St Clares Pre School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 06/11/2003 Inspector Name Steven Anthony Urry

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name ST CLARES PRE-SCHOOL Setting Address HAWTHORNE ROAD LACHE, CHESTER CH4 8HX

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

St. Clares Pre-school in Lache, Chester, has been open since 1984. The facility operates in a classroom within the premises of St. Clares Catholic Primary School. The children also have access to the school hall, resource area/library , toilet facilities and an enclosed outdoor play ground. The Pre-school is registered to provide sessional care for a maximum of 20 children aged from two and a half to five years. The Pre-school is funded for 3 and 4 year olds and offer four morning sessions a week, (excluding Wednesdays) from 09:15 to 12:00 term time only. The supervisor of the group holds a Pre-School Diploma in Playgroup Practice and works with two other members of staff, of which; one has completed NVQ level 2 training in childcare and is currently undertaking level 3. Children attending live in the local community. The group is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance.

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How good is the Day Care?

The playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. It offers a warm and welcoming environment where children feel secure. The staff develop very good relationships with children, and they are very happy and settled. Staff make sure children understand about safety on the premises at all times. All areas for promoting children's health are satisfactory. Staff plan daily activities in conjunction to ability and the Early Learning Goals. Staff ensure that the children are fully involved in a range of activities both inside and outside. Children can reach toys independently and have regular input on what is provided. Children are interested in their play. Staff interact with the children well, they talk and listen to the children and enable them to make decisions. The staff team manage children's behaviour well with consistent use of praise and encouragement. Children are aware of the group rules and are comfortable with

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How good is the Day Care?

these. Staff have good relationships with parents. They share information about the children and discuss activities and the children's achievements. This is undertaken verbally on a daily bases and formally with regular news letters. A pre school booklet is given to all parents prior to their child's placement. The aim of the booklet is to aid

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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 child's initiation into playgroup life . All the relevant paperwork is in place although one policy lacks the necessary detail.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The following actions were raised at the last inspection; ensure the buildings gas and electrical installation and appliances conform to safety requirements. Annual service invoices now kept on site to evidence appliances are safely maintained; obtain written permission from parents where children are to be picked up by another adult. Completed permission forms are kept with each child's documentation; maintain written records of all medicines administered to children, along with parental signatures acknowledging entries. The necessary documentation is now correctly maintained; obtain and retain prior parental written consent to administer medication to children. System in place; obtain parental permission to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future. This action remains outstanding; maintain an incident book this is now in place; review and up-date the playgroup's complaint policy document. New policy now

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What is being done well?

• There is a good balance of free play and adult initiated activity within the setting; • children are able to choose from a wide range of play materials which are easily accessible to them; • space is organised to meet requirements and used creatively; • a broad range of equipment which allows children to develop their own ideas; • staff have a good understanding of the policies and procedures relating to children's safety off and on the premises; • staff reinforce good behaviour and help children learn to understand the boundaries which aids the settling in process making the environment conducive to effective learning; • parents are kept well informed about occurring and future events within the setting by distributing regular news letters.

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• ensure all required documentation is in place and accurately maintained at all times; • increase levels of resources that positively promote disabilities.

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 7 Ensure written parental permission is requested, at the time of placement, to seeking any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future. 01/12/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 11 Ensure the written behaviour management policy includes stratagies to combat bullying.

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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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