Cliffe Woods Pre -School & The Acorn Club

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 16/10/2003 Inspector Name Linda Margaret Nicholls

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Cliffe Woods Pre School Setting Address Cliffe Woods CP School View Road Cliffe Woods Rochester Kent ME3 8UJ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Cliffe Woods Pre School 1024218

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Cliffe Woods Pre School Address Cliffe Woods CP School View Road Cliffe Woods Rochester Kent ME3 8UJ

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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

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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

Cliffe Woods Pre-School opened in 1989. The pre-school operates from a classroom room in a school and serves the local area. The setting opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 12.30 to 15.00, Monday to Friday, with, additionally, sessions from 9.00 to 11.30 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There are currently 61 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. This includes 24 funded 3-year-olds and 23 funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports one child with special needs and no children who speak English as an additional language. Eight staff work with the children. All have early years qualifications. The setting receives support from a teacher and mentor from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). It is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PLA). As the Acorn Club, the setting is also registered to provide out of school care for 26

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How good is the Day Care?

The pre-school provides good care for children. Documentation is well kept and presented in a professional manner. Paperwork is ready for inspection. Parents are well informed. Management of the day care is proactive in updating training and informing Ofsted of significant changes. Regular meetings are held to cascade information to staff. Effective procedures are in place to interview and employ new staff. The prospectus is clear and informs families of the care provided. The room is well organised. Visitors are recorded and the attendance record shows when staff and children are present. The premises are well maintained and there is a good variety of toys and equipment. The children are safe and well cared for. Safety precautions are in place. Emergency drills are regularly practised. Children's independence is encouraged with appropriate personal hygiene routines. All medical records are maintained. The

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How good is the Day Care?

premises are secure and systems are in place to ensure all adults in contact with the children are suitable and known to staff. A nutritional policy is in place and children

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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 are offered a variety of healthy snacks. Plans and records take good account of children's individual needs and abilities. There is a good understanding of the roles and responsibilities for child protection. The range of activities extends children's experience. There are strong links with the school. The sessions are well structured and children are engaged and involved in their play. The children are confident in their social relationships and are articulate and informative. There is a wide variety of electronic equipment available for both children and adults. The partnership with carers and parents is good. They are informed of their child's experience verbally, at collection, and throughout the year, via written records, discussions and reported observation. The notice boards are dynamic and used to

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What is being done well?

• Organisation of the day care is professional and supportive of staff. Training is kept up to date and the supervisors encourage staff to learn and share skills. Regular meetings are held to cascade information. • The premises are maintained to a good standard. They are clean and space is organised to maximise use. There are adequate storage facilities and children can access equipment and resources independently. Children move around freely making effective use of the space to extend their play. • The staff have very good relationships with the children. Key worker groups provide strong bonds and social interaction. Discussions at snack time are fluid and respectful of each others' differences. Adults know to wait for children to respond when in conversation. • The children respond well to the play leaders clear guidance and praise. They happily take part in planned activities, help tidy toys and are well

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What needs to be improved?

• positive images of our cultural and physical diversity • information for parents to include future plans and developments.

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Outcome of the 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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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 Add planned changes and improvements to operational plan for parents information. 9 Display examples of other writing systems.

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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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