St Nicholas Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/07/2003 Inspector Name Janice Clark

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Setting Name St Nicholas Pre-School Setting Address Church Hall Church Road Whitchurch Bristol BS14 OPR

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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

St Nicholas Pre-School is a long established group and is located in St Nicholas Church Hall. The group has access to the main hall, kitchen, toilets and a small enclosed outdoor area. The play group serves the local area. St Nicholas is registered to provide care for 24 children in the age range of three years to five years, although most days there are no more than 20 children present. Sessions last from 09:00 to 11:30 Monday to Friday and 12:30 to 15:00 everyday except Tuesday through term time. There are seven members of staff who are currently working with the children. Over half of the staff are early years qualified. The setting receives support from the Early Years Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Nicholas Pre-School provides satisfactory care for children. The staff offer a warm and welcoming environment with colourful examples of the children's work displayed. There are suitable arrangements to protect children from persons who are not vetted. There is adequate space for children to play without restriction. The group has a wide range of toys and equipment suitable for the ages and stages of development. There is an effective system in place for the induction of new members of staff including all polices and procedures. However, one of the group's policies lacks details of the regulator. Records are accessible, stored securely and updated regularly. Confidentiality is maintained. The staff are aware of potential safety hazards in the setting. They carry out risk assessments at the beginning of each session both inside and in the outside play area. However, access doors in the group are not secured. The staff are active in

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How good is the Day Care?

promoting good hygiene. Snacks are varied, healthy and nutritious, however, drinks are not available to the children throughout the session. The group offer a range of activities that promote progress in all areas. However, the range of activities offered does not provide children with sufficient variety and choice. The needs of the children are discussed on entry into the group and staff have good knowledge of the children. All children are valued and included in all activities. Staff work well with the parents and outside agencies to ensure that 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 children's individual needs are being met. Good behaviour is praised and rewarded and there is a calm atmosphere within the group. Parents receive good information about the setting when the children first enter the group. They are kept informed about their children's care and development on an ongoing basis. Parents are involved in their children's learning by using a book lending system.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group was asked to ensure that their public liability insurance certificate was available for inspection, to ensure that a medication record book is available for use, take appropriate steps to minimise the spread of infection between children and to carry out risk assessments of the premises. A copy of the group's public liability insurance certificate is displayed on the parents' notice board. The group have a written procedure in place to record the administration of medicines and the appropriate records are in place. There are paper towels and an electric hand dryer in place in the toilets to minimise the spread of infection between children. The staff carry out risk assessments both inside the premises and out to reduce potential hazards.

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What is being done well?

• The staff offer a warm and welcoming environment with colourful examples of children's work displayed. There is adequate space for children to play freely and without restriction. • All children are valued and included and staff work well with the parents and outside agencies to ensure that the children's individual needs are being met. • Good behaviour is praised and encouraged and there is a calm atmosphere within the group. • Parents receive good information about the setting when their children join the group. They are kept informed about their children's care and development on an ongoing basis. Parents are involved in their child's learning by using a book lending system.

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What needs to be improved?

• the inclusion of the regulator's details in the complaints procedure; • the range of activities offered to children to provide sufficient variety and choice; • the children's access to drinks; • the access from the reception area into the hall and the door leading from the hall into the kitchen/storage area.

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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 ensure that the regulator's details are contained within the complaints procedure. 3 extend the range of activities for children to provide more variety and choice. 6 ensure that the doors leading into the main hall and kitchen/storeroom are secure. 8 ensure that drinks are made readily available to children throughout the session.

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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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