Merriott Pre-school

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 03/07/2003 Inspector Name Susan June Stone

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Merriott Preschool Setting Address Church Street Merriott Somerset TA16 5PT

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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

Merriott Preschool is situated in premises on the playing fields of Merriott First School. The group is registered for 18 children aged two to five years and is open each morning from 9:00am to 12noon and on Tues and Thurs afternoons between 1:00pm and 3:00pm. The group also hold a lunch club each day from 12:00pm until 1:00pm. The group have sole use of the premises which include a small kitchen area and toilets. There is a small, grassed outdoor play area outside the provision and access to the tarmac school playground is available. There are four members of staff who work with the children. All are qualified and experienced or are working towards qualifications in child care. The supervisor has a Diploma in Playgroup Practice. There are no children attending with special educational needs or English as an additional language.

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How good is the Day Care?

Merriott 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 and ensure that the individual needs of the children are met. Staff are consistent in their approach and work well together as a team. They make good use of space and resources to provide a welcoming environment that is child orientated. A variety of activities are offered which promote development and learning in all areas. Children are developing good relationships with staff and peers. They are learning to play together, share and cooperate, they show confidence and independence. This is all apparent during role play, games and when children independently put on their shoes at the end of the session. Staff give priority to ensuring the children are safe within the setting. A detailed risk

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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 assessment is in place which is regularly reviewed. However the end of the session should be reviewed to ensure the safe collection of children. Daily routines and practise show staff have a good understanding of health and hygiene. Staff set good examples and encourage children in their personal hygiene. Staff are consistent in their management of behaviour. Children are well behaved and know the levels of expected behaviour. They respond well to the positive guidance and praise from staff. Relationships with parents are good. However opportunities to inform parents of children's individual progress are limited. There is a comprehensive prospectus available to parents which includes policies and procedures, though the child protection policy lacks some details. Parents are kept up to date with the groups

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What has improved since the last inspection?

All actions from the previous inspection have been addressed. A separate lunch time register is now in place. A staffing file is now available to record staff training and qualifications. With regard to safety, a detailed risk assessment is now carried out and is reviewed every six months; the bins that were a concern have been removed; the heaters have now been fitted with guards and a current insurance certificate is displayed. The group have obtained a copy of the local area child protection committee procedure booklet, which all staff have read. policies and procedures have been reviewed and updated and an operational plan is available to read within the group.

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What is being done well?

• Staff make good use of space and resources to provide a warm, welcoming environment where children can learn and develop through their play. The good range of equipment is used well to provide a variety of learning experiences. • (Standard 5) • Staff ensure the individual needs of the children are met. They know the children well. • (Standard 9) • Children show confidence and independence. They show an interest in activities available and make choices for themselves. They are developing good relationships with staff and each other. • (Standard 3) • Staff are clear and consistent in their expectations for behaviour. Children are well behaved and respond well to the positive guidance and praise which is freely given by staff. • (Standard 11)

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What is being done well?

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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What needs to be improved?

• organisation of the end of the session to ensure safe collection of children. (Standard 2) • opportunities to inform parents of children's individual progress. (Standard 12) • child protection policy. (Standard 13)

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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 6 implement effective procedures to ensure the safe collection of children from the setting. 12 provide more opportunities to inform parents of children’s progress. 13 update child protection procedure to identify procedures if an allegation of abuse is made against a member of staff or volunteer.

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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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