St Matthew's Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/02/2005 Inspector Name Shaheen Matloob

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St Matthew's Playgroup Setting Address c/o St Matthew's Infant School Chadderton Hall Road Chadderton Oldham OL9 0BN

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St Matthews Playgroup Address St Matthews Infants Scjhool Chadderton Hall Road, Chadderton Oldham Lancashire OL9 0BN

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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 Mathew's Playgroup was registered in 2000. It operates from a large single storey pre fabricated building, offering two large play rooms with toilet and kitchen facilities adjacent. It is situated off the grounds of the local first school, in the urban area of Chadderton, Oldham. The playgroup is managed by a committee made up of parents. The playgroup is registered to care for a maximum of 30 children at any time and operates 09:15 to 11:45 Monday to Friday and 13:00 to 15:15, Monday to Thursday. the playgroup operates term time only. All children share access to the school playground offering a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 39 children aged from 2 - 5 on roll, of these 22 children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from the local community and surrounding areas. The playgroup employs seven staff on a full and part time basis. Five of the staff hold appropriate early years qualifications. Other staff are working towards gaining a

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Information about the setting

qualification. The playgroup receives support from Early Years partnership and has also received an Investors in people award for quality.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Mathew's Playgroup provides good standard of care for children in a warm, welcoming and stimulating environment. Organisation is effective and staff have a clear understanding of their roles. Space is organised and used well in order to meet children's needs effectively. An excellent range of resources and play opportunities are provided which meet the varying needs of children, staff support and extend children's learning and promote further development. Documentation required for the efficient management of the provision and to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children is generally of a high standard. Staff are committed to promoting safety within the setting, they are vigilant at all times to ensure that the safety of children is paramount and positive steps are taken to reduce hazards. High standards of hygiene are promoted and children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through daily routines and planned

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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 activities. Children are provided with food and drink that is nutritious and staff request information from parents about dietary needs in order to promote children's healthy growth and development. Staff comply with child protection guidance and are able to implement relevant procedures. Staff are fully committed to providing equality and anti discriminatory practice, all children are valued and treated equally. Staff are pro active when caring for children with special needs and take specific action to help children progress. Children are encouraged to play and learn freely in a safe and stimulating environment where clear and reasonable expectations are set and children's efforts are praised and appreciated. Partnerships with parents are positive. Staff work in partnership with parents to

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How good is the Day Care?

achieve a positive impact on children's learning. Parents have access to a good range of policies and useful documentation, they are kept up to date with events and their child's day through various methods to promote continuity of care.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection there were several actions relating to first aid and hand washing. The setting has addressed all the previous actions and ensure that effective hand washing procedures are in place and the water temperature is safe and appropriate. All staff now hold valid first aid certificates.

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What is being done well?

• The care learning and play of children is effectively promoted by motivated and enthusiastic staff who carefully balance their time to allow children to play independently as well as participating in planned adult directed activities. Children have excellent relationships with staff who are kind and affectionate and support children's learning and development through positive interaction. • The premises are safe and secure. Children's work, colourful posters and notice boards are displayed at eye level offering a warm and welcoming environment for both children and parents. Excellent use is made of the available space which is organised to promote children's development. • There is an excellent range of toys and resources available. Children have access to a range of planned and free play activities which meet their varying needs. Dedicated support and interaction from staff encourages children to

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What is being done well?

extend their all round development. • Positive strategies are used to manage children's behaviour, which are appropriate for their ages and level of understanding. Staff create an environment where children learn to respect others and their environment. Children are fully aware of what is expected of them and behave appropriately, they are able to share and negotiate between themselves. • Staff have positive relationships with parents and recognise that parents are the first educators of children. There is a successful two way flow of information and parents are kept informed of their child's activities and

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What is being done well?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 developmental progress through an effective range of records, regular news letters and daily verbal communication, ensuring continuity of care.

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What needs to be improved?

• policy for lost children • records for attendance, existing injuries and significant issues.

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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 2 Devise a procedure for lost children 13 Keep a sufficiently detailed record of existing injuries and significant issues and share this with parents 2 Ensure that attendance records show times of arrival and departure for staff and children

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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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