Hobbit House

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/01/2004 Inspector Name Alison Large

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St Christophers Playgroup Setting Address St Christophers Church Centre Pepys Avenue,Thornhill Southampton Hampshire SO19 6PJ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of St Christophers Playgroup

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St Christophers Playgroup Address St Christophers Church Centre Pepys Avenue Southampton Hampshire SO19 6PJ

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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

St Christopher's Pre-school opened in 1970. It operates from a hall in St Christopher's Church, in the Thornhill area of Southampton. It serves the local area. There are currently 38 children from 2 years 9 months to 5 years on roll. This includes 27 funded 3 year olds and 9 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs, and none who speak English as an additional language. The group opens three days a week (Tues,Wed, Thur) during school term times. Sessions are from 09:30 until 12:00, and 12:30 until 15:00. Five staff work with the children. Two staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level ll or lll. Three staff are currently working toward a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

The pre-school provides satisfactory care overall for children aged two years nine months to five years. The pre-school offers a welcoming environment with adequate play space both inside and out, and staff ensure the children are well cared for. Most of the documentation is in place, although some additions are needed. The pre-school is welcoming to children with special needs, and staff ensure their individual needs are met. Staff encourage good hygiene practices with the children, and provide a range of healthy and nutritious snacks. Staff have a good awareness of safety both inside and out to ensure the children are kept safe. The pre-school provide a good range of toys and equipment for the children, which help them develop. The group arrange a variety of activities to keep the children interested and occupied. Staff encourage good behaviour, and praise and encourage the children. The group have a good relationship with parents, and they keep them informed

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How good is the Day Care?

through newsletters and the key worker system.

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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

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What is being done well?

• The pre-school has a good range of toys and equipment, and staff plan a varied range of activities to support all areas of the child's development. • Parents are welcomed into the pre-school and are kept informed. Staff share information of their child's activities through regular newsletters and the key worker system. • Staff make good use of the available space to ensure the children are well cared for. They have a positive attitude toward children with special needs, and are aware of their individual needs, and promote equality and diversity. • Staff encourage children in basic hygiene practices including hand washing. The group provide a range of healthy and nutritious snacks. • The staff have a good awareness of safety issues inside and out to ensure the maximum safety of the children. Positive behaviour is encouraged and staff give praise and encouragement to the children.

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What needs to be improved?

• registration system • consent to seek emergency medical advice and treatment • countersigning of accidents • complaints procedure • policies

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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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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE NEXT?

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 14 Ensure that policies and procedures are updated and expanded, especially relating to Child Protection. 2 Ensure the registration system records the times of arrival and departure of children and staff 7 Request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment 7 Ensure all accident recorded in the accident book have been countersigned by parents 14 Make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint

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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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