Sedbergh Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 11/02/2004 Inspector Name Andrea, Marie Paulson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Sedbergh Playgroup Setting Address Spooner Room, Settlebeck High School Long Lane Sedbergh Cumbria LA10 5AL

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Sedbergh Playgroup Address Settlebeck High School Long Lane Sedbergh Cumbria LA10 5AL

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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

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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

Sedbergh Playgroup operates from a portacabin in the grounds of Settlebeck High School. The provision has been registered for several years and serves the town of Sedbergh and surrounding areas. The premises consist of a playroom, small kitchen, staff toilet and two child sized toilets. There is also an enclosed outdoor play area with safety surfacing, and a shed for storage of equipment. The premises are also used by nursery children when playgroup is not operating. The playgroup operates on Monday and Wednesday from 09:00 to 11:10, and on Tuesday and Friday from 13:00 to 15.10. There are currently 26 children on the register, none of whom have specific needs and one who has English as an additional language. The staff group is well qualified and experienced, with further training in child care issues achieved. The playgroup is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance.

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How good is the Day Care?

The quality of care for children at Sedbergh Playgroup is good. The premises are a pleasure to walk into with bright and colourful displays and equipment on show. The safety procedures are sound and supported by risk assessments and relevant procedures. Effective safety measures are in place and the children are encouraged to follow good hygiene practices. The children therefore are kept safe within a secure environment. The play room is well organised into different play areas, to provide a wide range of interesting activities The children have freedom of movement between the areas and can make choices through having good access to the play equipment. The activities are well planned to promote all areas of their development. Effective plans ensure a good balance between free play and structured activities.

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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 The staff group is well qualified and experienced, with sound knowledge of the relevant child care issues. They work well together to provide effective supervision in all areas and are actively involved with the children throughout the session. The adults provide good role models to promote the children's social skills, good manners and good behaviour. The staff have good knowledge of the children as individuals so that each child receives appropriate care. The children are seen to be busy, well absorbed and enjoying the session. They respond well to the familiar routine within the calm, friendly atmosphere. The documentation is thorough and well maintained, with the policies being generally good. The Operational Plan is particularly good, being comprehensive, clear and easily readable.

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How good is the Day Care?

Several means of communication with parents contributes towards effective sharing of information, and staff and parents work closely towards providing good child care.

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What is being done well?

• Premises is well organised into different play areas which are equipped to provide a wide range of interesting activities to promote the children's individual development. • Effective systems are in place to maintain good standards of health and safety so that the children are safe and secure. • Staff are well qualified and experienced, with some also having undertaken further training since the previous inspection. The sound knowledge of child care issues helps to ensure that the children receive appropriate care. • The children enjoy a good rapport and respond well to the calm and friendly staff, within a relaxed and busy atmosphere. • Good relationships with parents are promoted through several means of sharing information, including active involvement of parents on the committee and on the parents' rota. • The records and documentation are well maintained and clear, particularly with regard to the Operational Plan.

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What needs to be improved?

• the Complaints Policy, with regard to informing parents that Ofsted can be contacted independent of the Playgroup's own procedure.

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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

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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 14 amend the Complaints Policy to inform parents that Ofsted can be contacted independent of the playgroup procedure.

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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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