Old Clee Primary Academy

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/06/2003 Inspector Name Janet Butlin

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name St Pauls Second Steps Pre School Setting Address St Pauls Church Hall Paignton Devon

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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

St Paul's Second Steps Pre- school is a long established group operating from church premises on the outskirts of Paignton in Devon. Rooms used include the large hall, for up to 26 children and an additional 12 children may be accommodated in the adjacent smaller room. These groups may run simultaneously. These rooms are unavailable on Wednesdays so the group uses the nearby Scout Hut and on that day care is provided for no more than 18 children. The group is registered to provide sessional day care, Mondays to Fridays from 9.00am to 12 midday for up to 38 children aged from two to five years. Two year olds may attend only in the term in which they become three. At present there are 29 children enrolled, 11 of whom are three-years-old and six of whom are four-years-old and in receipt of funding. There are currently six two-year-olds attending. The children attend mostly from the nearby surrounding area although some children come from further afield. A staff of six

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Information about the setting

support the provision. four of whom are qualified to N.V.Q.3 or equivalent. Two members of staff are undertaking qualifying training. The provision is managed by a committee of parents and receives the support of the Torbay Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Paul's Second Steps Pre-school provides satisfactory care for children. They offer a bright and welcoming environment where children are eager and happy to learn and are sensitively cared for. The children have warm relationships with staff who present as a consistent and committed team. The organisation of the care provided is satisfactory and children are involved in a wide range of interesting activities which are linked to the early learning goals. Very good support is given with resources being well presented. Effective use is made of the three rooms which are available, although the w.c.'s in the large hall have a somewhat unpleasant smell. The outdoor environment provides additional opportunities for play. This area is regularly checked for hazards which forms part of the group's satisfactory regard for safety issues. Recommendations are made that increased emphasis is given to ensuring that the hall is secure and to carefully recording the attendance of every person in

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How good is the Day Care?

the group. All documentation is in place although there are some gaps in accuracy and completeness. Hygiene appears satisfactory and the group has a sound understanding of caring for children with special needs. Staff have a satisfactory awareness of child protection issues and procedures but it is recommended that they develop their understanding further. Children's behaviour is managed effectively with children being polite and well behaved. The group ensures that there are

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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 opportunities to talk to and communicate with, parents and to share information about activities and achievements. However, there is no prospectus or clear description of how the group is organised and the policy file contains many out of date or incomplete documents. The group are working on a new improved format as part of a self initiated action plan.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Actions set at the last inspection have been addressed but some are incomplete. There are now clear and appropriate policies in place for the care of sick and infectious children and for the administering of medication. There is a clear complaints procedure but the contact details of OFSTED have not been included. There is also now a comprehensive Child Protection Statement which includes staff's responsibilities, however it has not yet been signed and adopted by the group.

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What is being done well?

A very good range of activities are provided and children receive good adult support. They are invited to think things through and receive appropriate praise and encouragement.(Standard 3) Appropriately challenging opportunities for physical play are provided.( Standard 3) Very good range of quality equipment and toys which are kept clean and in good condition.(Standard 5) Children are polite and well behaved. They understand the rules and expectations of the group. ( Standard 11)

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What needs to be improved?

the smell from the w.c.'s in the large hall ( Standard 4) the security of the premises (Standard 6) the recording of every person who is present in the group( Standards 2 & 6) the information provided to parents ( Standard 12) staff's awareness of Child Protection issues (Standard 13) the accuracy of all information and procedures (Standard 14)

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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 2 Ensure that registration arrangements show when staff and visitors are present. 4 take steps to identify and eliminate the source of the unpleasant smell emanating from the w.c.’s in the large hall 6 Ensure children are unable to leave unsupervised. 12 Ensure parents have sufficient helpful information regarding the provision including full details of how to make a complaint. 13 Develop staff’s awareness of Child Protection issues. 14 Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate.

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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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