Spring Willows Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 25/09/2003 Inspector Name Rosemary Killackey

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Spring Willows Playgroup Setting Address St. Annes House, Ryecroft Avenue Heywood Lancashire OL10 1QB

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Spring Willows Playgroup Committee Address St. Annes House, Ryecroft Avenue Heywood Lancashire OL10 1QB

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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

Spring Willows Playgroup opened in 1997. It operates from fully converted offices attached to a private house, situated in its own grounds. The playgroup has access to one large play room, one smaller play room used for imaginative play, kitchen, office and toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed outdoor area for play. It is situated in a residential area of Heywood a suburb of Rochdale. The playgroup serves the local community and has links with the local primary school. There are currently 23 children from two to four years on roll. This includes five funded three and four year olds. Children attend a variety of sessions. At present none of the children have special needs and non have English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week term time only. Sessions are from 09:15 until 11:45. Five part time staff work directly with the children. Two of the staff are working towards the Pre-school Learning Alliance Diploma (level 3), one is working towards

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Information about the setting

NVQ level 3 (fostering). The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) and is a member of the Rochdale Playgroup Association.

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How good is the Day Care?

Spring Willows Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children aged two to five years. The general organisation of the playgroup is good. Staff are deployed well throughout each session. Space is organised appropriately and used effectively to meet children's needs. Staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities, they work directly with the children, encouraging them to develop independence. They work well as a team. Priority is given to ensuring children's safety, however a few areas of safety need to be addressed. Staff encourage the children to have good hygiene practices, the premises are clean and well maintained. The playgroup has good policies and procedures in place, which staff understand and implement. The child protection policy and the complaints procedure needs to be updated. The group also needs to

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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 ensure that the registration system indicates times of arrival and departure for staff and children. The quality of care for children is very good. Staff clearly are able to identify and meet children's individual needs. They ensure that children are well occupied and that they enjoy the day. Staff talk, listen and play with the children. They help children to progress in all areas of development. All the children benefit from clear and consistent routines. They are confident children who are interested in what they are doing. They play well together and are well behaved. Children are able to choose what they want to play with and move freely from one activity to another. There is a good professional relationships with parents and carers. They are kept informed about children's achievements on a regular basis. Parents are given a

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How good is the Day Care?

comprehensive operational plan prior to a placement starting. Policies and procedures are readily available for parents to read.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the manager agreed to develop an action plan that sets out how staff meet the qualification requirements, develop an operational plan and make available to parents, ensure that at least one member of staff has a current first aid certificate, obtain written consent from parents in the event of a child needing medical attention, ensure that the behaviour management policy is updated to include bullying, ensure that equal opportunities is given consideration when planning themes and to obtain a copy of the local Area Child Protection Procedures (ACPC). An action plan has been developed, an operational plan is in place and is shared with parents, one member of staff has an up to date first aid certificate and others are due to attend training, written consent has been obtained in the event of a child needing medical treatment, planning incorporates equal opportunities, the behaviour management policy makes reference to bullying and the group has a copy

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What has improved since the last inspection?

of the ACPC procedures. These improvements all help with organisation amd development of staff.

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What is being done well?

• Staff are deployed effectively. They are able to identify and meet children's individual needs. They plan activities that enable children to progress learning. • Children are valued and respected. Good behaviour management is in place. Children behave well and respond to staff praise and encouragement. Staff talk and listen to children. They encourage children to make choices and to move freely around the group. • Children are well occupied, they play well together. They are confident and happy. • Good professional relationships are formed with parents. Staff ensure that parents are kept informed about children's progress.

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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?

• Documentation so that the complaints procedure includes name, telephone number and address of Ofsted. The child protection policy includes a statement on professional abuse and the times of arrival and departure for both children and staff are recorded on the register. • The development of a key worker system. • The safety of cleaning materials in the kitchen and the cupboard in the entrance hall. • The emergency contact numbers for both staff and children are taken out of the building in the event of an emergency.

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 14 ensure that the child protection policy is updated to include professional abuse, that the complaints procedure is updated to include name, telephone number and address of Ofsted and that the times of arrivals and departures of both staff and children are recorded on the register 25/10/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Develop a key worker system. 6 Ensure that cleaning materials in kitchen and cupboard in entrance hall are made safe. 6 Ensure that emergency contact numbers for both children and staff are

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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 taken out of the building in the event of an emergency.

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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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