Old Stratford Pre School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/09/2003 Inspector Name Jill Hunn

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Old Stratford Pre-School, Community Centre, Setting Address Deanshanger Road Old Stratford Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK19 6NL

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Old Stratford Pre School Playgroup 1033454

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Old Stratford Pre School Playgroup Address Deanshanger Road Old Stratford Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK19 6NL

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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

Old Sratford Pre School opened in 1989. It operates from the community hall situated towards the outskirts of the village of Old Stratford, in the extreme south of Northamptonshire. The pre school serves the local area. There are currently 53 children on roll. Children attend for a variety of reasons. There are no children with special educational needs or children who speak English as an additional language, currently attending the setting. The group opens five days a week during school term time. Morning sessions are from 9:15 to 11:45 and afternoon sessions form 12:15 to 14:45. Six part time staff work with the children. Two staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 3. One member of staff is currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Northamptonshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership (NEYDCP) and is a member of the Pre School Learning Alliance (PSLA).

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How good is the Day Care?

Old Stratford Pre School provides satisfactory care for children. There is a clear plan which shows how the setting operates and ensures that the committee and staff have a consistent approach to their work. All written procedures and records are in place but some require further detail. The premises are very clean, safe and welcoming with attractive posters and displays of the children's work. Provision is not always made for the appropriate storage of perishable snacks. The staff develop good relationships with the children. They reassure, praise and encourage them and as a result children's confidence grows. Staff value and acknowledge children's individuality and help them to appreciate other people. Not all required staff hold an early years qualification. Children are engaged in an interesting range of indoor and outdoor activities which stimulate them well. Staff listen to children, ask them questions and take account of

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How good is the Day Care?

opportunities that arise to extend their learning. The pre school has good relationships with parents. The committee and staff provide parents with a range of useful information. Staff are available to talk to parents at

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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 each session and parents evenings are held to discuss the children's progress. Parents participate in the group by assisting at sessions and events.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Most issues raised at the last inspection have been addressed. A nominated person representing the committee has been appointed to facilitate liason with the regulator. Incidents are recorded daily so that parents are informed without delay, and the behaviour policy has been developed to advise parents and staff of the procedure to be taken in the event of any instances of bullying. Staff have become familiar with the local child protection guidelines and have planned further training in this area. However, the complaints procedure has not yet been updated to include details of the regulator for the information of parents and staff.

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What is being done well?

• Effective systems are in place to manage security of the premises so that children and staff are safe. Staff are aware of potential hazards and can take steps to prevent dangerous situations. • The creative development of the outdoor area enables children to have regular opportunities for a variety of outdoor experiences. Children learn about growing by gardening and explore, experiment and use their imagination with sand, pebbles and tyres. • Staff praise children and set them clear boundaries. Children learn what is expected of them and behave well. • Children have access to a range of activities and resources which effectively raises their understanding of their own and other cultures. They learn about other languages through the imaginative use of posters and displays.

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What needs to be improved?

• the number of qualified staff; • the registration system by recording the times of arrival and departure of children and staff; • the systems for storage of some snacks; • the complaints procedure.

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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 develop and implement an action plan detailing how at least half of all childcare staff will hold a level 2 qualification in childcare 2 make sure that the system for registering children and staff attendance includes times of arrival and departure 7 make sure that the storage of food complies with food safety regulations 12 make sure that the complaints procedure includes the address and telephone number of the regulator

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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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