Aston Clinton Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/09/2004 Inspector Name Sonjia Nicholson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Aston Clinton Pre-School Setting Address Anthony Hall, London Road Aston Clinton Buckinghamshire HP22 5NA

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Aston Clinton Pre-School

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Aston Clinton Pre-School Address The Anthony Hall London Road Aston Clinton Buckinghamshire HP22 5NA

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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

Aston Clinton Pre-School opened in 1967. It operates from Anthony Hall in the village of Aston Clinton on the outskirts of Aylesbury. It serves the local community and surrounding villages. The premises consist of a main hall, a small committee room that is used as a waiting room for parents, a kitchen, toilets and a small enclosed outside play area. Aston Clinton Pre-School is open Monday to Friday from 09.15 to 11.45 during term times only. Sessions are also held on Mondays and Fridays from 12.15 to 14.45 for four-year-olds. There are currently 51 children on roll, which includes 15 four-year-olds and 25 three-year-olds who are in receipt of nursery education funding. The pre-school currently supports a number of children with special needs and has facilities in place to assist children who speak English as a second language. Seven staff work with the children throughout the week. Two staff hold relevant

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Information about the setting

childcare qualifications and another is currently undertaking training. An action plan is in place to ensure the qualification criteria is met. The pre-school is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance and receives support from the Buckinghamshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Aston Clinton Pre-School provides satisfactory care for children. Staff create a friendly environment where good use is made of the spacious premises to ensure children are well cared for. Children are able to access an interesting range of activities and equipment set up by staff on a daily basis and enjoy outdoor play in the small garden area. There are a number of procedures and safety measures in place to ensure children are protected and the premises do not pose a hazard. Staff maintain good levels of hygiene at all times and encourage children to develop personal hygiene habits. All areas for promoting children's good health have been addressed. Healthy food and drink options are provided by parents, but staff miss opportunities at snack times to encourage children's social skills. Staff have a satisfactory understanding of the local child protection procedures and their role in the protection of 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 Staff develop good relationships with children who are happy and settled; they interact freely in their play and offer appropriate support. Children are busy and interested in the toys, resources and activities available and as a result behave well. Staff work well together and consistently reinforce the familiar daily routine. There is a good partnership with parents and carers who are encouraged to become involved in the group. They are kept well-informed about planned themes, news and events through a range of written information; staff provide daily verbal feedback about the care children receive. Parents are happy with the service provided. Most relevant documentation is available but some lacks the necessary detail. The committee is active in its management of the group, particularly when fundraising for

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How good is the Day Care?

new equipment, but are not currently involved in the recruitment and appointment of new staff.

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What is being done well?

• The staff and committee work well with parents; they provide a wealth of information for them including a welcome booklet, regular newsletters, an informative notice board and access to a range of policies and procedures relating to most aspects of the service offered. Parents are encouraged to become involved as a volunteer within the group or undertake tasks such as making play dough at home. • Staff follow good hygiene practices throughout the session and encourage children to learn good personal hygiene habits such as washing their hands before snack time. They are aware of creating a safe environment, both inside and outside and are vigilant in their supervision of children at all times. • Staff establish good relationships with children who are happy and settled. Children are engaged in a range of planned activities linked to themes such as 'All about me'. They are free to make choices about their play and learning

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What is being done well?

and are supported by caring, interested staff. Children play co-operatively with one another and respond well to staff's sensitive interaction. Children are well-behaved and familiar with the daily routine.

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What needs to be improved?

• documentation, to ensure written parental consent is obtained for the seeking of any necessary medical advice or treatment, policies relating to lost and uncollected children and outings are developed and adopted, fire drills are recorded in greater detail and the child protection policy contains a statement to be followed in the event of a member of staff being accused of abuse • opportunities to extend children's learning and develop social skills at snack time

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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 • procedures for the recruitment and appointment of new staff.

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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 8 Provide further opportunities at snack time for children to develop their social skills. 14 Ensure all records policies and procedures relating to day-care activities are available and contain the necessary detail.

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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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