The Hill Infant School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 23/03/2004 Inspector Name Lesley Anne Cannon

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St Andrews Playgroup Setting Address Watling Street Dartford Kent DA1 1RF

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St Andrews Playgroup Address St. Andrews United Reformed Church Watling Street Dartford Kent DA1 1RF

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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

St Andrew's Playgroup is situated on the east side of Dartford town centre. The group operates Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays 09.30 - 12.00. In addition, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12.15 - 14.45. The group operates during term time only. Government funding is available for rising fives. Staff members in place have suitable qualifications and experience. The premises are clean and bright and the staff are welcoming. A secure outside play area is available.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Andrews Playgroup provides good quality care for children. They have a comprehensive set of policies and procedures for both parents and staff but one lacks detail. Most of the staff are qualified, with some working towards a qualification. Staff are organised and work well together as a team. The playgroup has sole use of the premises which is a warm and welcoming environment for children. Staff work to a plan ensuring children are supervised at all times. Routine risk assessments are carried out to ensure all health and safety procedures are operating. Children are provided with a wide range of activities, both structured and free play. They learn about cultural festivals and have access to a range of multi cultural resources. The staff have good relationships with the children and are consistent in managing behaviour. Staff form good working relationships with parents helping children to settle and feel

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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 • Staff are consistent in managing behaviour and give praise and encouragement which helps children to feel confident and secure; attention was given to those younger ones who need a little more time to understand where the boundaries were. • Good use is made of the space and facilities available. • The group have a good range of age appropriate toys which provide stimulating and imaginative play.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The staff have a good team spirit and they are organised well. This in turn reflects on care and attention to the children.

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What needs to be improved?

• the policies, to include information on the regulator and role and responsibilities of volunteers and students. • put into place an operational plan

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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 Monitor how staff are informed about health and safety issues 12 Update policies to include information on the regulator and role and responsibilities of volunteers and students. 2 Put into place an operational plan

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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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