Thornhill Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 16/09/2004 Inspector Name Sue Taylor

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Silverhill Playgroup Setting Address Alma Terrace St. Leonards-on-Sea East Sussex TN37 6QT

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of The Management Committee

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name The Management Committee Address Alma Terrace St. Leonards-on-Sea East Sussex TN37 6QT

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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

Silverhill Playgroup has been operating for forty years. It operates from the church hall on the outskirts of the town. The children have access to the main hall that can be divided, two smaller rooms and use of an enclosed outdoor area. The playgroup serves the local community. There are currently 25 children from 2 to 4 years on roll. This includes 17 funded 3-year-olds with provision for funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group is happy to support children with special needs and children for whom English is an additional language. The group opens five days a week during the school term. They are open from 9:30 am until 12:00 md. Six part time/full time staff work with the children. Three have early years qualifications and two are currently on training programmes.

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How good is the Day Care?

Silverhill Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. The chair and committee are very aware of their responsibilities. The staff team work well together. They are enthusiastic and committed, keen to extend their knowledge with further training. The environment is warm and welcoming. Space is used well to meet children's needs. A wide range of toys and play materials are available. Children can make choices from the activities put out each day. Documentation is kept secure and confidentiality is maintained. Most of the available policies and procedures are quite old and some required detail is missing. The premises are secure with staff supervising the children effectively, however there is no risk assessment in place to ensure possible risks are minimised. The group acts in a child's best interest if they are ill. Children develop good hygiene practices through routines such as hand washing. Healthy snacks and a drink are

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How good is the Day Care?

provided daily. Children begin to develop independence. Children are respected and valued for who they are. The staff are clear about their responsibilities to protect children. A child's individual development is recorded with the information shared with parents and carers. The staff know the children well and are involved in their play. Children

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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 are very settled and happily occupied. A balanced range of fun and stimulating activities are planned for. The group are keen to meet children's needs. The children relate positively to adults and are beginning to develop friendships with other children. Behaviour management is positive and effective. Parents and carers are happy with the care their children receive. They are welcomed into the group. Positive relationships are developing and they are informed about their child's day.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group were asked to ensure that there was suitable protection of the radiators in the main hall. This action has been met well. The radiators have now got sturdy fixed covers that would prevent children being able to access the radiators.

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What is being done well?

• The management of children's behaviour is very good. The staff have a good understanding of children's differing needs and act with a consistent and positive approach. Good behaviour is encouraged and praised. • Children are able to develop independence in such ways as accessing the toilets themselves and pouring their drinks at snack time. • Children have regular opportunities for physical play. They are able to use the secure outdoor area in good weather. The available indoor space enables children to use equipment such as the climbing frame and ride on toys, as well as participating in music and movement. • The children settle well. They engage with staff and get involved in the available activities with most showing good levels of concentration.

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What needs to be improved?

• documentation, by updating policies and ensuring that the required detail is included covering several areas such as child protection and safety.

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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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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 1 consider including a health check within the recruitment process for staff members 6 conduct a risk assessment on the premises identifying action to be taken to minimize any identified risks 6 produce written procedures for the safe conduct of outings 7 request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment 12 ensure that Ofsted contact details are included on the written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if parents or carers have a complaint 13 produce written detail of the procedure to be followed in the event of allegations made against staff or volunters at the group 14 produce written procedures to be followed in the event of a child going missing 14 ensure that the record of attendance shows when staff are present

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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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