Oaklands Infant School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 31/03/2004 Inspector Name Jacqueline, Ann Connell

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name STEPPING STONES PLAYGROUP Setting Address THE SCOUT HUT INMANS LANE, SHEET, PETERSFIELD HAMPSHIRE GU32 2AN

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Stepping Stones Playgroup - Petersfield

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Stepping Stones Playgroup - Petersfield Address The Scout Hut Inmans Lane Petersfield GU32 2AN

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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

Stepping Stones Preschool has been registered for over 20 years. It is a community group which is managed by a committee of volunteers and serves the children of Sheet and the surrounding area. It meets in the scout hut which is situated in the village recreation ground. The preschool is registered for 26 children between two and five years and, of these, no more than eight may be under three years at any one time. It is group policy to not take children younger than two years nine months. Stepping Stones operates during term time on Monday,Wednesday,Thursday and Friday mornings between 09:15 and 12:15 and on Tuesdays from 11:30 to 14:30. The afternoon session is aimed at older children who will shortly be starting school. The group has seven members of staff and, of these, three have an early years qualification and one is in training. There are training plans in place for all members of staff. Two members of staff have current first aid training.

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Information about the setting

There are 40 children attending the group and this includes 20 three year olds and 4 children aged four who are receiving funding. The preschool supports children who have special needs and those who speak English as an additional language. It has links with local schools.

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How good is the Day Care?

Stepping Stones Playgroup provides satisfactory care. The group has enthusiastic staff who have relevant experience and skills. The staff ensure the premises are welcoming and space is arranged so that the children's needs are met. They provide an extensive range of toys and equipment and keep most of the required documentation. They are aware of potential hazards and have procedures in place to minimise risks. They talk to the children about keeping safe. They follow good hygiene routines in order to create a healthy environment and encourage the children to develop an understanding of personal hygiene by, for example, washing hands before snack time. They are aware of the children's individual dietary needs and recognise their responsibility to protect children. They provide a wide range of activities during the first half of the session when they

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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 are all very actively involved with the children. They are aware of the needs of the individual children and ensure that each child is valued and included. They have a positive attitude towards caring for children with special needs. They value good behaviour and give the children lots of praise and encouragement. They build strong relationships with parents and give them good information about the group and their child's progress.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group was asked to produce an action plan to show how they will provide adequate heating. This was done and there are now new heaters in place.

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What is being done well?

• The staff build very good relationships with the children and know them well. They are interested in the children and talk to them in a friendly and open manner which encourages the children's language and communication skills. • They provide a wide and interesting variety of play opportunities which the children find stimulating and enjoyable. They encourage the children's independence by giving them the opportunity to select activities for themselves during the first part of the session. The children play happily and are very settled. • They provide a warm and friendly environment where children, and their parents, are made to feel very welcome. • They provide a broad range of toys and play materials which meet all the children's developmental needs. They regularly rotate the equipment in order to maintain the children's interest. • They work very closely with parents and involve them as committee members

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What is being done well?

and as parent helpers. They have excellent procedures for settling new children which include a home visit by the group leader. They give parents good information about their child's progress through daily feedback and occasional open mornings.

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What needs to be improved?

• the organisation of staff and resources, especially at snack time, so that the children's play and learning are supported at all times during the session • the complaints procedure so that parents are informed of the regulator's address and telephone number.

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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 3 Ensure that at all times resources are organised so they are readily accessible to children and staff are deployed effectively to support children’s play and learning. 14 Ensure the complaints procedure includes the address and telephone number of the regulator.

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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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