Ascott-under-Wychwood Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/01/2004 Inspector Name Charlene Howlett

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Ascott-under-Wychwood Pre-School Setting Address Tiddy Hall, Shipton Road Ascott-Under-Wychwood Chipping Norton Oxfordshire OX7 6AZ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Ascott-under-Wychwood Pre-School

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Ascott-under-Wychwood Pre-School Address Tiddy Hall, Shipton Road Ascott-Under-Wychwood Chipping Norton Oxfordshire OX7 6AZ

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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

Ascott under Wychwood Pre-School was founded approximately 20 years ago. It operates from a community hall in the village of Ascott-under-Wychwood and is situated in a residential housing area close to the parish church and footpaths to open fields. The pre-school serves the local area. There are currently 48 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. This includes 23 funded 3 year olds and 4 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group opens four days a week during school term times. There are a number of sessions within a day from 09:15 to 14:45. Three part-time and three full-time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level three. One member of staff is currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor for the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership

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How good is the Day Care?

Ascott under Wychwood Pre-school provides good quality care for children. The staff team works well together and continues to make good use of training opportunities to develop child-care skills and knowledge. A consistent staff team, a management committee and a detailed operational plan support the effective organisation of the setting. Documentation is generally well organised but some policies and procedures lack the necessary detail. The group is well resourced and equipment is regularly checked and well maintained. A recent review of health and safety procedures assists staff in carrying out their responsibilities to keep children safe. Staff and children are familiar with fire safety procedures and most hygiene routines are sound. Children benefit from a daily snack of fresh fruit and a drink. However the poor management of snack time results in a deterioration of children's behaviour as they spend unnecessary time preparing

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How good is the Day Care?

and waiting to be served. Children are well cared for and are making good progress. The wide range of activities and equipment is stimulating, maintains children's interest and helps them progress in all areas. The setting fosters children's enjoyment of stories and children

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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 enjoy listening and re-telling stories in their own words. Staff listen to children and respond to their questions and requests for assistance. Children are generally well behaved and they respond well to the consistent daily routines of the session and clear boundaries. Parents comment on the warm welcome they and their children receive in the group. Staff make themselves available to meet and talk to parents on a daily basis and share important information about the children. Parents are encouraged to participate in the management of the group, as well as join a rota of adult helpers. Although they are given useful information about the group, they do not yet have access to children's written records or details about the group's policies and procedures.

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What is being done well?

• A generous adult:child ratio enables staff to be effectively deployed to enhance the children's care and learning. Staff foster warm relationships with the children which support their emotional development and enable children to feel comfortable to explore, experiment and practise new skills. • The pre-school has a very positive partnership with parents who feel their children settle quickly in the friendly and caring environment that staff create. Staff take time each day to talk to parents and encourage them to spend time settling in their child. • Staff make good use of the available space and create a welcoming environment for children and their parents. The premises is effectively laid out and equipped to support children's progress and good care. The room is spacious, well-organised, bright and welcoming. Examples of children's creativity and photographs are displayed. • Staff show interest in what children say and do and encourage them to do

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What is being done well?

well with appropriate guidance and plenty of praise. As a result, children feel secure, behave well and play with confidence.

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What needs to be improved?

• the management of snack time, in order to reduce the waiting time • the details for parents about how to access policies and procedures • the opportunities for parents to access children's records • the detail in the setting's policies and procedures to ensure they reflect the regulations.

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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 2 Review the organisation of the children’s snack time to develop their social skills and reduce the time they spend waiting at table. 12 Ensure parents have opportunities to access written records about their children’s progress. 12 Ensure parents are informed of details of procedures and policies that are available to them. 14 Review all policies and procedures to ensure they reflect Children Act Regulations.

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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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