Carmel Sixth Form College

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 28/01/2005 Inspector Name Cilla Rachel Mullane

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Punch And Judy Playgroup Setting Address C/o Lympne Village Hall Lympne Kent CT21 4LE

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Punch And Judy Playgroup

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Punch And Judy Playgroup Address The Street Lympne Hythe Kent CT21 4LQ

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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

Lympne Punch and Judy Playgroup opened in 1987. A committee manages the playgroup. It operates from the village hall Lympne, near Hythe, Folkestone, Kent. The playgroup has access to the large hall, toilets, a kitchen and an outside area. It serves the local area and surrounding towns. The playgroup is registered to provide 26 places for children aged 2 to 5-years. There are currently 37 children on roll; of these, 20 children are receiving funded nursery education. Children attend a variety of sessions each week. Staff have experience of working with children who have special educational needs and children who speak English as an additional language. The playgroup opens four days a week term time. Sessions last from 9.00 to 12 noon. The playgroup offers a lunch club from 12.00 to 12.45. Parents provide a packed lunch. There are five staff employed at the group; of these, two have early years qualifications, one has a teaching qualification, and all have opportunities to attend

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Information about the setting

short courses. The playgroup receives support from a Pre-school Learning Alliance Development worker and a teacher from the Early Years Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Punch and Judy Playgroup provides good care for children. A well-qualified staff group works efficiently as a team. The parents' committee is supportive and clear of its role, including setting policies and managing finances. There are limited areas to display the children's work, but maximum use is made of the available space. There is an extensive range of toys and equipment, used to provide an excellent range of activities covering all areas of development, which challenge and interest the children. Most required documentation is kept, and policies are currently being reviewed. Staff are vigilant and observant about children's safety at all times. Staff are knowledgeable about fire safety requirements, and are able to carry out their responsibilities. Children learn about health and hygiene through the daily routine. There is a regular lunch club, which is a relaxed, social occasion, when staff sit with

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How good is the Day Care?

the children, encouraging them to act independently, and making conversation. Not

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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 all staff have a secure knowledge of child protection issues and procedures. Staff's interaction with the children is excellent, supporting and extending their learning. Carefully planned activities help children learn and develop in all areas. Staff actively promote equality of opportunity, treating children as individuals, and using observations to plan activities on an individual basis. Children are helped to learn about diversity of society. A member of staff has undertaken training for working with children with special needs. Children's behaviour is good, due to clear, consistent and high expectations, and the provision of meaningful activities. Staff understand the importance of working in partnership with parents, who are very happy with the care offered. They are made to feel welcome by friendly staff, and

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How good is the Day Care?

encouraged to help within the group. However, some are not aware of the complaints procedure, and do not see the detailed plans of activities.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, it was agreed that the playgroup would use child observations to plan the next steps for the children's play, learning and development, produce and implement risk assessments, produce procedures for emergency evacuation, and obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. All these issues have been addressed.

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What is being done well?

• Staff training is ongoing, staff continue to gain qualifications and attend short courses, showing a commitment to raising standards. Staff and committee meetings are used to evaluate and help improve practice - such as paying staff to set out the room before the children's arrival. The session is well organized, with staff working effectively as a team. • The children are engaged in meaningful activities, supported appropriately by staff. Staff explain the purpose of the activities to the children, making them relevant. More able and older children are able to develop the activities, for example, children enjoy making masks, and use completed masks for their play. Children are very confident, making friends, happy to approach staff, they are secure and happy. Children are proud of their work. • Staff promote equality of opportunity. All children are included in the activities, their differences acknowledged and valued. Children's individual

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What is being done well?

personalities and achievements are valued, and they are made to feel special, for example, when talking about the toys they bring in. Children are able to work at their own pace, and activities are extended for more able children. • Children's behaviour is managed effectively. They are happy and lively, and aware of their boundaries. Staff promote good behaviour by keeping the children busy with meaningful activities, and extending and challenging older and more able children. They explain why behaviour is inappropriate, and the consequences of poor behaviour.

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• policies and procedures, which are under review • the amount of information given to parents about the children's activities, and how to make a complaint • staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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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 7 Ensure that parents always sign the medication record to acknowledge the entry. 12 Continue to review policies and procedures, and ensure that parents receive information about the children's activities, and how to make a complaint. 13 Develop staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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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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