St Gregorys Child Care Trust

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 03/10/2003 Inspector Name Pamela Edna Friling

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name St Gregory's Child Care Trust Setting Address St Gregory's School Knapp Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL50 3QH

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St Gregory's Child Care Trust Address Ivanhoe House St James Square Cheltenham Gloucester GL50 3PR

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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

St. Gregory's Child Care Trust is located in new, purpose built premises attached to St.Gregory's Primary School in Cheltenham and has strong links with the school. The setting offers before and after-school care, holiday care and pre-school care and education. Care is offered from 7.45 until 18.00 from Monday to Friday. The nursery offers funded nursery education places for children aged three and four years. The pre-school children have access to two large playrooms and a smaller, circular, story room. The school age children have the use of the small school hall and a room in the new premises. The outdoor area used by the school-age children includes a secure all-weather pitch and a playground. The pre-school children will have a purpose-designed play area which is nearing completion. The majority of the staff supervising the children have recognised childcare qualifications at level two or three. They have all attended first aid and child

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Information about the setting

protection training. The Trust employs 13 staff to care for the children. Overnight care is not provided.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Gregory's Childcare Trust provides good quality care for the children who attend the nursery, after-school club and holiday club. The groups has a detailed operational plan that is regularly reviewed. All changes are shared with parents and staff. Policies reflect necessary variations relating to the different ages cared for. The new premises provide excellent accommodation which is safe, secure, bright and welcoming for both children and staff. Toys and equipment are good quality, clean and well maintained. They are stored in clearly labelled, easily accessible boxes to encourage children to develop independent skills as they choose and tidy away their activities. The staff are well trained and experienced. They plan and evaluate a wide range of activities and experiences for the children to encourage their all round development. Children in the nursery are observed and assessed, as they play, to ensure future

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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 plans extend and reinforce skills. Parents are kept well informed about their child's progress through opportunities to receive verbal feedback, more formal meetings and written progress reports. Staff use age-appropriate strategies to promote the good behaviour of both nursery and younger after-school children. Documentation meets the requirements of registration. Records are easily accessible but stored securely to protect confidentiality.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

First inspection since new registration.

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What is being done well?

• Well-organised group with clear procedures for protecting children, appointing staff and notifying Ofsted of changes. The operational plan is clear and detailed. • Staff well trained, enthusiastic and deployed appropriately to provide support and supervise children. They plan and evaluate a good range of activities during which children are observed and assessed systematically and the results used to target children for reinforcement or extension of skills. Parents are well informed regarding their child's progress both verbally and in writing. • The premises are excellent. They are safe and secure and provide a bright, cheerful environment. Space is well used and the wide range of good quality, clean and well-maintained toys and equipment are clearly labelled to encourage children to choose and tidy away activities. • Staff use age appropriate strategies promote good behaviour of both nursery and younger after-school children.

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What is being done well?

• Documentation meets the requirements of registration. Records are easily accessible but stored securely to protect confidentiality.

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What needs to be improved?

• policies to include action to be taken if there is a child protection allegation against a staff member, details giving parents the option to take any complaint to Ofsted and information regarding reporting serious injury to Ofsted; • records of accidents to ensure information is always shared with parents.

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Outcome of the 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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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 extend operational plan in the areas of child protection, health and complaints by parents to include detail of action in the event of allegation against staff, informing Ofsted of serious injuries and allowing parents the option of complaining to Ofsted; 7 ensure accident records are shared with parents.

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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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