Ravenscroft Infant School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/12/2003 Inspector Name Janette Mary White

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Little Angels Playgroup Setting Address Pentecostal Church East Street Sittingbourne Kent ME10 4RT

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Little Angels Address 62 Longridge Sittingbourne Kent ME10 4LN

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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

Little Angels Playgroup opened in 1992. The playgroup serves the local area. It operates from one room in a church hall in Sittingbourne. There are currently 39 children from 2 years 6 months to 5 years on roll. This includes 5 funded 3-year-olds and 4 funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports 1 child with special needs and 1 child who speaks English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 9.30 to 12.00. There are seven staff who work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. None of the remaining staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). It is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PLA).

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Angels Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. The staff have positive relationships with children, who are happy and settled. The staff help develop children's understanding of good hygiene practice. They stress safety at all times and children have an awareness of potential dangers. There are effective procedures in place for security of the premises. The staff plan a variety of activities for the children. However, images reflecting equality of opportunity are limited. The children have consistent everyday routines that help them feel secure in a warm and welcoming environment. However, the space is not always used effectively. The staff have positive relationships with parents and written information is provided. However, the maintenance of the confidentiality of children's information needs to be reviewed. There are clear procedures and behaviour boundaries that are understood

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How good is the Day Care?

by both children and parents. The staff described a positive attitude to discipline and children have consistent clear boundaries.

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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

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, Little Angels Playgroup agreed to contact the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) for SENCO training. They have contacted the EYDCP regarding their training needs, but have not yet accessed training courses.

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What is being done well?

• The group has positive relationships with children. The staff enjoy their company and know them well. The children are happy and settled. • The group has a range of toys and equipment. The staff use these to plan activities to promote the children's development. • The group meets the children's individual needs. The staff enable the children to play together despite their age differences. Children learn from each other. • The group offers a warm and welcoming environment. Parents and children are greeted at the entrance. Children feel safe and secure. • The children respond well to clear guidance and praise. They take part in planned activities and tidy away toys afterwards. • The group is organized and presents parents with written information about their service.

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What needs to be improved?

• the procedures for the recruitment and vetting staff • the use of space in order to develop the activities and play opportunities for children • the system for offering children opportunities to self select play materials, appropriate for their stage of development • the availability of written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • the system for maintaining the confidentiality of records signed by parents • the provision of appropriate resources in order to promote equality of opportunity.

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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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 1 Ensure that there are effective procedures in place for the appointing and vetting staff. 3 Devise a system for planning and implementing a suitable range of activities for children, which is appropriate for their stage of development and based on their individual needs, using all the space available effectively. 7 Request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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