West Slaithwaite Junior and Infant School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/02/2005 Inspector Name June Fielden

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Woodlands under 5's Pre-School Setting Address Vinters Park Community Centre Aldon Close Maidstone Kent ME14 5QF

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Woodlands Under 5's Pre-school

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Woodlands Under 5's Pre-school Address Vinters Park Community Centre Aldon Close Maidstone Kent ME14 5QS

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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

Woodlands under 5's Pre-School is managed by a voluntary management committee, made up of parents of children at the pre-school. It opened in 1982 and operates from two main rooms in the Vinters Community Centre, in Vinters Parks, Maidstone. A maximum of 36 children may attend the pre-school at any one time. The pre-school is open each weekday during school term times from 09.15 to 11.45 Monday to Friday and 12.45 to 15.15 Monday and Tuesday. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 51 children aged from 2 to under 5 years on roll. Of these 35 children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from the local area. Currently no children attending have special needs, but the pre-school supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language.

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Information about the setting

The pre-school employs a total of two full time and five part time relief staff. Of these, four of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications and three staff are working towards a qualification. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP)

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How good is the Day Care?

Woodlands under 5's Pre-School provides good care for children in a welcoming environment. There is ample space to allow children to work at tables or use larger equipment on the floor in the main hall. A smaller room is kept as a quiet area. New children are given individual attention by staff to assist them in settling into the group’s routine. The pre-school's safety procedures ensure that children are protected from visitors who have not been vetted. Children's arrival is recorded and checked again at group registration time. However, the pre-school needs to ensure that the register is kept in a form which is easy to interpret. The pre-school give priority to safety by checking the premises each day before children arrive. A full risk assessment being completed at the end of each term. Documentation relating to children's welfare is in place and the accident book is accurately completed. The group would welcome

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How good is the Day Care?

children with special needs and two members of staff will soon be undertaking

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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 training in this area. Facilities such as a disabled toilet are already available. Children are encouraged to be involved at snack time and take turns counting the number of children at their table and helping to pour their drinks. Food provided is sometimes linked to the learning intentions for the week. A selection of activities, generally with adult support are available for children to choose from on arrival and are changed later in the session. Staff make regular observations of children to assist them in their planning. Children are involved in tidying away the toys and equipment, but staff need to exercise more control and direction during the change over period, to ensure that behaviour incidents do not go unnoticed. Parental help is encouraged through a rota system. A procedure to keep parents better informed of

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How good is the Day Care?

their child's progress is about to be introduced by the pre-school. This is in response to parents concerns regarding lack of communication in this area.

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What is being done well?

• Good systems of security are in place, ensuring that children are protected from visitors who have not been vetted. • New children are swiftly integrated into the pre-school as a result of the time and attention they are given by staff. Consequently parents are pleased with the way in which their children settle in. • When appropriate snack time is used as a learning opportunity, reinforcing work on colour or shape through the food provided. • Children are encouraged to develop independence by being involved in tidying away the toys and taking turns to distribute the food and drink at snack time. • Regular safety checks and risk assessments ensure a safe environment is provided for children. A copy of the termly risk assessment is inspected at committee meetings.

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What needs to be improved?

• the layout of the register to ensure information is clearly presented • the procedures for informing parents of children's progress.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

Since April 2004 there has been one complaint relating to National Standard 1: Suitable persons. An internal investigation has been implemented. The pre-school

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 remains qualified for registration.

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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 register is set out in a manner that is easy to understand. 12 Ensure that new procedures for keeping parents informed of their child's progress are implemented.

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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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