Altrincham Preparatory School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 19/05/2004 Inspector Name Margaret Rose Sully

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Sticklebricks Pre-School Setting Address Sticklebricks Pre-School 1 & 2 Woodville, Crosslands Barnstaple Devon EX31 2HJ

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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

Sticklebricks Pre-school opened for sessional care in 2000 and expanded in 2003 into full day care, after school and holiday care. It operates from its own premises, comprising a large play room, kitchen, toilets and reception area, situated close to Sticklepath Primary School. The provision serves the local area. In the pre-school there are currently 26 children from 3 to 5 years on roll. This includes 14 funded 3 year olds and 10 funded 4 year olds. The after school club currently has 13 children from rising 5 to 11 years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language, however, there are none attending at present. The pre-school opens five days a week during school term times and sessions are from 9.00 until 11.30 or 12.30, and 12.30 to 15.00, however, children can stay from 9.00 until 15.00. The after school club opens five days a week in term time from 8.00

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Information about the setting

until 9.00 and 15.00 to 18.00 and in the school holidays from 8.00 until 18.00. Five staff work in the setting, two of whom have relevant level 3 qualifications and one member of staff has nearly completed level 3. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Sticklebricks Pre-school and out of school clubs provide satisfactory care for children. The playroom is warm and welcoming, however, some issues with regard to flooring in the toilet area are to be addressed. Staff ensure activities are set out to ensure a wide range is easily accessible to all children. Staff work well together as a team and are confident to carry out their roles and responsibilities. Most of the relevant documentation is in place. Careful attention is paid to children's safety, especially when on walking outings and when visiting the nearby school for assemblies. Emergency evacuations are carried out regularly in the pre-school, however, these need to be carried out for the out of school clubs as well. Children are encouraged to wash their hands appropriately and to be independent. Healthy snacks and drinks are provided; children bring their own packed lunches and suitable storage of these is to be addressed. Staff are very

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How good is the Day Care?

aware of children's individual needs, they know the children well and children are

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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 happy and settled in their care. Staff have satisfactory knowledge of child protection issues and of their responsibilities. There is a good range of resources and activities provided, which promote children's all round development. Children are supported well in their activities by staff, they encourage children's imagination through role play and there is a physical play time at each session. Staff have a calm, positive approach to behaviour management, children's behaviour is generally good, they are co-operative and very sociable. Children in the out of school clubs can choose from a good range of activities. Staff support the children to extend and carry out their own ideas for projects and activities. There are good relationships with parents, who are kept informed of children's

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How good is the Day Care?

progress and routines through daily discussions. There are also open days for parents to visit the pre-school to see children's assessments

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider agreed to develop policies and procedures for appointing staff; the administration of medication; safety on outings; in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff and a complaints procedure. Also, that a record of children as they arrive and leave is kept; to provide information about the service offered for parents; to extend the range of toys and equipment for children over five years; to provide a comfortable and quiet place for children to sleep and to obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment Most policies and procedures required are now complete and available to parents, however, the lost and uncollected child procedure is not sufficiently detailed. The range of resources for children over five years has been extended for use in the after school and holiday club; children can rest on a sofa or bed/chair in the book area;

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What has improved since the last inspection?

consent is now obtained from parents for emergency advice or treatment. Times of arrival and departure of children and staff are not kept..

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What is being done well?

• An interesting and wide range of activities is provided and children have a good choice. • The playroom is warm and welcoming with plenty of children's work displayed. • Children respond well to the staff's calm and positive approach, behaviour is generally good and children are happy and settled. • Parents are kept well informed about their children's progress through daily discussions with staff and twice yearly appointments. Parents and children are welcomed into the pre-school by staff; parents report that they are very satisifed with the care provided.

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• the safety of the outside area • the storage of children's packed lunches • the system for ensuring that emergency evacuation is carried out throughout the provision • the recording of times of arrival and departure of children and staff in the pre-school, after school and holiday clubs.

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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 4 Ensure that the outside play area is safe and secure. 18/06/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Ensure that times of arrival and departure of children and staff are kept for each session in the pre-school, after school and holiday club. 6 Ensure emergency evacuation procedures are known to all staff and carried out periodically. 8 Ensure that children’s packed lunches are stored appropriately.

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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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