Parsons Down Junior School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/05/2004 Inspector Name Hazel Farrant

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care, Out of School Day Care, Full Day Care Setting Name St Josephs Pre-School GP Setting Address St. Josephs Primary School Bridge Road Aldershot Hampshire GU11 3DD

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St Josephs Pre-School GP Address St. Josephs Primary School Bridge Road Aldershot Hampshire GU11 3DD

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

St. Joseph's Pre-school is situated in the grounds of St. Joseph's School in Aldershot and opened in 1987. It serves the local community as well as offering some out of catchment places. The preschool have sole use of two main areas and has access to an enclosed outdoor play area. They also use the school facilities including the hall, library and grounds. The group is registered to provide Sessional care for thirty children aged two to five years old. Children are normally aged two years and nine months before being offered a place. They are open five days a week term time only. Pre-school sessions are from 09:00 to 11:30 and 12:30 and 15:00 hours and are open five days a week during term time only. There are currently sixty-one children on roll. This includes thirty- four funded three year olds and twenty-five funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Two children currently attending have special

p.2

Information about the setting

educational needs and no children currently attend who speak English as an additional language. St. Joseph's is registered for full day care for thirty children under five years old. The full day nursery is open from 08:00 to 17:00 five days a week term time only and offers full time sessional places. St. Joseph's also provides out of school care for fifty-six children. The breakfast and teatime club is situated in a different part of the school building. They operate from 08:00 to 08:30 and 15:15 to 17:30 term time only.

p.2

Information about the setting

There are ten staff that work with the children. Two members of staff work full time and the others work on a part time basis. Six have early years qualifications. The setting receives support through the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

St. Joseph's Pre-School provides good quality care for children. Staff are well organised and interact warmly with the children. They provide a high level of attention to the children during the session involving themselves in the play. The pre-school uses a large room, which can be divided into two separate areas and has use of a secure fenced outside area. Staff are encouraged to attend regular training

p.2

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 courses. Comprehensive policies are in place, however there are some areas to be addressed. Staff give high priority to children's safety both indoors and outside and consistently carry out procedures to ensure children's health and safety. They encourage children to be aware of personal hygiene and develop independence in their personal care. Parents and children's preferences are observed and healthy snacks and drinks are offered during the session. The staff team supports children with additional needs and all children are treated with equal concern. The staff organise and plan a good range of interesting and stimulating activities and allow children choice of a good range of resources. However, more opportunity of free writing and access to the computer needs to be included into the daily

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

curriculum plan. An excellent key worker system allows staff to undertake observations of children's play and learning and record them to plan for children's progress and development. Staff provide good role models for children and are consistent and caring, using praise and encouragement appropriately. Children are well behaved and secure in their environment. Parents are welcomed in the group and encouraged to discuss their child's progress with staff. Written developmental reports provide parents with information of their child's progress. Parents are able to view policies and procedures. Parents receive an informative handbook, regular newsletters on themes and events and a weekly report sheet.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Children have free choice of age appropriate toys, so that individual preferences are met. Children are able to self-select toys and activities from a good selection or resources. Children are developing independence they can self-select from drawers and shelves. Staff spend time talking and listening to children extending their knowledge and understanding. Planning and key worker systems enable children to make progress in all areas of development. • Resources that reflect diversity are available so that children's knowledge and understanding of the wider world is developed. The children are learning through planned activities celebrating festivals from around the world. • Staff give high priority to children's safety both indoors and outside and consistently carry out procedures to ensure children's health and safety. Children are developing independence in their personal care. They understand the importance of washing their hands.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The group's behaviour management strategy promotes good behaviour in children and enables them to play well and co-operate together. The clear

p.3

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 guidelines help children feel secure in their environment. Staff act as a good role models, which helps children to develop their relationships. Children received achievement awards and stickers for encouragement. • The group fosters good partnerships with parents and liaises closely with them to ensure they are involved and informed about their child's care. Parents receive a prospectus, regular newsletters and weekly reports. A profile report is completed for children to share with their next school. Staff take time to talk to parents about their child's achievements on a daily basis.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• computer to be regularly used by children to support their learning and encourage skills of independence. Free writing opportunities to be planned into daily curriculum • documentation to be reviewed and updated to include; equal opportunities policy to refer to relevant Acts; Ofsted's address and telephone number to be added to the complaints procedure.

p.4

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 Review planning to ensure regular use of the computer and opportunities for free writing. 14 Review and update documentation.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6