Maple Grove Community Group

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/05/2003 Inspector Name Denise May Smith

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Maple Grove Community Group Setting Address Maple Grove March Cambridgshire PE15 8JT

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

The Maple Grove Community Group opened in April 1994. It operates from three rooms within a purpose built, brick building and separate mobile unit situated in the grounds of Maple Grove primary school, in March. The group serves the local area. The committee run group offer full day care for 72 children from two to eight years. However, children up to the age of 11 may attend. The breakfast, lunch, after school, play scheme and pre-day care group are held in the mobile building which is registered for 20 children. The pre-school groups are held in the two rooms within the brick building and are each registered for 26 children. There are currently 250 children from two to eleven on roll. This includes 46 funded three year olds and 44 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Four children have special needs and there are currently no children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term times.

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Information about the setting

Sessions are from 8.00 a.m. until 6 p.m. Twelve full and part time staff work with the children. Eight have early years qualifications. Five staff are currently on training programmes.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Maple Grove Community Group provides good care for children. The effective management and organisation of the group ensures that there is a good system in place to recruit and train staff to offer good appropriate care to the children who attend. The excellent facilities and careful selection of well maintained, appropriate resources give children many opportunities to learn, explore and develop in all areas of learning. Most policies and documentation are in place. Children's safety, health and welfare is given high priority. Comprehensive risk assessments and effective procedures are in place in order to offer protection for children and ensure they are cared for in a safe environment. All children have access to the groups, the broad range of resources and the many fun, interesting activities offered. Staff assess children's achievements well, enabling them to plan appropriate activities which help

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How good is the Day Care?

them develop. They give particularly good support to children with special needs. Children's behaviour is good; staff are consistent in their approach and encourage positive behaviour. There is very good partnership with parents. Staff gather lots of information from parents so that children feel secure in the group, and parents are kept well informed of the progress their children make.

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What has improved since the last 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 There were no actions or extra conditions imposed at the last inspection.

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What is being done well?

Effective staff recruitment procedures are in place. This ensures that all staff have appropriate experience, knowledge and skills to offer appropriate care. (Standard 1) Good organisation and the stringent systems in place ensure that the provision is managed effectively. (Standard 2) Careful assessment and planning together with an extensive range of interesting, appropriate activities covering all areas of learning ensure children are given every opportunity to reach their individual potential. (Standard 3) Thorough procedures which include comprehensive risk assessments ensure children are cared for in a safe environment (Standard 6) Effective procedures are in place to promote children's health and welfare. (Standard 7) An accessible environment and appropriate resources which are tailored to meet children's individual needs together with careful researching, ensures that all children have equality of access to the facility and the range of stimulating play

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What is being done well?

opportunities. (Standard 10) An effective behaviour management policy, which, is consistently implemented by all staff allows children to feel secure and understand what is acceptable behaviour. (Standard 11) Parents are valued as partners in care. Good systems of communication, information gathering and sharing allow children to be cared for according to parents wishes. (Standard 12)

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The excellent facilities are effectively managed and organised enabling the needs of individual children to be very well met. (Standard 2)

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What needs to be improved?

the register, to include the arrival and departure times of children. (Standard 2) the complaints procedure, to include Ofsted's name, contact address and telephone number. (Standard 14)

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Ensure that the register includes the arrival and departure times of

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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 children. 14 Ensure that the complaints procedure includes Ofsted's name, contact address and telephone number.

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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 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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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

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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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