Smethwick Hall Girls' School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/02/2005 Inspector Name Annie Williams

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Egerton Pre-School Playgroup Setting Address Millennium Village Hall Egerton Ashford Kent TN27 9DR

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Egerton Pre-School Playgroup

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Egerton Pre-School Playgroup Address Millenium Village Hall, Elm Close, Egerton Ashford Kent TN27 9DS

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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

Egerton Pre-School Playgroup operates from the Millennium Village Hall in Egerton, Ashford, Kent. The group has access to a large hall, a kitchen, store cupboards and toilets. The pre-school opens each weekday during term time from 09.10 to 12.00. A maximum of 26 children may attend the group at any one time. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 36 children aged from 2 to under 5-years on roll; this includes children in receipt of funding for nursery education. Some children travel from the surrounding villages. The pre-school supports children with special educational needs, and also supports children who speak English as an additional language. The pre-school employs six members of staff; of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications. The group receive support from a special needs advisor and a teacher from the Early Year Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Egerton Pre-School provides good care for children. Monitoring of the provision and effective procedures for the safe arrival and collection of children contribute to their safety. Policies have not yet been reviewed and updated and staff lack knowledge of child protection issues. Children's health is promoted through good cleaning procedures, regular physical activities and healthy drinks and snacks. All staff hold a current first aid certificate. Medication records and accident records are clear and accurate, contributing to children's health and safety. Children are confident, happy and settled at the pre-school. They clearly enjoy the opportunities provided in role-play and are very sociable. Children develop their creativity as they engage in messy play such as finding bugs hidden in jelly. Children are learning to select resources from the range available, work and play together; children are independent and learning to share. Staff plan and prepare a stimulating

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How good is the Day Care?

environment with a good range of activities that excite and motivate children to learn. Consequently, children are making good progress in their development. Staff have obtained a copy of ‘Birth to Three Matters’, to help plan and provide a wide range of activities to further develop younger children's personal and social skills. Children with special needs are welcomed into the group. Staff work effectively with other professionals and parents to ensure appropriate care is provided. The needs of children with physical disabilities are met well. The provision has suitable facilities

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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 and is located on the ground floor. Children are well behaved, kind and caring. They respond well to staff's expectations, for example by tidying away and being kind to each other. Staff have a good partnership with parents that support children in the nursery. Effective communication ensures parents are well informed and can take an active part in their child's care and learning.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Following the last Ofsted inspection the pre-school were asked to address nine actions relating to the National standards. The pre-school have made good progress in addressing all these actions.

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What is being done well?

• Children arrive happily and are settled at pre-school; they are confident and readily approach their peers and adults to share in conversation and play. • The premises are kept secure and there are effective systems for the safe arrival and collection children. Access to the provision is monitored to keep children and staff safe. • Children understand the routine well. Staff use songs to indicate a change in routine. Children respond enthusiastically and sing along during their play. • Staff are interested in what children do and say; talk and listen to them; ask questions to make them think; respond to children's interests; praise and encourage them. Consequently children are progressing well in their development and are excited and eager to learn. • Staff provide good opportunities which support children's creative development. As a result children are developing in their creativity; they explore a range of materials such as jelly, pasta and rice and clearly enjoy

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What is being done well?

the opportunities they receive in pretend play.

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What needs to be improved?

• staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues • the policies and procedures.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

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 13 Ensure that the child protection procedure for the pre-school complies with local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures and develop staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. 14 Review and update policies to reflect current procedures.

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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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