St Mary's Pre-school Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/10/2003 Inspector Name Susan Linda Capon

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St Mary's Pre-school Playgroup Setting Address Old Church Schools 86 Hayes Street Hayes Kent BR2 7BA

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of St Mary's Pre-school Playgroup

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St Mary's Pre-school Playgroup Address Old Church Schools 86 Hayes Street Hayes Kent BR2 7BA

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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

St Mary's Pre-school Playgroup opened in November 1993. The group operates from two large halls, an enclosed foyer area, garden room, two toilet blocks and two kitchens on church hall premises situated in the London Borough of Bromley. St. Mary's Pre-school Playgroup serves the local area. There are currently 70 children from 2.5 to 5 years on roll. This includes 12 funded 3 year olds and 24 funded 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports one child with special needs. The group opens 5 days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 9am until 12 noon each morning and 12.30p.m. until 3p.m on Thursday and Friday afternoons. Nine part-time and full-time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. The setting receives support from a mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

St. Mary's Pre-school Playgroup offers good care for children. The staff work well as a team providing a warm, welcoming and friendly environment. The well organised operational plan and good staff to child ratios enable the children to participate in a wide range of activities including outdoor play. The group operates a key worker system which enables staff to help each child develop appropriately. A detailed risk assessment plan is in place and all staff are very aware of the need to keep the premises safe and secure. However, improvements need to be made relating to visitors. There are well written policies and procedures relating to health and safety and staff encourage the children to develop their understanding in this area. All accidents are managed appropriately and detailed records are kept. Snack time is offered in small groups which works well. Policies and procedures are in place for Child Protection with some additional information required to ensure all

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How good is the Day Care?

children are kept safe. An excellent range of toys, activities and equipment is available to all the children throughout the site providing opportunities for ongoing development. The children play co-operatively together and relate well to the staff. Throughout the session the

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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 children work in small groups according to their age and stage of development. Overall minimal behaviour management is required as all the children are fully occupied and stimulated. Staff manage children with challenging behaviour in a positive way which works well. The setting promotes equal opportunities and the group includes children with special needs offering suitable support where required.

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How good is the Day Care?

Good relationships with parents are developed by everyone being made welcome by the staff team. Parents are regularly updated with information relating to their child's progress and development.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The group had not notified Ofsted of staff changes including a new leader. This leader was required to complete all Ofsted paperwork and undergo a "suitable person interview". These have now been completed ensuring suitable staff are working directly with the children. A number of policies and procedures required updating and these have all been re-written. This ensures all staff are fully aware of suitable procedures for managing the setting and the children are safe and secure. An action plan relating to groups not exceeding 26 at any time has been provided and the operational plan works well providing small groups throughout the session. The children receive more attention from the staff which helps them to develop their confidence and learning in all areas. The kitchen area was required to be inaccessible to the children and this has been achieved by addition of a chub lock. This ensures the children are safe and secure.

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What is being done well?

• An excellent operational plan is in place with good deployment of staff in all areas. Children work in small groups throughout the session providing them with more adult attention and support when required. • The staff team provide a warm and welcoming environment by greeting everyone on arrival by name. Parents can talk to the staff before and after each session which keeps both the group and parents fully informed about individual children. • This is a well resourced group offering children a broad range of toys/equipment and activities during each session. There is a balance of free choice and adult directed activities throughout the session offering every child the opportunity to develop appropriately in all areas. • Snack time is a well organised activity providing additional opportunities for development and learning. Staff sit at the tables with the children and encourage social interaction. The staff are aware of all individual dietary

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What is being done well?

needs and ensure these are managed appropriately.

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What is being done well?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • The behaviour management policy identifies appropriate ways of managing children's behaviour. Staff use a positive approach particularly when managing challenging behaviour. • A well organised registration process is in place. Arrivals and departures are closely monitored by staff to ensure no child leaves the premises unnoticed.

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What needs to be improved?

• the management of visitors to the site relating to health and safety; • improvements to the Child Protection Policy and procedures to ensure all areas are covered.

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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 6 Provide an action plan to identify how the group will suitably manage visitors to the site when the children are present. Include the movement of equipment and organisation of hot drinks. 13 Improve and update the Child protection Policy and procedures to identify how staff should keep themselves safe from allegations of abuse. Also consider other church members on site when the children are present particularly relating to using the toilets.

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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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