Pierremont Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 05/05/2004 Inspector Name Donna Suzanne Lancaster

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Pierremont Playgroup Setting Address Holy Trinity Youth & Community Centre Pierremont Road Darlington Co. Durham DL3 6DG

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Pierremont Playgroup Address Holy Trinity Youth & Community Centre Pierremont Road Darlington Co. Durham DL3 6DH

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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

Pierremont Playgroup operates sessional care for children aged two to under five years. The Playgroup operates from a large main hall which has kitchen facilities and storage space included. There is access to an enclosed outdoor play area. The premises are situated in the town centre area of Darlington. The facility serves the Dene's area and the surrounding areas. There are currently twenty seven children aged from two to under five years on roll. The group do not offer places for funded children. There are no children attending who have special needs and no children attend with English as an additional language. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The Playgroup is open Monday to Thursday from 09:30 to 11:30 term time only. There are five members of staff who work directly with the children. All staff hold relevant qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

Pierremont Play group provides good quality care for children. Staff work together as part of a team and provide a warm, welcoming and caring environment for children and parents. All staff working directly with the children hold a recognised qualification and they have a commitment to continually updating their own knowledge and experience of working with children through training. The premises are safe and maintained to a good standard and children feel secure and happy. There is a good selection of appropriate play materials available which are easily accessible to the children. Toys and activities provided are stimulating, challenging and promote all areas of learning. Good resources available to promote equal opportunities. Staff ensure children are safe inside and outside the setting by conducting a daily risk assessment. Staff promote the good health and hygiene of children by encouraging them to wash their hands. Child protection procedures are

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How good is the Day Care?

available to staff and parents but do not include procedure to be follow in the event of an allegation made against a member of staff. Complaints procedures are in place, however they do not include relevant contact numbers. Staff have good relationships with the children, they talk and play with them and help them to learn. Children are supported well and they are encouraged to take part in all the playgroups activities. Children respond well to boundaries set for 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 behaviour and are happy and settled in the play group. The group have developed good working relationships with parents and they are welcomed into the setting. There is a parental involvement policy in place. Parents indicated that they have good relationship with the staff and are happy with the care provided and the range of activities offered by the Playgroup. All documentation is in place. It is well organised and stored in a confidential manner.

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What is being done well?

• Staff have a commitment to continually up dating training. • A good range of toys and resources are provided for children. Effective storage allows easy accessibility and promotes children's independence and free choice. • A wide range of well resourced, interesting activities are planned to ensure children enjoy their time at the pre-school. • The staff have developed good relationships with the children. They talk, listen and play with the children and actively encourage and engage all the children in activities. • Children behave very well. Staff have adopted a consistent and positive approach which promotes children's welfare and development. • Positive relationships have been established with parents and information is shared on a daily basis. Parents are kept fully informed about their child's care and the daily routines within the group. • The written information regarding the provision and activities which is shared

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What needs to be improved?

• the child protection procedure for the playgroup includes procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation made against a member of staff • the complaints procedure to include relevant contact details.

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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 12 Make available to parents details of the relevant contact numbers in complaints procedure. 13 Ensure that the child protection procedure for the playgroup includes procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation made against a member of staff.

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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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