Hardwick Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/03/2004 Inspector Name Jane Plested

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Hardwick Pre-School Setting Address John Bridles Hall Lower Road Hardwick Buckinghamshire HP22 4DZ

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Hardwick Pre-School Address John Bridles Hall Lower Road Hardwick Buckinghamshire HP22 4DZ

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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

Hardwick Pre-school has been open since July 1993. It operates from the John Bridles Hall in Hardwick. The premises comprise a main hall that can be sub-divided, a kitchen and two toilets. There is an enclosed outside area for children's play. There are currently 27 children on the roll. This includes 7 funded 3-year-olds and 8 funded 4-year-olds. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs, but no children currently attend who speak English as an additional language. The pre-school opens five days a week during school term time. The setting is open from 09:30 until 12:00. The children attend for a variety of sessions. There are four staff who work with the children. One staff member holds an early years qualification to level three. The leader is working towards a relevant early years qualification at level three. The nursery is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PSLA). The setting

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Information about the setting

receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Hardwick Pre-School provides good quality care for children. Staff work well together and are guided by a clear set of policies and procedures that reflect the National Standards for Registration, but two policies are insufficiently detailed. The pre-school is well organised; effective use is made of the staff and most resources, to ensure that all children are well cared for. The book corner is uninviting. Children have good access to the ample toys and equipment. Staff have a good understanding of safety issues; all hazards have been identified. The pre-school is effective in promoting the children's good health. Drinks and snacks promote a healthy diet effectively. Procedures for sharing information about specific dietary needs are good. Staff have a satisfactory understanding of child protection procedures and their role in this. The pre-school plan their daily activities well, and have a clear routine that is known

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How good is the Day Care?

by children and staff. There is a good range of activities and play materials for the children both inside and outside. However, there are few resources that help

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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 children learn about differences. Staff take frequent opportunities to develop children's early learning and self esteem. They know the children well and take account of their individual needs. Staff are skilful in managing children's behaviour and in developing their confidence and independence.

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How good is the Day Care?

The pre-school has some effective systems for developing good partnerships with parents. Staff keep parents well informed about the daily activities. Parents are very happy with the service provided. Good records are kept but occasionally they lack the necessary detail.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the pre-school agreed to develop an action plan that sets out how staff training and qualification requirements will be met. They also agreed to ensure that the staff are familiar with the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures. The pre-school has implemented an action plan to achieve the qualification requirements. Two members of staff have now completed the Introduction to Pre-school Practice and one the Diploma in Pre-School Practice. The leader is working towards the Diploma in Pre-school Practice. The pre-school has obtained a copy of the guidance to the Area Child Protection Committee procedures. The staff have access to this leaflet and are aware of the procedures to be followed if they are concerned about the welfare of children.

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What is being done well?

• The pre-school is well organised and has a good understanding of its responsibilities. Staff are well supported by their managers and the policies, procedures and working instructions provide clear guidance for their work. • Children are offered a range of activities that are interesting, enjoyed and used well by staff to help them learn. Some are linked to the group's themes, for example, doctors. The home corner has become a doctors surgery, staff talk to children about visiting the doctors and develop their role-play. Other activities such as cutting and sticking are used to support the theme and to develop children's skills in using tools, such as scissors and rulers. • Staff ensure that the setting is clean for the children. The tables are cleaned and hands are wiped before meals. Staff encourage children to wash their hands after toileting. Older children have an understanding of the importance

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What is being done well?

of this and wash their hands automatically after using the toilet. • The snacks offered are healthy and nutritious. Fruit provided is presented well and children are offered a choice. They are encouraged to try alternatives, for example apples, raisins and banana. Drinks are feely available for the children. • Children are well behaved. Staff develop children's social skills, encourage them to share and to use please and thank-you appropriately. Children are

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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 encouraged to help during clearing away and at snack time. Staff praise children's achievements freely. The pre-school has clear policies for behaviour management, and incidents are recorded and shared with parents. • Staff have developed very good relationships with the parents, who are pleased with the service provided. The Pre-school keeps the parents well informed about the setting with a detailed notice board and well written policies that are made freely available to parents. Parents spoken to or who returned the questionnaire value the setting highly, and consider staff are friendly and approachable.

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What needs to be improved?

• physical environment, so that children have access to a quiet, comfortable area where books are displayed well • toys and resources, so that more toys and resources positively reflect diversity • policies and records, so that the complaints policy is more accessible for parents and contains detail on how to contact Ofsted, the child protection policy shows more fully the reporting procedures to be followed and a record is kept of pre-existing injuries.

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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 4 Provide a quiet, comfortable area where books are displayed well. 14 Make sure the complaints policy is more accessible for parents and contains detail on how to contact Ofsted, update the child protection policy and record all pre-existing injuries.

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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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