Holmer Green First School and Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 20/05/2003 Inspector Name Geraldine Poole

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name LITTLE FISHES PRE-SCHOOL Setting Address C/O THE VICARAGE, ST JAMES CH CHURCH LANE,ROWLEDGE FARNHAM Surrey GU10 4EN

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name LITTLE FISHES Address C/O THE VICARAGE, ST JAMES CHURCH CHURCH LANE,ROWLEDGE FARNHAM SURREY GU10 4EN

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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

"Little Fishes" St James' Pre- School is a sessional group, run by the Rowledge Parochial Church Council. It has been a registered provider since 1996 and can take 26 children between 2 to 5 yrs. It is open term-time only, from Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 12.30, with an additional Tuesday afternoon session during the summer term, 12.30 to 15.00. Currently there are 37 children on roll, of these 13 are funded including nine, three year olds and four, four year olds. There are currently no children with special educational needs or with English as an additional language. The group operate from the Parish Centre within the grounds of St James' Church in Rowledge. Three rooms are available for the group to use including the main play room and two smaller rooms for small group work and specialist activities. There is a secure outdoor play area accessed from the play room. At present there are seven staff working with the children, one is full-time and six are

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Information about the setting

part-time. Five staff have relevant Early Years qualifications and all staff have a commitment to ongoing training. The group shares expertise with Rowledge Primary School and other providers. It receives support from the Early Years and Childcare Unit.

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How good is the Day Care?

"Little Fishes", St James' Nursery School provides good quality care for children. A warm, welcoming, safe environment is provided where children can feel secure and valued. Staff provide an interesting range of activities, children are able to make choices and independence is encouraged. The premises and locality are effectively used and a good range of toys and play equipment support planned activities and help children make progress. Children's individual needs are well met and staff establish good relationships with them. Effective behaviour management strategies are in place and staff are vigilant to children's needs and behaviour. Children's behaviour is very good and they play well together. A variety of snacks are provided and are often linked with the topic. This provides a learning opportunity and encourages children to be more adventurous in their diet.

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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 Good hygiene practices are in place and children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times. There is a good partnership with parents and carers. They are informed of what is going on through regular newsletters. The home link books are used effectively to share information. Much of the necessary documentation is in place, however there are still areas to be addressed. Documentation needs to be dated and regularly reviewed.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This section is not applicable as the last inspection was a transitional inspection.

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What is being done well?

• A warm and welcoming environment is provided for the children, they are encouraged to be aware of safety issues and feel secure and settled. • Staff establish good relationships with the children and their individual needs are met. Children interact with the adults with confidence. • Activities are well planned and there is a wide range of good quality toys and play equipment. These support children's learning and helps them make progress in all skill areas. • Children are encouraged to observe basic hygiene rules. Snack times are a sociable event and children are provided with a variety of interesting snacks, this encourages an awareness of foods from around the world. • Staff act as positive role models and effective behaviour management strategies are in place. Children play and work well together. • Parents are kept well informed with a regular newsletter. Staff establish good relationships with them and there are daily opportunities to discuss their

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What is being done well?

child's progress and any concerns. The home link books provide an effective exchange of information and ensure continuity of care.

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What needs to be improved?

• documentation and procedures for outings, long term medication, emergency medical treatment and addition of Ofsted details to complaints procedure; • regular reviewing and dating of documentation and procedures.

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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 7 ensure a system is in place for recording long term medication. 6 ensure written safe procedure for outings is in place. 7 obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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