Cossington Church of England Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/01/2004 Inspector Name Jacqui Lloyd

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Stepping Stones Nursery School Setting Address Milford Baptist Church New Road, Milford Godalming Surrey GU8 5BE

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Stepping Stones Nursery School 1081242

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Stepping Stones Nursery School Address Milford Baptist Church New Road, Milford Godalming Surrey GU8 5BE

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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

Stepping Stones Nursery School has been registered since 1990 and has been established in the village of Milford for many years. It operates from large rooms within the Baptist church hall building, in the centre of Milford and serves the local rural area. There are currently 12 funded three and four year old children on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The nursery has experience of supporting children with special educational needs. There are currently no children attending, for whom English is an additional language. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 12:00. Children may attend for an extended session until 13:00 from Monday to Thursday only. A team of qualified early years practitioners work with the children, all of whom hold a recognised childcare qualification. Further training is available for all staff to update knowledge and skills.

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How good is the Day Care?

Stepping Stones Nursery School provides satisfactory care for children. The team of experienced staff are very enthusiastic in their roles and demonstrate a commitment to the level of service they provide. However there is not a clear procedure in place with regards to obtaining the appropriate clearance for staff to work with children. Children benefit from well organised sessions and clearly know the routines of the group, which helps them to feel safe and secure. The operational plan has not yet been fully developed. All of the relevant documentation is in place, although some it lacks detail. Good use is made of the available space and the premises are bright and inviting, with examples of the children's work and other posters displayed on the walls. There is a sufficient range of toys and resources available to the children. Staff recognise children's individual needs and promote equality of opportunities for all children.

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How good is the Day Care?

The premises are safe and secure, effective procedures are in place to ensure the safe arrival and departure of children and visitors.

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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 Staff know the children well and recognise their individual needs. Staff are aware of their responsibility regarding child protection. Procedures with regards to health and hygiene are generally good, children are encouraged to develop an understanding of this as staff incorporate good practice into the daily routine. The children respond enthusiastically to the activities provided and staff are actively involved in their learning. The staff have a kind and caring approach and the interaction between staff and children is very positive. Children develop confidence and self esteem as a result of the constant praise and encouragement they receive from staff. Clear boundaries are set regarding behaviour and children understand these. Good relationships have been established with parents and the partnership is a

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the previous inspection the group agreed to develop their equal opportunities policy, this has been partially addressed, but would still benefit from including more detail. It was also agreed that details of how to contact Ofsted must be made available to parents, this has been addressed and is now in place.

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What is being done well?

• The staff team demonstrate a commitment to ongoing training and personal development. With one member of staff currently on a training programme, it has meant they have achieved an excellent proportion of qualified staff. • The interaction between staff and children is very positive, staff have a kind and caring approach and the children are happy and confident in the setting. Children have developed fantastic skills of negotiation and relate really well to their peers and adults. • The premises present a rich child centred environment, displays of the children's work and other posters help to make the room bright and inviting. Appropriate precautions are also in place to ensure safety and security within the premises. • Children are clear about the boundaries that have been set regarding behaviour and the staff reinforce and encourage good behaviour through the use of positive language and praise.

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What needs to be improved?

• review the procedure for vetting staff to include gaining CRB clearance • procedure for recording accidents

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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 • documentation, including policies and operational plan

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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 1 Ensure the procedures to check the suitability of staff to work with children include gaining CRB clearance. 7 Ensure all entries in the accident book include children's surnames. 14 Develop further the operational plan and existing child protection and equal opportunities policies to ensure sufficient information is available for staff and parents.

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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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