Scamps of Benson Ltd

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/02/2005 Inspector Name Jane Plested

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care, Full Day Care, Sessional Day Care, Creche Day Care Setting Name Scamps of Benson Ltd Setting Address Lowfield House Churchfield Lane, Benson Wallingford Oxfordshire OX10 6SH

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name SCAMPS OF BENSON LTD Address Lowfield House, Churchfield Lane Benson Wallingford Oxfordshire OX10 6SH

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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

Scamps of Benson has been open since July 2002 and operates from a detached house and a separate summerhouse within the grounds. It is situated in the village of Benson. Within the main premises there are 2 rooms on the ground floor used mainly by the older children and 4 rooms on the first floor in which babies and toddlers are cared for. There is also a kitchen, office, several toilets and a milk room within the premises. The summer house comprises a single room with adjoining toilet. There is an enclosed outside and garden area. A maximum of 50 children may attend setting at any one time. The setting opens each weekday from 07.30 to 18.00 for 51 weeks a year. Offering full day care to pre-school children and out of school provision to older children. The setting is also registered to offer overnight care. The children attend for a variety of sessions. There are currently 168 children on the roll. Of these 11 children receive funding for

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Information about the setting

nursery education. Children come from a wide catchment area. The setting currently supports children with both special educational needs and who speak English as an additional language. There are 18 staff who work with the children of these 8 hold early years qualifications to level 3. In addition 8 staff are working toward relevant early years qualifications at level two or three. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Scamps of Benson provides good quality care for children. The setting overall is well organised and staff work well as a team. Staff are developing their qualifications and knowledge. There are detailed policies and procedures, but some staff are not fully familiar with all of these. All documentation is in place and well organised. The setting provides a warm and homely environment. The children have good access to ample toys and equipment that staff ensure are clean and well maintained. Children's security is a high priority and there is a good understanding of safety issues; staff identify and remove the majority of risks to children. The setting is effective in promoting the children's good health and all aspects of hygiene are 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 The menu is varied and meals are prepared and cooked on site. Staff are aware of children's individual dietary needs and cater for these appropriately. They are aware of the need to protect children and of the appropriate procedures to follow if concerned about a child. There are consistent daily routines for children. Staff provide a range of resources, activities and experiences to encourage children's learning and development. They spend time talking to children during all aspects of their care. Children enjoy creative activities and use books purposefully. Garden play is actively encouraged. Children are confident in their relationships with adults and are well occupied and happy. Staff have a good understanding of behaviour management strategies and children respond well to this. They know children well and take account of and support

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How good is the Day Care?

individual needs effectively. The partnership with parents is an effective one. There is detailed and helpful information for parents via a number of sources. The setting has a policy that sets out how parents may raise concerns but this does not hold all the relevant detail. Parents are happy with the care provided.

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What is being done well?

• All children enjoy a range of creative activities. Older children have opportunities to use malleable materials such as clay and dough. Babies and toddlers experience a range of painting activities. Staff support and talk to children during these activities and in all aspects of their care for example during meals, stories and nappy changing routines. • Staff ensure that the setting is made welcoming. They greet parents and children on arrival and encourage them to feel at home. There are some well-presented displays of the children's work and photographs of children at play around the rooms. Toys and equipment are easily accessible to children. Staff use music effectively to create a calm environment for babies. • Staff ensure the setting is clean and well-maintained for the children. They encourage children to practice good personal hygiene, for example washing their hands before meals. Staff ensure tables are clean before and after

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What is being done well?

meals and they follow good practice during nappy changing procedures. • The setting is proactive in its inclusive approach. Staff recognise and support children's the individual needs of children well. They work well with parents and relevant professionals to provide appropriate support to children with special needs. • The setting has some effective systems for developing good partnerships with parents. Staff develop good relationships with parents; they communicate effectively and provide a wealth of written information covering all aspects of the service. Staff operate an "open door" policy encouraging

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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 parents to visit the setting and organise consultation meetings for the older children. Parents of younger children receive daily feedback about all aspects of their child's care via a daily diary.

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What needs to be improved?

• safety, so that more attention is paid to the temperature of radiators in the summer house ensuring these do not pose a risk to children • information for parents, detailing how parents can contact Ofsted if they have a concern • staff knowledge, so there is a systematic programme that makes sure all staff are fully familiar with the settings policies.

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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 6 Ensure that heaters do not pose a risk to children. 12 Parents with detail on how to contact Ofsted if they have a concern.

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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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