St Cuthbert's Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/06/2004 Inspector Name Linda Gail Moore

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St Cuthbert's Playgroup Setting Address Village Hall Sand Lane, Doveridge Ashbourne Derbyshire DE6 5JQ

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St Cuthberts Playgroup Address Village Hall, Sand Lane Doveridge Ashbourne Derbyshire DE6 5JQ

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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 Cuthbert's Pre-School Playgroup opened in 1992 and operates from Doveridge Village Hall, Doveridge nr. Ashbourne, Derbyshire. There are schools, shops and parks in the immediate area. The playgroup serves the local and surrounding community. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs. The playgroup offers sessional care, five mornings and one afternoon a week, during school term times. Eight full and part-time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). The group is a member of Pre-School Learning Alliance and is managed by a parental committee.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Cuthbert's Playgroup provides good quality care for the children. The friendly staff team create a warm and welcoming environment for the children. There are three different managers leading the sessions, but communication is good enabling staff to work well together. All are clear about their roles and responsibilities. A range of written policies, procedures and records are in place. Good use is made of space, time and resources. Clear routines and procedures enable staff to work consistently and children feel secure and confident. The premises are well-maintained and benefit from recent re-furbishment to the bathroom, re-decoration and new windows fitted. Staff ensure the children's safety and well-being with good health and safety measures in place and good levels of supervision. Good health and hygiene practice is promoted with the children. Equipment is regularly checked and maintained. Staff plan and organise a broad range of stimulating, enjoyable activities and

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How good is the Day Care?

experiences. Activities are linked to the children's developmental needs and are evaluated and recorded. Staff organise activities well, creating a welcoming child friendly environment. Staff engage in the children's play and conversation, offering support and encouraging independence where appropriate. Children have formed close relationships with staff and their peers, they are confident and happy in their play and interaction. Behaviour during free play is good with staff reinforcing this through praise and encouragement.

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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 Staff work closely with parents to promote the children's development and self-esteem. Clear, well-written documentation is in place. Policies and procedures are accessible for parents to read. Parents make positive comments about the playgroup, identifying that the staff are friendly and caring and the children are happy and settled within the playgroup environment.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection there were a number of actions that the group agreed to address. These included providing details of how staff are suitably vetted and there are sufficient staff with first aid certificates. There were also hazards on the premises that needed to be addressed. All staff have now completed relevant checks, further training in first aid has been arranged and all hazards have now been removed. These measures now ensure the safety and well being of the children. The group were also asked to maintain written records of medication administered and obtain parents prior written consent. These are now in place and ensure the parents are better informed about procedures and practice.

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What is being done well?

• Staff value the children and form good relationships with them. Independence is encouraged and supported. The children are happy and confident in their play. • Children can participate in a wide range of activities. Assessment and evaluation records are maintained to ensure the children's individual developmental needs are met. Staff are enthusiastic and motivated, introducing new ideas, for example 'fit club'. Their positive interaction encourages the children's interest, involvement and learning. • The staff team have vast experience and skills that can be transferred to the setting. Staff work effectively together sharing their expertise and knowledge, they are committed to developing their practice and accessing further training. • Staff have developed a good partnership with parents. Parents receive good information about the setting, regular exchanges of information ensure the needs of all the children are addressed. The group is pro-active in seeking

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What is being done well?

feedback from parents and use this information to make changes and improve their service

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What needs to be improved?

• responsibility for behaviour management issues, to be delegated to a named member of staff to ensure all procedures are understood and implemented.

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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 11 Ensure that there is a named staff member who is responsible for behaviour management 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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