Samuel Laycock School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 29/04/2003 Inspector Name Glynis Bath

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Widecombe Pre-school Setting Address Church House Newton Abbot Devon TQ13 7TB

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Widecombe Pre-school Committee

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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

Widecombe Pre-school is located in the heart of Dartmoor and serves the village and surrounding local community. The pre-school is based in the Church House, which is a listed National Trust building. The group use the first floor hall and also have use of the ground floor hall for physical activities when the weather is not suitable for outside play. Sessions are attended by about 16 three- and four-year-old children, with some younger children accompanied by parents. Parents and carers of toddlers ensure their children are kept safe, retaining responsibility, but giving them the opportunity to socialise and join in many of the activities. There are currently 19 children on roll, including 13 funded children. There are currently no children with special educational needs and no children for whom English is an additional language. There are three staff at each session, of whom the manager and deputy have early years qualifications. The pre-school is managed by a

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Information about the setting

voluntary committee and is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance. The group is open during term times on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.15am until 11.45am.

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How good is the Day Care?

Widecombe pre-school offers good quality care for children. The group believe in learning through play and ensuring children benefit from worthwhile activities. Sessions are very well planned and organised, enabling the well-qualified team of staff to concentrate on working directly with the children to ensure that they get the most from their time there. The operational plan is clear and informative for parents. It includes detailed policies and procedures, with minor additions required. There is a commitment to developing good practice through training, although induction procedures for new staff are not in place. The unusual premises have been used to very good effect, with many colourful displays, and staff have skilfully adapted activities and routines to take account of the layout. This includes safety procedures which are consistently observed. Risk assessments have been used to further improve safety, and implementation is planned. The children are purposefully

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How good is the Day Care?

involved in a wide and stimulating range of activities which sustain their interest well. Plans show clear links to meeting all areas of children's development. Detailed records of children's progress are carefully organised and used to plan their next steps. The children enjoy using the excellent range and quantity of toys and activity equipment and staff ensure that they all are included. Consideration and respect is encouraged and a wide range of approaches for promoting awareness of differences is used. Parents receive information covering all aspects of the setting through a

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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 variety of ways. The prospectus, induction pack and operational plan are clear and informative, and newsletters and open days encourage involvement. There is an effective key worker system and a number of methods for monitoring children's progress and sharing this information with parents. An excellent photographic record of activities and visits is kept.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the group agreed to review the Health and Safety policy and risk assessment, review the contents of the first aid kit, and write policies for medication administration policy and the complaints procedure. All four actions have been met, with details of OFSTED needing to be added to the health and safety and information for parents.

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What is being done well?

The high level of organisation and planning ensures that the group runs smoothly and staff are deployed effectively at all times, including and supporting the children well. Systematic short and long term planning ensures that visits, visitors and themes are well integrated into the children's work. (Standard 2,3). There is a wide range of stimulating activities built into well structured sessions, and children sustain their interest with purpose and enjoyment. The children benefit from the good quality and quantity of equipment, ensuring participation for all (Standard 3,5). Excellent use is made of the unusual premises, to create a colourful and welcoming atmosphere for the children, with displays, activities and routines adapted to the layout. Specific safety procedures also take account of the features of the building (Standard 4,6). The children's awareness of differences is promoted imaginatively, covering

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What is being done well?

language, disability and ethnicity. Good links are made with the local school to aid transition, and includes joint planning of themes and activities (Standard 9). Staff provide parents with very good information all aspects of the setting and their children's progress. There are many opportunities for parental and family involvement (Standard 12).

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What needs to be improved?

induction procedures for new staff to be developed (Standard 2) implementation of action regarding handrail noted in risk assessment (Standard 4) the complaints policy to include contact details for OFSTED (Standards 12, 14)

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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Std Action Date

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 develop induction procedures for new staff (Standard 2). 4 attach a lower handrail on the stairs for smaller children in line with risk assessment (Standard 4). 12 include name, address and telephone number of OFSTED in complaint procedure (Standard 12, 14)

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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 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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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

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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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