Albert Bear Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 30/09/2004 Inspector Name Sarah Jane Rhodes

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Albert Bear Playgroup Setting Address Chesterton Community Centre London Road, Chesterton Newcastle Staffordshire ST5 7EA

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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

Albert Bear Playgroup opened in 1994. It operates from a large first floor room in Chesterton Community Centre, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme. The group serves a wide local area. There are currently 73 children from 2 to 3 years on roll. This includes five funded three-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week all year round. Sessions are from 07:30 until 18:00. There are six staff working with the children. Half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. There are three staff currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership [EYDCP].

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How good is the Day Care?

Albert Bear Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. The environment is warm and welcoming. It is organised to provide for a range of activities and care needs. Health and safety procedures are adequately implemented and hygiene is promoted as part of the daily routine. Healthy eating is encouraged with the provision of a nutritious diet. Staff promote equal opportunities well and have an adequate understanding of child protection issues. Some staff are undertaking short courses and training towards a recognised qualification. Most required paperwork, including policies and procedures are in place and up to date. However, they do not have a procedure to be followed in the event a child is lost or uncollected and have not informed Ofsted of changes when they have occurred. Staff plan a varied range of interesting activities for all children. Staff observe what children can do. There is a good range of toys and equipment. Children play

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How good is the Day Care?

enthusiastically and cooperatively and are able to access the toys provided easily, which allows them to make decisions about their play and learning. Resources and activities reflect equality of opportunity. Staff have good relationships with the children and know them well. They talk to the children, encouraging them to play and

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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 learn through activities and routines. Staff implement appropriate methods to manage children's behaviour and children behave well. Staff work in partnership with parents to provide a flexible service to meet the children's needs. This sometimes means working with other professionals to ensure any special needs are catered for. Staff ensure parents are kept fully informed about their child's progress through daily discussions and assessment booklets. Newsletters, policies and information packs also keep them informed of how the setting operates.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable, as no actions were raised at the last Inspection.

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What is being done well?

• A wide range of activities and quality equipment are provided. These give children good opportunities to play and learn. They are able to access toys themselves which gives them more control over their play and learning. • The environment is welcoming and warm with colourful displays of children's art work. It is well organised to provide good spaces to support the activities provided. • Equal opportunities is promoted well, children are given equality of opportunity. The group provides a wide range of positive images and role models of culture and disability.

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What needs to be improved?

• the notification to Ofsted of any relevant changes • the procedure to be followed for lost or uncollected children.

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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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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE NEXT?

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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 14 Inform Ofsted of any changes at the earliest opportunity. 12/11/2004

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

2 Ensure you have procedures to be followed in the event of a child being lost or not collected. 12/11/2004

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

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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