Ellesmere Ducklings Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 25/11/2003 Inspector Name Dianne Andrews

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Ellesmere Ducklings Setting Address Ellesmere Pre-school Unit Ellesmere County Primary School,Elson Road ELLESMERE Shropshire SY12 9EU

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

Ellesmere Ducklings has been established since 1993 and operating in the present premises since 1997. The premises consists of a demountable classroom sited within the primary school grounds, in Ellesmere, North Shropshire. The group has sole use of the premises and the outdoor play area. The provision has charitable status and is managed by a voluntary committee. The provision serves the local area. There are currently 37 children on roll. This includes funded three year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group supports a number of children with special needs and have procedures in place to support those who speak English as an additional language. The group offers a variety of sessions throughout the week, catering for different age groups. The usual session times are from 09:00 to 11:30 and from 12:45 to 15:15, offering a lunch club and the option to stay for full day care. There is currently a staff group of nine working with the children. Over half the staff

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Information about the setting

at each session have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. One staff member is currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Ellesmere Ducklings provides good quality care for children. There are good procedures in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of the provision. Staff are committed to further training in order to enhance their skills and personal development. They provide a welcoming environment and space is well organised to suit the needs of the children. Documentation is very well organised and stored appropriately. There are many effective procedures in place to ensure the good health of children and to prevent the spread of infection, however a few procedures need to be reviewed. The committee need to ensure that the provision is aware of all Health and Safety legislation relating to the provision of day-care for children. There is a broad selection of stimulating activities planned, in line with the

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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 Foundation Stage curriculum, to support children's language, mathematical thinking and creativity. Children are given choice in their activities while staff talk and listen to them, using praise and encouragement to support their learning. Snack and mealtimes are made homely occasions with social interaction in a relaxed atmosphere. Staff are calm and caring towards the children and consistent in their management of behaviour. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are consulted by the committee prior to major decisions about the group being made. Children's keyworkers communicate regularly with parents and offer parents' evenings to ensure that parents are informed about their child's progress and development.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable as there were no actions raised at the previous inspection.

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What is being done well?

• Offers a well organised approach, there is a well written operational plan which works in practice. Good use is made of space and resources. There is a healthy staff-to-child ratio at each session. • Provides an excellent range of toys and resources which enable the children to develop in all areas of learning. Opportunities are presented through a wide range of planned and free play activities. • Offers access to a wide range of resources to promote diversity and encourages children to acknowledge and value differences through themes and discussions. The setting integrates children and adults with special needs and ensures that their individual needs are well met. • Provides comprehensive information regarding children's development. The effective keyworker system ensures a good relationship with parents, encouraging them to be involved in their child's learning.

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What needs to be improved?

• the nappy changing area's environment to make more welcoming and child friendly • daily safety checks prior to the start of the session • some health and hygiene procedures • knowledge and compliance with Health and Safety legislation • snacks to ensure that all children are offered a healthy and nutritious diet

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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

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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 Improve nappy changing environment 6 Ensure that premises are checked for risks prior to opening each day. 7 Ensure that hand-washing procedures are extended to include hand-washing before snack time. 7 Ensure that the setting complies with all Health and Safety legislation. 7 Ensure that procedures in place for the use of colour-coded cloths are effective. 8 Ensure that all snacks provided are healthy and nutritious.

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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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