North Cestrian School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 20/05/2003 Inspector Name Susan June Stone

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Acorns Pre-School Setting Address United Reformed Church Hall Nr Martock Somerset TA12 6LN

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Acorns 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

Acorns Pre-school is a committee run group which opened in 1997. It is situated in the church hall in the village of Bower Hinton, near Yeovil, in Somerset. The main play space is a large hall, toilet and kitchen facilities are also available. There is a small grassed area which is used for outdoor play. The group is open for four mornings per week (Mon - Thurs) in term time and is registered for 24 children aged between two and five years. An extra session is offered to rising five year olds in the summer term. There are currently 25 children on the register of whom five four year olds and nine three year olds are in receipt of Nursery Education funding. There are no children with special educational needs or English as an additional language in the group. Children attending the group come from the surrounding area. An experienced team of four staff support the children. The post of deputy supervisor is

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Information about the setting

currently being advertised. There are good links with the local primary school.

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How good is the Day Care?

Acorns Pre school offers good quality care for children aged two to five years. Staff have a good understanding of the development needs of the children in their care. They make good use of space and resources, providing a variety of activities, creating a stimulating environment for children to learn and develop through play. Staff are consistent in their approach and work well together as a team. Staff are experienced, however the minimum qualification levels are not met. Children are interested in activities and show confidence and independence, especially through role play. They are happy and make choices for themselves. Staff are consistent in their management of behaviour, children are well behaved and know what is expected of them. They respond well to the positive guidance and praise from staff. Staff give high priority to ensuring the children are safe within the setting. A detailed risk assessment is in place and risks and hazards addressed both inside and outside

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How good is the Day Care?

the setting. There are good relationships between staff and parents. There is a comprehensive prospectus available to parents which includes policies and procedures. A small amount of documentation needs to be reviewed. Parents are kept up to date with the groups progress through newsletters and information on the notice board. Staff are always happy to discuss children's progress with parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider agreed to a) ensure a risk assessment was carried out, b) ensure a system for recording medication was in place, and c)ensure a policy

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What has improved since the last 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 for sick children was in place. The supervisor has now attended a risk assessment course and a detailed risk assessment document is in place and regular assessments are carried out. Documentation with regard to medication administered is also in place. The group have reviewed their policies and procedures and a policy for the exclusion of sick children is now in place.

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What is being done well?

Staff make good use of space and resources to provide a variety of activities to create a stimulating environment for children to learn through their play. (Standards 2,4 & 5) Children show confidence and independence through role play activities. They show interest in the activities available and make choices for themselves. They are developing good relationships with staff and peers. (Standard 3) Daily routines and practice demonstrate staff have a knowledge and understanding of safety and potential risks to children within the setting.(Standard 6) Partnership with parents is good. Staff are always happy to talk with parents and carers about the progress of their children. There is a comprehensive prospectus including policies and procedures for parents to read. (Standard 12) Staff are consistent in their expectations for behaviour. Children respond well to the positive guidance and praise which is freely given. (Standard 11)

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What needs to be improved?

staff qualifications in order to ensure minimum qualifications are met. (Standard 1) documentation with particular regard to recording and evaluating fire procedures and practice, and details of staff working within the group. (Standards 6 and 14)

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 Keep a fire log. 2 ensure minimum staff qualifications are met. 14 Review staff details to include emergency contact numbers.

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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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