Preston Brook Preschool

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/02/2005 Inspector Name Janice Linsdell

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Preston Brook Playgroup Setting Address Preston Brook Village Hall, Sandy Lane Preston Brook Runcorn Cheshire WA7 3AW

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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

Preston Brook Playgroup was registered in 1998 and operates from a village hall located in the Preston Brook area of Runcorn. Facilities include a playroom, kitchen, children's toilets and an enclosed outside play area. The group is managed by an Committee and opens each week day, from 09.30 until 12.00 term time only. Children attend from the local area. The group is registered to care for a maximum of 24 children at any one time and there are currently 18 children aged from 2 to under 5 years on roll, of whom 11 receive funding for nursery education. The group supports a small number of children with special educational needs. The group employs three staff including the Manager, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

Preston Brook Playgroup provides good quality care for children under five years. The group is well organised and all staff are qualified and attend ongoing training. The premises are secure and provide a stimulating environment for children to play and learn. Playgroup documentation is organised and generally well maintained, except for accident and incident records which currently do not meet confidentiality requirements. Staff are vigilant about children's safety and take appropriate measures to minimise hazards to children. The premises are generally safe, but safety certificates to confirm the gas and electrical safety of the building have expired. Overall, good hygiene practices are maintained and procedures are in place to promote children's health, but the arrangements for hand washing in the children's toilets are not considered to be hygienic. Children are provided with a good selection of healthy

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How good is the Day Care?

snacks and drinks. Staff understand child protection issues and information is available regarding local child protection procedures. Children are offered a wide range of activities and play opportunities to keep them stimulated during the session. Toys, equipment and play materials are plentiful and readily accessible to children to support their play and learning. Staff promote equal opportunities and provide resources and activities to develop children's awareness of cultural diversity. Children with additional needs are well supported in the group.

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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 Positive strategies are used to promote and encourage good behaviour and children behave well towards each other and adults. Staff develop good relationships with parents and work closely with them to ensure children's needs are met. Feedback from parents is positive about the friendly staff, the standard of care that children receive and the variety of snacks provided.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, 10 actions were identified as areas for improvement, which related to: staff vetting procedures, risk assessment, knowledge of child protection issues and playgroup documentation. All of these actions have been completed appropriately. All staff are have completed appropriate vetting procedures to ensure their suitability to work with children. A risk assessment has been conducted on the premises, to ensure that any potential hazards to children are identified and minimised. Staff have a clear understanding about child protection issues and have access to relevant information to ensure any concerns are dealt with appropriately. Records, policies and procedures have been reviewed, updated and implemented in line with National Standard requirements, which has improved operational procedures in the group.

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What is being done well?

• All staff are qualified in childcare and attend regular ongoing training to enhance their knowledge and skills for example, courses relating to the foundation stage, working with parents, raising standards and child protection. • Staff facilitate and support children's play well. They interact positively with the children and ask questions to extend their learning. Children have fun, enjoy their play and participate in activities with enthusiasm. • Snack time is considered to be an important part of the session, where children's social and independence skills are encouraged. Snacks provided are substantial, nutritious and healthy. • Children with additional needs are well supported. Staff have completed specific training with regard to special educational needs. They work closely with parents and other professionals to identify children's needs and promote their welfare and development. •• Good behaviour is actively encouraged by staff and children's efforts are

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What is being done well?

valued and appreciated. Children have friends in the group and they related very well towards each other and adults.

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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 • the arrangements to confirm the gas and electrical safety of the premises • the arrangements for hand washing in the children's toilets • the procedures for recording accidents and incidents to ensure confidentiality is maintained.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

There are no complaints to report since 1st April 2004.

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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 Make sure that gas and electrical appliances and fittings conform to safety requirements and ensure safety certificates are kept up-to-date and made available for inspection. 7 Review the arrangements for hand washing in the children's toilets, so that more hygienic procedures are followed. 14 Make sure that details of accidents and incidents are recorded in a way that maintains confidentiality.

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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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