Cogenhoe Preschool

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 24/11/2003 Inspector Name Rachael Mankiewicz

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Cogenhoe Playgroup Setting Address York Avenue Cogenhoe Northampton Northamptonshire NN7 1NB

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Cogenhoe Playgroup Address York Avenue Cogenhoe Northampton Northamptonshire NN7 1NB

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Cogenhoe Playgroup has been operating for over 30 years from the Village Hall. They have access to the large and small halls, kitchen and toilets. Outdoor play is restricted to periods when a temporary area adjacent to the hall is enclosed, or when planned visits are made to the enclosed children's play area on the village park. There are currently 19 children from two and a half years and under five years on roll. This includes funded three and four-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. None of the children attending currently has defined special needs. Children attend from the village and surrounding areas. The provision is open on a daily basis from 09:00 until 12:00. The Wednesday morning session runs as a pre-school session from January to July. There are four regular staff members; one of whom has a relevant early years child care qualification at Level 3 and another member of the staff team is working

p.2

Information about the setting

towards that level of qualification. The group receive support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Cogenhoe Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. The provision offers a caring and welcoming child care experience where children can learn through play. The premises are safe and well-maintained. The staff and management have a good awareness of health and safety issues, and encourage children to learn to keep themselves safe. The staff also see hygiene as a priority and practice is good. The group provide a good range of toys, resources and activities for children of differing ages and stages of development. The staff are aware of the needs of the individual children and are able to support their interests and development. Good organisation allows the staff to spend individual time with the children. The number of qualified staff is below that required with only one member of the team having a qualification appropriate to the post.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

The children benefit from the planning of daily routines, and positive behaviour management strategies, which results in good behaviour overall. The partnerships between staff and parents are good. Information is shared at the

p.2

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 beginning and end of the session. All paperwork is in place and completed appropriately. The day to day running of the playgroup is based on a comprehensive operational plan.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

There were a number of actions made at the last inspection regarding policies and procedures, which have been addressed and checked at this inspection. Concerns were also made about the safety of children particularly regarding the security of the building. The front door is now secure and other people cannot have access to the building without the playgroup staff knowing. Risk assessments have been done which make staff aware of safety issues and help keep children safe inside the building.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Children benefit from the full range of activities and resources. Children are happy to move around and make choices. Staff show interest in what the children are doing and encourage children's development. • Staff use the available space effectively; areas of the large hall can be divided for different activities. • Children are aware of the limits on their behaviour and what is expected of them, and therefore behaviour overall is good. The good staff:child ratios and the use of consistent, fair and positive methods of behaviour management encourage the older school age children to behave well. The younger children are developing in an atmosphere where they are praised and encouraged by the staff. • Parents take an active role in the running of the group as part of the management committee. Parents and carers receive good information about the pre-school, and their children's interests and progress.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the number of qualified staff available to work with the children, so that at least half of the staff group hold a level 2 qualification in early years childcare • the qualification of a deputy supervisor to be a level 3 qualification in early years childcare.

p.3

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

p.3

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Develop and implement an action plan detailing how at least half of all childcare staff will hold a level 2 qualification in childcare. 2 Develop and implement an action plan that sets out how a named deputy who is able to take charge in the absence of the manager will achieve a level 3 qualification.

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6