Blue Bell Hill Junior School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 10/03/2004 Inspector Name Ceri Ann Mills

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Railway Children Kindergarten Setting Address Station House Bunbury Way Epsom Downs Surrey KT17 4JP

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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

Railway Children Kindergarten opened in 1998 and is privately owned by Nicola Johnson. The kindergarten has sole use of the ground floor of a detached two storey property which was previously the ticket office for Epsom Downs railway station. It is situated in a quiet residential area and serves families from Epsom Downs, Ewell, Tadworth and Banstead. The kindergarten is open Monday - Friday, term time only and provides sessional care from 09:00 - 12:00, with an optional lunch club until 12:45 and an extended session on Monday and Wednesday covering the school day. Children have access to three areas: the main play room, a quiet room and an art room. There is a secure outside play area and car parking facilities The kindergarten accepts children from the age of two years to under five years. There are up to 18 places available and currently 31 children are on roll, of these 18 are 3 years old and 5 are 4 years olds in receipt of early years funding.

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Information about the setting

None of the children are learning English as an additional language and currently there are no children on roll with a special educational need. There is a staff team of four, plus an occasional assistant. Three have a recognised Early Years qualification and all staff members have a current first aid certificate.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Railway Children Kindergarten provides good quality care. The provision is well organised. Space is carefully planned to enable children to move independently between the three rooms. Staff deployment is excellent both in and out of doors and the operational plan effectively guides their daily practice. Children are able to access resources and activities easily. The staff team consists of qualified and experienced childcare practitioners, who

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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 work well together and continue to develop their skills and knowledge through early years training workshops. Documentation is extremely comprehensive, is reviewed regularly and stored securely. The premises are clean and staff promote most aspects of health and hygiene well. All staff are first aid trained and each room is equipped with a first aid box, although some contents are out of date. Children's dietary needs are met well with a choice of healthy refreshments. Staff make good use of snack time to promote children's language and mathematical development. Staff effectively manage security and are aware of most safety issues and take steps to minimise hazards. The garden is safe and secure, however space is limited when all the children play out of doors with a full range of activities.

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How good is the Day Care?

The kindergarten has a comprehensive child protection policy and two staff members have undertaken relevant training. The daily routine provides a good balance of structured activity and free play. The children enjoy warm and caring relationships with staff, who know and understand the individual needs of all the children. Staff promote good behaviour by using positive language and constant praise and children know what is expected of them. Children are confident, settled and well behaved. Parents receive a range of useful information about the provision, including all policies and procedures. Staff keep parents informed about their child's achievements and progress and welcome comments raised by parents.

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What is being done well?

• Staff plan stimulating and purposeful play opportunities which support children's learning. Activities are changed frequently to provide sufficient choice and variation. The children enjoy many first hand experiences and are eager to share their achievements with each other and staff. Staff value the children's responses and record their comments, which are displayed alongside their individual pieces of work. • Staff promote good behaviour and act as good role models. Staff offer consistent praise and encouragement and are confident in their management

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What is being done well?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 of the children's behaviour. Children readily take part in activities and respond well to the caring guidance of staff. • A warm and welcoming environment is provided for parents and there are good lines of communication between home and the kindergarten. Parents receive an informative prospectus and are given a copy of all the policies to read at their perusal. The notice board informs parents about what is being done each day and parents receive regular newsletters. • Staff talk to parents each day and regularly share observational records with them to keep them informed about their child's achievements and development. The kindergarten values parental contributions and has a suggestion box for comments. • The kindergarten is well equipped with child size furniture, resources and

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What is being done well?

toys. Much consideration is given to the quality and quantity of equipment and the low level storage units help to create an accessible and child centred environment. The staff have recently attended a science workshop and purchased a range of resources to support this area of learning. The children use the equipment appropriately to explore and investigate. • Security of the premises is good. Visitors are not able to gain entry to the building without the knowledge of staff. All visitors have to sign in and staff record children's arrival and departure times. Staff are aware of children's movements at all times.

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What needs to be improved?

• the risk assessment procedures for out of doors • the arrangements for hand drying • the checking of contents in the first aid boxes.

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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 should have regard to the following recommendations

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 Review risk assessment with regard to outdoor play. 7 Ensure hand drying arrangements promote good hygiene practice. 7 Ensure contents of first aid box is regularly checked.

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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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