Fulbridge Academy

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 19/05/2003 Inspector Name Sally Hogg

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name The Grove Pre-School Playgroup Setting Address The Bungalow, Damers Road Dorchester Dorset DT1 2LA

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of The Grove Pre-School Playgroup Committee

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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

Grove Pre-school Playgroup operates from a converted bungalow, adjacent to a primary school, situated on the outskirts of the main town of Dorchester. They are the sole user of the building. Children have use of a playroom with separate entrance hall, and adjoining toilets and kitchen area. There is an enclosed outside play area that surrounds the building, with static climbing equipment. The playgroup also have use of the school playground and garden area. Grove Pre-school Playgroup was established in 1984, but moved to it's present accommodation in 1998. It is a community playgroup, and places are offered to children who come from a range of social, economic and cultural backgrounds. They are registered for twenty children aged from two to five years of age, and are open each weekday during term time from 09:15 -11:45 am and 13:00 - 1530pm. The playgroup also open on occasional days during August. Currently there are seventy four children on role,

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Information about the setting

who are able to attend a maximum of three sessions a week. The playgroup is in receipt of government funding for three and four year olds and caters for children who have been identified with special needs, and for those who have English as a second language. At present there are twenty seven funded four year olds and thirty nine funded three year olds attending the setting. There are six members of staff, the majority of whom are qualified and experienced in child care and education, or who are currently undertaking training. Grove Pre-school Playgroup are managed by a parent committee, and operate under the Pre-School Learning Alliance constitution. Staff work with the local Pre-School Learning Alliance and the Early Years Child Care and Development Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Grove Pre-school Playgroup offers satisfactory care for children. They have clear group policies and operational procedures which are used well in practice. All staff are qualified and experienced in child care, or are currently taking training and are deployed effectively. There is a friendly, welcoming atmosphere in which staff create a comfortable and exciting play environment. They offer a calm, caring approach, to which children relate well, helping them to feel settled and happy in their play. There are a variety of interesting, appropriate activities provided using a wide range of resources, although some may lack sufficient challenge for the more able children. Staff encourage children in good hygiene practice and use suitable precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Safety procedures in place are generally working well, however access to the kitchen and staggered arrival times lack consistent

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How good is the Day Care?

supervision. Children with special needs are well catered for, with staff having a

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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 clear understanding of each child's particular needs. There is a clear behaviour policy in place which works well in practice, staff giving a consistent approach with emphasis put on encouraging good behaviour. Good relationships are formed with parents and staff liaise closely with them on the care offered to their child.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the committee were asked to identify a nominated person for the group. This has now been addressed and the nominated person is the chairperson. Since the last inspection the group have reviewed and updated their policies, improved the induction procedures for new staff/volunteers and staff have attended various child care training courses.

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What is being done well?

The operational plan is clearly set out and used as a working document. Policies and procedures are regularly reviewed, updated, and overall work well in practice. Staff are deployed efficiently, ensuring children are given sufficient adult support. (Standard 2). Children are settled and happy in their play. Staff offer a calm, caring approach, creating a secure, consistent routine to which children respond well, giving them confidence in their surroundings and their play. There is a wide range of appropriate resources available which are used to provide interesting and exciting play opportunities that would support children in their developmental skills. (Standard 3). A warm and welcoming environment is provided. The playroom is brightly decorated with colourful displays, photos, posters and children's pictures. Space is used effectively to offer different areas of play, allowing for independent and group activities. (Standard 4). Children with special needs are well supported

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What is being done well?

within the group, staff working with parents and other professionals to ensure suitable care is offered to meet each child's particular needs. All children are integrated well into the group. (Standard 10). There is a clear behaviour policy in place, working effectively in practice. Children learn to respect and share within their peer groups, staff encouraging them to be kind to each other. Staff act as good role models and use praise regularly to support children in acceptable behaviour, helping them in their own understanding of right and wrong. (Standard 11). Good relationships are formed with parents, staff value their involvement, and work closely with them in the use of their child's developmental diary, keeping a record of their achievements through use of photos, paintings and written observations. All children and families are welcomed and included within the group. (Standard 12).

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What needs to be improved?

monitoring of children's arrival time in the morning. procedures to prevent children gaining access to the kitchen area.

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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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 ensure children's arrival at premises is reliably monitored 6 ensure that kitchen is safe or inaccessible to children

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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 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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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

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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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