Happy House Preschool & Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 07/07/2003 Inspector Name Maria Lavelle

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Happy House Playgroup Setting Address Spring Meadow Leyland Lancashire PR25 5LX

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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

Happy House Pre-School Playgroup is registered to look after 26 children aged two to five years of age. The group is based in Spring Meadow Community Centre, Clayton - le- Woods, near Chorley. The group operates Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 10.00 – 1400 Wednesday 09.30 -12.30 and Thursday 12.00- 15.00. The group offers a service during school holidays on three days a week. The premises consist of a large main hall and adjacent smaller room, storage, kitchen and toileting facilities. The building is light and well maintained.

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How good is the Day Care?

Happy House playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. The playgroup is warm and welcoming to parents and children. Good use is made of the space available and the presentation of activities, equipment and recourses offers stimulating play experiences. However high noise levels within the main hall need to be addressed. Documentation is maintained accurately and relevant policies are in place. The child protection policy needs to be developed further, practises and training in this area need to be reviewed and updated. Good procedure is in place regarding the arrival and departure of children this practise needs to be extended to include staff members. Staffs promote good health and hygiene practises as part of the children's daily routine. Planning and working in close liaison with parents ensures that children s individual needs are met. There is a good range of high quality age appropriate resources, equipment 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 activities, which serves to extend learning and development in all developmental areas. Staff promote the children's awareness of cultural diversity through topic planning and providing resources that promote positive images. Children are happy and confident in the setting and good behaviour is encouraged. Good relationships with parents have been established they are given detailed information about the setting, polices and procedures. Regular newsletters keep parents up to date with the practise of the playgroup.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection a safety issue within the policy was raised. This has been addressed and serves to enhance the overall quality of care for the children attending the playgroup.

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What is being done well?

• Good use is made of space and resources are readily available to children • Children are familiar with the setting and confidently make decisions and access toys and activities of their choice. • There is a wide range of toys, activities and equipment which provides a welcoming stimulating environment for children • Staff spend time talking with children and there is a good balance of free play and adult initiated activity within the playgroup. •• Staffs know the children well, which promotes continuity of care.

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What needs to be improved?

• The noisy atmosphere in the main hall can distract children away from their chosen activities. • Staff training and awareness regarding child protection issues. • Arrival and departures times for staff need to be introduced.

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

Std Action Date 2 the registration system for staff should include times of arrival and departure 07/05/2004

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

3 provide children with the opportunity to relax and have quiet time during the session 31/05/2004

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

6 ensure there is an effective system in place for managing access to the premises and keep a record of visitors 07/05/2004

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

13 ensure that there is a trained member of staff who has responsibility for child protection issues 01/05/2004

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

13 develop (staff's) knowledge and understanding of child protection issues 01/08/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 14 obtain written permission from parents when taking photographic/video images of children

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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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