Wrotham Road County Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/12/2003 Inspector Name Christine Pettitt

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Home from Home Kindergarten Setting Address Northchurch Cricket Pavillion Dudswell Lane Northchurch Hertfordshire HP4 3TQ

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Home from Home Kindergarten is held at Northchurch Cricket Pavilion for 26 children aged from 2 to 8 years. The proprietors have another provision for children aged under two years based in a nearby home environment. The provision caters for full day care, sessional care, breakfast and after school club and delivering to and collecting from school. The provision is open from 08:00 until 17:45, Monday to Friday, for 50 weeks of the year. Overnight care is not offered. The Kindergarten has sole use of the cricket pavilion during opening hours. The premises consist of a large playroom, bathroom, kitchen and office area. Down a few steps, the kindergarten uses the changing rooms as a small group room for the older children, art and craft area/sleep room and after school club. There is a fenced outside play area, some of which is a covered veranda and the children are able to use the cricket ground. There are funded children attending the kindergarten. The proprietors are Mr and

p.2

Information about the setting

Mrs Curtis. They employ a manager and 5 staff members plus a cook. Most of the staff have relevant qualifications, the remainder are working towards these.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Home from Home Kindergarten provides good quality care for children. The environment provided is bright, comfortable, homely and safe. The wall displays, the organisation of the main room and the relaxed, happy atmosphere ensures a child orientated provision. The staff are very aware of hygiene and safety issues and encourage the children in good practice. The children have the opportunity to progress in all areas of their development. The topic related, planned activities, routine, staff interaction and appropriate resources promote this. The curriculum planning has reference to the Early Learning Goals, however, the recording of observations needs to be reviewed. The staff are either qualified or currently engaged in working towards a relevant qualification. Courses have been attended this year. The staff have a warm, caring, affectionate approach towards the children, which reflects the ethos of the provision.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

They show they value and respect them, which encourages a high standard of behaviour. They actively encourage children to value one another. Staff are constantly involved in activities and conversations with the children, promoting their

p.2

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 understanding and knowledge through play. An effective partnership with parents is evident. Written information about each child is provided on a weekly basis for the parents. Two-way communication is encouraged and parents are welcomed into the kindergarten at all times. The parent questionnaires have positive comments regarding the care, activities and written weekly information. The organisation of the provision appears to be good. The relevant documentation is kept, the recording of any medication administered needs to be reviewed. The operational plan consisting of policies relating to child care practice and staff practice are reviewed regularly. Although induction of staff is carried out on an informal basis, this is to be written and formalised. There is a confidentiality policy.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

Home from Home were not required to complete any actions at the last inspection.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff appear to be caring, showing an interest in the children by constantly talking to and listening to them. They approach the children with affection and respect. The staff are involved in the planned activities and also use free play periods to promote the children's knowledge and understanding. (Standard 3) • Due to the staff's approach towards the children a high standard of behaviour is apparent. They speak calmly and gently to the children encouraging them to consider one another. The staff are good role models and talk to the children about these issues. Acceptable behaviour is promoted through praise, encouragement and through the relationships built up with the children. (Standard 11) • The parent/staff partnership is seen as being a high priority by the staff. There is appropriate information for new parents and ongoing information in the form of a weekly sheet regarding the child's activities and routine. An

p.3

What is being done well?

opportunity for parents to have a consultation with the staff is offered regularly. Feedback from the parents is positive. (Standard 12)

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• induction programme for staff (Standard 2) • observation and medication recording. (Standards 3 and 7)

p.3

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

p.3

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Devise written induction programme. 3 Review recording of development observations. 7 Review recording of medication.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6