St John's Church of England (VA) Combined School, Lacey Green

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 24/05/2004 Inspector Name Deborah, Jean Watton

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Caterpillars Preschool Setting Address Calmore Infant School Calmore Drive, Totton Southampton Hampshire SO40 2ZZ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Caterpillars Preschool

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Caterpillars Preschool Address Calmore Drive, Totton Southampton Hampshire SO40 2ZZ

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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

Caterpillars pre-school opened in 1999 and is managed by a voluntary committee . It operates from three adjoining rooms on the site of Calmore Infant School. It serves mainly the local area. There are currently 75 children from two to five years on roll. This includes 39 funded 3 year olds and 21 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting is able to support children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The pre-school opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:00 until 11:30 and from 12:15 until 14:45. Seven part-time staff work with the children. Five members of staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 3. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Caterpillars Pre-school provides good quality childcare. Staff regularly update skills and knowledge through training. The pre-school operates a high staff:child ratio with five members of staff supervising children during most sessions. Children are encouraged to explore their environment and are questioned effectively by staff to make them think about and discuss what they do. Staff provide separate areas for various types of activities and walls are attractively decorated with children's artwork. Most documentation is in place, requiring minor updating. Staff provide a safe environment and act as role models, demonstrating good hygiene practices. They discuss dietary requirements with parents in order to cater for each child's needs. They work closely with parents and outside agencies to support children with special needs. Children have access to a wide range of well maintained resources including books

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How good is the Day Care?

and toys reflecting positive images of gender and culture, however, resources showing positive images of disability are limited. Children learn the codes of practice for working as part of a group and behaviour is very good. Parents are informed about the provision through welcome packs, newsletters, notice boards and informal discussions with staff. However, they are not always

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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 aware of all the pre-school's policies and procedures. They are invited to play an active role in their child's care and development as parent helpers, through fundraising or as members of the voluntary management committee.

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What is being done well?

• The staff team work well together to create a warm, welcoming environment where children have easy access to a wide range of resources and are encouraged to make choices about what they do. • Staff are very aware of safety issues, providing a safe, secure environment through close supervision and regular risk assessment. • Staff use effective strategies for behaviour management which take account of each child's age and understanding. Children respond well to praise and encouragement and self-esteem is high. • Staff develop good, open relationships with parents who feel comfortable discussing every aspect of their child's care and development.

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What needs to be improved?

• resources reflecting positive images of disability • methods for ensuring parents are aware of the pre-school's policies and procedures • documentation, to ensure attendance records are accurate and confidentiality is maintained, for example, in accident record book.

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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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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE NEXT?

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 9 Provide a range of resources reflecting positive images of disability. 12 Ensure parents are aware of the pre-school’s policies and procedures. 14 Ensure registration systems accurately record times of attendance which vary from normal session times. 14 Ensure record systems provide confidentiality for parents.

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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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