Christ Church School Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 04/03/2004 Inspector Name Harpal Thandi

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Christ Church School Playgroup Setting Address Playgroup Building Christ Church School Derwent Road Lancaster LA1 3ES

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Christ Church School Playgroup 1013686

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Christ Church School Playgroup Address Christ Church C of E School Derwent Road Lancaster Lancashire LA1 3ES

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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

Christ Church Playgroup opened in 1966. It operates from 2 playrooms in a self contained building situated on the grounds of Christ Church school in Lancaster. It serves the local area. There are currently 24 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. This includes 15 funded 3 and 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs. The group opens 5 days a week during school term times, closing on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Sessions are from 9:00 to 11:30 and 12:30 to 15:00. 5 regular members of staff work with the children 1 of whom is currently on maternity leave. 4 staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3.

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How good is the Day Care?

Christ Church School Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. The staff provide a warm, welcoming environment which helps children feel secure and settled. Good use is made of the available space to ensure that children are well supervised and have easy access to resources. A good selection of toys and resources are available to promote learning in all areas however, these must be appropriately maintained at all times. Most records are available and stored confidentially but there are a number requiring attention. A complaints procedure must be drawn up. Staff have a good awareness of health and safety issues and have taken all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the children. Children are encouraged to maintain good hygiene practices and staff act in their best interests if they are ill. Staff work with parents to ensure children's dietary requirements are met. The staff team have a good understanding of child protection issues and are aware of the

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How good is the Day Care?

procedures to be followed in order to safeguard a child's welfare. Staff enjoy positive relationships with the children who appear happy and relaxed. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which they find stimulating and fun, however the staff team need to implement a system for recording their achievements. Children gain a sound understanding of equal opportunity issues

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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 through a good range of resources available and the positive images on display. Staff communicate well with each other to ensure children's special needs are met. Positive behaviour is valued and encouraged, as a result the children respect the boundaries in place. Parents are welcomed into the setting, they enjoy good relationships with the team receiving regular verbal feedback on their children.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The staff were asked to develop systems for observing and recording the progress of the children. The team are currently receiving support to set up a system but it has not yet been implemented. When this is in place the staff will be able to identify and ensure they are meeting the children's developmental needs. This is, therefore, being carried forward as a recommendation at this inspection.

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What is being done well?

• Good use made of staff, space and resources. Each child has a Key worker who gets to know their children well and so is able to meet their needs. Resources are stored so that children are able to access them easily. The organisation of the room and deployment of staff ensures that children are supervised at all times. • Good understanding of health and safety issues. Risk assessments are carried out once a month although a daily check is also undertaken of the premises and equipment. Children learn about fire safety by taking part in regular fire drills. • Staff enjoy positive relationships with the children, they know the children well for example, they are able to talk to them about their families. Children are encouraged to have good manners and they gain a positive understanding of different cultures and disability through the use of positive images in displays and the resources that are available to them.

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What is being done well?

• Behaviour is managed in a calm, consistent and age appropriate manner. Good behaviour is valued through the constant use of praise. Children respond well and are aware of the boundaries in place.

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What needs to be improved?

• documentation which includes the drawing up of a complaints procedure • the system of observing and recording what children do • the maintenance of toys and equipment.

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 12 Make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint. 12/03/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Record the times of staff attendance and details of any visitors. 5 Ensure toys and resources available for children are appropriately maintained at all times. 13 Ensure that the child protection procedure for the playgroup complies with local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures and includes the relevant contact details. 3 Implement a system for observing and recording what children do and use the observations to plan the next steps for the children's play, learning 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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