St Mark's Church of England Primary Academy

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/06/2003 Inspector Name Lorraine Sparey

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name LITTLE BIRCH PRE-SCHOOL Setting Address BLANDFORD ST MARY FIRST SCHOOL BLANDFORD FORUM DORSET DT11 9QD

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Little Birch Pre-SChool 1083986

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

Little Birch pre school opened in 1976. It operates from a purpose built unit in the grounds of Blandford St Mary First School. There is a small secure fenced area surrounding the building for outdoor play. The preschool serves the local area. The group is registered to provide care for 16 children aged 2 to 5 years. There are currently 27 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. This includes 13 funded three year olds and 13 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Children with special needs are welcomed and the group support children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week during school term time. Sessions are from 9:00 to 11:45 Four staff work part time with the children. Two of whom have early years qualifications, and two are currently completing NVQ's. The preschool receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Little Birch Preschool provides satisfactory care for children. The preschool provides a welcoming environment for children and their families. The staff provide good support for the children and enable them to freely choose from the range of activities. The preschool have an operational plan including policies and procedures, however they need to develop procedures to be followed in the event of a child being lost or not collected. Their equal opportunities policy does not include current legislation and the complaints policy does not include details of the regulator. The premises are secure and staff follow effective procedures to ensure children's safety , however they need to complete a risk assessment of the garden to ensure children are not exposed to hazards. Staff promote good hygiene practises with the children. Staff provide a stimulating range of activities including outings in the local community

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

fostering all areas of children's development. Staff promote good behaviour through praise and encouragement which results in the children being well behaved. The staff develop good relationships with parents sharing information on the provision and their children's progress. They use of variety of methods including regular news letters, parents notice board and verbal discussions.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the staff and committee agreed to develop recruitment and vetting procedures, notify Ofsted of any relevant changes, and ensure all the committee and staff were working to the policies and procedures of the preschool.

p.2

What has improved since the last 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 They agreed to conduct a risk assessment and review as required, maintain a record of medication administered and obtain a copy of the Area Child Protection Committee Procedures (ACPC) . The preschool has made good progress in implementing all of the above they have completed a risk assessment but they need to review the garden, medication given to children is recorded in a book, and they have notified Ofsted of the changes to the staffing and committee. The new person in charge has not obtained information on the ACPC but intends to address through the Early Years Development & Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). The committee have developed staffing recruitment and vetting procedures and review all policies.

p.2

What is being done well?

Staff make good use of the space available and the children receive good adult support (Standard 2) Staff provide a wide range of stimulating activities which encourages children in all their areas of development. Children are happy and secure in their play. (Standard 3) The premises are child orientated and staff create a welcoming environment to all. Children can choose from the range of equipment which promotes their independence. (Standard 5) The premises are secure and staff implement effective procedures to ensure children's safe arrival and collection. (Standard 6) Staff promote good hygiene practises with the children (Standard 7) Staff promote good behaviour using praise and encouragement throughout the session (Standard 11) Staff develop good relationships with parents and keep them well informed of their child's progress. (Standard 12)

p.3

What needs to be improved?

develop a policy and procedure in the event of a child being lost or uncollected (Standard 2) conduct a risk assessment on the premises identifying action to be taken to minimize identified risks in the garden. (Standard 6) ensure the equal opportunities policy is inline with current legislation.(Standard 9) ensure the complaints policy includes details of the regulator. (Standard 12)

p.3

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

Std Action Date 2 develop procedures for lost or uncollected children 06/09/2003

p.3

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 Std Recommendation 6 conduct a risk assessment on the premises identifying action to be taken to minimize identified risks in the garden. 9 ensure the equal opportunities policy is consistent with current legislation

p.3

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 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

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

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