Sleaford Methodist Pre-school

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/10/2004 Inspector Name Katherine Powell

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Sleaford Methodist Playschool Setting Address Methodist Church Northgate Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 7EL

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Sleaford Methodist Committee

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Sleaford Methodist Committee Address Sleaford Methodist Church Northgate Sleaford Lincs

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

Sleaford Methodist Playschool is a committee run provision which has been operating since 1973. The playschool operates from a church hall which is situated in the town centre. The group have the use of a main hall, foyer, kitchen, toilet area and some storage space. There is no outside play area attached to the hall. There is a small car park at the rear for staff and parents. The premises are also used by other community groups when the playschool is not operating. There are currently 39 children on roll. This includes 21 children in receipt of nursery funding for three year-olds and 5 children in receipt of funding for four year-olds. Three children currently attending have been identified with special needs and no children speak English as an additional language. The provision is open each week day morning from 09.15 until 11.45. Afternoon sessions are held according to demand. The provision operates during school

p.2

Information about the setting

term-time only. The playschool employs nine members of staff. The supervisor, two deputies and three members of staff have completed childcare qualifications. The provision is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Sleaford Methodist Playschool provides good quality care for children aged from two to four years. Children are cared for in a happy and harmonious environment. There is an effective keyworker system in place and staff work well as a team. They are well deployed and have a consistent approach to their work. This is achieved by regular staff and committee meetings, staff appraisal and good opportunities for further training and development. A comprehensive range of polices, procedures and written records are in place, however, some lack sufficient detail. Positive steps have been taken to minimise risks within the setting and risk assessments are regularly reviewed. Good hygiene procedures are maintained and children are encouraged to make healthy choices at snack time. Staff provide a stimulating range of activities that support children's learning in all areas and build on their previous experiences. Staff have formed effective

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 relationships with the children and value and respect their differing needs. Children with special needs are fully included in all activities. Space and activities are well organised to encourage children to make independent choices about their play and learning. Children are able to move freely between different play areas and access a wide variety of practical activities. Standards of behaviour are very good due to high levels of supervision and the effective strategies used to manage children's behaviour. There is a good partnership with parents which is fostered through effective written and verbal communication. Staff work closely with parents to ensure they are kept informed of the progress their child is making and parents are encouraged to be involved in the children's learning. Staff provide a warm and welcoming environment

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

where children and parents are valued as individuals.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Staff provide high levels of supervision. Consequently, children are well cared for, they feel secure and their individual needs are met. • Staff provide a stimulating learning environment. Children's art work and resources to support learning are attractively displayed around the setting. • There are effective systems in place to promote children's safety within the setting and on outings and good hygiene routines are maintained. • Activities are well planned and help to promote children's learning in all areas. Children have access to a rich variety of practical activities and are encouraged to make independent choices. • Staff have developed effective relationships with children and very good standards of behaviour are maintained. Children's efforts and achievements are valued and praised.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• documentation with regard to child protection procedures, the complaints procedure, recording medication, the behaviour management policy and procedures to be followed in the event of a child being lost.

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 14 Further develop some written policies, procedures and records with regard to child protection, behaviour management, complaints, medication and lost children.

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