Birdwell Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/07/2004 Inspector Name Karen Cockings

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Birdwell Playgroup Setting Address Birdwell J&I School Sheffield Road, Birdwell Barnsley South Yorkshire S70 5XB

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

Birdwell Playgroup has been operating for approximately 16 years. It is a privately owned provision which serves families living in the Birdwell area of Barnsley. The majority of children go on to attend Birdwell Primary School. The playgroup meets in a classroom and adjoining area in the school with toilet facilties nearby. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play space in the school playground which the playgroup is able to use. The playgroup is open from 09:00 to 11:30, Monday to Friday during term time. Additional sessions are offered to children on the waiting list on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, to help them to become familiar with the setting. Occasional sessional care may be offered during school holidays, subject to demand. The group is registered for 30 children aged between two and five years. There are currently 42 children on roll, of whom 23 children are 3 and 4 year olds in receipt of

p.2

Information about the setting

nursery education funding. The group supports children with special needs, but there are no children attending at present with English as an additional language. A team of four staff work with the children including the owner/manager, all of whom have relevant early years qualifications. The setting has strong links with the school and receives support from the Local Authority and the Pre- School learning Alliance.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Birdwell Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children with some good aspects. Staff create a welcoming environment for children, particularly in the main playroom where a variety of resources are set out attractively to capture children's interest. The staff team work effectively together to ensure that children are well supported in their play. There are policies and procedures in place, but some paperwork lacks the necessary detail to comply with requirements. Most aspects of safety is attended to well. Staff supervise carefully and ensure that children learn how to use the environment and equipment safely. They take appropriate measures to protect children if unexpected hazards are identified. Planned activities also help children to become aware of health and safety issues. However, some aspects of safety in the smaller playroom need attention, to create a safer, more inviting area for children's play.

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 Staff plan and provide a good variety of activities for the children, helping them to make progress and to learn new skills. The grouping of children for some parts of the session enables staff to provide focussed age appropriate activities, although all of the children have opportunities for free play. Staff use resources effectively to stimulate children's interest: they set out the imaginative play area well, which encourages children to enter into role play activities with enthusiasm. Staff have good relationships with children. There is lively interaction with them and their behaviour is managed positively, with lots of encouragement and praise. Effective measures are taken to enable children with additional needs to participate and to make progress. The partnership with parents works well. Noticeboards, leaflets and newsletters

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

provide parents with helpful information about the setting. Staff also make sure information is shared about children's progress, both verbally and in writing.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the provider agreed to ensure action plans were enforced and to have a member of staff with first aid training at each session. It was also agreed that child protection training would be accessed and that consideration would be given to having a designated member of staff with responsibility for child protection issues. Regular staff meetings now enable action plans to be discussed and dealt with. There are now at least two members of staff with up to date first aid training and generally they are both at each session. Two members of staff have attended child protection training and pass on information to others in the staff team. The manager is the person with designated responsibility for child protection issues.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff interaction with children is warm and lively which helps to build good relationships and to encourage children's involvement. The staff use opportunities well, during play, to encourage children's learning. For example, they draw children's attention to the triangular bandage as they play in the "hospital" corner, and talk to them about its shape and purpose. • Resources are varied and used effectively with the children to promote learning and language development. Hand puppets are used in an interesting way at circle time, which encourages the children to talk and to share their ideas. • Staff manage children's behaviour positively. They use effective methods to ensure that children listen to instructions and follow agreed ground rules. Children are encouraged and their achievements recognised. • Children with additional needs are welcomed and included. Staff make efforts to encourage all children to engage with activities and to achieve their full

p.3

What is being done well?

potential. • Staff supervise children carefully and take care to ensure that children learn

p.3

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 how to use their environment safely. For example, they remind children about how to walk down the steps to the outdoor play area and to use equipment. Visits and activities are organised to increase children's awareness of their environment, including visits from the Fire Service as part of the themed work around " People who help us".

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the procedure for keeping Ofsted informed of staff changes and any other changes to circumstances • the arrangements for recording of accidents • the procedures , with specific regard to lost and uncollected children and some aspects of complaints and child protection procedures.

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

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

Std Action Date 1 Ensure that there are effective procedures in place for informing Ofsted of staff changes so that required checks can be made. 31/08/2004

p.4

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

2 Develop procedures to be followed in the event of a child being lost or a parent failing to collect a child. 31/08/2004

p.4

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

7 Review the arrangements for recording of accidents to ensure that a detailed record is kept and parents signatures obtained. 31/08/2004

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 6 Review the safety arrangements in the kitchen area with specific regard to the exposed water pipes to minimise risk of injury to children. 12 Ensure that the complaints procedure informs parents about the role of Ofsted in this process and how they can make contact if necessary. 13 Review and update the child protection procedures to ensure they comply with local area child protection procedures and to include measures to be taken where an allegation is made against a member of staff.

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.5

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.6

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.6

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.6

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.7

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.7

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.7

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.7

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.7