Langer Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 10/06/2003 Inspector Name Moira Oliver

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Langer Playgroup Setting Address St Edmunds Hall FELIXSTOWE SUFFOLK IP11

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

Langer Playgroup is well established and has been open for more than 12 years. The group serves the local area and is committee run. It operates from St Edmunds Church Hall and they have the use of the whole building as well as an enclosed outside area. It is located close to the seafront in Felixstowe, the local school and park. The group is registered for 20 children between the ages of three and five years. The playgroup provides places for children who have special needs and supports children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens four mornings a week from 09:05 hours until 11:35 hours, term time only. The group has four members of staff, the supervisor is qualified and the assistant is due to begin a course to gain a qualification in early years. All the staff have attended some early years training. The setting is a member of the Partnership and can offer places to funded three and four year olds. The group receives support from a teacher from

p.2

Information about the setting

the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) and at present has six funded children.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The day care provides good quality care for the children. Children's individual needs are met through planned activities and play situations that help to develop their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. There is a wide range of appropriate equipment to provide the children with a stimulating, welcoming environment where they are safe to explore and move around freely. Staff support the children in their play, playing with them, talking to them, extending their play and their language. The children are treated as individuals and the staff ensure that there are opportunities to learn about cultures and equality. The staff work closely with parents and other agencies to ensure that all children can participate at a level appropriate to their stage of development. The staff are aware of safety issues and health and hygiene is promoted. Staff work with the parents to support the children

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

by welcoming them into the setting and valuing their contribution through information. Documentation supports the successful management of the group, however, some details are lacking.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

The group have purchased a mobile sink unit to ensure that children can wash in clean, warm running water. All staff have completed and sent off C.R.B. checks. Fresh drinking water is available to the children throughout the session in a jug on

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 the window ledge. The garden gate is secured by a padlock when children are outside and the drains have been covered. All staff have a first aid qualification. The heaters have been renewed and are safe. Policies have been amended to include procedures for sick children, management of bullying, and OFSTED's name and address has been added to the complaints procedure. The first aid box is complete and all medicines administered are recorded accurately. The staff have obtained a copy of the Code of Practice and have regard to it when dealing with children with special needs. Parent helpers are recorded in the register.

p.2

What is being done well?

Staff observe and support the children in their play, moving around the room to where the need is. They are involved and interested in the children, talk and listen to them, and encourage the children to think for themselves. Independence is encouraged, children access the toilets and hand washing alone, tidy away the toys and sweep up the playdough. (standard 3) Good use is made of the shared hall, the staff have brightened it up by displaying children's art work. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming. (standard 4) There is ample, appropriate equipment to provide the children with an interesting and stimulating environment which helps the children to develop their social, intellectual, physical and emotional capabilities. (standard 5) Staff are aware of hazards such as the low outside gate which they monitor when outside and they carry out daily checks on the premises. (standard 6) The staff know the children and families well and cater for their individual needs. They ensure that

p.3

What is being done well?

opportunities are made to learn about cultures and equality; new foods are introduced at snack time and festivals and stories celebrated. (standard 9) The group have policies and procedures for special needs, work closely with the families and other agencies to ensure that all children can participate at a level appropriate to their stage of development. They have funded their own 'one to one' helpers for two children this year. (standard 10) The staff welcome the parents and value their contributions such as; working as a helper, adding to records and providing resources for themes. The parents are happy with the standard of care and education that their children receive and find the staff both friendly and approachable. (standard 12)

p.3

What needs to be improved?

Recording of all visitors to the premises. (standard 2) A procedure for lost or uncollected children to be included in the operational file. (standard 2)

p.3

The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Std Action Date 2 ensure procedures for lost and uncollected children are known by all staff and parents 12/07/2003

p.3

The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

2 ensure that registration arrangements always show when visitors are present 12/07/2003

p.4

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.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

p.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

p.5

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.5

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.5

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6