St Michael's Pre-School

St Michael's Playgroup

Inspection report for early years provision

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St Michael's Playgroup

Unique Reference Number 224970 Inspection date 28 November 2005 Inspector Patricia Dawes

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St Michael's Playgroup

Setting Address The Parish Centre, Upper Street, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8QF Telephone number 07791 940235

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E-mail

Registered person St Michael's Playgroup Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Sessional care

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E-mail

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 THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

St Michael’s Playgroup is run by a committee. It opened in 1966 and operates from one room in the parish centre. It is situated on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. A maximum of 20 children may attend the playgroup at any one time. The playgroup is open Monday to Thursday each week from 09.30 to 12.00 during term-time only. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 30 children aged from 2 to under 5 years on roll. Children come from the local catchment area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 playgroup employs four staff. Two of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. Two staff are working towards a qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because staff are active in promoting good hygiene by raising children's awareness of good practice and healthy living. Children learn about hygiene routines and they wash their hands before snack time knowing this helps to stop spreading germs and infection. Risks to children are minimised because good procedures are in place. The premises and equipment are maintained in good condition and tables are cleaned between activities and before children sit down for snack time. Children's dietary needs are met because they are provided with a range of healthy snacks and regular drinks which meet their needs. All staff are aware of children with special dietary needs and these needs are sensitively cared for. Staff find out about children's needs by talking to parents and recording details of specific requirements or allergies. Children's physical development is well supported and children are eager to play

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Helping children to be healthy

outside using a varied range of equipment or playing games. This contributes to a healthy lifestyle, helps children develop confidence and enhance their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment; staff take positive steps to promote safety within the setting and while playing outside. Good procedures are in place, for example daily safety checks and risk assessments are used to ensure that any identified hazards are made safe. Children are kept safe because staff have a good awareness of health and safety issues. They are vigilant, deployed effectively and supervise the children well. Access to the premises is monitored effectively; staff check identification and ask visitors to sign the visitors' book. Children develop an awareness of safety through the use of sensible rules which are clearly explained. For example, they practise emergency evacuation procedures however, no written record is maintained which clearly shows how practice is improved. Children benefit from being able to access resources easily as they play and move

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

freely around indoors and outside. This is because staff use space effectively and provide a range of activities and resources that are suitable for children of different abilities and interests. There are comfortable areas where children can play, relax or take part in creative and imaginative play. Children are protected because staff understand their role and responsibility to protect children in their care. Staff develop their knowledge of child protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 through training and induction procedures. Child protection guidance is readily available for staff which includes the local social services contact numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's needs are met and their welfare promoted by staff who have a good understanding of each child and their interests. Children benefit from being able to make choices about their play. This helps them become independent learners and helps younger and older children play and learn together. Children are very well occupied, enthusiastic and readily talk about things they enjoy doing. They are able to build and construct, play games, or develop their imaginative and creative skills. Children enjoy taking on different roles or characters and they involve other children in their play, they develop their creative skills by painting and crayoning pictures. There is a good selection of resources and children are interested in participating in the wide range of planned and free play activities both inside and outside. Staff interaction with the children is very good, they have a warm rapport with the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children and this helps to encourage positive relationships all round. Staff make sure children are fully occupied, they join in and play games with them and respond to their questions and requests. Staff are positive, respectful to children and value each child and what they have to offer. Children are comfortable and happy in the relaxed environment where they can try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. This supports their play and learning. Children are learning to distinguish right from wrong and their self-esteem is encouraged through appropriate praise and rewards. Staff set clear boundaries and this helps children to become aware of the effect of what they do on others and helps them respect the feelings of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's specific needs are discussed with parents and this information is recorded. This ensures all children are fully included in the life of the setting. New children are helped to settle quickly and develop confidence. Staff are positive about inclusion and a policy statement supports their practice. They work together with parents and other relevant parties to organise the environment and plan activities to ensure all children take part in activities alongside their peers. Children have a wide range of opportunities to learn about themselves and others in the wider community through imaginatively planned activities and resources which positively promote diversity. All children have equal access to toys and equipment and they are non gender specific. They make choices in their play which ensures that they are interested in what they do and helps to promote independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because staff use positive strategies to support good behaviour

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 and develop a caring ethos. Staff value good behaviour, they are respectful to children, present positive role models, and they encourage children to be kind, polite and helpful. Any inappropriate behaviour is dealt with sensitively and at a level children understand. Parents are kept informed of any concerns or issues. Significant incidents are recorded however, entries are not documented appropriately to ensure confidentiality. Children benefit from a trusting and mutually supportive partnership with parents. Staff have developed good relationships with parents and this ensures children are looked after according to their parents' wishes. Staff welcome parents into the club and there is a two-way flow of information.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the care of staff that have been vetted and have good knowledge and understanding of child development. Staffing ratios support children's care, learning and play and space and resources are well organised. Children are supported by a routine where they can have freedom of choice. There are plenty of opportunities for spontaneous activities as the children develop their own ideas and play. Children feel confident to initiate their own play and at ease with staff when they ask for help. Most of the required documentation which contributes to the children's health, safety and well-being is in place however it is not regularly reviewed. Most of the personal information on children is stored securely; however records relating to incidents and accidents are not documented appropriately to ensure confidentiality and promote children’s well-being and safety. Staff work well as a team and they are clear about

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Organisation

their deployment and responsibilities. Policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents via an information pack, newsletters and notice board. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004 The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE 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 On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop, implement and maintain a system for recording fire evacuation record which complies with current fire regulations and clearly demonstrates how practice is improving • develop and implement a system for recording accidents and incidents which ensures confidentiality is maintained at all times • review and update all policies and procedures to ensure the current regulations are being met.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the 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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