Leesfield Pre-School Group

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 07/12/2004 Inspector Name Carole, Jean Bell

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Leesfield Pre-School Group Setting Address Barn Fold Lees Oldham Lancashire OL4 5DN

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Leesfield Pre-School Group Address Barn Fold Lees Oldham Lancashire OL4 5DN

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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

Leesfield Pre-school group is run by a committee and opened in its current premises in 1994. It operates from a purpose built youth centre in Lees, a residential area of Oldham. A maximum of 24 children may attend the group at any one time. The group is open each weekday from 09:30 until 15:00, term time only. All children share access to a secure outdoor area. There are currently 30 children, attending part time, on roll. They are aged from two to under five years. Of these 12 children receive funding for nursery education. Children mostly come from the local area. The pre school employs six staff. Five of the staff, including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications. One member of staff is working towards a qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Leesfield Pre-school group provides a good standard of care for minded children. The group is well organised and provides a warm and welcoming environment for children and parents. The fixtures and fittings are of a high standard. The very good quality toys and equipment lead to an interesting and stimulating atmosphere. The staff team are well qualified and motivated, with a strong commitment to training and development. There is a very thorough and informative range of documentation to support the service, but the visitors book needs to be used effectively. The group is pro-active in ensuring children's health and safety. This is through regular risk assessments and good hygiene routines. All food served is freshly prepared and snacks are well balanced and nutritious. Children's individual dietary requirements are recognised and catered for. Staff have a good understanding of individual needs. Children are valued for their differences. Equality of opportunity is

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How good is the Day Care?

actively promoted throughout the setting. Staff are pro-active in meeting the needs of all children. Staff are aware of their responsibilities under the Children Act to ensure the safety of children in their care. Staff produce interesting and well balanced play plans, encouraging children to make choices about their play and learning from a wide selection of resources. Staff ensure that the organisation of the day allows them to play and talk to the children

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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 throughout activities and daily routines. Children are stimulated by appropriate praise and questions. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged, with a high priority given to good manners. There is a good partnership with parents. Feedback from parents expressed satisfaction with the service. There are good procedures in place to keep parents informed of their children's social and educational development.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group agreed to update their complaints procedure, keep staff records on the premises, provide a visitors book and ensure the safety of the quiet area. All these actions were completed within the agreed time scales, leading to a safer environment for minded children.

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What is being done well?

• The pre-school is a very well run and organised provision with a comprehensive and effective operational plan. The documentation is well written, informative and readily available to parents. • The group provides a wide range of activities and ensures that the children can make independent choices about their play. The good quality toys and equipment provide a stimulating environment that meets their needs and promotes their welfare. • Staff take time to talk to and play with the children. They are good role models, offering help and support to the children and each other. • There is a good partnership with parents. Staff keep them informed of their children's progress through discussion and documentation, which leads to a settled environment and confident children. • Staff use positive strategies in the management of children's behaviour. Children are encouraged in good manners and social skills.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

Leesfield pre-school provides an excellent balance of care, learning and play. There is a professional and cohesive staff team, who work well together, to provide a variety of interesting and exiting play activities in a warm and welcoming, child centred, environment. They are committed to on going personal development and regularly attend training to improve their knowledge and skills. Children are afforded the opportunity, through their play, to make discoveries and extend their development in a stimulating, happy atmosphere (Standard 3).

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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

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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 2 Ensure that all visitors to the group are recorded.

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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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