Southlands Lower School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 19/05/2003 Inspector Name Clare Hanson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Stone Cross Independent Pre-School Setting Address Stone Cross School Adur Drive Stone Cross, Pevensey East Sussex BN24 5EF

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of The Management Committee

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name The Management Committee Address Stone Cross Independent Pre-School Stone Cross School,Adur Drive Stone Cross East Sussex BN24 5EF

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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

Stone Cross Independent Pre-school opened in 1998. It operates from a purpose built building attached to the primary school. The group has access to an enclosed outdoor area. The pre-school is registered to provide 22 places for children aged between three and five years. A sister group nearby takes younger children. There are currently 63 children on roll. This includes 29 funded three- year-old children and 33 funded four-year-olds. Children attend a variety of sessions each week. The pre-school supports children with special needs. The pre-school opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions run Monday to Friday from 9.15pm to 11.45pm, and from 12.30pm to 3.00pm. Of the full and part time staff that work with the children at both groups six have early years qualifications. The setting receives support from the local Pre-school Learning Alliance worker.

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How good is the Day Care?

Stone Cross Independent Pre-school provide good quality care for children. The staff have a clear understanding of their responsibilities. Space is well organised and colourful displays and posters help create a welcoming environment. Children access the wide range of toys and equipment easily. Children are occupied and interested in the activities provided. All paperwork is in place. Staff are vigilant and supervise children well. Children can access areas such as the toilets, safely and independently. Children learn about hygiene practices from staff guidance and daily routines. The children's health is promoted with healthy snacks. Children are welcomed, differences are respected and individual needs met. The security of the building and outdoor area is good which provides a secure area for children to explore safely. Good planning creates a busy and interesting environment where children play and

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How good is the Day Care?

learn together. They are involved in a range of activities that help them develop in all areas. All children are involved and keen to learn. Children are responsive to requests and well behaved, with staff using positive methods of management.

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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 The majority of parents receive good information about their child's progress. There is a strong sense of community within the group and the transfer of children and staff together from one site to another ensures a continuity that allows the children to build lasting relationships.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection the group have introduced further policies including a complaints policy, how to proceed if a child is lost and clear recruitment policies. This has helped the staff be more fully aware of their responsibilities and help ensure that the most suitable people are recruited to work in the group.

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What is being done well?

• The staff have a good knowledge of the children in their care. This is helped with the transfer of the staff and children together from the sister site which provides continuity of care. Children know their keyworker well and are able to build supportive relationships with them. (Standard 2) • Children's work is valued with many pieces of their artwork on the wall. This provides not only a colourful display but also gives children a sense of self worth. (Standard 3) • Activities both indoors and outdoors are used well. The range of toys and learning materials are varied to provide interest and challenges for children. Equipment is available or easily adapted to include children with additional needs (Standard 5) • Positive attention is given to children's safety and health. Procedures in place encourage children's own awareness and staff are vigilant where security is concerned. (Standard 6) • Partnership with parents is well developed. Parents spoken to felt included

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What is being done well?

and informed of their children's time at the group. Parents are welcomed into the group and there is plenty of information to guide them in the running of the provision. (Standard 12)

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What needs to be improved?

• the range of resources that reflect disability in order for children to have more experience and knowledge of the differences within people (Standard 9); • knowledge of child protection issues to enable staff to extend their basic understanding (Standard 13).

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Outcome of the 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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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 3 ensure that full use is made of the evaluation forms for assessing children’s progress 13 extend staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues 9 ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice with particular regard to disability.

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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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