West End)

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 12/03/2004 Inspector Name Wendy, Anne Lunn

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Little Gems Pre-School Setting Address West End Youth Facility Moorgreen Recreation Ground, Moorgreen Road Southampton Hampshire SO30 3EG

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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

Little Gems Preschool opened in 1995. It operates from the West End Youth Facility in Moorgreen Road. The preschool serves the local area. There are currently 59 children from two to four years on roll. This includes 41 funded three year olds and 10 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Children with special needs and with English as an additional language are supported. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:15 until 15:00, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and 09:15 until 12:00 on Tuesday. Six part time staff work with the children. Five staff have early years qualifications, and one member of staff is currently on a training programme. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership [EYDCP], and the Area Special Education Needs Co-ordinator [SENCO].

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Gems Preschool provides good quality care for children. The preschool offers a warm, friendly environment for children. The supervisor and staff team effectively organise the space to ensure that children are well cared for both indoors and outside. They ensure that each child is able to access all play activities. Children are able to make choices from a range of toys and activities prepared for each session. The preschool ensures that children are well supervised especially when using the outside area and adjacent playground. Staff discuss dietary requirements and individual needs with parents ensuring children are well supported. There are clear health and hygiene procedures in place which children understand. The preschool provides a good range of resources which enable children to experience a balanced programme of activities covering all areas of development. A variety of materials are available to encourage children to learn about other cultures.

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How good is the Day Care?

Children respond well to praise and encouragement from staff. They learn to share and take turns and behaviour is very good.

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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 Parents are welcomed into the group and encouraged to share information about their child. They are informed about the groups routines and practice. All documentation is in place and confidentiality is mostly maintained.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider was required to implement any requirements made by the fire officer and environmental health officer. The fire exit light has been repaired. No extra conditions were required on food handling as packed lunches are prepared by parents and kept under refrigeration. One member of staff has a food hygiene certificate.

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What is being done well?

• Staff provide a well balanced range of activities for all children. This includes daily use of the outside area where children have the opportunity to run, jump, and climb, increasing their strength and confidence. • Children have opportunities to make choices. They can choose what they would like to do from the range of activities provided. They have the opportunity to use a range of art and craft materials to make pictures and models. • Children show that they understand the preschool routine well and know which activities they remove their shoes to participate in. They are kind to each other sharing resources, and helping each other. They respond well to staff who praise and encourage them increasing confidence and self esteem.

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What needs to be improved?

• the system for sharing information with parents, so that they are fully informed of all aspects of their child's care and development • recording, to ensure that confidentiality is maintained in the accident book and with staff clearance checks.

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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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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 14 Ensure that all policies, procedures, and children’s records are fully shared with parents. 14 Ensure that confidentiality is maintained in recording; in the accident book, and with staff CRB clearance.

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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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