Costock Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/12/2003 Inspector Name Rachel Burnett

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Costock Playgroup Setting Address Main Street Costock Loughborough Leicestershire LE12 6XD

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Costock Playgroup Address Main Street Costock Loughborough Leicestershire LE12 6XD

p.1

ORGANISATION 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

Costock Playgroup opened approximately 30 years ago. It operates from 2 rooms in the local village hall. There is access to an enclosed outdoor play area. Children attend the group who live in the village of Costock and the surrounding villages. There are currently 22 children from two - five years on roll. This includes five funded 4-year-olds and six funded 3-year-olds. Children attend a variety of sessions each week. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:00 until 11:30 on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 09:00 until 13:00 on a Monday and a Wednesday. Three staff work with the children, two of these have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. One member of staff is currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from the Nottinghamshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Costock Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. A warm and welcoming atmosphere is provided, where the environment is well organised to meet children's needs and the children are settled and confident in the environment. Procedures are in place regarding the appointment of new staff, however these are not yet fully effective in ensuring Ofsted are notified or all changes to staffing and that staff submit to the appropriate vetting procedures. Systems are in place for recording staff's and children's attendance but these do not always show the timings of attendance. All of the staff working with the children have attended relevant training courses and workshops to develop their skills and the group give high priority to continuing to develop the staff's knowledge. Policies and procedures are in place regarding children's safety but some of these are not always readily available. A social snack time is provided for the children, with

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

a wide range of interesting and healthy snacks available. The staff are fully aware of the children's dietary needs. The staff get on very well with the children they care for and they spend their time playing and talking with them. They encourage the children's learning and

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 development through their interactions and the children enjoy the time they spend in the group. Staff manage the children's behaviour well and encourage their good behaviour through the praise they provide. Children are treated as individuals and the staff give priority to ensuring all children are included and valued. The staff have positive relationships with parents, due to their friendly and approachable manner. There are clear procedures in place to ensure the parents are fully informed of the provision and the care their child receives.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection the group have developed their storage of records by acquiring a lockable filing cabinet. This ensures that appropriate records required for registration are maintained and that they are always readily available. A risk assessment has recently been introduced, which identifies potential hazards and the action required to minimise these. This helps to create a safe environment for the children. The group have taken steps to ensure that exposed electric sockets are fitted with covers and to ensure the outdoor play area is secure and they continue to do daily checks on these areas to promote the children's safety. Staff have completed training courses relating to food safety and hygiene, which ensures those responsible for the preparation and handling of children's food are fully aware of, and comply with the appropriate regulations. The group have also developed their operational procedures, to include a brief policy regarding the safe conduct of any

p.3

What is being done well?

• The group are committed to the development of the staff. A range of training opportunities are provided to all staff, to extend their knowledge and skills of working with children. The staff effectively implement their new knowledge to improve the standards of care provided. • The children are provided with a wide range of healthy and nutritious snacks. The group use this activity as an effective way of developing the children's learning and introducing new tastes and experiences to them. • Positive relationships have formed between the staff and the children. The staff give high priority to ensuring they are fully aware of children's needs and all children are actively involved and included in the group. • The staff have a good understanding of managing children's behaviour and effectively implement the group's behaviour management policy. Children's good behaviour is valued through the praise the staff provide and their

p.3

What is being done well?

self-esteem and confidence is encouraged. • The partnership with parents is good. Staff spend time with parents, ensuring they are fully aware of the child's needs and that the parent is informed and included in the provision their child receives .

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

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• procedures for informing Ofsted of changes to staffing • procedures for ensuring that staff are suitable to work with children • documentation, to ensure timings of arrival and departure are included in the system for recording children's and staff's attendance • the availability of the emergency evacuation 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 checking that staff are suitably qualified and/or experienced to work with children. 19/12/2003

p.4

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

1 Ensure Ofsted are notified of all changes which occur in relation to staffing. 19/12/2003

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Develop the system for recording children’s and staff’s attendance to ensure it includes timings of arrival and departure. 6 Make sure that the procedures regarding the emergency evacuation of the premises are readily available at all times.

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