Dawes Community Childcare Centre

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 03/03/2005 Inspector Name Annie Williams

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Dawes Community Childcare Centre Setting Address The Dawes Community Centre, Forstal Hernhill Faversham Kent ME13 9JG

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Dawes Community Childcare Centre 4018263 1081764

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Dawes Community Childcare Centre Address The Dawes Community Centre Forstal, Hernhill Faversham Kent ME13 9JG

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Dawes Community Childcare Centre opened in 1992. It operates from the community centre in Hernhill, Faversham, Kent. The centre has access to two rooms, a kitchen, an office, toilets and an outside area. The centre is registered to provide care and education for 33 children between the ages of 2 and under 8 years. Children up to the age of 11 may attend the out of school club and holiday play scheme. There are currently 76 children on roll. Of these 23 children receive funding for nursery education. Children attend a variety of sessions each week. The centre has experience in supporting children with special needs and children with English as an additional language. The centre opens from Mondays to Fridays, all year round. Sessions are from 08.00 to 18.00. There are seven staff employed at the centre; all of these hold an early years qualification. The group receives support from a Pre-School Learning Alliance

p.2

Information about the setting

development worker, a special needs advisor and a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Dawes Community Childcare Centre provides satisfactory care for children. Procedures for monitoring access to the provision, staff’s knowledge and understanding of child protection and the procedures for the collection of children, help keep them safe. Records, policies and procedures for the efficient and safe management of the provision and to promote the welfare and care of children are mostly effective. The procedures and daily routine contribute to keeping children healthy such as regular physical exercise and hand washing. Snack and meal times are a relaxed social occasion. Children attending the morning pre-school enjoy healthy snacks, although this is not extended to afternoon pre-school and the out of school club. Cleaning procedures within the centre are not fully effective. As a result some areas are unclean. Children are confident, happy and settled at the centre. They clearly enjoy the opportunities provided and are very sociable. The centre is organised over two

p.2

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 divided areas although one area is not used effectively, for example, it is only used for snack and meal times. Staff plan and prepare an environment with a range of activities and are positive in their interactions with children. Consequently, children are making progress in their development. Staff are continuing training of the framework ‘Birth to Three Matters’, to help plan and provide a wide range of activities to further develop younger children's personal and social skills. Children are encouraged to make choices, contributing to their independence. A clear routine that children understand well helps them feel secure. Children are well behaved, kind and caring. They respond well to staff's expectations, for example, by tidying away. Staff have a secure partnership with parents that have children in the centre. They

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

greet parents and children warmly. The sharing of information ensures parents are generally informed and can take an active part in their child's care and learning.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

Following their last inspection the providers were asked to complete a number of actions. These actions were related to care, learning and play, organisation, behaviour management, documentation, health and hygiene and partnership with parents. The centre have obtained a copy of 'Birth to Three Matters' and are beginning to implement the framework to help provide an appropriate range of activities that promote children's development. With the exception of the attendance register and children's record forms, all the required documentation for the safe and efficient management of the setting is available, contributing to the welfare, care and learning of children. Staff have developed their awareness of ways to manage children's behaviour. Consequently children are well behaved. Parents are happy with the information about the care that their children receive and are greeted warmly. Staff are generally well deployed within the setting to support children in

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

their play and children have opportunities to select resources. Not all space is used effectively and this remains a recommendation of this inspection. Overall the centre has made satisfactory progress in addressing the actions from the last inspection and the providers remain qualified for registration.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff interact positively with the children. They praise and encourage them. Children are happy, settled and confident in the group. They readily approach adults and their friends to talk and play. • Staff make good use of props for singing time. As a result children join in enthusiastically with songs and actions. • Snack times are relaxed social occasions. Children develop independence as they pour their own drinks. Sharing fresh fruit, dried fruit and carrot sticks helps the morning pre-school children learn about healthy eating. • The premises are kept secure and there are clear procedures for the arrival and collection of children, contributing to children's safety.

p.3

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

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the attendance register • the children's record forms • cleaning procedures • procedures for reviewing, monitoring and evaluating the childcare practice.

p.4

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 1 Develop rigorous systems for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating the practice. 2 Develop the attendance register to show clearly when children and adults are present. 4 Develop thorough cleaning procedures. 4 Make effective use of the space. 7 Ensure parents' permissions are included in all child record forms.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6