Edith Cavell Academy and Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 05/05/2004 Inspector Name Carol Johnstone

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Ducklings Preschool Setting Address Methodist Hall North Square, Chickerell Weymouth Dorset DT3 4DX

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Ducklings Preschool

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Ducklings Preschool Address Methodist Church Hall North Square,Chickerell Weymouth Dorset DT3 4DX

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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

Ducklings Pre-School opened in 1993 and is registered to provide full day care for 20 children between the ages of 2 and 5 years. The pre-school is managed by a parent committee. It employs six members of staff, most of whom are qualified to NVQ level 3 in childcare. The pre-school is situated in the village of Chickerell, near to the town of Weymouth. Most of the children in attendance are from the local community. The pre-school is accommodated in a Methodist Church in the centre of the village. The Church is used at weekends and occasionally during the week by other community organisations. The pre-school is open each weekday from 9.00 until 12.15 and on Monday and Thursday afternoons until 15.30 in term time only. No overnight care is provided. The accommodation consists of a large room with separate entrance hall, toilet facilities, storage and a kitchen. Outside, at the side of the building, there is a secure

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Information about the setting

tarmac area for the children to use. Currently there are 33 children on roll. There are funded 3 and 4 year olds on the register. Support and curriculum advice is given to the pre-school by the local Early Years Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Ducklings Preschool provides good quality care for children. Staff are well qualified and team work is good. Organisation and management is clear and effective. A bright and colourful environment welcomes children and their parents and all staff are friendly and approachable. There is a wide range of equipment and resources that are suitable for all ages of children cared for. Documentation is mostly well completed and kept securely. Children are safe and well cared for and thorough procedures are followed when arranging outings to local parks and local attractions such as the Sea Life Centre and Monkey World. Food and drink supplied is healthy and nutritious although the practical arrangements for this are to be reviewed. Hygiene is generally adequate. There is an excellent regard to meeting the needs of the individual child and staff

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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 demonstrate good awareness of equal opportunities in all areas. Children with special needs are well supported and there are good links with outside agencies to ensure that all available help is given to both children and their parents. All staff have a good understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow in the event of a concern. Children are given a free choice in the range of activities available and although progress is very carefully monitored and recorded, it is done in a completely unobtrusive way. Children are encouraged to build personal confidence, self esteem and self reliance and are very settled and happy in the setting. All staff show commitment, patience and warmth. Interaction is excellent, both with the children and each other. Behaviour management strategies are sensitive and gentle, and all

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How good is the Day Care?

children are seen to be well behaved and to be able to sort out minor disputes themselves. Parents are kept very well informed of all aspects of care and progress and are able to approach staff in confidence. There are regular meetings offered to each parent and a regular newsletter.

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What is being done well?

• The care taken to help children with their personal development. Effective planning, constant observations and methodical recording ensure that children's progress is clearly documented and this ensures that attention is given immediately to any specific areas needing further input. • The autonomy given to children and the building of self esteem and confidence is excellent. Children are settled, happy and confident in the setting and they chat excitedly about what they are doing. • Interaction between staff and children is warm, patient and friendly. Children talk to the staff as if they are friends, and while support is there if needed, staff take a very 'back seat' view and allow most of the activities to be child led. • Behaviour management strategies are excellent and are reflected in the very settled behaviour of the children who are learning how to be self assured and self reliant.

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What needs to be improved?

• the procedures for recording visitors to the setting and the completion of the accident book • the arrangements for providing snacks and drinks • the arrangements for hand washing.

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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

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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 2 Ensure the accurate recording of visitors to the premises 7 Ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding hand washing and snack time.

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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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