Plumbland Pre School Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/03/2004 Inspector Name Stephen Andrew Blake

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Plumbland Playgroup Setting Address Parsonby Aspatria Wigton Cumbria CA7 2DQ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Plumbland Pre-School Playgroup 1037375

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Plumbland Pre-School Playgroup Address Parsonby Aspatria Wigton Cumbria CA7 2DQ

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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

Established for 14 years, Plumbland Playgroup is located within the village of Plumbland approximately 20 miles west of Carlisle. The playgroup is situated within a classroom (the playroom) of Plumbland Primary School. During registered session times, the playgroup has sole use of the playroom. Plumbland playgroup serves a wide rural community, accepting children from the immediate and extended school catchment area. The playgroup operate Monday to Friday 13:00 - 15:30 during term time only. Currently there are 13 children on the register and 10 of these are funded by the nursery education grant. There are no children with identified special needs and none for whom English is an additional language. Children have access to the main playroom, school toilets, the enclosed play area annexed to the playroom, the school playground and the school adventure playground. Children do not use the cargo net or the tumble bars within the

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Information about the setting

adventure playground. Currently there are 3 employed members of staff, 1 'relief' member of staff, 3 regular volunteers and 1 student. All employed staff hold a recognised child care qualification. Parents also participate in playgroup on a voluntary basis.

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How good is the Day Care?

Plumbland Playgroup provide satisfactory care for children. Staff are suitably qualified and have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Staff organise the environment effectively so that children have access to a broad range of indoor and outdoor equipment. Staff provide a stimulating environment for children for example by using posters and children's work for wall displays. OFSTED have not been made aware of recent staffing changes. Attention to confidentiality is good. Attention to safety is satisfactory in most areas. Staff implement appropriate procedures to ensure children's safety for example, through risk assessments and when planning outings. Attention to safety is generally well reflected in the policies and procedures. The displayed notice of action to be taken in the event of a fire is out of date and staff do not record all fire drills practised by children. Staff are aware

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How good is the Day Care?

of their roles and responsibilities regarding child protection. Staff demonstrate good

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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 health and hygiene practice. Staff provide all children with a good range of activities and accessible resources for example free play, craft and physical activity. Children can self select resources. Activities are varied to ensure that children remain interested and stimulated. Staff know the children well and value them as individuals. Interaction between the staff and children is good. Children are well behaved towards each other and to staff. The partnership with parents is good. Parents communicate with staff informally before and after sessions and are confident in staff's ability to provide care in accordance with their wishes and the child's individual needs. Parents are involved in playgroup sessions on a rota basis, serve on the management committee and receive regular newsletters. Parents do not have access to all policies and

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection Plumbland Playgroup has: Conducted a risk assessment of the registered premises to ensure that hazards to children are identified and minimised. Removed the nettles, thorn branches and made safe the oil tank in the annexed outdoor area. This ensures that children can play safely outdoors. Established a no smoking policy to ensure that children are protected from the suspected effects of passive smoking. This also minimises the risk of a fire. Established a system for the recording of incidents so that parents are made aware on the same day. This ensures that children's needs are monitored and communicated to parents effectively. Updated the written complaints policy to include the name, address and telephone number of the regulator. Installed a second gate at the front of the premises and protected the wall in the outdoor area. This ensures that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised.

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What is being done well?

• Staff have a good understanding of children's individual needs and parents are confident in the ability of staff to meet their needs. • The level of interaction between staff and children is good. Staff use a variety of positive techniques to value individual children and promote their self esteem. • Attention to confidentiality. Documents are stored appropriately and the recording of accidents reflects a good awareness of confidentiality. • Space and resources are well organised to maximise children's choice and

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What is being done well?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 learning opportunities. • The involvement of parents on a rota basis fosters a good partnership between staff and parents. This enables children to feel comfortable and settle quickly into their surroundings.

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What needs to be improved?

• The system for informing the regulator about changes to the person in charge or to adults working on the premises. • The accessibility of all policies and procedures to parents and the reference to the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs. • The written procedure detailing action to be taken by staff in the event of a fire. • The system for recording the frequency of fire drills.

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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 1 Ensure that OFSTED is informed about any changes to adults working on the premises 29/03/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 Ensure there is a record of visitors, that fire drills are carried out and that these are recorded in a fire log. 6 Review the written fire evacuation plan so that all staff are clear about

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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 their role and responsibilities 10 Review the special needs statement so that it includes reference to the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs. 12 Ensure that all policies and procedures are available to parents and display the registration certificate.

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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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