University of Cumbria Pre-School Centre

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/12/2003 Inspector Name Lesley Sharples

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Sessional Day Care Setting Name St. Martins Pre-School Centre Setting Address Bowerham Road Lancaster Lancashire LA1 3JD

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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 Martins Pre School Centre has been registered since 1990. It is situated within St Martins College campus near to the centre of Lancaster. Local amenities include use of the sports centre, function hall and library, all on site. Facilities for children comprise of two separate but adjacent buildings. There is a baby unit which has one large room with two smaller rooms off it, one is an art room and the other a soft play area. There is also an integral kitchen area. The nursery unit has two classrooms and a library room. There is a secure outdoor area next to the nursery. The provision is available for children of students who attend the college and also children living in the wider community. There is a fully qualified staff team of 17 members with the exception of two part time workers. They are led by a qualified and experienced manager. There is also a nursery teacher within the team. The centre is open for 48 weeks of the year

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Information about the setting

Monday to Friday from 08:30 - 17:30 hours. Registration is for a total of 56 children aged from 0 to 5 years. The provision is a member of the National Day Nurseries Association. It received the 'Investors in People' award in August 2003 and is currently undertaking the National Day Nurseries Association 'Quality Counts' assurance scheme which has Investors in Children Accreditation.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Martins Pre School Centre provides good care for children. There is a warm, clean and welcoming environment for parents and children. The organisation of the provision is good with documentation and records well recorded and maintained up to date. Policies and procedures are well written and convey important information clearly, with just one policy to review and one procedure to implement. There is a clear understanding of keeping children safe and all reasonable steps have been taken to minimise risks to children. The premises are secure and effective procedures are in place during arrival and departure times. Child protection procedures are clearly understood. Dietary and medical needs are met for individual children and the provision actively supports children with special needs.

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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 There is a good range and variety of well planned activities and opportunities for children. They are well stimulated and challenged which helps them to develop and progress in all areas. Resources support the learning and play for all children, some of which reflect diversity and the world about them. Children are valued as individuals and good behaviour is encouraged with positive reinforcement and reward. Partnership with parents is seen as an important aspect of practice and to this end good systems have been implemented to help with this. Communication is both verbal and written on a daily basis. Confidentiality is acknowledged as important. The staff team are managed well and work well together to provide a service to parents which they are happy with.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection there was a requirement to obtain the Area Child Protection Committee Procedures relating to Lancashire County Council. These are in place and are referred to within the child protection statement and ensures the appropriate action will be taken in the event of alleged abuse of a child. There is a further area for attention within the child protection statement which is being carried forward this time as a recommendation. A notice board was recommended in the baby unit and this has been fixed in place. This displays key information for parents and aids the communication process.

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What is being done well?

• The induction programme for staff is thorough and comprehensively ensures all aspects of procedures and policies are covered. Staff sign to show they have completed each aspect of the induction and a handbook is retained by each member of staff for reference. There is also a continuing staff training programme both in house and on external courses. • There is a stimulating range and balance of activities which help children make progress. The planning is well thought out and thorough and effectively ensures children have opportunities to support their language, mathematical thinking, imagination and creativity. Initial assessments are completed by parents which form a basis for planning. Observation and assessments have been designed to show parents their children's development in an attractive, visual manner and they convey this information in a positive way. • Resources are wide ranging, they are stimulating and challenging for children

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What is being done well?

and provide for activities which promote learning in all areas. Children are able to make choices as many resources are stored at their level. • There are nine staff trained in First Aid which helps to reassure parents and keep children safe on the premises. There is a programme of continuing training for all staff. • A parent was involved in designing the menu for the catering staff. Issues relating to choice for parents and healthy eating are part of practice and

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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 policy. • Policies and strategies in place include the importance of staff being good role models and also the emphasis on rewarding good behaviour. There is a positive list of rules for a happy nursery which greets parents and children upon entering the nursery.

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What needs to be improved?

• the information available for all staff in relation to individual dietary needs of children • the procedures and information within the child protection statement.

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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 8 Provide written and accessible information for all staff indicating special dietary needs of children. 13 Revise the child protection statement.

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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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