Llwyn Gwilym Farmhouse

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/07/2004 Inspector Name Susan Catherine McGarry

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Hereward Playgroup Setting Address Hereward CPS Colebrook Lane LOUGHTON Essex IG10 2LS

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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

Hereward Playgroup opened in 1988. It operates from a de-mountable classroom within the grounds of the Hereward County Primary School, in Loughton. The playgroup serves the local area. There are currently 30 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. The group does not offer funded places, as there is a nursery adjacent to the building which provides facilities for funded children. The setting currently supports a small number of children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five mornings a week during school terms. Sessions are from 08:55 to 11:50. Three full-time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. One member of staff is currently working towards a recognised early years qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Hereward Playgroup provides a satisfactory standard of care for children. There are good staffing levels and use of key workers to provide children with a secure and reassuring environment. Relevant training has been accessed so that the person in charge is working towards a level 3 qualification. The setting is warm and welcoming with displays using children's work and there are good levels of resources and equipment for them to access for themselves. There is an outside play area which can be used along with further opportunities for the staff to take the children onto the school playing field. Records, policies and procedures are readily accessible although some require updating. All the documentation is stored securely and there is a level of confidentiality observed. Children's safety and security within the setting is of a high priority with the staff. Clear procedures are in place for most aspects of the health and safety policy. Risk

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How good is the Day Care?

assessments are conducted. There are procedures to protect children when accessing emergency medical treatment and for sick children but not for the administration of medication. Two staff hold current first aid certificates. The child protection policy requires updating. Children's dietary requirements are recognised and met within the snacks provided for them. Children with special needs 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 supported but no training has been accessed as yet for the SENCO.

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How good is the Day Care?

There are a broad and stimulating range of activities provided for the children. The staff plan activities on a weekly basis and key workers record observations. The children are involved, interested and enjoy their play supported by adults who respond to them. Praise and encouragement is provided by the staff and there are good levels of interaction taking place. Partnership with parents is established and they are welcomed into the setting. Parents are provided with information regarding the setting and their 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. The person in charge has recently completed a DPP and is waiting for confirmation that she has successfully completed all the assignments . There was no written consent for the accessing of emergency medical treatment. These are now in place for each child attending the playgroup. Visitors to the setting were not being recorded. A record is kept in the back of the register detailing time of arrival and departure and reason for visit.

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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. Children are supported by adults who provide praise and encouragement for them. • Children are provided with a broad and stimulating range of activities and play experiences. These are supported with good levels of resources which can be supplemented by the school nursery situated on the same site as the playgroup. • There is a warm, welcoming and safe environment for both children and their parents. Staff actively promote children's safety whilst they are attending playgroup sessions.

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What needs to be improved?

• the policies for health, behaviour and child protection; • the procedures to follow in the event that a child is lost and the arrangements for registration which show when children and staff are present and include times of arrival and departure;

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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 • training for the SENCO.

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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 10 Identify and access relevant training for the SENCO. 14 Review and update policies for standards 7,11 and 13. 14 Review and update procedures for completing registers and for lost children.

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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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