St Michael's Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 11/11/2003 Inspector Name Jasvinder Kaur

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St Michael's Playgroup Setting Address The Parish Centre Upper Street,Tettenhall Wolverhampton West Midlands

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of St Michael's Playgroup 1043275

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St Michael's Playgroup Address The Parish Centre Upper Street Tettenhall Wolverhampton WV6 8QF

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

St Michael's Playgroup opened in 1992. It operates from a room in the Parish Centre in the Tettenhall area of Wolverhampton. The group serves the local area. There are currently 26 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group opens four days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09.30 until 12.00. Four part time staff work with the children. Half of the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ Level 3. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

St Michael's Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. Staff make good use of the space available and arrange equipment so that children have a choice of activities. Staff are committed to ongoing training in order to improve their practice. Documentation is incomplete. Staff give high priority to ensuring children are safe both inside and outside the group. They consistently carry out the procedures outlined in the setting's comprehensive safety policies. Most areas for promoting children's health are satisfactory. Children are encouraged to follow good hygiene practices. None of the staff hold a current first aid certificate, however this training has been booked. Staff have undertaken Child Protection training, however they do not have written procedures to follow in the event of allegation of abuse made against members of staff. There are sufficient and suitable toys, furniture and equipment provided for children.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

However, free play activities are not always stimulating and do not develop children's skills. The group benefits from being located in the same premises as the library which the children regularly visit for story time. Partnership with parents is good. They take an active part in social and fund raising events. Staff interact with parents on a daily basis. Information for parents is also available in the welcome pack and on the notice board.

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

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the manager agreed to improve hygiene practices by providing paper towels to dry children's hands; these are now available.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff are committed to gaining early years qualifications; two staff members have now completed NVQ Level 3 qualifications. • Staff provide a warm and welcoming environment. Display materials are used to help children develop their intellectual skills and children have easy access to resources. • Toys, equipment and materials are used to provide a balanced range of activities and promote equality of opportunity. There is a safe and secure outdoor play area for children to enjoy physical play. • The premises are kept secure. Staff have effective procedures for the safe arrival and collection of children. The attendance record of children and staff is very clear and up-to-date. The group also keep a record of visitors.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the free play activities in order to encourage children's development • the procedures for excluding children who are ill or infectious • the written statement on special needs • the procedure to be followed in the event of allegation of abuse or neglect made against members of staff.

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.3

The Registered Person should have regard to the following recommendations

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

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 Ensure that free play activities stimulate children's learning. 7 Devise and implement a policy about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious and make sure that parents are made aware of it. 10 Devise, and make available to parents, a written statement on special needs which is consistent with current legislation and guidance and is understood and implemented by all staff. 13 Ensure that the child protection procedure for the playgroup complies with local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures.

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