Ad Astra Infant School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 03/03/2004 Inspector Name Sylvia June Crawford

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Melrose Pre-school Playgroup Setting Address Frank Moran Centre, Melrose Avenue Bletchley Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK3 6PA

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Melrose Pre-school

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Melrose Pre-school Address C/o Lisa Rodriguez Bletchley, Milton Keynes Bucks MK3 7TB

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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

Melrose Pre-school Playgroup has been registered since 2001. It is based in the Frank Moran Centre, Melrose Avenues, Bletchley, Milton Keynes and serves the local community. There are currently 70 children from two to under five years on roll. This includes 34 funded three year olds and 8 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports six children with special needs and some who speak English as an additional language. The group is open five days a week during school term time. Sessions are from 09:00 to 11:25 each day and 13:00 to 15:00 on Wednesday. Seven members of staff work with the children. The Person in Charge has early years qualifications to NVQ level 3. All other staff have early years qualifications or are working towards them. All members of staff have first aid qualifications. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare

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Information about the setting

Partnership (EYDCP) and is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PSLA).

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How good is the Day Care?

Melrose Pre-school Playgroup provides good care for children. The premises are well laid out and staff have made an attractive environment that is bright and welcoming for children and adults. The staff attend and value training and their roles are well defined. The key worker system is well organised. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure the staff have a consistent approach to their work. The group have a wide range of resources and well-maintained toys and play equipment; children are able to access them easily. The staff have a good understanding of safety issues and most have been addressed. Staff conduct regular risk assessments both inside and outside the building. The group is effective in promoting the children's good health. Drinks and snacks promote a healthy diet and staff have a good understanding of children's individual dietary needs. The staff are confident in their role in the protection of

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How good is the Day Care?

children although there is no procedure for the management of an allegation of abuse made against a member of staff. The staff have a good awareness of equal opportunities and are able to ensure that children learn about the wider world.

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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 Staff make sure that all children have the opportunity to take part in the activities. They interact well with the children throughout the provision; actively listening and promoting learning. Children enjoy interesting and stimulating activities that are well planned. Staff are skilful in managing children's behaviour and use praise and encouragement appropriately. The group maintains good relationships with parents and carers. They exchange information verbally, and in written form, about the children's achievements and the group. Parental questionnaires indicate that parents value the setting and the staff. Most written policies and procedures are in place. Documentation is well organised and securely stored.

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What is being done well?

• High priority is given to staff development and training by the committee. The setting has developed effective strategies to share knowledge with colleagues. This enables staff to feel more confident in their role. • Staff spend time talking and actively playing with the children, extending their language and development. They join in children's games when this is appropriate. Staff and children enjoy each other's company and the children are happy and settled. • Staff have made a colourful and child friendly environment. Toys, play equipment and resources are attractively presented. The walls are decorated with posters and examples of the children's art work. The group is an inviting and comfortable place where children feel at home. • Staff set appropriate boundaries for behaviour; children understand what is expected of them and respond well to the praise and encouragement given to them. • The staff have a good understanding of equal opportunities and the group

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What is being done well?

have a well written policy that is shared with parents. They help children appreciate the wider world by celebrating festivals and all children are valued and included.

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What needs to be improved?

• child protection statement, to include a procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer • documentation, detailing how parents may make a complaint to Ofsted and the procedure to be followed if a child is lost • fire safety, so that the kitchen door closes • children's safety, so that the system for the collection of children at the end of

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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 the session is clear and ensures their safety.

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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 6 Ensure that the system in place at the end of the session is clear and allows for the safe collection of children.

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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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