Beeches Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/03/2004 Inspector Name Freeda Wildon

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Shepherdswell Playgroup Setting Address Village Hall Cox Hill, Shepherdswell Dover Kent CT15 7LJ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Shepherdswell Playgroup

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Shepherdswell Playgroup Address Shepherdswell Village Hall Cox Hill, Shepherdswell Dover Kent CT15 7NH

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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

Shepherdswell Playgroup opened in 1972. It operates from the village hall in Shepherdswell near Dover, Kent. The playgroup has access to two rooms, toilet and an outside area but does not have sole use of the premises during all of the sessions. The playgroup serves the local area and surrounding villages. There are currently 30 children on roll. This includes 9 funded four-year-old children and 9 funded 3-year-old children. Children attend a variety of sessions each week. The playgroup have experience caring for children with special needs and children speaking English as an additional language. The playgroup opens five days a week, term time only. Sessions last from 09.00 to 13.00, Monday to Friday. Eight staff work with the children, five of whom hold an early years qualification and have attended short courses. Three currently attending qualification courses. The group receives support from a Pre-school Learning Alliance development worker

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Information about the setting

and a teacher from the Early Years Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Shepherdswell Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children overall. Most staff are qualified and experienced, and work as a team. Staff generally have a good knowledge and understanding of the National Standards. The policies, procedures and records underpin the day-to-day running of the nursery are being reviewed and will be adopted by the committee in the near future. Some of them are not in line with current guidance and evidence of staff's qualifications and checks were not on the premises. Health and hygiene procedures ensure good practice. Snack times are relaxed social occasions, but opportunities for children to develop independence are limited. Staff provide a clean, caring and welcoming environment for the children. There are procedures in place to identify and eliminate hazards within the two rooms used by the children. However, the group does not have sole use of the premises during all

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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 of the sessions and procedures are not in place to ensure that children do not leave the premises unsupervised. Staff organise the space effectively to enable children to select their own resources. They provide a clear daily routine that the children understand well. There is a good staff: child ratio, staff are interested in what children do and say; talk and listen to them; ask questions to make them think; respond to children's interests; praise and encourage them. The planning is based on the Foundation Stage and the Stepping Stones. Staff are developing their knowledge of working with children with special needs and Individual Education Plans (IEP's) are in place, however they are not yet, linked with the Foundation Stage. Partnership with parents is generally good and parents are happy with the care and

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How good is the Day Care?

shared information. However, they have not obtained parents consents for all aspects of the service.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The last inspection was a transitional inspection, this section is not applicable.

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What is being done well?

• Most staff are qualified and experienced, and work as a team. Staff generally have a good knowledge and understanding of the National Standards. • Health and hygiene procedures ensure good practice. Snack times are relaxed social occasions. • Staff provide a clean, caring and welcoming environment for the children. • Staff organise the space effectively to enable children to select their own resources. They provide a clear daily routine that the children understand well. • There is a good staff: child ratio, staff are interested in what children do and say; talk and listen to them; ask questions to make them think; respond to children's interests; praise and encourage them. • Partnership with parents is generally good and parents are happy with the care and shared information.

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What needs to be improved?

• safety of the premises so that children cannot leave unsupervised • permission for medical emergency treatment or advice • opportunities for children to develop independence • availability of staff records

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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 • policies so that they are in line with current guidance and adapted by the committee • records for special needs children so that IEP's are linked to the Foundation Stage.

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 6 Ensure that proper procedures are in place to ensure that the entrance is secure and the children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised. 31/03/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 7 Request written permission from all parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. 14 Ensure that all records relating to day care activities are readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times

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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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