Howden Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 23/03/2004 Inspector Name Margaret Swindin

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Howden Playgroup Setting Address Church Hall Off Market Place Howden East Riding of Yorkshire DN14 7BL

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Howden Playgroup Address Church Hall Off Market Place Howden East Riding of Yorkshire DN14 7BL

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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

Howden Pre-School has been open since before 1974. It operates in the Minster Church Hall in the centre of Howden, a small town in the south-west of the county of East Yorkshire, and serves the local community. There are currently 41 children aged from 2.5 to 4.5 years on the roll, attending for a variety of sessions. There are no funded three or four year olds at present, although there will be from the start of the summer term 2004. There are currently no children attending who have special needs, nor who speak English as an additional language. The group is open five mornings per week from 9.15 to 11.45 during school terms only. There is a core of four staff, three of whom attend each session together with a parent helper on rota duty. The manager and deputy attend every session; they have early years qualifications to NVQ level 3 and the other staff are working towards the same qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor

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Information about the setting

from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Howden Pre-School provides good care for children. There is a favourable adult:child ratio and continuity of staff, all of whom have either a level 3 qualification or are working towards one. There is a rigorous recruitment and induction procedure. The premises are adequate, and staff provide a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere in which children are happy and relaxed. The pre-school is well equipped with appropriate furniture and play materials. Procedures, policies and relevant documentation are in place and well organised, with just two issues to be addressed. A high priority is placed upon the safety of the children with all appropriate measures in place. Positive steps are taken to safeguard the health of the children, and there is an appropriately qualified first-aider in the group. There is a positive attitude towards meeting the needs of all children. Staff are aware of the local child protection

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How good is the Day Care?

procedures. The children are provided with an excellent range and selection of toys and play activities to cater for their developmental and educational needs, supported by planning which is carried out by all staff on a half-termly basis and by the recording

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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 of observations on the children and developmental profiles to ensure that they make satisfactory progress. Equality of opportunity is actively promoted, due attention is paid to the diversity of society in the world, and gender-bias is not practised in any form. Both staff and children have a clear understanding of what constitutes acceptable behaviour and staff present good role models. There is a strong emphasis on partnership with parents, who are supportive and willing to help on a rota system. Appropriate information is made available to them both at the outset and on a regular basis, and they have access to their children's records and work folders. Comments on the questionnaires returned are positive.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the pre-school was asked to provide an action plan as to how the manager and deputy would acquire an appropriate qualification, and both have since gained an NVQ level 3 in Childcare and Education. They were asked to send an up-to-date list of committee members to Ofsted, which has been done. They were also asked to ensure that parents were made aware of Ofsted's contact details in case they wished to raise a complaint; this has still to be addressed.

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What is being done well?

• There is a wide selection of activities available at each session, changed appropriately to retain the children's interest and enthusiasm. They are planned according to the children's needs and abilities, promote all areas of learning and develop the children's knowledge and understanding in a stimulating and enjoyable way. • The playroom is well organised and set out to provide a welcoming atmosphere for both children and parents on arrival. The walls are decorated with bright displays of the children's artwork. • A high priority is placed on safety and positive steps have been taken to safeguard the children both within the setting and on outings. A favourable adult:child ratio ensures that children are well supervised at all times. • There is a most effective partnership with parents, who are able to contribute to the running of the group by joining the committee. They are supportive in helping out on a rota basis, and are given clear instructions regarding their

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What is being done well?

duties in this respect. Fund-raising efforts are well supported and voluntary donations may be made. In turn the staff provide a welcoming environment and are available at beginning and end of sessions for an informal chat or to provide parents with information about their child. Helpful information about the pre-school is provided for parents at the outset and they have access to their own child's personal files,

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What needs to be improved?

• the availability of relevant staff training certificates

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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 • the availability of fire drill records • the inclusion of Ofsted's contact details in the complaints procedure.

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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 Ensure that accurate records are maintained of all fire drills carried out. 12 Ensure that parents are provided with the name, address and telephone number of Ofsted in case they wish to raise a complaint.

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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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