Netherton Pre School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/09/2004 Inspector Name Cathleen Howarth

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Netherton Pre-School Setting Address Chapel Street Netherton Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD4 7ES

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Netherton Pre-School

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Netherton Pre-School Address Chapel Street Netherton Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD4 7ES

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Netherton Pre School Play Group has been operational since 1980. It is run by a voluntary committee and operates from rooms within the Methodist Church Hall in the centre of Netherton village. The group has access to two kitchen areas, toilets, a main activity room and quiet room. There is an enclosed outdoor play area to the rear of the building. The setting is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday during term time from 09:30 - 12:00. The setting is registered to care for 24 children. They are currently caring for 44 children of which 17 three-year olds and 2 four-year olds are in receipt of nursery education funding. Currently there are no children attending who speak English as a second language. There is provision in place to support children with special needs. There is five staff that work with children and the majority hold a relevant childcare qualification. The setting is affiliated to The Pre School Learning Alliance and receives support

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Netherton Pre School Play Group provides good quality care for children. Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and have interpreted them well in the best interests of children. The key worker system is not fully developed and the regulator has not been kept fully informed about changes to committee. There is a very good range of toys, furniture and equipment set out in clearly defined areas to encourage children to self select. The setting is clean and well maintained. Policies and procedures have recently been updated and are clearly written and available to view. There are effective routines and procedures in place, which are reinforced with children to promote their health and safety. Clear information from parents is recorded to provide for children's differing needs, including those with special dietary requirements. Snack time is treated as a social occasion where children eat and talk

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

in a relaxed manner with an adult who encourages self help skills. Snacks and drinks are nutritious to promote healthy eating. There are appropriate procedures in

p.2

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 place to deal with child protection issues. The setting is well resourced and activities are skilfully supported to ensure children make full use of what is available. Activities are interesting, challenging and fun. Children enjoy their time at the setting and are becoming familiar with routines to support their development in all areas of learning. Behaviour is managed appropriately and children are safe and confident with their carers. Parents support the play group in a variety of ways including volunteering to help out at morning sessions. Information about the setting and their children's progress is shared regularly and in an informal way.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection actions were raised to ensure staff working at the setting are appropriately qualified. The required childcare qualifications are met within the existing team and staff have good working knowledge of the National Standards which is evident in the positive outcomes for children. Several actions were raised in relation to health and safety. Running hot water in the children's toilets has been set at an appropriate temperature to avoid scalding. Written permission from parents to obtain emergency medical assistance is instituted at registration. Procedures to administer medication to children has improved. When required, parents give written consent for staff to administer medication to their child. Parents countersign the record maintained to promote continuity of care. A sick children policy has been implemented which is available to parents to prevent the spread of infection. A written child protection statement was required. A written policy available to

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

parents has been implemented. It is in keeping with Area Child Protection Committee procedures and includes the procedure to follow if an allegation of abuse is made. This has been done to further promote children's welfare.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The setting is well resourced. There is a good selection of quality toys, books, equipment and play materials, for indoor and outdoor play, which are accessible and used to support children's overall development. • Staff have a high level of awareness of risks to children's health and safety. They take all reasonable steps to ensure the physical environment is safe and secure. There are effective routines in place to escort children to the outdoor play provision at the rear of the building and all activities are well supported to provide for the individual needs of children. • Healthy eating is promoted. Planned activities include themes and topics on staying healthy which are age appropriate and educational. Well balanced, nutritious food and drink is available at snack time. Children are encouraged to use manners and self help skills to further promote their independence and self esteem.

p.3

What is being done well?

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 manage children's behaviour well. Consistent strategies are used in keeping with the behaviour management policy which is available to parents. Good adult: child ratios are maintained to provide for the individual needs of children. Children are settled, fully involved in activities and are beginning to understand the consequences of unacceptable behaviour on others.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• arrangements to keep the regulator informed of committee changes • the key worker system.

p.4

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 1 Review the system used to ensure that the regulator is kept informed of any committee changes. 2 Further develop the existing key worker system to support children in small group activities.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6