Sir John Talbot's Technology College

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 23/01/2004 Inspector Name Anneliese Fox-Jones

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St Saviours Pre-School Setting Address St Saviours Church Hall Sandpit Lane St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 5RL

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St Saviours Pre-School Address St Saviours Church Hall Sandpit Lane St. Albans Hertfordshire AL3 5RL

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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 Saviours Pre-School is a private playgroup run in central St Albans. It is open on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 09:15 to 12:00 and serves the local area. The group operates from a large church hall, term time only and does not have sole use of the premises. Children have access to two rooms, toilets and also benefit from an outside play area. The group is run by joint owners, Margaret Jacobs and Tina Alder. The group had two nursery education funded children, at the time of inspection. Mrs Jacobs is a qualified teacher and the staff team comprises of five full time and two part time members, of which 3 have childcare qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Saviours Pre-School provides good quality care for the children. It offers a welcoming environment where children appear happy, busy and settled. A broad range of polices underpin the well organised, day-to-day running of the provision. Space is used effectively, with designated areas for imaginative, creative, physical play and quiet activities. A good range of resources have been organised in a way that enables the children to have easy access and make independent choices. Children's personal hygiene and safety is generally catered for, however, there are some issues requiring improvement. Staff are caring, friendly and supportive in their approach to the children. They question the children effectively and encourage them with plenty of praise. The setting has a positive approach to the integration of all children. One to one learning support is sought and implemented when required. Activities are planned around

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How good is the Day Care?

themes and help to promote the children's learning in all areas. The staff have developed strong links with parents and carers. They are encouraged to be involved within the setting, through helping out. Newsletters and a notice board keeps parents informed about events happening within the pre-school. Information is shared daily on an informal basis. Most of the relevant documentation is in place for the safe and efficient management of the provision, although some detail needs to be amended.

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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

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection the group have reviewed information that is given to parents/carers and polices have been updated. The medication policy has been reviewed, medication consent forms have been added to the registration form and a medication book is in place to record any medication administered. The group are pro-active in the area of training and many staff members have completed courses in a variety of areas.

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What is being done well?

• The group benefits from a committed team of staff, the majority who have been working in the provision for many years. They show respect, enthusiasm and concern for the children, spending time talking, listening or helping the children learn, when appropriate. (Standards 1 and 3) • Staff provide varied and interesting play opportunities, which are theme-based. A stimulating balance of activities and resources are planned, rotated and fully accessible. Children are busy and engaged in their play. (Standards 3 and 5) • Children are co-operative, happy and helpful. Staff enjoy the children's company and endeavour to get to know them well, they give plenty of praise and encouragement. Staff strive to meet individual needs, in particular a one to one system for children who require this and recorded information on the children's progress. (Standards 9 and 11) • Staff work in partnership with parents. Information is shared on a regular

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What is being done well?

basis. There are informative notices, newsletters and policies made available to parents/carers. Parents are very happy with the care that their children receive. (Standard 12)

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What needs to be improved?

• documentation, to ensure the times of staff and children's arrivals and departures are recorded(Standard 2) • fire safety precautions (Standard 6) • the procedure for ensuring hygiene with regards to hand washing (Standard 7) • information, to ensure that Ofsted's details are accessible to parents. (Standard 12)

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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 Ensure a system is devised that records children’s and staff’s accurate hours of attendance. 6 Ensure adequate fire detection equipment is readily available. 7 Ensure good hygiene practices are in place with regards to hand washing. 12 Make available to parents Ofsted’s contact details.

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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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