Bancroft's School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 24/11/2003 Inspector Name Nicola Jayne Pascoe

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Stithians Pre-School Playgroup Setting Address The Village Hall Church Road, Stithians Truro Cornwall TR3 7DH

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Stithians Pre School Playgroup Committee

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Stithians Pre School Playgroup Committee Address The Village Hall Church Road, Stithians Truro Cornwall TR3 7DH

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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

Stithians Pre-school opened in 1978. It operates from two rooms in Stithians Village Hall. The group has access to kitchen and toilet facilities. The pre-school serves the local village community. There are currently 32 children aged between 2 and 5 years old on roll. This includes 17 funded 3 year olds and no funded 4 year olds. Children attend for a minimum of two sessions per week. There are currently no children attending who have special needs or who speak English as an additional language. The group opens for 5 days a week during school term times. The sessions are from 09.00 to 11.45. In addition, there is the provision of a Breakfast Club, for pre-school and school aged children. It operates before pre-school sessions from 08:00 until 09:00. Five part time staff work with the children in the pre-school. The leader has an early years qualification. The other members of staff are currently working towards early

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Information about the setting

years qualifications. The setting receives support from a local Early Years Partnership teacher.

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How good is the Day Care?

Stithians Pre-school provides satisfactory standards of care for children. Staff are suitably qualified and experienced. All staff attend regular childcare and education training courses. However, prior to the inspection Ofsted had not been notified of the breakfast club. High ratios of staff to children are maintained. Some records do not include sufficient information and are not shared appropriately with parents. There is sufficient space available indoors, however, staff do not make best use of the outdoor environment. The temperature and flooring in the small play room is unsuitable. The toys, equipment and furniture are safe and age appropriate. Children are able to access most resources freely. The premises are secure. Generally staff create a welcoming environment. However, not all fire safety recommendations have been met. Satisfactory procedures are in place for the care of sick children. Procedures for hand washing

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How good is the Day Care?

are unsatisfactory. Staff identify children's individual dietary needs and meet appropriately. They promote equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice well. The manager has attended relevant special needs training courses. Generally

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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 are not familiar with the child protection policy and procedures. Staff offer a balanced range of activities for children, in which they are free to participate to their own ability. Children enjoy playing with the toys and equipment. However, staff do not provide appropriate opportunities for children to be sufficiently challenged. Staff are consistent in the management of children's behaviour. They use age appropriate and positive methods. The pre-school provides satisfactory levels of information informally with parents. They do not offer sufficient opportunities for formal information sharing. Parents are welcomed into the setting and children are encouraged to bring items from home.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the previous inspection, the actions agreed related to the appointment of a suitable deputy, to obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, to produce a comprehensive complaints procedure and to ensure that child protection procedures are known by all staff. The setting has appointed a suitable deputy and obtained written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. They have not produced a complaints procedure, which includes sufficient information or that is known by parents and carers. Staff do not have sufficient knowledge of the child protection procedures.

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What is being done well?

• Staff provide safe and suitable toys, equipment and furniture. Children are able to access most resources freely. • Staff plan an interesting range of activities, which promotes children's understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice well. Children's individual needs are identified and met appropriately. • Staff are familiar with the Special Educational Needs Code Of Practice. The manager has attended relevant special needs training.

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What needs to be improved?

• the communication to Ofsted of significant changes • the availablity and use of required written documentation, which is to be shared appropriately with parents • the staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures • the health, hygiene and safety practices within the setting • the opportunities provided for children to be sufficiently challenged, through varied play activities, both indoors and out

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 1 Notify Ofsted of significant changes. 08/12/2003 7 Record all medication administered. 08/12/2003 12 Provide parent/carers with the complaints procedure, which should include the address and telephone number of Ofsted. 08/12/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 Provide appropriate opportunities for children to receive sufficient challenge through daily planned activities. 4 Maintain suitable temperature and ensure that the flooring is safe and clean in the smaller play room. 6 Meet all recommendations of the fire officer. 7 Introduce hygienic hand washing facilities for all children. 13 Develop staff knowledge and understanding of the Area Child Protection Committee Procedures (ACPC) and write new child protection policy and procedures.

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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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