Sandbach Heath (St John's) Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 06/01/2004 Inspector Name Debra Elizabeth Jean Dahlstrom

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Sandbach Heath (St John's) Playgroup Setting Address School Lane Sandbach Heath Sandbach CW11 2LS

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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

Sandbach Heath ( St John's) Playgroup is sited adjoining the grounds of St John's Primary School in Sandbach. The playgroup is managed by a committee who have appointed a qualified and experienced manager to run the playgroup. The group is registered for 15 children from two to under five years of age, although most children do not attend until they are at least two years and six months. There are currently 30 children on roll of which 16 are funded three year olds and four are funded four year olds. A total of four staff work with the children, with all holding relevant childcare qualifications. The playgroup receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.(EYDCP) The playgroup is open term time only, Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 11:45 and Monday and Tuesday 13:00 to 15:00, and from January to July on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons 13:00 to 15:00.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Sandbach Playgroup ( St John's) provides a good standard of care for children. Staff work well as a team and are clear about their roles and responsibilities. Although operating in one small room, the environment is warm and welcoming and children are happy and settled. The playgroup has a good range of toys and equipment likely to promote children's learning in all areas. Records and documentation are generally in good order, although some necessary details and vetting checks need to be included. Staff take all reasonable steps to ensure the physical environment is safe and secure for children. The premises are clean and well maintained, with good hygiene practices implemented by staff to promote the children's good health. The playgroup take part in a dental health programme therefore children benefit from a variety of low sugar snacks and drinks to promote their growth and development. There are

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How good is the Day Care?

clear child protection procedures in place which are shared with parents. Staff plan and deliver a broad range of activities and learning experiences which help children progress in all areas of their development and are particularly suited to the older children attending. Children's language, imagination and mathematical

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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 thinking are well supported through constant discussion of every day activities. The staff are caring and share their attention and ensure each child is treated with equal concern. Staff are calm and consistent in the methods they use in dealing with children's behaviour and manage any challenging behaviours well. Children are polite cooperative and generally behave well. There is a good partnership between parents and staff, information is shared daily about the children's achievements, needs and routines.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the person in charge agreed to ensure confirmation was obtained regarding suitable checks being carried out on all staff. Written confirmation is now in place indicating that all necessary checks were undertaken to ensure staff are suitably vetted to work with children. The person in charge agreed to produce a written equal opportunities policy, this is now in place to give clear guidance to those working with children.

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What is being done well?

• Staff are well qualified and work effectively as a team. Given the high staff ratios provided within the setting staff are well able to offer individual attention to children and support them in their care learning and play. • Staff supervise children well. They take all reasonable steps to ensure children are kept safe and well, both indoors and outdoors. There are good systems in place to ensure children are cared for well and these are fully understood by staff. • The environment is warm and welcoming to children, with good quality equipment and play materials which are attractive and appealing to children. Children settle quickly and have formed friendly and secure relationships with staff. • Staff have effective partnerships with parents. All new parents are given a copy of the parent handbook and throughout the children's stay at the group there are good systems in place for individual discussion about routines,

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What is being done well?

progress, behaviours for example. • Children benefit from a variety of nutritious snacks and drinks to promote their healthy growth and development and in particular good dental health and hygiene.

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What needs to be improved?

• review the delivery and planning of the adult directed activities, • extend the child protection statement, • vetting arrangements for members of the committee .

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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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 1 Ensure necessary checks are carried out for committee members. 3 Consider how the adult directed activities are planned and delivered in order to meet the developmental needs of the all the children attending. 13 Extend your child protection statement to include the procedure in the event of allegations made against staff.

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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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