Rainbow Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 18/06/2003 Inspector Name Susan Catherine McGarry

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Rainbow Playgroup Setting Address Methodist Church Hall Colchester Essex CO4 5ET

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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

Rainbow Playgroup opened in its current premises in 1990. It operates from a hall at the back of the Methodist church in Mile End, Colchester. The pre-school serves the local area. Rainbow Playgroup is registered to care for no more than 24 children from 2 years to under 5 years at any one time. There are currently 37 children from two to five years on roll. This includes 12 funded three year olds and 7 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are no children with special needs and a small number of children attending who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 9.30 a.m. until 12.00 a.m. on 4 days each week with a lunch club running from 12.00 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursdays. There is an afternoon session on Tuedsay from 12:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Seven part time staff work with the children. Two have early years qualifications. Five staff are currently

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Information about the setting

on training programmes. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) and PSLA.

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How good is the Day Care?

Rainbow Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children aged 2-5 years. There are good staffing levels, effective team work and use of key workers to provide children with a secure and reassuring environment. Relevant training has been accessed to meet the requirement of at least half of all the child care staff to hold a level 2 qualification. The person in charge now has a level 3 qualification. The setting is warm and welcoming and there are some resources and equipment for children to access for themselves. Good use is made of the outside play area to provide an extension of the activities and play opportunities provided for the children within the hall. Records, policies and procedures are readily accessible although the operational plan still requires further additional material. All the documentation is stored securely and confidentiality is observed. There are some procedures ensuring children's safety and security within the setting. A risk assessment is in place. There

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How good is the Day Care?

are policies to protect children when administering medication and for accessing emergency medical treatment but not for sick children. The child protection policy requires updating. Children's dietary requirements are recognised and met within a carefully planned menu for snacks. The playgroup currently has a significant number of children under 3 years attending. There are a range of activities provided including the use of a secure outside area. The staff discuss their plans for each term however there is scope for more detailed planning linked to individual needs. The children relate well to each other and their behaviour is good. Children are

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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 involved, interested and enjoy their play supported by adults who respond to them. Praise and encouragement is provided by the staff. Partnership with parents is established and there is good level of parent participation. Parents are provided with information regarding children's progress and development.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, it was agreed that an action plan would be provided detailing how the child care qualification of the supervisor would be met at level 3 and how 50% of all other staff would be trained to level 2. None of the staff had first aid qualifications. There is now a new person in charge who has a level 3 childcare qualification and 5 other staff are currently undergoing training programmes with 5 members of staff now holding valid first aid certificates. A risk assessment was required, this is now in place and reviewed regularly. The outside area was unsafe and is now fenced appropriately. An operational plan was required. This is partly in place but needs further additions. There was no policy regarding the administration of medication, use of consent forms and a medication record, this has has now been introduced. A wider variety of play activities was identified, this has also been

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What has improved since the last inspection?

addressed through the purchase of more resources.

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What is being done well?

There are good staffing levels in place which includes an effective key worker system. This enables a good level of interaction between staff and children at all times. (Standard 2) Children are supported by adults who provide praise and encouragement for them when they are engaged in activities and play experiences. (Standard 3) There is a warm, welcoming and safe environment for both children and their parents. There is a health and safety policy in place which provides children, staff and parents with clear guidelines for the promotion of children's safety whilst attending sessions. (Standards 4 and 6) There are established written procedures in place which keep parent helpers informed about their roles and responsibilities within the provision. (Standard 12)

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What needs to be improved?

the arrangements for registration which show when children, staff and visitors are present and include times of arrival and departure; (Standard 2) the operational plan which requires a procedure to follow in the event that a child is lost, an induction programme for new staff and an outline of how the staff (with job descriptions and roles) is deployed within the setting; (Standard 2) the use of planning strategies to ensure that appropriate activities are provided so that children can progress in their next steps of development and learning; (Standard 3) the policy for sick children; (Standard 7) the child protection statement which includes a procedure to follow in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer. (Standard 13)

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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 Satisfactory

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 ensure that your arrangements for registration show when children, staff and visitors are present and include times of arrival and departure; 2 include within the operational plan a procedure to follow in the event that a child is lost, an induction programme for new staff and an outline of how the staff (with job descriptions and roles) is deployed within the setting; 3 use planning strategies to ensure that appropriate activities are provided so that children can progress in their next steps of development and learning; 4 include a written policy for outings within the operational plan; 7 include a written policy for sick children within the operational plan; 13 ensure that the child protection procedure for the pre-school complies with local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures and includes procedures to follow in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer.

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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 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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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

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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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