Tickton Pre-School and Play Pals

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/07/2004 Inspector Name Margaret Swindin

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Tickton Pre-School Setting Address Tickton Hall Cottage Main Street, Tickton Beverley HU17 9RZ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Tickton Pre-School Committee

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Tickton Pre-School Committee Address Tickton Village Hall Main Street Tickton East Riding of Yorkshire HU17 9RZ

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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

Tickton Pre-School opened in 1983. It operates from two rooms in the Village Hall, and serves the residents of Tickton and surrounding villages. There are currently 40 children from 2.5 to 5 years on the roll. This includes 13 funded three-year-olds and 15 funded four-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports children with special needs but none who speaks English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term times, with sessions running from 9.15 to 11.45 each morning and from 12.45 to 15.15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Seven staff members are employed to work with the children on a regular basis, most of whom are currently acquiring recognised early years qualifications. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Tickton Pre-School provides good care for children. A recent complete change of staff has not compromised the quality of the provision. The group is well organised with efficient systems and comprehensive documentation, although there are one or two oversights in this respect with regard the complaints procedure and child protection. The premises are spacious and child-centred, and excellent use is made of the various areas. Imaginative displays of children's work enhance a welcoming environment. The provision of toys, play materials and equipment is good and well thought out. A high priority is placed upon the safety of the children and appropriate measures are in place. Positive steps are taken to safeguard the health of the children, who are made aware throughout the curriculum of the importance of maintaining good standards of hygiene. The snacks provided are healthy and nutritious, and an excellent system for accessing these, which encourages independence and social

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How good is the Day Care?

skills, has been introduced. Staff actively promote equality of opportunity and have a positive attitude towards providing appropriate care for all children. There is a good awareness of child protection issues, and the group is now aware that their child protection statement must be based on new national guidance.

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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 provides an extensive and well planned range and balance of activities which stimulate and enhance enjoyment in addition to developing social and intellectual skills. Effective attention is paid to ensuring that children of all abilities are able to participate fully and to make progress. The teaching of social skills and the emphasis on keeping children occupied and stimulated, and on giving lots of praise, encourage positive behaviour. Exceptional attention is paid to fostering good relationships with parents, and their satisfaction is reflected in the number of positive and appreciative comments made on Ofsted's parental questionnaires.

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What is being done well?

• There is an excellent snack bar system (see Outstanding Practice). • There is an extensive range and variety of toys and stimulating activities to meet the needs of all children. The daily provision is well planned, evaluated and documented, as are the children's assessment records. Activities are accessible and well arranged in a welcoming, child-centred environment. • Rigorous attention is paid to documentation. The operational plan is supported by a series of policies and procedures; activity records and children's developmental assessments are comprehensive and thorough; the statutory documentation is in place and well maintained; and an impressive amount of written information is provided for parents at all stages. • There is excellent awareness of the benefits of forging close links with parents, starting with the optional initial home visit and sensitive introduction to pre-school, to key working, Home Link books to ensure regular information

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What is being done well?

about what is happening for parents unable to visit the information area within the setting, newsletters, open weeks, and opportunities to help as volunteers or to join the committee. • There is a very positive attitude towards encouraging and stimulating children from all backgrounds and of all abilities and staff are experienced in providing appropriate, sensitive care for children with special needs. This includes working effectively with parents and with other agencies, and providing play materials to meet specific needs.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The staff have recently introduced a snack bar system, which effectively promotes children's independence and freedom of choice with regard to the mid-session refreshments and also encourages social skills. The snack bar opens half an hour after the session begins and continues throughout, and the opening is marked by the children taking it in turns to strike a triangle. They visit the bar whenever they wish, choosing where they sit and with whom. The provision comprises healthy drinks of milk, water or blackcurrant juice, and plates of fresh fruits and vegetables

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 (sometimes contributed by parents from their gardens), cheese and both savoury and sweet biscuits. One adult is rostered to take participants' names off a board and drop them into a bucket, giving gentle prompts to any children who have not been able to tear themselves away from an activity. Adults take their refreshments with the children, who love it when a staff member comes to sit and have a chat with them. (Standard 8)

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What needs to be improved?

• the arrangements for providing parents with Ofsted's contact details • the written child protection statement.

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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 12 Provide parents with Ofsted’s contact details in case they wish to report a complaint. 13 Ensure that the child protection procedure complies with current national guidance.

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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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