Trinity College of Music

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/04/2003 Inspector Name Beryl Baggs

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Magic Box Playgroup Setting Address Wellow Village Hall Bath BA2 4ET

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

Magic Box Playgroup operates from the village hall in Wellow, a village south of Bath. It serves the local rural area with children attending from Wellow, Peasedown St John and nearby villages. It opens from 9.15 to 2.45 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays term time only. The playgroup is registered to care for up to 24 children aged two years to under five years. There are currently no children with special educational needs or children with English as a second language. The playgroup is owned and managed by a committee of parents who employ the playleader and play assistants. There are five staff of whom three hold a childcare qualification. All staff attend workshops and training events for early years workers. The playgroup receives nursery education grant for three and four year olds

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Magic Box Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. The sessions run smoothly. The planning is clear and toys and equipment are changed when children are busy in circle time, sat at snack time or outside playing. The range of activities for the children is stimulating and varied. Children are well cared for. They play well together, share, take turns and build friendships. They behave well supported by the interesting things to do and the praise and encouragement of the staff. Staff have a good awareness of safety, checking premises and outdoor play space before use by the children. Good hygiene practices are in place and packed lunches are stored in the fridge. Children's individual needs are identified and appropriate care offered. Staff observe children and record their progress. The playgroup offers a good range of interesting and appropriate activities to help children make progress in all areas of

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

development. The planning of the activities ensures that they help the learning of the more able child and the just-threes. Children have free choice of play, and are able to develop their concentration skills at their own speed Children behave well and are encouraged to share and take turns. Parent feel welcome in the playgroup. They feel able to talk to staff. Staff make observations of children's achievements regularly. Parents do not currently have the opportunity to contribute to the assessment of their children's achievements.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

No Actions were set at the last inspection.

p.2

What has improved since the last 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.2

What is being done well?

The playgroup plans a wide variety of interesting and appropriate activities to help children make progress in all areas of development and to make choices in their play (standard 3) The planning of the activities ensures that they help the learning of the more able child and the just-threes. (standard 2) Children play well together, share, take turns and build friendships. They behave well supported by the interesting things to do and the praise and encouragement of the staff. (standard 11) The sessions run smoothly. The planning is clear and toys and equipment are changed when children are busy in circle time, sat at snack time or outside playing. (standard 2) Observations of children's achievements are made regularly by the staff (standard 3)

p.3

What needs to be improved?

opportunities for staff and parents to share information about children's progress in playgroup and at home (standard 12)

p.3

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 12 develop opportunities for staff and parents to share information about childrens progress in playgroup and at home.

p.3

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.3

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.4

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is 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.4

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

p.4

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5