Overthorpe County Infant School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/12/2003 Inspector Name Virginia Cooper

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Willow Rise Pre-School Setting Address Downswood Community Centre Chiltern Close,Downswood Maidstone Kent ME15 8XG

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Willow Rise Pre-school

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Willow Rise Pre-school Address Downswood Community Centre Chiltern Close, Downswood Maidstone Kent ME15 8XG

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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

Willow Rise Pre-School was first registered in 1990. The pre-school is committee run allowing parents the opportunity to become involved with the running of the group. The children who attend are generally aged between two and a half and five years old. The group operate from a community building in the Downswood area of Maidstone. The group use one main room that is divided into different play areas; there is a large secure outdoor play space that is used most days. There are kitchen facilities that are shared with another pre-school. The day-to-day organisation is the responsibility of the joint supervisors. The group are well staffed and this allows them to give the children lots of attention. The staff are encouraged to update their training regularly. The group welcome children with special needs, they support them and work closely with their parents. The staff receive the support of a qualified teacher from Early Years Development

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How good is the Day Care?

Willow Rise Pre-School provides satisfactory care for the children. The daily programme is well organised. Children are aware of the routine and are secure. All staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities. Staff are safety conscious and safety equipment is in place, however the radiators do get very hot and are not guarded. There is a high staff:child ratio that allows lots of personal attention. Some of the policies and procedures need to be reviewed and updated. Children have been using a communal bowl to wash their hands after art activities but it is agreed that they will now use fresh running water. The children relate well to their key workers and are keen to share their news and achievements with them. The staff provide a good range of interesting age appropriate activities. They are particularly skilled at initiating conversations with the children. The outdoor play space is used most days.

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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 Parents are kept well informed about the provision and their child's development. There are regular newsletters, a parent notice board, a website and information booklet for parents. There are consultations held twice a year for parents to view their child's records and discuss their progress. Observations are carried out on all children and parents are able to see their child's profile records at any time. Parents approach staff easily at the end of each session and exchange information verbally. Some record keeping requires attention.

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What is being done well?

• The staff give the children lots of personal attention. • The children have a good choice of interesting activities provided for them. • The staff welcome children with special needs and support them effectively.

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What needs to be improved?

• the procedures for hand washing • the protection of children from hot radiators • the policies and procedures • the record keeping.

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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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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 1 Write procedures for the recruitment and induction of new staff. 6 Ensure that children are protected from hot radiators. 6 Provide evidence of the daily safety checks that are carried out. 7 Ensure that children can wash their hands under fresh running water. 12 Obtain written parental permission to access emergency medical treatment and advice. 12 Obtain written parental permission to take photographs. 12 Record children’s Health Visitor details. 12 Ensure that the children’s work in their development records is dated. 13 Review and update the Child Protection policy and ensure that procedures to be followed in the event of allegations of abuse and neglect are included.

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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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