Dagnall Under Fives Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/02/2004 Inspector Name Jane Plested

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care, Sessional Day Care Setting Name Dagnall Under Fives Setting Address Dagnall Village Hall Dunstable Road Dagnall Hertfordshire HP4 1RG

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Dagnall Under Fives Committee

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Dagnall Under Fives Committee Address Dagnall Village Hall Dunstable Road Dagnall Hertfordshire HP4 1RG

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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

Dagnall Under Fives has been open for over 25 years. It operates from the Village Hall in the village Dagnall. The premises comprise a main and rear hall, a kitchen and toilets. There is an outside area for children's play. There are currently 28 children on the roll. This includes 17 funded 3-year-olds and 2 funded 4-year-olds. The setting currently is not supporting any children who speak English as an additional language or that have designated special needs. The pre-school opens five days a week during school term time. The pre-school is open from 09.15 until 12.00 for all five mornings and from 12.45 until 15.00 on Thursday afternoon only. The group also offers a Parent and Toddler Group on a Monday from 13.00 until 15.00. During the school holidays in the summer the group offers a Holiday Play Scheme that is open on a Tuesday and Friday morning from 09.30 until 12.00. There are seven staff who work with the children. Two staff members hold level two

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Information about the setting

early years qualifications. Two staff are working toward relevant early years qualifications at level two or three. The pre-school is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PSLA). The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Dagnall Under Fives provides satisfactory care for children. The staff value training and take opportunities to update their training and skills. Staff work well together and feel supported by the leader. A range of policies and procedures are in place. The pre-school does not have an operational plan and there is no policy that covers the management of a lost or uncollected child. The pre-school provides a warm and welcoming environment where children can play and learn. The pre-school is well resourced and the staff encourage children to take part in a variety of activities. Staff have an understanding of safety and health issues, but not all areas are fully addressed by the pre-school. Staff understand healthy eating; this is encouraged through the snacks and drinks provided. Children help in the preparation of the snacks. Records show good information about specific dietary needs. Staff are clear

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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 about their role in the protection of children, but there is no procedure for the management of an allegation of abuse made against a member of staff. The pre-school plan their daily activities and have a clear routine that is known by the children and staff. Whole group activities are well led and enjoyed by children. Staff have effective strategies in place for managing children's behaviour. The pre-school offers a good range of opportunities that help children learn about and value diversity. There is a good partnership with parents. They feel welcome in the setting, are happy with the care provided and consider staff approachable. Parents are given information about the setting and are invited to participate in the childcare service provided. The complaints procedure does not show the correct detail. All the

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How good is the Day Care?

relevant paperwork is in place, although sometimes it lacks the necessary detail or is not always used. Not all the required consents are in place.

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What is being done well?

• Staff develop warm relationships with children and each child is welcomed at registration time. Whole group activities are used effectively to share knowledge and experiences and to offer praise to children. The story and circle times are well led and enjoyed by children. The children are attentive and participate eagerly in both large and small group activities. • The snacks offered are healthy and nutritious. Children are encouraged to participate in the preparation of the snack and this is used effectively to develop children's learning. Fruit provided is presented well and children are offered a choice. • The pre-school actively encourages parents and locals into the setting to share their knowledge and skills, for example male and female fire-fighters and a dog trainer for the deaf. These help children develop positive attitudes and an understanding of the world and their place in it. There is a selection of

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What is being done well?

resources reflecting positive images available and staff incorporate a range of festivals and events, such as Chinese New Year, into the planned activities. • Children's behaviour is managed in consistent and appropriate ways. Children and staff devise the simple ground rules for behaviour and there is a detailed behavioural management policy given to parents. Children behave well and respond to staff's requests, for example, to tidy away their toys and to help others. There are good strategies in place to promote good behaviour such as certificates, stickers and planned opportunities for children to take responsibility.

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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 • policies and procedures so that there are clear guidelines to follow in the event of a parent failing to collect a child or if a child goes missing • health and safety risk assessments, so that dog faeces and hair in outside areas used by the children do not pose a risk to children's health and radiators are not a danger • hygiene, so that there are individual towels for the children and there is a toilet roll available in every cubicle • policies and procedures, so there is a detailed procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or a volunteer, the complaints procedure provides information for parents on how they may raise concerns with Ofsted and an operational plan that shows clearly how the pre-school works in practice

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What needs to be improved?

• documentation, so that written parental consent is obtained for staff to administer medication and first aid and to seek emergency treatment if required • records, so that clear detail is held on children's attendance if this is outside the normal session times, and all visitors to the setting are recorded.

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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 2 Devise the procedures to be followed for lost or uncollected children. 16/02/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 Conduct a risk assessment on the premises identifying actions to be taken to minimize identified risks and dangers to children.

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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 7 Ensure there are individual towels for the children and there is a toilet roll available in every cubicle. 14 Ensure that all records and consents relating to day care activities are completed, readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times and policies and procedures are in place and worded correctly.

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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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