Milldene Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 10/12/2003 Inspector Name Barbara Ann Bush

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Milldene Playgroup Setting Address c/o Milldene Primary School Barbrook Lane Tiptree Essex CO5 0EF

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Tiptree Pre-school Playgroup 1026184

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Tiptree Pre-school Playgroup Address c/o Milldene Primary School Barbrook Lane Tiptree Essex CO5 0EF

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Milldene Playgroup opened in their current building in 2002 . It operates from a demountable building within the grounds of the primary school in the village of Tiptree. The group serves the local area. There are currently 48 children from 2 years to 5 years on roll. This includes 30 funded three year olds and 10 funded four year old children. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs and could support children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:30 until 13:20 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 09:30 until 12:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 13:00 until 15:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Nine members of staff work with the children. Two have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2. Three members of staff are currently working towards a recognised

p.2

Information about the setting

early years qualification. The setting receives support from The Pre-School Learning Alliance.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Milldene Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. Staff enrol on training courses on a regular basis to enhance their child care knowledge. They will benefit from involvement in a formal written induction programme. Children receive individual attention during the session when they complete activities in small groups. The playroom is welcoming and child friendly. The group provides a range of toys and activities to meet the developmental needs of the children cared for. Records are in generally good order and will be more accessible when put together in an operational plan. Staff risk assess the premises and outside play area from a child's eye view and hazards are minimised. Children pay attention to hand washing and good hygiene standards in general. Snack times are sociable; children and staff can discuss the events of the morning. Staff members are aware of their responsibilities regarding child protection issues,

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

caring for children with special needs and providing resources that reflect equal opportunities.

p.2

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 Toys are rotated so that interest is maintained. Younger children access sensory toys encouraging conversation about touch, sound and colour. Older children can choose from creative play and games. Staff make good use of the playground for ball games, jumping and climbing. Staff are interested in the children's conversation and listen intently to understand their words and encourage language skills. Parents and key workers liaise to ensure that a co-ordinated approach is given to behaviour management. Staff members have developed a good working relationship with parents. Time is made to talk each day about children's development and welfare. Confidentiality is maintained.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the registered provider agreed to ensure that various documentation was put into place. At this visit it was seen that there is now a system for recording any medication administered to children and that a policy for sick children is in place. An incident book and an anti-bullying statement are in use. Any visitors sign upon entry to the playroom. If children are taken out of the building on an outing, a working policy for keeping them safe is available to staff. Pulling all the various paperwork together in an operational plan has still to be implemented. Staff also need a written, more organised induction programme that ensures they understand the policies and procedures in place. The premises are now risk assessed and hazards are minimised. The Fire Safety Officer has visited the group and made his recommendations. The children are secure within the building as the front door is locked.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

Training is still an on-going issue. However courses are being sought to enhance qualifications.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff are kind and considerate towards the children. • The premises are brightly decorated and welcoming to children and parents. • Children have access to a range of toys and equipment that meet their developmental needs.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• induction programme for new staff • operational plan.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.3

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Develop and review an operational plan, which is available to parents. 2 Ensure that all staff has induction training that includes health and safety and child protection policies and procedures in the first week of their employment.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6