Magic Moments Pre-school

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/11/2003 Inspector Name Diane Mary O'Neill

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Magic Moments Pre-School Setting Address 1st Baldock Scout HQ Park Drive Baldock Hertfordshire

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

Magic Moments pre-school opened in 1996. It moved to its present location of the 1st Baldock Scout Head Quarters in March 2002. The pre-school has access to two halls which it uses for its sessions. The smaller hall is used with younger children (2.6 months to 2.9 months), the larger hall is used by the rising 3 group ( 2.9 months/3 years to 5 years). The pre-school has toilets which are located off the main entrance hall and access to a kitchen where snacks are prepared. There is a fully enclosed garden area available for outside play. The pre-school serves the Baldock area. The children attending the pre-school are aged from 2.6 months to 5 years. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs. There are no children attending who have English as a additional language. The pre-school opens five days a week from 9.30 am to 12.00 pm. On two days a

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Information about the setting

week a lunch club is in operation from 12.00pm to 1.00pm, where children bring a packed lunch. The pre-school operates term time only. Six full time staff and three volunteers work with the children. Four of the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. One staff member is working towards a recognised early years qualification. The pre-school is in the process of working towards its accreditation through the Pre-School Learning Alliance. The Pre-school receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Magic Moments provides satisfactory care for children. The premises are shared with the local scout group. The overall cleanliness of the building is satisfactory; the pre-school staff endeavour to make it a warm and welcoming provision. Staff maintain the health and safety of the children to an acceptable level. However attention needs to be given to the security of the side fencing in the outside play area.

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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 The younger children use the small hall, the older children are in the larger hall. The two groups have fairly structured routines, but there are times for individual choice and exploration, especially with the older children. However, within the younger age group there are some missed play opportunities. Staff need to be more aware of the younger children's needs. The staff team reassure and encourage the new children to join in activities. The older children appear very confident; they play well with the activities available. There are opportunities for freedom of choice; some adult-led activities are done in a very encouraging manner. Overall the space and resources available ensure the diverse needs of the children are catered for. Equal opportunities is promoted in an appropriate manner.

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How good is the Day Care?

Staff have a friendly relationship with the parents. From the information on their feed back forms they are happy with the service that the pre-school provides. Most of the staff team hold recognised early years qualifications, one person is working towards training. Some of the staff have completed first aid training, this is an area that needs reviewing. The pre-school has suitable policies and procedures in place. However, they must ensure that documentation contains the relevant information required.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There were no actions raised at the last inspection.

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What is being done well?

• Resources and activities are being linked within the planning, to meet the early learning goals. • The pre-school has good health and safety practices, with clear and concise information and documentation in place. • The staff team make parents very welcome, they appear to have a suitable meet and greet system in place. Informative information is available to parents. • There is a settling in process for new children. Staff are very good at settling in new children, by giving reassurance and encouragement. • Staff are prepared to go on training and workshops to help with their personal development, as well as ways to develop the pre-school. This helps to provide better learning opportunities for the children.

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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 • resources to meet the needs of the children, especially the younger age group. • qualified staff are deployed effectively within the setting. • sufficient staff hold up to date first aid qualifications. • the outside play area is safe for children to play in. • documentation contains all relevant information.

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 1 Ensure that there are effective procedures in place for checking that staff are suitably qualified and/or experienced to work with children 01/12/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Ensure qualified staff are deployed effectively within each room at all times. 7 Ensure there is at least one member of staff with a current first aid training certificate on the premises or on outings at any one time. 2 Ensure that all relevant information is transferred to the main register. 4 Ensure that all hazards within the outside play space are addressed 6 Ensure that fire drills are well documented.

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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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