Marsden Pre-School Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 10/05/2004 Inspector Name Maggie Buckley

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Marsden Pre-School Playgroup Setting Address Lakeside Marsden Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD7 6AE

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Marsden Pre-School Playgroup 1023134

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Marsden Pre-School Playgroup Address Lakeside Marsden Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD7 6AE

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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

Marsden Pre-School Playgroup has been open for a number of years. It operates from ground floor premises rented from a nearby mill. The group has use of a play room, entrance hall, children's toilets and a kitchen area. There is an enclosed outdoor area available for outside play. The playgroup mainly serves children living locally. There are currently 47 children on roll aged between two and four years. This number includes 17 funded three and four-year olds. Children with special needs are supported within the setting and the group has systems in place to support children who speak English as an additional language. The group is open during term times Monday to Thursday mornings. Sessions run from 09:15 until 11:45. It is also open Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 12:30 until 15:00 pm. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group is managed by a committee who employ four members of staff to work

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Information about the setting

directly with the children. All staff members are qualified. The playgroup achieved accredited quality assurance from the Pre-school Learning Alliance in 2003 and receives support from the Local Authority.

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How good is the Day Care?

Marsden Pre-School Playgroup provides good quality of care for children. There is an active committee which supports the playgroup and effective management systems are in place. All staff are qualified. The inside of the building is welcoming and child centred. Furniture, toys and equipment are well-maintained and ensure children can play, rest and eat in comfort. All the required paperwork is in place, well-organised and reviewed regularly. Generally, effective procedures are in place in respect of children's health and safety. Established hygiene routines are in place and children's understanding of good hygiene is encouraged. Healthy and nutritious snacks are available and children choose when they would like to eat. A high profile is given to equality of opportunity and children's differing needs given every consideration. Good relationships exist between the children and staff. Children are involved in a

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How good is the Day Care?

broad range of activities both indoors and outdoors which supports their

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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 development and learning. Clear routines and the effective deployment of staff assist a well planned curriculum. Children are happy and settled and they behave well. Good behaviour is encouraged through the use of praise and encouragement. Relationships with parents are good. Parents are welcomed into the setting. Very good arrangements exist for the sharing of information both verbally and in writing.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider was asked to improve the emergency evacuation procedure, the complaints policy and to provide an incident book. These improvements have been made. Systems are also in place to check hygiene within the toilet area as requested. All of which contribute to the safety and well being of the chidnren.

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What is being done well?

• Staff are very effectively deployed throughout the session addressing the safety, welfare and development of the children. A key worker system operates giving consistency and continuity of care. • A very good range of interesting and exciting activities are planned and provided. Children are able to access these easily and confidently. Play is planned to address children's individual needs and play plans are shared with parents. • Snacks are very attractively presented, linked to differing themes and encourage children's learning by extending their knowledge and experiences of different foods. Good attention is paid to the provision of healthy and nutritious snacks. • An effective and comprehensive equal opportunities policy is in place. Children are valued and encouraged to feel positive about themselves and their abilities. Strong links exist between the playgroup and the local nursery and children are supported in this move.

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What is being done well?

• Good behaviour is encouraged and children respond well. They enjoy a busy and active day and have little opportunity to become bored. • Partnership with parents is given high priority. Lots of written information is available about the setting and the child's day and progress. Regular parents evenings are held and parents views are sought and valued. Parents particularly appreciate the attention staff give to each child and the wide choice of interesting activities provided.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

Effective use is made of the outdoor area which is carefully planned to allow children to have real experieces, for example of creatures in their natural environment. The outdoor play area carefully mirrors the indoor play activities, experiences are extended in both areas to allow children to continue in their play and learning (Standard 3).

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

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?

• safety with regard to written risk assessments • emergency medical consents • child protection in respect of statement and staff's knowledge and understanding of the procedures.

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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 6 Improve current system of written risk assessments by undertaking checks and recording more regularly. 7 Improve parental consent for emergency treatment to include the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment. 13 Develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. Consider amending the child protection statement clearly stating staff responsibilities with regard to the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect.

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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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