Ellingham Hospital School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 23/04/2004 Inspector Name Stella Grace Dykes

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Olney Pre-School Setting Address The Olney Centre & Library, High Street Olney Buckinghamshire MK46 4EF

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Olney Pre-School 1039667

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Olney Pre-School Address C/O Mrs Yvonne Pearce, Olney Pre-School Olney Centre, High Street Olney Buckinghamshire MK46 4ES

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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

Olney Pre-School opened more than 35 years ago. It operates from two large rooms in a school building that has been converted for community use. The pre-school serves the local area. There are currently 96 children from 2 years to 4 years on role. This includes 44 funded three year olds and 31 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Some of the children in the group have special needs.

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Information about the setting

The group opens from Monday to Friday each week during school term times. Morning sessions are from 9:15 until 11:45, and afternoon sessions are from 12:30 until 15:00. Thirteen part time staff work with the children. Eight have early years qualifications. The group receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, and from the Pre-school Learning Alliance.

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How good is the Day Care?

Olney Pre-school provides good care for children. All aspects of the group are well organised. The key worker system allows staff roles to be well defined. The areas that the children use are bright and attractive, with children's art work on display. The pre-school has a large stock of good quality toys, play materials and play equipment, which are stored so that the children can easily reach them. The staff make sure that the areas that the children use are safe. They take steps to promote the children's health and wellbeing, and act in their best interests if they are ill. The children are offered a variety of healthy snacks and drinks that conform to parents' wishes. Staff plan and provide interesting and exciting activities for the children to choose from. They know the children well, and so can make sure that their individual needs are met. Staff are skilful at managing children's behaviour. They provide good role

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How good is the Day Care?

models, and the children's behaviour is generally good. The pre-school is managed by a committee of volunteer parents, who also employ the staff. Staff work in partnership with parents, and keep them informed about their children's progress. The necessary records, policies and procedures are in place,

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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 although a few need some minor amendments.

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What is being done well?

• The staff develop warm and trusting relationships with the children. They spend time playing with them, talking to them, and listening carefully to what they have to say. They praise the children's achievements, and speak of them in positive terms, which supports their developing sense of self- worth. They enjoy each others company, and the children are happy, confident, and settled. • The pre-school provides children with a broad range of activities to choose from. There is an effective balance between the more structured, adult led activities, and the kinds of child-led play that allows children to explore, investigate, and make decisions. Staff are skilled at supporting children's play, and providing effective learning opportunities. • The staff are skilled at managing children's behaviour. They know the children well, and this allows them to deal with any instances of poor behaviour sensitively, and with regard for the child's age and understanding.

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What is being done well?

The staff focus on the more positive aspects, and praise the children for their achievements and when they behave well. The staff team works well together, and their cheerful and cooperative approach provides a good role model. The children begin to learn about behaving well. • The staff make sure that the areas that the children use are safe for them, and that they are properly supervised. They carry out regular fire drills, so that both adults and children are familiar with the procedure. There are good routines in place for when the children arrive and leave. Staff make sure that the children can enjoy their play in a secure and safe environment. • The pre-school is very well equipped. Staff keep the stock well maintained and present it attractively. The storage systems used allow the children to choose what they would like to play with. The range of play equipment is extensive, and meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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What needs to be improved?

• the attendance registers, so that it records the times that children arrive and leave • the record made when a child is collected by someone other than a parent, so that it is signed • the fire drill record, so that it is more detailed • the complaints policy with regard to confidentiality, and the policy on students and volunteer helpers with regard to their inclusion in the overall adult: child

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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 ratios.

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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 14 Review the policies and records to ensure that they are accurate and sufficiently detailed.

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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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