Mere Green 0-5

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/10/2004 Inspector Name Mary Pratty

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Mere Green 0-5 Setting Address Mere Green Community Centre Mere Green Road Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B75 5BT

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Mere Green 0-5 1019905 Address Mere Green Community Centre Mere Green Road Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B75 5BP

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

Mere Green Pre-School has been registered at the current premises since 2003. It operates from a large hall on the ground floor of the community centre which serves the Mere Green community. Additional ancillary facilities are also available, together with space for outside play. There are currently 64 children on roll aged between 2 - 5 years. This includes 12 funded children. Children may attend for a variety of sessions. The setting also supports children with special needs. The group opens five mornings a week, during school term times. Sessions are from 09:30 until 12:00 hrs. An additional afternoon session is provided on Wednesdays, between 12:30-14:45 hrs.

p.2

Information about the setting

There are a total of nine staff employed. The majority of staff hold recognised qualifications. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. Silver and Gold, Quality Assurance Awards have also been attained.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Mere Green Pre-School provides good care for children. Staff provide an interesting, caring environment where children are happy to play and learn. Staff set out a wide range of activities that enable children to make independent choices and they are confident in accessing their preferred activities. The setting is very well organised, staff work efficiently together as a team, they are well qualified and experienced. The key worker system is used to monitor children's progress and all staff are involved with planning. The operational plan is supported by a range of policies and procedures. Individual staff are well informed of their role and responsibilities. The majority of required documentation is in place. Staff are aware of safety issues, good attention is paid to security. Children learn about hygiene routines through established daily practice and the premises and resources are clean. Individual dietary needs are respected and adhered to,

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

although the nutritional content of snacks could be improved. All staff are aware of child protection responsibilities.

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 Staff plan a wide range of experiences for the children. Activities are developmentally appropriate and staff are aware of the importance of providing experiences that support individual stages of development, specific needs and interests. In addition children participate in various activities that help them to value and respect themselves and others, as they learn about diversity. Children have opportunities for outdoor activities although, the current designated play space could be further improved, to provide more play and learning opportunities. The children are well behaved and settled and staff are responsive and interested in the children's conversations and well being. Staff value the importance of working in partnership with parents. There is a range of written information provided for parents and they are given regular feedback about

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable as this is the first inspection, since the current registration.

p.3

What is being done well?

• There is a good balance of adult led and child initiated activities and children have many opportunities to learn through the provision of first-hand experiences, building upon their natural curiosity and interests. • Children's independence skills are well supported. They are encouraged to put on their own coats to go outside, they help to tidy up and are encouraged to practice good hygiene routines as part of the daily programme. • Resources are well maintained and rotated regularly, in order to provide a stimulating and challenging environment. • Good attention is paid to ongoing professional development and staff take advantage of training opportunities in order to update their knowledge of current childcare issues. • Good attention is paid to meeting and supporting children with special needs and staff are aware of the need to provide an inclusive environment. There are effective systems in place to monitor all children's development and staff

p.3

What is being done well?

work with other agencies where necessary. • Parents are actively involved in sessions. They are encouraged to contribute, by participating on the parents duty rota and in sharing information about their work or other skills that may interest and widen the children's knowledge.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the documentation with regard to; the procedure for children not collected and the details contained in the complaints procedure • the provision for outdoor play

p.3

What needs to be improved?

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 nutritional content of snack time food.

p.3

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 4 Improve and further develop facilities for outside play. 8 Improve the nutritional value of snacks. 14 Make sure that documentation provides sufficient information to keep parents and staff well informed.

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