Thornton Pre-School Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 04/02/2005 Inspector Name Harpal Thandi

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Thornton Pre-School Playgroup Setting Address School Road Thornton-Cleveleys Lancashire FY5 5BJ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Thornton Pre-School Playgroup Ltd 4901480

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Thornton Pre-School Playgroup Ltd Address School Road Thornton-Cleveleys Lancashire FY5 5BJ

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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

Thornton Pre school Playgroup has been operating since 1966 but has only been operating from its current premises since 2003. It is situated in a purpose built nursery unit attached to Baines Endowed School in Thornton. A maximum of 26 children may attend the nursery at any one time. The nursery is open each weekday from 09:00 to 11:45 and 12:45 to 15:30 term time only. All children share access to an enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 91 children from 2 to under 5 years on roll. Of these 46 children receive funding for nursery education. The nursery currently supports three children with special needs and currently there are no children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery employs 8 staff. Three of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. Two staff are working towards a qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Thornton Pre School Playgroup provides good quality care for children. The environment is warm, welcoming and visually stimulating to children. The staff work as a team and follow the policies and procedures of the group. A good selection of toys are available to promote children's learning in all areas and these are arranged to make them accessible to children. Records are generally well organised with one area of weakness identified. Staff have a good understanding of the need to keep children safe, they are vigilant and supervise the children well. Good hygiene practices are promoted as part of the children's daily routine and a range of healthy and nutritious snacks are provided. Staff have an understanding of child protection issues and are aware of the procedures to be followed in order to safeguard a child's welfare. Staff are interested in what the children do and say, they carry out observations and

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How good is the Day Care?

plan for individual children, ensuring they are involved in a broad range of activities, which promote their learning in all areas. Children's understanding of equal opportunities is promoted through the daily activities and resources available to them. Staff are pro active in ensuring children's special needs are met. Positive behaviour is valued and encouraged, as a result children behave well.

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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 kept well informed and there is a good exchange of information to ensure continuity of care between the setting and the home.

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What is being done well?

• Staff relate well to the children, supporting and encouraging their learning through play. Good observation and planning systems are also in place. As a result children are happy and occupied as they choose from the activities on offer. • The premises are well maintained and the environment is welcoming to children. There are colourful, informative posters and examples of the children's work on the walls, which values their contributions. • Staff are aware of the need to keep children safe. Arrangements for children's safety are constantly reviewed and any hazards minimised. There are clear fire evacuation procedures in place, which are practised regularly with the children. • Staff are pro active in ensuring children's special needs are met, they have sought medical training for a specific procedure and have worked closely with professionals such as speech and physiotherapists. • Staff relate well to the children. The children are clear about what is expected

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What is being done well?

of them and their positive behaviour and actions are recognised and praised by staff. • Procedures keep parents informed about their children, which ensures there is continuity of care between the pre school and the home setting. Staff make themselves available to exchange verbal information with parents, notices are displayed on the notice board, letters sent out and their child's record of achievement available to view on request.

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What needs to be improved?

• the obtaining of parents signature following an entry in the accident book.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

There are no complaints to report from April 2004.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

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 7 Ensure parents signatures are always obtained following an entry in the accident book.

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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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