Ducklings Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 23/11/2004 Inspector Name Ann Field

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Ducklings Pre-School Setting Address Wimborne Crescent Westcroft Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK4 4DB

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Ducklings Limited Address 11 Bilbrook Lane Furzton Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK4 1LW

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

Ducklings Pre-School is one of three pre-schools run by Ducklings Limited. There has been a pre-school on this site since 1996. It opened with new management in 2002 and operates from several rooms in a community hall in the Westcroft area of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. A maximum of 40 children may attend the pre-school at any one time. The setting is open each weekday during term time from 09.15 until 11.45 and 12.00 until 14.30 with the exception of Thursdays when they are only open in the morning. The children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 68 children aged from 2 to under 5 years on roll. Of these 61 children receive funding for nursery education. Children attend from the local area. The pre-school supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language.

p.2

Information about the setting

The pre-school employs nine staff. Four of the staff, including the manager have appropriate early years qualifications.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The Ducklings Pre-School provides good quality care for children. All aspects of the provision are well organised; effective use is made of the staff and resources. The staff work effectively as a team, they provide a high level of interaction with the children, the key worker system is well organised. The staff ensure that the resources are available to enable children to take part in a wide variety of activities; they encourage them to make their own choices and decisions. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure that the staff have a consistent approach to their work. The staff have a very good understanding of safety issues and all areas for promoting children's good health have been addressed. They have a clear understanding of child protection procedures and their role in the protection of children. There is evidence to show good support for all families including those who have children with special needs. The children's dietary requirements are fully

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

discussed with parents, any allergies are clearly noted and a healthy snack is offered.

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 The staff work well with children; they keenly interact in their play and spend time developing trusting relationships. They are friendly and approachable, know the children well and provide support and encouragement to them. Creative and imaginative play is enjoyed and daily opportunities for physical play are offered. Staff have a very positive approach to managing children's behaviour; the children behave well. There is a good partnership with parents and carers. They are kept well informed about the daily activities and are very happy with the service provided. The staff keep clear, professional records that are stored confidentially. All the relevant paperwork is in place, but very occasionally lacks the necessary detail.

p.2

What is being done well?

• The children are interested and absorbed in their play, both in the adult led and child-initiated activities. They talk confidently to their peers and to the staff, who take every opportunity to extend the children's learning. The staff are particularly skilful at anticipating where they are needed and spend a lot of time with the children at the various activity tables and in the book corner. Music and singing are well used and help the smooth transition through the various changes during the session. • Staff manage children's behaviour very well, they provide good role models by talking calmly and quietly and by using good manners themselves. All staff give praise and encouragement to the children ensuring that they develop confidence and self esteem. The children are generally well behaved, any incidents are recorded confidentiality and shared with parents. There is good adult interaction with a high ratio of staff to children. The children benefit from

p.3

What is being done well?

the security of the established daily routine and are happy and settled. • The staff ensure that the pre-school is welcoming; parents and children are greeted on arrival. The rooms are set out to promote the children's learning, the comprehensive range of toys and equipment is easily accessible to the children. The staff have a high regard for health and safety issues; routines to promote good health and hygiene are well established. • The pre-school has some effective systems for developing good partnerships with parents. They are given access to all the policies and procedures, there is an informative notice board including staff photographs. Newsletters are regularly produced and bi-annual open days are arranged. There is an information pack for new parents and the open door policy allows parents to feel welcome in the setting.

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 • documentation, to ensure an accurate record of attendance is kept detailing the times of children's arrival and departure if different from regular opening times.

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 2 Ensure that an accurate record is kept of children's attendance

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