Old Court Community Pre-school

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/04/2004 Inspector Name Eleanor Bagshaw

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Old Court Community Pre-school Setting Address Station Road Wootton Bassett,, Swindon Wiltshire SN4 8QY

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Old Court Community Pre-school 269115

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Old Court Community Pre-school Address Station Road Wootton Bassett, Swindon Wiltshire SN4 8QY

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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

Old Court Pre-school opened in 1974. It operates from premises in Station Road, Wootton Bassett, and serves families from the local area. There are currently 121 children from two to under eight years on roll. This includes funded three and four year olds. The setting supports children with special needs. The pre-school opens five days a week during term-time. Session times are: Busy Bears (three year olds) every weekday morning 9.15 to 12.00; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons 13.00 - 15.45. Plus Fours every weekday morning 9.15 - 11.45; afternoons 13.00 - 13.00 - 15.45. Teddy Tots 1 (two to three year olds) Monday afternoons 12.50 - 14.45. Teddy Tots 2 (two and a half to three year olds) Tuesday afternoons 13.00 - 15.30 Sunshine Club (holiday playscheme for three to six year olds) opens during school holidays from 8.30 to 3.30. 15 staff work with the children. Three have early years qualifications and nine are

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Information about the setting

currently on training programmes. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP)

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How good is the Day Care?

Old Court pre-school provides good quality care. Children participate in a wide variety of activities in a safe and stimulating environment where they enjoy good relationships. Staff are well deployed to provide a good level of support for children. There is a planned programme of induction and training for staff. Play and reception areas are brightly decorated and made welcoming with children's artwork. There is comfortable seating in all the play rooms. The group is supported by up-to-date policies and procedures, some of which could benefit from further minor review.

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How good is the Day Care?

Committee and staff work together to achieve a good standard of safety. Staff follow good routines to promote children's hygiene and to keep the premises and

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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 equipment clean and safe. First aid and medication arrangements are well managed, and supported by training and clear record keeping. Play activities are well planned and varied to match the children's interests and stages of development in both the pre-school and the holiday play scheme. Children's material needs are well attended to; they enjoy a variety of nutritious snacks and a comfortable amount of time to eat them. Staff show good awareness of individual needs, including dietary requirements, and are well informed and resourced to support children with special needs. Children are polite and co-operative, communicating well with staff and with each other. Staff listen closely and achieve a good conversational atmosphere.

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How good is the Day Care?

Partnership with parents is effective. There is regular exchange of information with parents through daily contact with staff and information from the committee; information is plentifully displayed at reception, and staff maintain detailed written records of the children's progress. The parent pack refers to the range of written statements and policies which cover all aspects of management of the provision.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider was asked to develop safe operational procedures for outings; a written procedure has now been put in place, contributing to effective planning. The provider was asked to maintain a record of physical interventions and significant incidents, and to update the complaints procedure; this paperwork is now in place, improving the level of information available for parents.

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What is being done well?

• Staff are deployed effectively so that children receive the constructive support they need to enjoy and achieve tasks and to make progress. Staff work with small groups, asking open-ended questions and making sure that children do not become frustrated, for example when working with construction sets or learning to use scissors. • The environment is well organised to provide a good balance between physical exercise and quiet pastimes, and to allow for free choice and social interaction. Children chose co-operative activities such as sharing the rocker and spending time together in the comfortable book corners. • Resources are well chosen to suit the various ages and stages of the children. They are able to progress from large scale floor toys and simple construction sets to more sophisticated materials which offer interest and challenge for the older and more skilled. • Children respond well to the good humoured atmosphere and to the clear

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What is being done well?

explanations and good role modelling used to manage their behaviour. They are happily occupied, understand the group's routines and are able to tidy up

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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 with the minimum of direction. • Individual and special needs are effectively identified and addressed. Staff are well informed about children's individual needs and things that are special to them.

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What needs to be improved?

• documentation with regard to the prominence of the written procedures for lost or uncollected children; • documentation with regard to reference to Ofsted in the complaints procedure.

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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 that the complaints procedure includes reference to the role of Ofsted as the regulatory body. 14 Improve the clarity and prominence of the written procedures to be followed if children are lost or are not collected.

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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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