The Harwich School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/01/2004 Inspector Name Christine Lynne Hodge

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St Augustine's Playgroup Setting Address St Augustine's Church Hall St Augustine's Road Belvedere Kent DA17 5DN

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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. Augustine's Pre-School is a privately owned sessional group located in St Augustine's Church Hall, St Augustine's Road, Lower Belvedere. The group is well established and serves families from surrounding residential areas. Joyce Stone has been the play leader for 16 years. The pre-school has sole use of the hall, kitchen and toilets during the hours of operation, although other groups use the premises during the week. The pre-school is open from 9:15 to 12:15, Monday to Friday and is registered for 30 children aged from 3 years to under 5 years. There are currently 28 children on roll. The groups receives funding from Bexley Early Years Partnership and supports a small number of children with English as an additional language. There are currently 2 children attending who have been identified as having special needs. The pre-school has recently been awarded the Investors In People Award.

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How good is the Day Care?

ST Augustine's Pre-School provides good quality care for children. The group offers a safe, secure and welcoming environment where children are happy and confident. The premises are clean and good attention is paid to children's health and hygiene. A strong emphasis is placed on children's safety. The group has an effective operational plan and employs a high ratio of experienced and qualified staff who are clear about their role with regards to child protection issues and special needs. A key-worker system is in operation. The pre-school provides a wide range of equipment and activities which are set out prior to children arriving. Staff work well as a team and plan a curriculum of activities covering all areas of children's development, although the opportunity for construction and mathematical thinking is limited. Staff sit with children, join in their play and support their learning. Observation and record keeping is good.Children are

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How good is the Day Care?

encouraged to be self disciplined and independent. They play well together in small groups and respond well to positive behaviour strategies adopted by staff. Relationships with parents are good. New parents are provided with a copy of the

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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 group's operational plan, policies and procedures. Parents are kept regularly informed about events and activities. Documentation and record keeping is clear and concise.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection Joyce Stone, the play leader agreed to update the complaints procedure to include Ofsted's name, address and telephone number and obtain a copy of Bexley's Child Protection Procedures. The complaints procedure has been updated and the group is now in possession of Bexley's Child Protection Procedures which staff have become familiar with.

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What is being done well?

• There are comprehensive polices and procedures on all health and safety issues. Staff are vigilant and give high priority to children's safety at all times. • There is a strong emphasis on positive behaviour in the group. Staff consistently praise and encourage children and are sensitive to their needs. Children take turns, share and are generally well behaved. They respond well to guidance from staff. There is a behaviour management policy in place. • Good provision is made for children with special needs. The group has a named Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO), who works in partnership with parents and the Area SENCO from Bexley Early Years Development and Childcare Unit. The session and activities are adapted to meet children's individual needs. • The session is organised so that children can choose from and take part in a wide range of activities. Children are also helped and encouraged to take part

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What is being done well?

in adult-led small and large group activities. • Working in partnership with parents is actively encouraged through the comprehensive parental involvement policy and the effective sharing of information. Parents are invited to take part in the pre-school. A corner of the hall is set out as a parent's corner with a large notice board which displays lots of information about the pre-school. Parents are kept informed abour their child's progress by a contact book and child development record sheets. Staff are always available to talk to parents.

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What needs to be improved?

• opportunities for construction and mathematical thinking.

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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 3 Plan a range of activities and play opportunities for children’s mathematical development.

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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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