Acorn Under Fives (Birstall)

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 10/06/2004 Inspector Name Patricia King

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Birstall Acorns Under 5's Playgroup Setting Address C/o Highcliffe Community Centre Greengate Lane Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3DL

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Acorn Under Five's (Birstall) 1030959

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Acorn Under Five's (Birstall) Address c/o Highcliffe Community Centre Greengate Lane Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3DL

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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

Birstall Acorns Under 5's Playgroup opened in 1983. It operates from rooms in the community wing which is part of Highcliffe County Primary School in the village of Birstall, Leicestershire. The pre-school serves the local community. There are currently 73 children from 3 to 5 years on roll. This includes 49 funded 3-year-olds and 26 funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports 13 children who speak English as an additional language. There are no children attending with identified special educational needs. The group opens 5 days a week during school term-times. Sessions are from 09:00 until 11:30 and 12:40 until 15:10. There are three full-time and three part-time staff who work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level two or three and one member of staff is currently working towards a recognised early years qualification.

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Information about the setting

The setting receives support from the Leicestershire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, the Early Years mentor teacher, Area Special Needs co-ordinator and the Childcare Advice and Support Officer.

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How good is the Day Care?

Birstall Acorns Under 5's Playgroup provides good quality care for children. Staff have a good knowledge of the National Standards and supporting criteria and work well as a team. The setting has included volunteers who have not been vetted to work with young children in the staff ratio but these persons have not had sole care of the children. The premises provide a welcoming and stimulating environment which is used effectively to offer a range of indoor and outdoor opportunities. Documentation is well organised and clearly presented to inform and support daily routines and procedures. Staff have a good safety awareness and take action to minimise risks indoors, outside and on outings. Good role models and standards of hygiene encourage children to develop self-care and independence that significantly reduces the risks of illness and infection. Knowledge and understanding of child protection issues

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How good is the Day Care?

ensures that appropriate action is taken to protect children. The excellent range of toys and equipment provides stimulating and challenging

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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 opportunities for children who are able to explore and experience diversity of culture, lifestyle, gender roles and levels of ability. Activities are developed and extended creatively to build upon opportunities and experiences outside of the setting. Children have excellent social and co-operative skills and are encouraged to recognise and value differences. The provision of food and drink is used well to provide a positive learning and social experience for the children. The methods for dealing with behaviour are sensitive, appropriate and have regard for the children's ages and understanding. Children respond well to the staff's clear guidance and praise. The setting has established positive relationships with parents and works with them to provide special services. Parents receive good information about the setting and

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How good is the Day Care?

staff are available to discuss issues on a daily basis.

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What is being done well?

• Effective induction, commitment to training and personal development ensures that staff have appropriate training and experience to promote learning through play. Staff work well as a team to organise space and resources to make children feel confident and settled in the setting. • Activities and play opportunities are well planned and presented to encourage the children to learn and develop through play. There are good opportunities for the children to recognise, value and explore diversity through a well planned use of resources. The children are happy and confident in the environment and demonstrate excellent social skills. • Staff take into account the children's individual needs and treat all children with equal concern. The setting provides toys and activities, which reflect positive images with regard to diversity of lifestyle and can be used by children with differing levels of capability. Children are given a variety of

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What is being done well?

opportunities to recognise and value differences, explore, experience and learn about the wider world. • Staff demonstrate positive role models, have good appreciation and regard for children's individual levels of development, understanding and abilities. This enables staff to manage behaviour effectively and the children respond with confidence. • There are good systems to inform, include and work in partnership with parents. This ensures that children are recognised and valued as individuals and their differing needs met appropriately. The setting provides an excellent range of resources accessible to parents to support their children's learning and development through play at home.

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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?

• the systems to ensure that all staff and volunteers have been vetted to work with young children.

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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 1 Ensure that there are effective procedures in place for checking that staff are suitably qualified and/or experienced to work with children and have been vetted by the regulator.

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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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