Mousehole School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/10/2003 Inspector Name Lilyanne Taylor

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Brunel-Meredith Pre-School Setting Address Meredith Infant School Portchester Road Portsmouth Hampshire PO2 7HY

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Brunel-Meredith Pre-School

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Brunel-Meredith Pre-School Address Meredith Infant School Porchester Road Portsmouth Hampshire PO2 7HY

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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

Brunel-Meredith pre-school was established over 25 years ago and is managed by a Parent's management committee. It is one of two pre-schools, which operate under the same management committee and have the same name. Both pre-school's work to the same operational procedures and are located next door to one another, they have separate registrations, as they do not share the same site. This pre-school operates from within the premises of Meredith Infant's School, Portchester Road, Portsmouth. The pre-school has sole use of a classroom which is in an annexe of the school, and has access to a large secure outdoor play area. Brunel-Meredith Pre-school do not have a catchment area and are able to serve children from all areas of Portsmouth. Care can be provided for children aged from two years to under five years, however the pre-school chooses to take children from the age of two years nine months. Children are able to attend for a variety of sessions.

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Information about the setting

Care is provided for children with special needs and for whom English is an additional language. The group are eligible to accept educationally funded three and four year olds. This group opens five days per week, Sessions are Monday to Thursday from 09:00 until 11:30 and 12:50 until 15:20 and Friday 09:00 until 11:30 0nly. The pre-school is open term time only. 10 staff work with the children, all have relevant early years qualifications and experience. Members of staff regularly attending training programmes, to further develop their knowledge in childcare. Support visits are made to the group by external agencies, these include visits from the Ethnic Minority Advisory Support services (EMAS) and the Pre-school Learning

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Information about the setting

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Alliance. (PLA)

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How good is the Day Care?

Brunel- Meredith pre-school provides good quality care for children. All staff are suitably experienced and qualified to care for children. Children are well cared for in a safe, secure and welcoming environment, space and resources are well organised so the needs of all children are met. Staff have a good awareness of children's safety. Health and hygiene procedures and practices promote the good health of children, although the procedures for administering medication need improving. Children are provided with regular drinks, and staff promote healthy eating when providing snacks. All children are treated as individuals and staff have a positive, understanding and caring attitude when providing care for children with special needs. Staff have knowledge of child protection issues and the referral procedures to be followed if abuse of a child were suspected. A balanced range of activities are provided for the children. Children's behaviour is

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How good is the Day Care?

managed well. Staff establish a relationship with parents, they exchange information daily regarding the children. Parents are given an information leaflet which details the operational procedures of the provision. Most relevant documentation and recording is in place and stored securely so confidentiality is maintained.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This is the first inspection of group whilst operating in these premises so this section does not apply.

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What is being done well?

• Staff provide a wide range of activities and experiences for children which supports their learning and development in all areas. Children are encouraged by staff to learn through their play. Staff know the children well, take an interest in what they say and do and join in with their play. Children are grouped appropriately and each child is allocated a member of staff to be their key worker. • Children are provided with a wide range of resources, toys and equipment which are stimulating, challenging and promote their learning and development in all areas. They are able to access all toys and materials easily which encourages their independence. • Risk assessments are carried out both within the premises and outdoors and

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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 appropriate action is taken with any identified risks or hazards. Staff are very vigilant during outdoor play, and are deployed appropriately according to the activities children are involved in, which ensures their safety. The premises are kept secure and there are effective systems in place which ensures the safety of the children and the staff at all times. • All children are included and treated as individuals. Children are provided with opportunities to learn about others and various cultures, through resources, activities and celebrations which are planned. Staff seek advice through external agencies so all children are given appropriate support. • Staff work in partnership with parents, they respect their wishes, value their opinions and encourage them to become involved in the management of the

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What is being done well?

provision. Information they exchange in relation to the children is taken into consideration when staff plan activities so the individual needs of all children are met. Good settling in procedures are offered to all children, parents are welcomed into the pre-school to stay with their child until they are confident and happy to be left on their own.

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What needs to be improved?

• the documentation in relation to the recording of children's hours of attendance, the administration of medication and the information given to parents should they wish to make a complaint(standard 14).

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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 14 ensure all relevant documentation and records contain sufficient detail and are kept as required

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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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