Stepping Stones Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 18/06/2004 Inspector Name Lynne Elizabeth Lewington

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Stepping Stones Pre-School Setting Address Meadway School, Dunsfold Road Tilehurst Reading Berkshire RG30 4NP

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Stepping Stones Pre-School 1024885

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Stepping Stones Pre-School Address Meadway School, Dunsfold Road Tilehurst Reading Berkshire RG30 4NP

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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

Stepping Stones Pre-school is a committee run pre-school and opened in 1972. It is located in two classrooms within the Meadway school in Tilehurst and serves the needs of families in the surrounding area. It is in an area of diversity and this is reflected in the intake of children. Stepping Stones Pre-school accepts children between the ages of two and a half and five years old. There are currently 26 children on roll. Of these, three are funded three year olds and 11 are funded four year olds. The setting supports children with special needs and with English as an additional language. The pre-school currently opens Monday to Friday between 9.30 a.m. and noon term time only. There are plans to extend opening times until 1.00 p.m. to incorporate a lunch club and a four year old extension of work group. Seven staff work across the age groups; four of whom hold suitable childcare qualifications. Two further member of staff are working towards a suitable

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Information about the setting

qualification. Two of the staff hold a first aid qualification. There is a caretaker on site for maintenance.

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How good is the Day Care?

Stepping Stones Pre-school provides good care for children. Staff hold relevant child care and first aid qualifications and utilise training opportunities to improve their child care. Staff work well together and individuals take on specific roles. The induction process for new staff could be improved. Good use is made of indoor play space, bright paintwork and displays of children's work and notices create a welcoming environment. The outside play space is not easily accessed or stimulating. A wide range of good quality toys and equipment are available to provide the children with a variety of activities. Documentation is detailed and maintained in a confidential manner. Clear policies are available and parents and staff are expected to read and support them.

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How good is the Day Care?

Health and safety issues are given high priority. Quality risk assessments are undertaken daily, fire drills are undertaken monthly and children learn to follow rules for their own safety. They know that they are not allowed to go over the 'red lines' in the hall and corridor. Healthy snacks of fruit and crackers and water or milk are offered to the children at snack time. Individual needs of children are identified in

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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 detail and valued. Effective special needs and child protection systems are in place. A good range of resources provides positive images of the diversity of society. Children follow a clear routine each day which provides them with security. Curriculum planning is clear and provides the children with a stimulating variety of activities covering all areas of learning. They do not have outside activity at every session. Staff have warm caring relationships with the children, they read stories when requested and chat sociably with the children at snack time. Behaviour is managed very well with consistent boundaries and expectations. Staff work hard to develop relationships with parents, they provide newsletters, an informative noticeboard, and weekly activity plans.

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What is being done well?

• Health and safety issues are managed very well. Monthly fire drills are practiced, recorded and evaluated in order to improve efficiency. Detailed risk assessments are undertaken each day by the health and safety appointed person • Care, learning and play are delivered well. Clear activity plans ensure that all areas of learning are covered. Staff are aware of which activities they will be supervising and they support each other in the teaching and care of the children. Staff listen and respond well to the children, showing interest and concern for them. • Partnership with parents is effective. Parents speak highly of the service offered, they are informed of the curriculum and of how they can help their child to learn. Staff are helpful and make them feel welcome in the setting. • Staff provide calm, consistent caring role models to the children. They show respect and good manners to each other and the children, consequently the

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What needs to be improved?

• the induction process of new staff to enable them to learn and be mentored in a manner suitable to their experience and qualifications • children's easy access to a suitable outdoor play area every day.

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Outcome of the 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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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 3 Ensure children have opportunities for outside activity everyday.

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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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