Playtimes Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 12/07/2004 Inspector Name Sheena Osborne

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Playtimes Playgroup Setting Address Ferriman Road Spaldwick Cambs PE28 OTQ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Playtimes Playgroup 1032297

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Playtimes Playgroup Address Ferriman Road Spaldwick Cambs PE28 0TQ

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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

Playtimes Playgroup is an established playgroup which moved to these premises in 2002. It has a new purpose built building. With a large playroom and adjacent outdoor play area. It is located in the village of Spaldwick. Children attend from Spaldwick and surrounding villages. There are currently 29 children from 2 years 6 months to school age attend the group. This includes 22 funded 3 and 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting is able to support children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during term time. Sessions are from 9am to 11:30am The group also have a lunch club which operates from 11:30 to 12:45. Four part-time/full-time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3.

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How good is the Day Care?

Playtimes Playgroup provide good care over all for children age two years to five years. There are attractive displays of the children's work and clear displays of information for the parents. The staff have a warm and friendly manner. They greet both the children and parents on arrival creating a welcoming atmosphere. Staff are aware of the group's safety procedures, which appear to be effective in providing a safe environment for the children. The group make good use of both their indoor and their outdoor areas. Children access both throughout the session. The staff are supported by the playgroup committee. They are encouraged to take up training opportunities which continues to support their professional development. Regular meetings ensure that both staff and committee members are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Staff have a good knowledge of children's learning. They use this knowledge to

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How good is the Day Care?

provide a wide range of stimulating and challenging activities and play opportunities. These are adult lead and child initiated, enabling the children to develop in all areas of learning. The resources and well organised and easily accessible to the children. This encourages them to self select and develop their decision making skills. The staff have a good knowledge of the children's individual needs enabling them to

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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 provide appropriate care. Staff and children relate well to each other. The children appear happy and relaxed. The children are treated as individuals and respect is shown to differing needs, which encourages children to have respect for other. Children's behaviour is managed positively. They are encouraged to think of other and share resources. They are independent and helpful. There is a effective partnership with parents due the systems of communication. Parents are encourage to be actively involved in the group in a variety of ways. They are kept informed of the groups policies and procedures. However some of these should be updated.

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What is being done well?

• Staff take up the training opportunities available to them updating their professional skills as childcare workers. • Children arrive happy and confident in the welcoming environment provided by staff, warmly greeting staff and their peers. They share their news with the adults in a confident way. • Both the indoor and outdoor environment are used effectively. Children are able to free flow between both environments enabling the children to enjoy them and use them to their full advantage. This supports the children's all round development. • Staff provide a wide range of stimulating play opportunities, which supports the children's learning. For example,the group are currently exploring bugs. The group have a tank of snails which the children have been observing. The adult encourage the children's language development and observational skills, for example,

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What needs to be improved?

• parental permission to seek emergency medical advice/treatment • the lost child procedure • the complaints procedure to include to resisted bodies contact information

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Outcome of the 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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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 14 ensure that all records relating to day care activities are readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times. With particular reference to Lost Child procedure, Complaints procedure, and parental permission to seek emergency medical advice/treatment.

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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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