Greenfields Childcare

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 01/12/2003 Inspector Name Janet Skippins

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Grasshoppers Playgroup Setting Address The Old Nursery off Dalton Green Lane Dalton, Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD5 5TR

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Grasshoppers Playgroup 1094287

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Grasshoppers Playgroup Address Greenfields Family Centre The old Nursery Building, Off Dalton Green Lane Dalton HD5 9TR

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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

Grasshoppers Playgroup opened in 2001. It operates from a playroom with separate toilets and kitchen, in a purpose built family centre adjacent to Dalton Junior, Infants and Nursery school, Huddersfield. It serves the local area. There are currently 36 children on roll. This includes 14 funded 3 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group opens four days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:15 to 11:45 except Tuesday and on Wednesday from 12:30 to 14:45. Five part-time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. Three staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Grasshoppers Playgroup provides good quality care for children. A welcoming and stimulating environment, both inside and outdoors, is provided where children are very happy and settled. Staff are supported to attend a good amount of relevant training. They work effectively as a team and their deployment around the playgroup ensures that the needs of the children are met well. Organisation of the playgroup is good, space well utilised and resources organised to enable children to select them freely, encouraging their independence. There are good resources throughout the playgroup. Documentation is stored in a confidential manner, some areas of documentation need to be reviewed and updated. Procedures and precautions are in place to ensure the playgroup provides a safe and clean learning environment for the children, though attention needs to be given to ensuring that the playgroup is always clean. Good attention is given to children's

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How good is the Day Care?

hygiene routines and they are provided with healthy snacks. Staff plan well to ensure the children access a very good range of activities, resources and experiences, taking into account children's individual needs. There are very good relationship's between staff and children. Staff work directly with the children and become involved in their activities, supporting their learning and development very well. Children play together and their behaviour is good, they

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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 show respect and concern for others. Relationships with parents are very good, they are welcomed into the setting to take turns on rota duty working with the children and to participate as members of the management group. They have access to policies and procedures relating to the setting and to their own child's records.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider was asked to make a side room safe for children and ensure that no more than three children used the room at any one time. This room was being used as a quiet room for children to look at books. The staff have monitored the use of the room, observing that not many children actually used it, they have reviewed the arrangements for children to access books. The book area has been moved and is now part of the main playroom, the side room is no longer in use for children. It was observed during the inspection that the new book area was well used by the children.

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What is being done well?

• Staff interact very well with the children and provides high levels of supervision to enhance their safety. • Staff plan and provide a very good range of activities and experiences for the children that are fun interesting and stimulating, especially outdoor activities. The children are very involved, excited and interested in their play. • There are good opportunities for children to make their own decisions and choices, encouraging their independence. • Staff have a good understanding and a commitment to observing children at play and are clear about the importance of using the observations to help children progress in their learning and development. • The staff have very good understanding of equal opportunities and take care to ensure all children are included with their differences acknowledged, valued and taken into account when planning activities. • The staff use their training, knowledge and experience with child protection

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What is being done well?

issues to operate procedures in practice, effectively.

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What needs to be improved?

• the system to ensure written procedures for recruitment of staff and their induction are in place • the recording of accidents to ensure staff surnames are always included • the procedure for the regular cleaning of the playroom, with particular regard to the carpeted area

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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 • the provision of information for parents regarding the daily food and drink provided for children.

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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 1 Ensure that there are written procedures in place for recruitment and induction of staff, and that the policies include correct details of the regulator. 4 Ensure that the premises are clean, in particular the carpeted area in the playroom. 7 Ensure full names of staff are included in records of accidents to children. 8 Display a written menu to show the food and drink provided during the session.

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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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