Keldmarsh Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/10/2004 Inspector Name Gillian Little

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care, Full Day Care Setting Name The Ace Centre Setting Address Burford Road Chipping Norton Oxfordshire OX7 5DZ

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Trustees of the Ace Centre Address Burford Road Chipping Norton Oxfordshire OX7 5DZ

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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

The Ace Centre in Chipping Norton provides a variety of children's services including Gems Day Nursery and The Out of School Scheme. The Out of School Scheme opened in 1995, operates from a large room and adjacent hall and offers both after school and holiday care. The nursery opened in 1999, operates from four interlinked rooms and offers full day care. The centre serves the local area, outlying villages and other towns as needs dictate. There are currently 44 children on roll in the nursery including funded three and four year olds. There are currently 53 children on roll in the after school club and 30 children on roll in the holiday play scheme. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The centre welcomes children with special needs. The nursery opens five days a week all year round (except a week at Christmas) from 08:00 until 18:00. The after school club opens each day during term times from

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Information about the setting

15:00 until 18:00. The play scheme operates during each school holiday (except a week at Christmas) from 08:00 until 18:00. Three part-time and four full-time staff work with the children in the nursery. Two part-time staff work with the children in the Out of School Scheme with additional staff available when necessary. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level two or three. Two members of staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a development worker from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

The centre provides good quality care for children. There are effective procedures in place for employing and checking staff. There are appropriate numbers of qualified staff and they have regular opportunities for on-going training. The centre is well maintained and provides a welcoming environment. There are plans in place to improve the room used for out of school care. There is a good range of resources in the nursery but resources for out of school care are more limited. All the required paperwork is in place and detailed policies are carried out effectively. The staff ensure that children are safe at all times. The premises are clean and hygienic and staff help the children to learn about health and hygiene. Staff take

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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 appropriate steps when children are ill but are not consistently obtaining parental signatures on accident forms. The centre promotes healthy eating and ensures that children have regular meals, snacks and drinks. There are effective procedures in place to deal with child protection concerns. The centre offers an appropriate range of activities. Staff know children well and are able to meet their individual needs. Staff spend their time playing with and talking to the children which helps to develop good relationships. Staff are very sensitive to children's feelings and respond to these very positively. The centre promotes equal opportunities for staff and children. The staff help children to learn about people in the world around them through suitable topics, displays and resources. The centre

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How good is the Day Care?

promotes the welfare and development of children with special needs and staff have suitable training. Staff have a very positive approach to dealing with difficult behaviour. They recognise and praise positive behaviour. The centre develops good partnerships with parents who are happy with the care it provides.

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What is being done well?

• The staff work well as a team. They are aware of their own and each other's responsibilities. They work co-operatively and ensure that transition times (such as meal times and sleep times) run smoothly with minimum disruption. They support each other effectively and act as good role models for the children. • The staff know children well and are very sensitive to their feelings. They treat children with respect and respond positively to their questions, requests and comments. They have a warm and friendly approach and develop very good relationships with the children. As a result the children are generally settled, relaxed and enjoy their time at the centre. • The nursery environment is very homely and welcoming. It is decorated in soothing pastel colours and this has a calming effect on the children. There are comfortable sofas where children can read books and cuddle up to staff members. The rooms are arranged so that all age groups can spend time

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What is being done well?

together when appropriate but there is also flexibility to section off areas as necessary. This gives the nursery a family atmosphere where children can socialise with their friends and siblings. • The staff keep children safe at all times and there are comprehensive procedures in place to ensure safety for both children and staff. The staff supervise children well and are aware of potential risks. The premises is kept secure and safety arrangements are reviewed regularly. • The centre has a very positive approach to meal and snack times. In the nursery the food from children's packed lunches is set out on plates and

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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 trays. The children sit at tables with tablecloths and vases of flowers. The staff sit with the children and encourage them to socialise. In the after school club snacks and drinks are set out on a table covered in a tablecloth and children are encouraged to help themselves. They enjoy this independence and the opportunity to socialise.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The staff have a very positive approach to resolving conflicts between children. They set clear boundaries and reinforce these consistently. They remain calm while explaining to children why their actions are not welcome. They avoid giving attention to unwanted behaviour and instead give lots of praise for good behaviour. They help children to respect each other and ensure that all children feel valued and included (Standard 11).

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What needs to be improved?

• range of resources for children in out of school care • consistency in obtaining parental signatures on accident forms.

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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 5 Increase the range of toys and resources available to children in The Out of School Scheme. 7 Ensure that accident forms are always signed by a parent.

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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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