The Cornerstone Pre-school

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/10/2003 Inspector Name Sandra Wickham

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name The Cornerstone Pre-School Setting Address 149 Canterbury Road Leyton London E10 6EH

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name LBWF Arts and Leisure Dept Address Sycamore House Forest Road Walthamstow London E17 4SY

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Corner Stone Pre-School opened in 1998. The pre-school is self contained and secure. It also has access to the main hall and two smaller rooms. With enclosed garden accessible. The group is based in Corner Stone Church and Community Centre and serves a diverse community. The Pre-School is committee run. There are currently no children on the waiting list. The group have 48 funded 3 year olds. There are no funded 4 year olds at this time. Children can attend a maximum of 5 sessions a week. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term time. Morning sessions are from Monday to Friday 08:55 until 11:25. Afternoon sessions operate on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 12:50 until 15:20. Three part time staff and four full time staff work with the children. All the staff have an early years qualifications. The setting receives support from Pre-School Learning

p.2

Information about the setting

Alliance and from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Cornerstone Pre-School provides good care for the children. The manager and all of the staff are qualified to National Vocational Qualification level's 2 or 3. Many of the staff have long term experience in childcare. The pre-school is organised to make maximum use of the space that allows children independence. The environment feels spacious and child friendly. The pre-school offers a wide range of activities. resources and is maintained to a state of good repair. The staff follow clear procedures that ensure the children are safe and secure, in and outside the premises. They also promote good hygiene practices for themselves and the children. All staff have good knowledge of each child's individual needs. The staff create a relaxed atmosphere at the group. They take a positive interest in the children and allow flexibility to the routine, which could be extended further into planning of activities. The children's behaviour is well managed by the staff and the children are

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

confident in their surroundings. Parents and children are warmly welcomed and

p.2

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 parents are kept well informed of their child's development and achievements. All relevant documentation is in place and accessible on the premises with some minor amendments needed.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection it was agreed the garden area would be made safe for children attending and a copy of local child protection procedures would be obtained. These actions have been met.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Cornerstone Pre-School is organised to encourage and support children's overall development with a staff team that is qualified and experienced. The Pre-School provides a service that meets the needs of a diverse community that is reflected in the make up of the staff group to provide positive role models. • All areas accessed by the children give ample space for children to move freely and allow good access to the toys and activities. Toys and resources promote cultural awareness and anti-discriminatory practices that is also strengthened by the celebrating different festivals throughout the year with support from the parents. • Cornerstone Pre-School is very pro-active in the inclusion of children and adults with special needs and have excellent support systems in place. A good recording system is in place, that ensures that staff are made fully aware of meeting children's individual needs. • The staff group work as a team to create a relaxed and informal atmosphere

p.3

What is being done well?

for children and parents. All staff ensure parents and the children are always greeted on arrival. They are always willing to listen to the parents and time is often set aside for this.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the opportunities to expand children's creativity. • update complaints procedure with relevant information. • review procedures regarding to recording confidential information.

p.3

Outcome of the 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

p.3

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 Ensure children’s welfare is not compromised when visitors enter pre-school area. 7 Ensure recording systems already in place ensure confidentuality and relevant inforamtion made accessible to parents 12 Ensure parents have information of Ofsted contact details

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6