New Mind School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/06/2004 Inspector Name Gulnaz Hassan

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Archway EYC Setting Address Vorley Road Archway London N19 5HE

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name London Borough of Islington Address Laycock Street London N1 1TH

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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

Archway Early Years Centre opened in 2001. It operates from 3 interlinked rooms with an additional room for babies in a single storey purpose built premises in Archway, Islington. The pre-school serves the borough of Islington. There are currently 43 children from 3 months to 5 years on roll. This includes 20 funded 3 year olds and 19 funded 4 year olds. Children attend part time or full time sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. The pre-school operates from 08:00 hours until 18:00 hours, 49 weeks a year. Nineteen full time staff work with the children. All the staff hold early years qualifications at NVQ level 3. The setting receives support from 3 teachers employed within the setting.

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How good is the Day Care?

Archway Early Years Centre provides good care for children. The staff have good experience of working with children and they are all qualified in child care and education at level 3. The environment is warm and welcoming children are happy and settled. The physical environment enables children to explore and learn safely and securely although the outside area is not developed. The pre-school has a wide selection of play materials and activities easily accessed by the children and that are challenging and stimulating. All the relevant record keeping is in place. The pre-school offers high levels of supervision and risks to children in the setting and on outings These are effectively assessed and monitored. The staff take positive action to promote good health and hygiene practices. The staff have a good awareness of children's dietary needs and provide a well balanced diet. All children including children with special needs have equal access to the provision. The staff

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How good is the Day Care?

are experienced and knowledgeable with regard to child protection issues. The planning and assessment of play activities and learning opportunities ensures that children are challenged and stimulated with first hand and practical learning experiences. Children have equal access to materials and they are able to make choices and develop their interests. The staff encourage positive praise and

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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 encouragement to manage children's behaviour. The staff have built good relationships with parents and regularly share information on children's routines, activities and development.

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What is being done well?

• The provision of resources and activities for children that promote learning in all areas of children's development is good. • The planning of learning opportunities and the systems for observing and assessing children's individual development and progress are efeective and ensure the needs of all children are being met. • The relationships with parents is well developed. This promotes active participation from the paren in the provision such as shared training and support from parents for weekly outings. • The ledership of the setting is good and the deployment of suitably qualified and experienced staff is effective. This enables staff to work closely with children to offer support and care. • The environment for babies is safe, secure and stimulating. This allows space for activities and experiences in order for babies to develop.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The creative development in the area of art is exceptional. Children's progress is very good with children confidently mixing their own paint colours and using different kinds of media such as pastels and silk painting. Children are familiar with visiting art galleries and of the work of many artists and children work in collaboration with local artists. Children's work is framed and displayed in a gallery and in all areas of the nursery. Children's art work was recently displayed in a professional art gallery.(Standard 3, Care Learning and Play)

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What needs to be improved?

• The organisation of the outside area so that it can be used to its fullest potential.

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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

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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 4 Organise the outdoor play area to its full potential.

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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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