Leighton Middle School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 07/06/2004 Inspector Name Diane Ryan

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Childrens Learning Centre Setting Address 125 New Brighton Road Emsworth Hampshire PO10 7QS

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name CHILDRENS LEARNING CENTRE Address 125 New Brighton Road Emsworth Hampshire PO10 7QS

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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

Children's Learning Centre has been registered since 1991. It includes a day nursery, pre-school, after school club and a holiday play scheme. It operates from the ground floor of a converted house in Emsworth, Hampshire. Children's Learning Centre serves the local community and is a privately owned group. Children's learning Centre is registered to care for 50 children and there are currently 218 children from birth to twelve years on roll. This includes 49 funded 3 year olds and 22 funded 4 year olds. Children can attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports 2 children with special needs and 0 children with English as an additional language (EAL). The group opens for 51 weeks a year from 08:00 - 18:00 Mondays - Fridays. There are 16 part time and 10 full time members of staff working with the children. Most of the staff members have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3, four

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Information about the setting

staff member are currently working towards a recognised early year qualification. The setting receives support from a mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Children's Learning Centre, after school club and holiday play scheme offers good quality care for children. The staff are suitably qualified and experienced to care for children. The environment is attractive and comfortable and organised well. There are written procedures in place to ensure the provision is effectively maintained and suitable for use. The play resources are good and children experience a stimulating and fun environment. All relevant paperwork/documentation is in place although some lack necessary detail. Members of staff have a good level of awareness of risks to children and all areas for ensuring their health and wellbeing are met. They give priority to monitoring a secure premises and the safety of children. Staff members have a good understanding of healthy eating and nutrition and have effective procedures in place to ensure children's dietary requirements are addressed.

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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 children enjoy attending, are happy, settled and relate well to the staff and each other. They are interested and fully involved in activities, keen to communicate and to find things out for themselves. Activities are planned to provide variety for the children giving everyone the chance to access the same experiences regardless of ability and the group has a range of toys and resources promoting positive images. Behaviour is managed well and the quality of interaction with children is good and enhances all aspects of their development. There is a good partnership with parents and carers. The relationships are trusting, open and friendly. Parents are listened to, informed about the provision and have opportunity to share information about their child. Parents are happy with the

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What is being done well?

• The staff members interact well with the children and the children are given the opportunity to participate in an extensive range of activities designed to meet their individual needs. The children are praised and encouraged and staff are interested in what they say and do, using play opportunities effectively to promote children's development. The staff know the children well and spend time listening and talking to them. The children are occupied and interested throughout the session. • Safety of children is given high regard. All visitors to the centre have to go through reception. The main rooms used are secure so that they cannot be entered without staff's knowledge. The Health and Safety Officer ensures that any relevant Health and Safety procedures are implemented. • Members of staff recognise children as individuals and they offer an anti-discriminatory service. Activities are planned to provide variety for the

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What is being done well?

children giving everyone the chance to access the same experiences regardless of ability. The group has a good range of toys and resources promoting positive images and use arts and crafts to learn about the world around us. • Staff members have a consistent and relaxed approach to behaviour management. Clear rules and boundaries are in place and the children know what is expected of them. The members of staff give praise and encouragement, recognising good behaviour. • Unwanted behaviour is handled in a consistent manner. • The group obtains information about how parents wish their child to be cared for and respects their wishes. Parents are given the group's brochure when they attend for a first visit giving them information about the group. Staff members verbally inform them about their child's day.

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• the complaints policy to include name and address of registering body.

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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 12 Ensure complaint policy contains the address and phone number of the registering body.

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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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