Wrens Nest Nursery School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 24/09/2004 Inspector Name Linda Patricia Coccia

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Crockenhill Pre-School Setting Address Crockenhill Village Hall, Stones Cross Road Swanley Kent BR8 8LT

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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

Crockenhill Pre-school opened in 1982. It operates from a large hall and one other room in the local village hall in Crockenhill near Swanley. The pre-school serves the local area. There are currently 35 children from two to five years on the roll. This includes 17 funded three year olds and 5 funded four year olds. The group currently supports no children with special needs or English as an additional language. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Session are from 9.15 until 11.45. There are seven part-time staff who work with the children. Four have early years qualifications. Three staff are currently on training programmes. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Crockenhill Pre-school provides good quality care for children. The staff have very good relationships with the children and their parents. The staff work effectively as a team. The group have effective procedures for the recruitment and vetting of staff and have a good induction programme. The attendance record is well maintained. The premises, toys and equipment are regularly checked for safety and hygiene. Supervisors hold NVQ level 3 qualifications. Staff are qualified in first aid. The information contained in the lost/uncollected child policy needs to be improved. The premises are secure and appropriate safety equipment is in place. Children practise emergency evacuation procedures regularly. The group's accident and medication records are well maintained and are confidential but they need written parental permission for children's emergency medical treatment. Children are provided with fruit, biscuits and drinks at snack time. However, children could be

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How good is the Day Care?

more proactive at snack time and encouraged in their independence. The group has child protection procedures which are in accordance with their local authority guidelines but so far they have not had to be used.

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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 group provides a very good selection of toys and activities which help children develop in all areas of learning. Children are able to make choices about the toys they play with but they could be provided with more materials to help them extend their play. All children have access to all toys. There are plenty of positive images of equality of opportunity within the range of toys and displayed in books. Staff praise and encourage good behaviour and children are well behaved and co-operative. The group has plenty of evidence of positive feedback from parents. Parents are given lots of written information about how the group functions and have regular meetings with staff to discuss how their children are progressing. Records are readily available for inspection.

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What is being done well?

• The staff work effectively as a team. They know the procedures and implement them effectively. They consult regularly with each other about the care of the children and work towards providing the best care possible. The children's interests are always put first. • The staff have very good relationships with the children. They enjoy their company and know them well. They spend a lot of time talking and playing with children and helping them to learn. The children are very happy and settled. • The group has an extensive selection of good quality toys, books and equipment. They use these to plan stimulating and exciting activities to promote children's development. The home corner in particular allows children to role play everyday situations. • The group offer a warm and welcoming environment. Parents and children are greeted on entry. Staff make conversation with children about issues individual to them to help the children feel valued and secure in attending the

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What is being done well?

group. • The premises are safe and secure for children. Appropriate safety equipment such as socket covers are used. The children practise evacuation procedures to enable them to leave the premises safely in an emergency.

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What needs to be improved?

• the information contained in the lost/uncollected child policy • the materials provided that allow children to extend their own play • the written permission from parents concerning emergency medical treatment for their children. • the arrangements for 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

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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 2 Expand the information in the lost/uncollected child policy. 8 Re-assess the arrangements at snack time to allow children more choice, opportunities to become more independent and less waiting time.

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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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