Westwood Farm Infant School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 12/05/2004 Inspector Name Hazel Farrant

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name HAPPY FACES PLAYGROUP Setting Address Liddell Hall Old Reading Road, Sherfield-on-Loddon Hook Hampshire RG27 0EZ

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Happy Faces Playgroup 1029688

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Happy Faces Playgroup Address u/a u/a

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

Happy Faces Playgroup opened in 1982. It operates from a room at the Liddell community hall in Sherfield-on-Loddon village centre. The group serves the needs of families in the area and the intake reflects the local community. The group is registered for twenty-six children aged between two and five years, although children are usually aged two years nine months before being offered a place. There are currently fifty-four children on roll. This includes thirty-three funded children and thirteen funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Seven children currently attending have special educational needs. There are no children currently attending who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:00 until 12:00 each day, and additionally from 12:30 until 15:00 on Tuesday and Thursday. Only children in their final year attend Thursday afternoon sessions, and

p.2

Information about the setting

bring a packed lunch. There are two full-time and seven part-time staff working with the children. Two have early years qualifications. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership through attending cluster group meetings with local schools and preschools. Support and advice is also received from the Area Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and Portage.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Happy Faces Playgroup provides satisfactory quality care for children. Staff are organised and interact well with the children. They provide a high level of attention to children during the session, involving themselves in the play. The group use the village community hall and has use of a fully secure outside area. Staff are experienced in caring for young children, however this needs to progress into recognised formal qualifications. Staff are encouraged to attend regular training courses. Comprehensive policies are in place; however there are some areas to be addressed which includes the group developing a policy for lost children. Staff give high priority to children's safety and they encourage children to be aware of personal hygiene and develop independence in their personal care. Parent's and children's preferences are observed; children have a choice of healthy drinks during the session. The staff team ensure that children are treated with equal concern.

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 The staff organise and plan a good range of interesting and stimulating activities and allow children choice from a good range of resources. A key worker system allows staff to undertake observations of children's play and learning. This helps to plan for children's progress and development. Staff provide good role models so children behave well and feel secure in their environment. Staff are consistent and caring, using praise and encouragement appropriately. Parents are welcome in the group and encouraged to discuss their child's progress with staff. A profile report is completed when their child leaves the group. Parents are able to view policies and procedures and receive a prospectus and regular newsletters detailing themes and events.

p.2

What is being done well?

• Children have free choice of age appropriate toys, so that individual preferences are met. Children are able to self-select toys and activities from a good selection or resources. Children are developing independence they can self select from boxes and tables. Staff spend time talking and listening to children extending their knowledge and understanding. • Resources that reflect diversity are available so that children's knowledge and understanding of the wider world is developed. The children are learning through planned activities celebrating festivals from around the world. • The group's behaviour management strategy promotes good behaviour in children and enables them to play well and co-operate together. The clear guidelines help children feel secure in their environment. Staff act as a good role models, which helps children to develop their relationships. • The group fosters good partnerships with parents and liaises closely with

p.3

What is being done well?

them to ensure they are involved and informed about their child's care. Parents receive a prospectus, regular newsletters and a profile report. Staff take time to talk to parents about their child's achievements on a daily basis.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• qualifications to be gained for a minimum of half the staff, ensuring supervisor has level three qualification • records and documentation to be reviewed and updated to include: Ofsted's address and telephone number added to complaints procedure, times of arrival and departure of children and staff to be recorded clearly, parental consent for emergency treatment, advice or medication, existing injuries record to be signed by parent, accidents and incidents to be recorded to maintain confidentiality.

p.3

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

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

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

Std Action Date 2 send a written action plan detailing how a minimum of half the staff will achieve an appropriate qualification relevant to their responsibility 12/07/2004

p.4

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

2 develop and implement a lost child policy 12/07/2004

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 14 Review and update documentation.

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