Ysgol Cae'r Nant

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 23/05/2003 Inspector Name Carole Ann Lord

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Willow Pre-School Playgroup Setting Address King George V Pavilion Canvey Island Essex SS8 7BJ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Willow Pre-School Playgroup Committee

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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

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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

Willow Pre-School opened in 1984 and is registered to provide sessional care for a maximum of 26 children aged from two to five years. It operates from a community hall in Canvey Island. The pre school serves the local area. There are currently 30 children from two to five years on roll. This includes 18 funded three and four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Some children speak English as an additional language. There are a small number of children attending who have special needs. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09.30 until 12.00. Six staff work with the children. Seven have early years qualifications. The setting receives support form the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) and Pre School Learning Alliance (PSLA).

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How good is the Day Care?

Willow Pre School provides good quality care for children. The staff members are aware of and follow the procedures outlined in the group's regular staff meetings. Effective induction and training ensure that children benefit from a consistent approach. Documents are well organised and implemented. The majority have been updated. The staffing to child ratio is good and children receive individual attention. Security is given high priority and procedures are in place to ensure that children are safe both inside and outside of the pre- school. Good use is made of the playrooms and children enjoy well-organised play experiences. The resources include an excellent range of books and toys that are easily accessible to the children. Children's individual needs are met; staff are aware of and implement policies and procedures relating to learning or dietary requirements. Staff members work well as a team to plan a broad range of activities and to encourage children to learn. They

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How good is the Day Care?

are interested in what children do and respond to their interests, giving praise and encouragement. The activities support children's development and meet individual needs. Children benefit from consistent routines when playing and at snack time. The effective behaviour management policy is supportive to the staff. Children are helped to understand how they should behave. A warm and friendly environment is provided for parents. The effective key worker system enables staff to establish excellent relationships with children's parents. The well used notice board and regular newsletters keep parents informed of current information.

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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 At the last inspection, the provider agreed to ensure that parents are provided with basic written information about the setting, including a written complaints procedure with details of Ofsted as the regulator; ensure that a risk assessment of the premises and equipment is regularly undertaken, reviewed and recorded; send Ofsted a copy of the public liability insurance; nominate members of staff to take responsibility for child protection and behaviour management; ensure that electric sockets are covered and cleaning materials made safe; request written permission from parents before seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and ensure that there are written operational procedures for the safe conduct if outings. Parents are now informed about the setting’s details, policies and the complaint procedure that

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What has improved since the last inspection?

informs them of the regulator’s details. A written risk assessment is now in place for inside and outside of the premises and for outings. A health and safety representative has been nominated. A copy of the public liability insurance document was sent to Ofsted and a current copy is displayed. Members of staff have been nominated for behaviour management and child protection. Electric sockets are covered and cleaning materials have been made safe.

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What is being done well?

Staff members work well together as a team. All show interest in what children do or say. They sit at the children's level throughout the session, talking to them, listening when asked a question and asking the children questions to help them think about the activities. Plenty of praise is given to children after they have achieved a task or helped others. Children are given encouragement to help and put toys away before their snack and at the end of the session. (Standard 3) Staff members are made aware of and give high priority to security. Arrival and departure procedures are thorough and staff members are deployed well. (Standard 6) There is a strong emphasis on equal opportunities throughout the pre- school. Children with special needs are included in all activities. The equal opportunities policy is well written, covers all aspects of work at the group and is understood by the staff. (Standard 9)

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What is being done well?

A warm and friendly environment is provided for parents. Parents are informed about the procedures that contribute to the smooth running of the pre-school. They have a clear understanding of the activities provided for the children. They have access to written records and staff members have responded to requests from parents for these to be shared regularly. (Standard 12)

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What needs to be improved?

the consent forms for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future. (Standard 7)

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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE NEXT?

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 7 request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment

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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 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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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

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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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