St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, Lancaster

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/07/2003 Inspector Name Sonia Steele

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Lincoln Hall Playgroup Setting Address 70 Fern Street London E3 3PR

p.1

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

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

Lincoln Pre-school Playgroup has been operating for a number of years and is set within the Lincoln Community Centre. It is situated close to Devons Road DLR and a bus route. The group operates both morning and afternoon sessions and is run by a management committee. The group occupy 2 group rooms, a kitchenette and a sensory area within the community centre. The group have suitable toilet facilities for children and staff and there is special needs toilet which is also used as a changing room. The group is funded for 3/4 year olds. There are seven staff, and normally operate with 6 staff which is above the minimum needed. The majority of staff hold a relevant qualification in child care and education to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 2 or 3. The playgroup works closely with the Early Years Development Childcare Partnership and they sponsor a special needs staff to give one to one support to any special ediucational needs child.

p.2

Information about the setting

The pre-school playgroup operates term time only, Monday from 10-12 noon Tuesday to Friday 9.30am 12noon; Monday to Friday 1pm to 3.15pm. The committe have requested to provide a creche in addition to the Pre-School. The playgroup provides sessional care for a maximum of 16 children per session aged 2 - 5 years and the creche will provide care for 15 children aged 0-5 years Mondays to Fridays. The creche will operate from a hall which will be divided to provide care for babies.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Lincoln Hall Pre-School Playgroup offers a good quality care for children. The group provide an enviornment where children can learn through play. There is a wide range of activities that helps children to make good progress in all areas of their development. Staff meet children's needs through sensitive and appropriate interactions that promote children's self esteem. Children are able to choose from an interesting and varied selection of toys. The children's care, learning, and play is

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 supported well by staff who monitor progress regularly and use this information to meet children's individual needs. Children with special needs are provided with good support and fully integrated into activities. There is a special needs worker offering one to one support to children with special needs. There is a sensory area with soft music, revolving lights , objects of animalsand photographs of children from various cultures and with special needs. Special dietary needs of children are displayed for all staff to see Staff play and talk with the children throughout activities and daily routines. Good health and safety is maintained ,and saff help children learn about good hygiene. The premises is secure and there are effective systems for the safe arrival and collection of children. There are clear risk assessment for outings and clear

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

policies and procedures are available to parents. There is an induction day set during September and January and parents are given full information about the setting and their children's interest and developmental progress. The group provide a clear inclusion policy for parents and key workers are available at all times to speak to parents on a daily basis.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection actions were made requiring that the playgroup to provide special needs code of practice; evacuation procedures; consent for medication and policy on sick children. All these have been addressed appropriately. There are now inclusion policy for special needs; consent for medication and a policy on sick children is included in the policies and procedures.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Children take part in a wide range of well planned activities resourced by good quality equipment. Very good use is made of the space available, the playrooms are brightly decorated with children's work and appropriate displays. Activities and resources are invitingly laid out with clear areas and suitable play space to ensure children can access them easily. • Snack time is well utilised. Varied and nutritious snacks are available and link in with themes and topics and children's independence and social interaction is encouraged. • There is an extremely effective partnership with parents. Parents can make an appointment to speak with Keyworkers at any time, as well as receiving written assessments of their child's progress.

p.3

An aspect of outstanding practice:

At the time of the visit the the group had on loan from the local farm ducks/chicks

p.3

An aspect of outstanding practice:

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 eggs in an incubator. The ducks were hatching during this time and it was an enormous excitement to the children, staff, parents and other members within the centre. Books illustrating a ducks and chicks life cycle. This was well supervised by staff.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the provision of a separate toilet for the creche.

p.4

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.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 that the group provide an additional toilet for the creche.

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