Whalley Pre School Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 12/01/2005 Inspector Name Wendy Fitton

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Whalley Pre-School Playgroup Setting Address Whalley Adult Education Centre Station Road Whalley Clitheroe BB7 9RH

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Whalley Pre-School Playgroup 1024628

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Whalley Pre-School Playgroup Address Whalley Adult Education Centre Station Road Whalley Clitheroe BB7 9RH

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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

Whalley Pre-School Playgroup has been registered since 1993. The group operates from the Whalley Adult Education Centre on Station Road close to the town centre of Whalley in Clitheroe in Lancashire. Children have access to a main hall area and suitable toilet facilities. There is no access to outdoor play, however children are taken on outings in the local community. The playgroup provides sessional care for 25 children, aged from two to five years of age. Sessions are offered term-time only from 09:15 to 11:45, Monday to Friday for children aged three and four years of age. Afternoon sessions are offered on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 13:00 to 15:00 for children aged two to three years of age. The setting currently supports children with special needs, children in receipt of Early years funding and there is support from the Sure Start, Early Years and Childcare Services. The group is managed by a committee and there are eight staff employed

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Information about the setting

altogether. The manager has a Level 3 Certificate in Early Years, other staff have completed the Diploma in Pre-School Practice.

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How good is the Day Care?

Whalley Pre-School Playgroup provides good care for children. Staff have completed relevant training in Early Years and are able to provide a wide variety of experiences for children, supporting their development. There are detailed organisational policies and procedures, promoting the welfare and protection of children. The premises are clean and well maintained, thus providing a welcoming environment for the children. All furniture, equipment and resources are suitable for the needs of the children attending, ensuring access to necessary facilities. The environment is safe and secure and children are not exposed to any hazards. Appropriate safety procedures are in place, preventing accidents and maintaining children's safety. There are good hygiene procedures preventing the spread of infection. Staff work towards meeting individual needs and ensure that children respect and value each other, developing their self esteem. There are detailed child

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How good is the Day Care?

protection procedures, staff are aware of their duty to report any concerns to protect

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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 children from any danger. Children have access to a variety of toys, activities and experiences, developing their learning through play. Clear routines help the children to feel secure and confident. Staff are positive, keen and motivated spending time with individual children, supporting and encouraging their development and progress. There are clear behaviour management strategies according to children's levels of understanding and maturity. Parents have access to organisational procedures. There are effective systems for working in partnership, however parents do not have access to any written developmental progress records, for the children under three.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection it was agreed that that radiators would be made safe, suitable clearance documents would be provided for staff and that procedures would be developed in respect of uncollected children, emergency medical treatment, bullying and allegations being made against staff. The radiators are now covered and clearance letters are available for all staff. Procedures are satisfactorily in place for uncollected children, emergency medical treatment, bullying and a procedure for allegations against staff has been included in the child protection policy. Due to the above actions, the safety, care and welfare of children have been enhanced.

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What is being done well?

• The children were observed participating in a variety of learning activities, this included construction, sand, drawing, small world, role play, book corner, free painting, play dough and computer. The children had free access and were able to make choices. The children are familiar with the routine, aware of story time, snack time and toilet time, they are happy and comfortable. Staff support the children, as necessary and children play purposefully, alone and in small groups. • The staff team have completed training in the early years curriculum and plan to the six areas of learning, with a themed approach, this is evident in their practice. The staff work as a team, they are positive, keen and well motivated in their approach, helping the children to feel good about themselves. • The physical environment is child centred, with lots of displays and children's art work around the room. The areas are set up into specific learning areas

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What is being done well?

enabling the children to play and relax in an environment that is conducive to their needs. • Furniture and equipment are accessible, there are clearly labelled storage boxes. Child sized tables and chairs enhance the provision and enable children to play comfortably. • The staff take positive steps promoting the safety of the children. The building

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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 is used by other groups. A daily log book ensures that all the safety aspects are in place and have not been removed. Children are escorted to the toilets and are well supervised. There is a security pad on the door into the hall, with a spy hole to check on visitors, thus maintaining the safety of the children. • There are detailed organisational policies and procedures, they are available to parents. A parents notice board keeps them up to date with any information about the playgroup. Staff were observed chatting to parents and discussing needs. There are parents newsletters sent out and parents are encouraged to participate at sessions, so that children feel secure.

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What needs to be improved?

• the records available to parents, for children under the age of three.

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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 14 Develop a system of recording for children under three, ensuring parents are informed of their children's progress and 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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