Owlets Preschool

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/07/2003 Inspector Name Susan Ennis

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Owlet Pre-School Setting Address Methodist Church High Street Langford Bedfordshire

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Owlets Pre-School 1030866

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Owlets Pre-School Address Methodist Chapel High Street Langford Bedfordshire

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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

Owlets Pre-School opened in 1989. Since November 2002 it has been operating from the Methodist Church Hall, attached to the Methodist Church in the village of Langford. The Pre-School serves the local area as well as nearby towns and villages. There are currently 28 children from 2 years 6 months to rising 4 years on the roll. This includes 14 funded three year old children. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The Pre-School supports children with special needs and those for whom English is an additional language. The group opens for five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:15 until 11:45. Four part time staff, as well as parent helpers, work with the children. All four staff members have early years qualifications. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Owlets Pre-School provides satisfactory care overall for children aged 2 - 5 years. All staff are trained in childcare and regularly update their knowledge. They are supported in their work through induction procedures, training plans and appraisals. The required adult/child ratios are usually exceeded which provides plenty of support for children.The environment is clean, warm and welcoming. The space is well used and organised to meet all of the childrens needs. Outings are organised although the procedures for these require updating. Sufficent equipment and resources are provided. Resources reflecting equal opportunities are limited and need to be increased. Most of the documentation required is provided with some needing to be produced. Confidentiality is maintained. Staff are very aware of ensuring that the children are safe both inside and outside. Risks are identified and actions taken to reduce them. Fire precautions are adhered

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How good is the Day Care?

to although a record of checks made in respect of the fire equipment is to be maintained. Good health and hygiene is promoted and children are encouraged to learn about the steps that they can take to prevent infection. Documentation regarding medication and emergency treatment are not provided in accordance with

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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 the regulations and actions are required. Childrens dietary requirements are met with a variety of drinks and snacks. Equality of opportunity is practised with all children having their differences acknowledged and valued. Some staff are trained in special needs and all staff ensure that children are fully integrated in all activities. The correct procedure regarding child protection is in place. A stimulating variety of planned activities are provided enabling the children to achieve and develop in all areas of learning. Behaviour is managed in a consistent, calm manner. The pre-school has a good relationship with parents, keeping them well informed of policies and procedures and of their childrens development.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

All required improvements were completed before registration.

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What is being done well?

• Staff regularly update their childcare knowledge within agreed timescales ( Standard 2) • A rota of parent helpers enables the children to be well supported and cared for ( Standard 2 ) • Staff respond sensitively to the childrens needs and thoughts (Standard 3 ) • Good use is made of the available space providing a stimulating environment for the children (Standards 3 & 4 ) • Children with special needs are fully integrated and supported, with resources and activities adapted if necessary ( Standard 10 )

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What needs to be improved?

• the vetting process for staff (Standard 1 ) • the outings procedure ( Standard 4 ) • the procedure for ensuring safe food storage ( Standard 4 ) • the range of resources reflecting equal opportunities ( Standard 5 ) • the checking and recording of fire safety equipment ( Standard 6 ) • the recording of daily safety checks( Standard 6 ) • the procedure for recording visitors ( Standard 6 ) • the systems for recording consent for and administration of medication ( Standard 7 ) • the system for obtaining parental consent to seek emergency medical advice( Standard 7 )

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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 inclusion of Ofsteds contact information 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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 7 Devise a system for obtaining written permission from parents before administering medication to children 01/09/2003

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

7 Devise a system of maintaining a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children 01/09/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 1 Ensure that all staff complete the vetting process before being left unsupervised with the children. 4 Devise a system for ensuring that food is safely stored. 4 Devise a fully comprehensive outings procedure. 5 Ensure that the range of resources reflecting Equal opportunities is increased. 6 Ensure that fire safety equipment is correctly maintained and that written evidence is provided. 6 Ensure that the correct procedure is followed regarding the visitors book. 6 Ensure that evidence of the daily risk assessments is maintained. 7 Obtain parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment as required. 12 Ensure that the contact details of the regulator (Ofsted) are included in the Complaints Procedure.

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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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