Brereton Playgroup and Preschool

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/10/2003 Inspector Name David Corcoran

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Brereton Playgroup Setting Address School Lane Brereton Green Nr Sandbach CW11 1RN

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Brereton Playgroup Committee 1079328

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Brereton Playgroup Committee Address School Lane Brereton Sanbach Cheshire CW11 1RN

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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

Brereton Playgroup operates in a small purpose-built play building within the grounds of Brereton Infant/Junior School. It has been registered since September 1983, for 12 children aged between the term they are three and school age. The playgroup presently operates for five mornings, 09:00 - 12:00 and two afternoons, 13:00 - 15:30, each week, term time only. The group is administered by a parents committee who are elected annually. The playgroup serves the immediate community with some children also attending from other local villages and towns. The premises consists of one playroom, with kitchen and toilet areas. The setting has access to the school playground and playing fields. Staff presently consist of one supervisor and a parent helper at each session. The group currently has seven funded three and four year old children, one child with special educational needs and one child with English as a second language.

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How good is the Day Care?

Brereton Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. Organisationally, there is one member of staff working with one of several parent helpers each session on a rota basis. This can impede effective communication between all those involved in providing care, but children are well supported and good use is made of the available play space to create a variety of activity areas to support children's development. The environment is bright, colourful and well maintained. There is a good range of play materials and resources which children are able to access easily. Appropriate records, policies and procedures are maintained, though some amendments are required. The person in charge has many years experience of providing for children, but does not hold a recognised child care qualification. The member of staff and parent helpers are aware of Health and Safety procedures and implement them effectively to ensure that children are kept safe both indoors

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How good is the Day Care?

and when outside. Staff guidance, daily routines and play activities make children aware of safety and good hygiene. There is a broad range of activities which develop children's knowledge and understanding. They are encouraged to act independently, make choices for themselves and develop an awareness of the importance of caring, sharing and showing consideration for others. Each child is recognised as having individual

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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 needs, and is supported according to those needs with sensitivity. Children are helped to learn about behaviour and good manners. There are very strong links with parents, many of whom regularly help on play sessions alongside the member of staff. Parents are warmly welcomed and are provided with written information about the setting, its policies and procedures.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the need to ensure that all staff undertake clearances was identified. New committee members and parent helpers are currently undergoing the vetting process.

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What is being done well?

• There is good use of space. Although restricted in size, the playroom has a number of different activity areas which are changed throughout the session to offer variety and stimulation. There is much evidence of children's handiwork on display in the stimulating environment. • Children are encouraged to make choices for themselves and can move freely from one area to another. The session offers a good balance of free and structured play, with staff supporting children individually or in small groups. • Children's individual needs are recognised and there are effective procedures for sharing concerns with parents and liaising with any external agencies which may be involved in supporting children's development. • Children are helped to develop a sense of responsibility by tidying up and putting things away. • Their independence is further encouraged at snack time, when they are encouraged to choose drinks and prepare their own food at the table.

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What needs to be improved?

• the procedure to ensure that the person in charge complies with the child care qualification requirement • communication strategies, to ensure that all persons acting as staff are made aware of changing child care practice and procedures • the stock of play equipment, to include resources which help children's awareness of disability • safety procedures, to ensure that the electricity supply and electrical appliances conform to required standards • policy statements regarding equal opportunities, behaviour management, child protection, and the complaints procedure, to be updated in accordance with the National Standards and Guidance.

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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

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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 1 Produce an action plan identifying how qualifications requirements for the person in charge are to be met 19/12/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 1 Ensure that all relevant new committee members undergo the vetting process. 2 Develop strategies for ensuring all parent helpers have access to relevant information relating to good practice issues. 6 Ensure that the electricity supply and electrical appliances conform to safety requirements and do not pose a hazard to children. 14 Expand the equal opportunities, child protection and behaviour management statement in accordance with the Guidance to the National Standards. 9 Expand the stock of play resources to include equipment which promotes an awareness of disability. 12 Update the information supplied to parents and ensure that parents are made aware of Ofsted’s address and telephone number. 13 Ensure that all staff are made aware of new guidance regarding child protection.

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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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