The Valley Pre-SchoolOfsted inspection, 13 Feb 2004

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/02/2004 Inspector Name Wendy, Anne Lunn

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name The Valley Pre-School Setting Address C/o Meonstoke C of E School, Chapel Road Meonstoke Southampton Hampshire SO32 3NJ

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of The Valley Pre-School

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name The Valley Pre-School Address Chapel Road Meonstoke Southampton Hampshire SO32 3NJ

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

The Valley Preschool opened in 1975 and has operated in its present location since April 2000. It is situated in a self contained annexe at Meonstoke Church of England School. It serves the children of the village and the local area. There are currently twenty children from 2 years 9 months to under 5 years on roll. This includes eleven funded three year olds and four funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group supports children have special needs. There are currently no children attending who have English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:15 -12:00. The Tuesday morning session is extended to 12:30 to enable the children to eat a packed lunch together before going home. Six members of staff work directly with the children. All staff members have early years qualifications or are on training programmes. The setting has close links with

p.2

Information about the setting

Meonstoke School and receives support from the reception class teacher and the Preschool Development Worker[P.D.W.]. The preschool has received accreditation by the Preschool Learning Alliance.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The Valley Preschool provides good quality care for children. The preschool provides a cheerful, enthusiastic welcome for children. The supervisor and staff team make good use of space both indoors and outside enabling the children to gain confidence and enjoyment in a range of stimulating activities. Children are well cared for, supported, and encouraged to explore their environment. All staff are fully involved in the daily plans to provide interesting and varied play opportunities to meet the needs of all children. They ensure that each child is able to fully access all play activities. The staff give high priority to ensuring that children are safe both indoors and on outings and have effective procedures to encourage good health and hygiene practices. The group operate a key worker system and this enables staff to get to know the children really well individually. The preschool provides a very good range of resources which enable children to

p.2

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 experience a balanced programme of activities covering all areas of development. Staff provide a wide selection of materials reflecting positive images of gender and culture and some to reflect disability. Staff praise and support the children enabling them to develop positive behaviour patterns. They learn to take turns, share toys and equipment and enjoy the company of others. The partnership with parents and carers is very good. They are well informed about the setting, its policies and procedures and are invited to share information on a formal and informal basis. Children's records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. All documentation is in place and requires some minor adjustments.

p.2

What is being done well?

• Staff provide a well balanced range of activities for all children; this includes regular use of the outdoor area and nature walks in the woods and adjacent park. Children have opportunities to cook and take part in music and movement sessions provided by a peripatetic teacher. • Children have many opportunities to make choices. They can pour their own drinks, experience different snacks, choose the activities that they would like to do and have access to a wide range of art and craft and natural materials to encourage their skills and facilitate their enjoyment. • The staff plan individual programmes for children with special needs and liaise closely with parents and other agencies to ensure that their development is extended. The children are well cared for and happy. • Children's behaviour is very good. The consistent approach by staff enable the children to learn the rules of the group and understand the boundaries.

p.3

What is being done well?

Children help each other, share and take turns. • The staff develop good, open relationships with parents and carers who are well informed about the child's development and involved in every aspect of their care.

p.3

An aspect of outstanding practice:

The preschool encourages children to learn about their local environment and the world around them. They use the outside play area on a daily basis and have walks in the woods and the adjacent park to understand about nature and the local wildlife. They invite visitors to come in, some with their pets, to talk to the children helping them to understand about other people's daily lives. One visitor brought in young lambs and the children could experience caring and feeding of livestock.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• documentation, to ensure all officers of the committee have C.R.B. clearance and confidentiality is maintained in the storage of this information

p.3

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 • the register, to rescord departure times of the staff • resources, to provide further positive images of disability.

p.3

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 14 Ensure officers of the committee have C.R.B. clearance and confidentiality is maintained with staff clearance. Ensure the register records the time of departure of the staff. 9 Provide further resources to reflect positive images of disability.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6