Towntree Pre-school Ltd

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/09/2004 Inspector Name Anne Jacqueline Nicholson

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Towntree Preschool Setting Address Echelford County School Park Road Ashford Middlesex TW15 1EX

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of Anne Nicholson & Fay Sugg

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Anne Nicholson & Fay Sugg Address 1 Aspen Gardens Ashford Middlesex TW15 1ED

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

Towntree pre-school and after-school care opened in 2004. It operates from a purpose built, single storey building within the grounds of Echelford County School in Ashford. There are two activity rooms, toilets, kitchen, office and disabled facilities available. It serves families from the local community and surrounding villages. Children aged from two years to five years are on roll, this includes 27 funded three year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting makes provision for children with special needs and/or who speak English as an additional language. The provision opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions within the pre-school are from 08:30 to 12:00 and 12:30 to 15:00, with the option to stay for lunch or for both sessions. Sessions for the after-school care provision are between 15:30 and 18:00. The provision is open term time. Eight members of staff work with the children. Three members of staff have a

p.2

Information about the setting

recognised early years qualification. Four members of staff are on training programmes. Six members of staff hold a current first aid certificate. The setting receives support from the Early Years Childcare Service (EYCS) and several other professional bodies.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Towntree pre-school and after-school club offers a good standard of day care. The manager and majority of staff have or are working towards relevant childcare qualifications; they identify training needs and undertake courses. The environment is welcoming, bright and well maintained. There are a varied range of toys, resources and activities accessible to ensure children are stimulated. Staff work well as a team and support the groups policies and procedures. Staff demonstrate a good awareness of safety and potential hazards and carry out daily risk assessments to ensure that children can develop in a safe and secure environment. Personal hygiene practices are promoted. Children can access water during their sessions and have a drink and snack period, taking individual dietary requirements into consideration. Staff have an awareness of child protection issues and documentation support this. The group promotes equal opportunities and are

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

proactive in supporting any child where a special educational need or individual need is identified.

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 Children respond enthusiastically to the activities offered and staff participate along side them. Children and staff interact and communicate well together. Children's needs are met, staff plan activities, liaise with other professionals and parents. Children's behaviour is good and staff ensure that positive praise is given to promote this. Partnership with parents is good, staff form good relationships with parents through verbal communication daily and provision of regular information.

p.2

What is being done well?

• Operational plan works well and staff are aware of the policies and procedures to follow within the provision. Staff are committed to developing themselves professionally and several staff are currently on training courses. • Staff are attentive to the needs of the children and are active listeners. They respond to what is said, encouraging children through verbal communication and actively participating with them. • Staff have a good awareness of safety and implement this effectively through the use of daily risk assessments. This allows children to play freely in a safe environment. • Children are encouraged to behave appropriately and consider others through staff praising acceptable behaviour, congratulating children when they do well and promoting turn taking during activities. • The premises and outside area are bright and welcoming. Resources are organised to allow children to access and use them freely. Children in the

p.3

What is being done well?

after school club can freely choose the activities they would like and the areas they use for their play.

p.3

An aspect of outstanding practice:

Children with identified needs (educational, medical or behavioural) are actively supported and integrated into the setting by the staff through the implementation of Individual Educational Plans, staff undertaking specialist training and regular input and support from external professional agencies. When a child with additional needs is going to start at the setting staff ensure that they aid this integration by minimising any of the existing childrens concerns,anxieties or questions through giving information and raising awareness in an age appropriate way; for example through games, adaptation of resources and discussion at circle time.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• Consistency of entries in medication / accident book and grammatical content of policies.

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 • Review child settling-in procedures.

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 7 ensure that all accident and medication entries are consistently recorded using the same format.

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