St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 26/04/2004 Inspector Name Michael Collins

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Acorns Playgroup Setting Address Whitstone CPS Oak Lane, Whitstone Holsworthy Devon EX22 6TH

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Acorns Playgroup Address Whitstone CPS Oak Lane, Whitstone Holsworthy Devon EX22 6TH

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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

Acorns Playgroup was established in June 2000. It is based in a classroom at the village primary school and serves the village of Whitsone and the surrounding area. The playgroup is registered to care for 16 children aged between 3 and 5 years. There are currently seven children attending. The playgroup is able to support children with special needs and those for whom English is an additional language. It opens on Monday and Wednesday afternoons between 12:45 and 15.15 during school term-time. The setting currently employs two staff. The playgroup leader, who works in the reception class in the school as an assistant during the rest of the week, has an NVQ3 and holds a first aid qualification. The second member of staff holds an NVQ2. The group also operates a parent helper rota to maintain required adult child ratios. The setting is manage by an elected management committee of parents and interested others. It has close links with the school and is a member of the

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How good is the Day Care?

Acorns playgroup provides good quality care for children. The centre has a mainly good operational plan that works very well in practice. Staff are committed, motivated and work well together. Good use of space is made and children have access to an outside play area. There is a very good selection of resources easily available to the children; these are used productively by staff to support children's learning and play. Documentation is good and very well maintained. Children are well cared for in a safe and secure environment. Very good and effective procedures for risk assessment and fire safety are in place, and staff are very clear about their roles. Staff promote health and hygiene practices very well. However, written permission to seek emergency medical advice is incorrectly worded. Children's dietary requirements are well met. The staff actively promote equality of opportunity and inclusion. They are also able to meet the needs of

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How good is the Day Care?

children with special needs and those with English as an additional language very well. Staff have a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures.

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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 However the child protection policy and procedures do not clearly define roles and responsibilities. Staff plan a wide range of positive activities, which are clearly linked to the Foundation Stage Curriculum and the Early Learning Goals. Children are encouraged to use their imaginations and make their own choices. Staff manage behaviour consistently and actively promote good behaviour. As a result, children's behaviour is excellent and children seem happy and actively engaged. The scheme works in partnership with parents very well. Parents are kept informed about the setting's plans, and very good information is provided to parents, volunteers and committee members. Staff are aware of their duty of confidentiality and endeavour to maintain this.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The setting has made satisfactory progress since their last inspection. They have done this by producing a form to obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice and or treatment. However, this form is incorrectly worded and implies that it only gives permission for staff to administer first aid.

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What is being done well?

• Staff plan a wide range of appropriate activities to promote children's learning and development extremely well. • Staff behaviour management is consistent, they actively encourage good behaviour, and as a result children behave well and have positive relationships with staff. • Staff are inducted to the setting very well, and are aware of, and committed to the policies and procedures of the setting. • Working in partnership with parents is supported very well by staff and management.

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What needs to be improved?

• permission to seek emergency treatment or advice • child protection policy • complaints policy.

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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 7 Review wording of existing written permission to seek emergency medical advice and or treatment, to make clear that it gives permission for clinicians to act in the child’s best interests in a life threatening situation. 13 Review and update existing child protection policy and procedures, in particular roles and responsibilities.

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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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