Linden Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 26/05/2004 Inspector Name Cathleen Howarth

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Linden Playgroup Setting Address St Cuthberts Church Linden Road Birkby, Huddersfield West yorkshire HD2 2TP

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Linden Playgroup Address St Cuthberts Church Linden Road Birkby, Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD2 2TP

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

Linden Playgroup was established in 1967 and is a voluntary organisation managed by a committee of parents. The group runs from two rooms in the basement of St.Cuthbert's Church in Birkby, Huddersfield and serves the local residential community. The group is open term time only from Monday to Friday 09:30 to 11:45 and 12:30 to 14:45. They are currently caring for 79 children of which 30 three-year olds are in receipt of Nursery Education funding. There are 63 children on roll who speak English as an additional language. The group does not currently support children with special educational needs. There are five members of staff, two of whom have appropriate childcare qualifications and three who are working towards qualification. The group receives regular support from the Local Authority and an advisory teacher and they are affiliated to the Pre School Learning Alliance.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Linden Playgroup provides good quality care for children. Staff have sound knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and there is an new and supportive parent committee. Staff are skilful, appropriately qualified and experienced including a bilingual member of staff to effectively meet the needs of children. They make best use of available space and attractively set out and arrange the children's toys and activities before each session to help make the environment welcoming and child centred. There is a wide range of stimulating activities and equipment for children to learn through play and they adequately provide for quiet, relaxing activities, rest and sleep. Clear policies and procedures translated into Urdu underpin good child care practice and help to keep parents informed about the provision and their children's progress. Staff are proactive to minimise risks to children by checking areas used by children

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

before each session begins. There are effective systems in place to promote the good health of children including healthy eating. The individual needs of children are met by maintaining good staff ratios. Resources and activities reflect life in a diverse society and they can provide for children with special needs within the setting that promotes inclusion. There are positive interactions between adults and children.

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 Good behaviour is valued and encouraged and children are safe, happy and settled with their carers. Parent support and involvement is good. Parents are actively involved in the running of the provision. The key worker system is working well and helping to promote continuity of care and learning.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last Children Act inspection there were a number of actions raised to develop policies and procedures. The Operational Guide has since been devised and implemented and translated into Urdu and available for parents to read in the entrance. Policies and procedures are now reviewed annually and help to promote children's care, welfare and learning. Heaters were to be made safe or inaccessible. Guards have now been fitted to each radiator to ensure children's safety.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff work well as a team and good staff ratios help to meet the individual needs of children. • Staff continue to provide a wide range of interesting activities to help children progress in all areas and they are committed to developing observation and recording systems to assist with planning in accordance with the Foundation Stage Curriculum. • Staff have taken positive steps to develop their philosophy of inclusion. Equality of opportunity is an integral part of the setting. • Staff manage children's behaviour effectively and the quality of their interactions significantly enhances all aspects of children's development. Children are settled and confident with their carers. • Partnership with parents is good. They are kept informed about the provision and encouraged to take an active part in the running of the Playgroup.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• arrangements to continue to develop staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

p.3

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

p.3

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

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 13 Continue to develop staff knowledge and awareness of child protection issues and obtain the ACPC and Government booklet.

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