Charfield Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 04/12/2003 Inspector Name Susan, Esther Harvey

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Croft Playgroup Setting Address Marlborough Lane Swindon Wiltshire SN3 1RA

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Committee of Croft Playgroup

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Committee of Croft Playgroup Address Marlborough Lane Swindon Wiltshire SN3 1RA

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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

Croft Playgroup opened in 1972. It operates from one room in Croft Sports Centre in Old Town, Swindon. The playgroup serves the local area. There are currently 44 children on roll. The group are not registered to receive funded children. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group supports children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during term time. Sessions are from 09.15 to 11.45. Nine full and part time staff work with the children. Four have early years qualifications. One staff member is currently on a training programme. The setting receives support from the Pre-school Learning Alliance.

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How good is the Day Care?

Croft Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. The staff work well together as a team and several members have early years qualifications. The organisation of the setting enables the staff to support the children, and a clear routine assists in the space being appropriately used. Some policies and procedures are provided by the committee, however the parents are not fully informed as to their content. Documents are not always maintained. The staff have a clear understanding of safety issues, and all areas of promoting children's health and protection have been addressed. Children are provided with regular drinks and snacks. The staff provide a range of play materials for the children, but plans to identify children's individual needs are not fully addressed, however the staff have a clear understanding of child development. The environment in which the children play does not positively identify differences in the community or reflect the work created

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How good is the Day Care?

by the children. The staff have an adequate understanding of child protection issues which ensures children remain safe. Most of the relevant paper work is in place, however lacks detail in some areas. Parents are made welcome and kept informed verbally of what has happened during the session.

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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

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection Croft Playgroup were asked to monitor children's progress regularly and use this information to provide for their individual needs. Some progress has been made in this area, however the process continues to be under review. They were also asked to develop an operational plan which includes the activities to be undertaken, and to include staff development and staff training details. This has been implemented which has improved the focus of staff development and information on how the setting is run.

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What is being done well?

• The children are well supported by the staff which enables them to feel secure, and appropriate arrangements are in place to protect children from persons who are not vetted. The management of children who are taken ill during the session is handled sensitively, and the staff act in their best interest. • The toys are accessible to the children and set out the room in such a way that they were able to move easily between activities. • Staff have a clear understanding of the fire procedure and the safe evacuation of the premises which ensures the safety of the children in an emergency. • Good behaviour is valued and encouraged by the staff according to children's different stages of development, which enables the children feel well cared for. There are effective child protection issues that are shared with parents, this arrangement ensures that children remain safe.

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What needs to be improved?

• plans which identify children's individual needs, and extends their mathematical thinking; • the environment with regard to it being warm and welcoming to children and parents; • parental accessibility regarding the policies and procedures; • information regarding the special needs Code of Practice to enable the full assessment of children with special need to take place; • the provision of a suitable recording system to administer medication where necessary.

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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 7 Ensure an appropriate recording system is in place should it be necessary to administer medication. 10 Ensure the Code of Practice for the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs is provided, in order for an appropriate assessment of children to be made when necessary. 3 Plan a range of activities which identify children’s individual needs and play opportunities, and which supports children’s mathematical thinking. 4 Create an environment that is welcoming to the children with regard to displays and posters. 12 Ensure that parents are made fully aware of the fact that the policies and procedures are available for them to read.

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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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