Corpus Christi Catholic Primary Academy

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 19/01/2004 Inspector Name Stella Grace Dykes

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Emerson Valley Playgroup Setting Address 6 White Horse Drive Emerson Valley Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK4 2AS

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Emerson Valley Playgroup 1056708

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Emerson Valley Playgroup Address 6 White Horse Drive Emerson Valley Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK4 2AS

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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

Emerson Valley Playgroup opened in 1984. It operates from a Community Hall in the south of Milton Keynes. The playgroup serves the local area. There are currently 59 children from 2 to 4 years on roll. This includes some funded three and four-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The playgroup supports some children who speak English as an additional language.

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Information about the setting

The playgroup opens for five days a week during school term times during the following times: Monday 09.30 until 12.00 and 12.30 until 15.00; Tuesday 09.30 until 12.00; Wednesday and Thursday 09.30 until 15.30 and Friday 12.30 until 15.00. Eleven staff are employed; ten work with the children. Two have early years qualifications and three staff are currently on training programmes. The playgroup receives support from a mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). The playgroup is community group, managed by a committee of parents.

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How good is the Day Care?

Emerson Valley Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. The playgroup's organisation is effective, and staff are guided by the policies and procedures that the management committee has put in place. The staff use displays of the children's art work, posters and pictures to make the rooms that the children use bright and colourful. The playgroup has a range of toys and play equipment that is well maintained and attractively presented. The staff make sure that the areas used by the children are safe for them, and that the necessary safety features are in place. The policies and records relating to safety are in place; a few lack the necessary detail. The staff understand their role in the protection of children. The playgroup is active in safeguarding the children's health and welfare. The snacks and drinks that the playgroup provides are varied, and staff make sure that they take account of parents' wishes. On the two days

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How good is the Day Care?

when the older children bring a packed lunch, the staff sit at the tables with the children at lunch time. Staff plan and present a range of activities for the children to choose from. They make sure that there is a good balance of play, so that the needs of the youngest

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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 and oldest children are met. The staff know the children well, and treat them all with equal concern. They understand that some children may need extra support, and the playgroup has taken steps to make sure that those children will be cared for appropriately. The staff praise the children when they behave well, and deal sensitively with the few minor instances of poor behaviour. The playgroup has some systems in place for developing good partnerships with parents. Staff and parents use formal and informal ways to share information about the care of the children. The playgroup has records, policies and procedures in place that cover most aspects of how the playgroup operates.

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What is being done well?

• The staff know the children well, and enjoy their company. They spend time playing with them, talking to them, and listening to what they have to say. They understand the importance of giving children choices suited to their age and understanding. The children play enthusiastically, and are happy and settled in the playgroup. • Activities and play opportunities are well planned, and staff are skilled at helping the children to explore what is on offer, and to get the most value from it that they can. The children are able to learn, and make progress. • Each of the staff know their roles within the group, and they work well together as a team. The children benefit from playgroup sessions that are well organised, and from the positive role model that the staff give them.

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What needs to be improved?

• written authorisation from parents for another adult to collect their child, and for that adult to countersign accident and incident records • the lost child procedure, to make it more detailed • the fire drill record, so that it includes the number of children and adults present, and the time taken to evacuate the building.

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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 13 Ensure that parents see and countersign records of significant incidents, including pre-existing injuries. 2 Further develop the written proceedure to be followed in the event of a child becoming lost.

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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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