Little Stars Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/02/2005 Inspector Name Lindsey Pollock

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name ST.BEDE'S PLAYGROUP Setting Address ST BEDES SCHOOL WEST VIEW,SACRISTON DURHAM DH7 6AB

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Committee of St Bedes playgroup

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Committee of St Bedes playgroup Address ST BEDES SCHOOL WEST VIEW,SACRISTON DURHAM DH7 6AB

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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 Bede's Playgroup is a committee run group which has been registered since 1993. It is located in Sacriston and serves the local and surrounding areas. The playgroup has sole use of a demountable classroom in the grounds of St Bede's School. There is a large playroom, toilets and kitchen facilities. The group is registered to provide sessional care for 16 children aged between 2 years and under 5 years old. There are currently 18 children on roll. There are procedures in place to support children with special needs and for children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during term time only. Sessions are from 13:00 to 15:00 on Mondays and from 09:00 to 11:15 Tuesday to Friday. There are five members of staff working with the children, one of whom holds a recognised childcare qualification. Three members of staff are expected to complete a level three qualification in the near future.

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Information about the setting

The group receives training information from the Local Authority.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Bede's Playgroup provides good quality care for children. It offers a warm, caring, welcoming environment where children feel happy and secure. Good organisation ensures that the group operates effectively and space is used well. Staff are clear of their roles and responsibilities and work well together as a team. Detailed policies and information about the setting are in place and most contain the required information. Most documentation is in place and kept in an organised manner. Staff give high priority to ensuring children are safe inside the playgroup and the premises are kept secure. The good health of children is promoted and positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection. Children are encouraged to follow good hygiene routines. Staff have a sound knowledge of child protection and have a clear understanding of their responsibilites to ensure childrens safe welfare. Children are offered nutritious and healthy snacks in conjunction with the school's healthy

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How good is the Day Care?

eating plan. A varied range of stimulating activities and play opportunities are provided which support children's development. Good quality resources support children's learning,

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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 however those and the activites that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice are limited. Interactions between staff and children are positive and children's individual needs are met well. Staff manage children's behaviour consistently and sensitively, giving praise for positive behaviour. Trusting and mutually supportive partnerships between the playgroup and parents and carers have been developed. Parents are welcomed in to the setting and encouraged to share information, knowledge and expertise. Very positive feedback was received from parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group were asked to develop an action plan regarding staff qualifications, and to devise and make available to parents a written statement for caring for children with special needs. Good improvements have been made; the manager has now completed a level three qualification and three other members of staff will be suitably qualified in the near future. A detailed written statement for special needs is in place, a copy is accessible to parents, and all staff are fully aware of their responsibilities.

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What is being done well?

• Good relationships have been built between the staff and children and between the children themselves. Staff help all children develop confidence and self esteem by providing a warm, secure, and stimulating environment. Children are relaxed and have fun. • Children's behaviour is very good. Staff have established clear boundaries according to the child's level of understanding. • The staff understand that the safety of children is fundamental to their welfare and take appropriate measures to avoid dangerous situations. High standards of hygiene are maintained and good steps are taken to raise children's awareness of good hygiene practises. • The physical environment is warm, welcoming and attractively decorated. Space is organised to meet requirements and used appropriately and creatively.

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What needs to be improved?

• the details in the child protection statement regarding allegations against a member of staff • the written procedures to follow should a child be lost • the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice

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What needs to be improved?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • arrangements for ensuring children's records are fully updated.

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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 9 Ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. 14 Extend the information in the written statements for child protection and for uncollected or lost children. 14 Ensure all children's records are fully updated.

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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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