Happy Hands Pre-School and Childcare

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/09/2004 Inspector Name Karen Cockings

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St Anns Happy Hands Pre School Setting Address Happy Hands Pre School Nursery McIntyre Road, Stocksbridge Sheffield South Yorkshire S36 1DG

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of St Anns Happy Hands Pre School

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St Anns Happy Hands Pre School Address St Ann's Hall Macintyre Road,Stocksbridge Sheffield S36 1DG

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 Ann's Happy Hands Pre-School has been operating since 1999. It is a non-profit making organisation and a registered charity, run by a management committee which includes parent representatives. The provision serves families livng in the local community of Stocksbridge and children may go on to attend St Ann's School, Royd Infants or Stocksbridge Nursery Infant School. The setting operates form a detached, single storey building adjacent to St Ann's School. The building is hired from the Diocese of Hallam and is shared with other users, although there is exclusive use while the pre-school is in session. There is one playroom with a conservatory extension and an enclosed outdoor play area. There are plans to improve the toilet facilities and reception area in the near future. The group meets every weekday during school term time. Sessions are from 09:15 to 11:45. There are currently sixteen children on roll, all of whom are in receipt of

p.2

Information about the setting

nursery grant funding. The setting supports a number of children with special needs, but there are no children currently attending with English as an additional language. The children are cared for by a team of three staff, all of whom have early years qualifications and experience. A fourth member of staff is shortly to be appointed. The setting receives support from the Local Authority and the Pre-School Learning Alliance and is participating in the Sheffield Kitemark quality assurance scheme.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

St Ann's Happy Hands Pre-School provides a good standard of care for children. The setting is very well organised with a clear operational plan and comprehensive policies in place to support practice. There are regular opportunities for staff and management committee to meet for review and future planning of the service. Staff work effectively together to create a warm and stimulating environment, despite the constraints of shared premises. The children have access to a wide range of resources in well planned play areas which provide opportunities for them to learn new skills and gain independence with daily routines. Most procedures are well documented and implemented effectively. The safety and welfare of the children are given high priority. Staff are deployed well and supervise children carefully. The children learn how to use the environment and

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 resources safely. Standards of hygiene are very well maintained: staff follow clear procedures, children are encouraged with handwashing and activities are planned to promote awareness of health and hygiene issues. Staff understand their responsibilities with regard to protecting children and develop good links with relevant professionals. The children are able to enjoy a wide variety of activities to support their learning. They have free access to the outdoor area, which is used very well. There is an established routine to the sessions, giving children security and confidence. They participate in group activities with enthusiasm and are confident to share their ideas. Behaviour is managed very well and with sensitivity to individual needs and the children respond well to the encouragement and guidance given.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

There is a strong commitment to working in partnership with parents. Home visits prior to admission ensure staff are well informed about children's needs. There are very effective systems in place for the sharing of information about the service and about children's progress.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The environment is warm, welcoming and well organised to provide stimulating play opportunities for children. Staff have decorated the premises themselves, paying lots of attention to detail to make the setting child friendly. Children's work is carefully mounted and displayed. • The outdoor space is used very well. Children are able to play indoors or outside as they wish. Staff ensure that a variety of resources are set up outside so that children are not restricted to physical play only. • Children's behaviour is managed very positively. Staff are sensitive to the feelings of children new to the setting and recognise that they are not yet used to routines. The children are very well supported as they learn to share and to take turns. • Group times are used very well and provide children with opportunities to talk and to listen to others. They join in with confidence and enthusiasm and staff are careful to listen to their contributions.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Children's individual needs are addressed well. They are able to make choices and develop some independence. For example, they choose when they will have snack and take responsibility for pouring their own drinks. The arrangements made for pre-admission home visits help staff to find out from children and parents about their likes, dislikes and particular needs. A positive approach is taken towards equal opportunities and support given to enable all children to achieve their full potential.

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

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the procedures for dealing with child protection issues where an allegation is made against a member of staff • the policy with regard to lost or uncollected children • the arrangements for record keeping to ensure children's full names are recorded on all documentation.

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 2 Review the procedures for uncollected children to include action to be taken if children are lost. 13 Review the procedures for dealing with allegations made against a member of staff and ensure that they include reference to informing Ofsted. 14 Review record keeping systems to ensure that the full names of children are recorded.

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