Upton Methodist Church Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/06/2004 Inspector Name Maria Lumley

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Upton Methodist Pre-School Setting Address Upton Methodist Church Dorchester Road, Upton Poole Dorset BH16

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Upton Methodist Pre-School

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Upton Methodist Pre-School Address Upton Methodist Church Dorchester Road, Upton Poole Dorset BH16

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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

Upton Methodist Pre-School was established in 2001 and meets in the Methodist Church Hall at Upton, a suburb of the town of Poole. It serves the immediate vicinity and surrounding rural areas. The Pre-School is a registered charity and is run by a church based management committee. The pre-school is registered for sessional care to accommodate 26 children between the ages of 2 and 5 years of age. The pre-school is open in term time only and operates each weekday from 09.00 until 11.45. Afternoon sessions operate on Mondays and Fridays between 12.45 until 15.30. In addition a lunch club runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11.45 until 12.45. At present there are 47 children on the register. The group supports children who speak English as an additional language or have been identified as having special educational needs. The accommodation consists of a classroom, a large hall, a kitchen, and separate

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Information about the setting

toilet facilities. Outside there is a fully enclosed garden area. Six members of staff work directly with the children and these either work at every session or on a part-time basis. Five of the staff either hold or are working towards a variety of qualifications in childcare and education. The group has links with an early years advisor teacher and the local Early Years Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Upton Methodist Pre-School provides satisfactory care for children. There is a team of qualified staff, four of whom are currently improving their child care skills and knowledge by attending further training. New staff receive thorough inductions which enable them to quickly work effectively within the group. Appropriate policies, procedures and paperwork are in place. However, this aspect of practice lacks organisation and some documentation is incomplete. Parents are not made aware of the regulators address in the complaints policy. The main classroom is bright and child friendly, children's work is displayed on the walls and suspended from the ceiling. Posters and photographs which are mounted on the walls provide added interest. The group have an adequate range of resources. They are currently purchasing new resources and re-organising storage to make them

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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 more accessible to the children. There are systems in place to ensure a safe and healthy environment is provided. A member of staff is delegated the task of maintaining standards. Children's independence is promoted at snack time and children have awareness of personal hygiene through established routines set by staff. There are good levels of supervision. Staff are welcoming to children with special needs and have experience in this field. Children have formed good relationships with each other and staff, they are involved in a range of indoor and outdoor activities. However, not all activities are suitable for varying ages and abilities. They do not offer suitable challenge for the older, more able child. The group have clear behaviour rules which are displayed in the

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How good is the Day Care?

classroom and reinforced by staff. Behaviour is generally good. Good relationships are established with parents. Many opportunities for communication are available to parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the previous inspection the provider agreed to ensure locks on the toilet doors were safe or inaccessible to children. Safety at the setting has been improved by the positioning of door stoppers on all toilet doors.

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What is being done well?

• There is good interaction between the staff and children. Staff take a genuine interest in what the children have to say and listen attentively. Children's comments are valued and their confidences raised through the frequent praise and encouragement they receive. The children are relaxed and happy at approaching the staff. • Staff have a positive attitude to children with special needs. They work closely with parents and relevant professionals to ensure that consistent and appropriate care is given. Comprehensive files containing all correspondence and action plans are maintained. • Staff have established good links with parents. This has been achieved through involving parents in the group, regular news letters, well used information board and their open door policy. Key workers meet termly with parents to share children's portfolios and to discuss their progress.

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What needs to be improved?

• the organisation of polocies and procedures • the use of the accident book to ensure that detailed records are kept • the activities that are available to children of all abilities • the complaints policy.

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What needs to be improved?

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 Ensure that staff are aware of their individual responsibilities and that the organisation of paperwork is effective. 7 Ensure children’s full names are detailed in accident reports. 9 Ensure that children’s individual abilities are recognised and met. Make sure that activities offer suitable challenge to all children and there are opportunities for them to develop new skills. 12 Ensure that Ofsted’s address is included in the complaints policy.

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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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