Focus School - Cambridge Campus

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/06/2004 Inspector Name Gillian Little

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Minster Lovell Playgroup Setting Address St Kenelms School Grounds Wenrisc Drive Minster Lovell, Witney Oxfordshire OX29 0SP

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Minster Lovell Playgroup

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Minster Lovell Playgroup Address Wenrisc Drive Minster Lovell Witney Oxfordshire OX29 0SP

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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

Minster Lovell Playgroup opened in 1977. It operates from premises in the grounds of the primary school. The playgroup serves the local area and surrounding villages. There are currently 24 children from two to five years on roll including funded three and four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs. The group opens five mornings a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:00 until 12:00. Three part-time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level three. The setting receives support from a development worker from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

The playgroup provides good quality care for children. There are effective procedures in place for employing and checking staff. There are appropriate numbers of qualified staff and they have opportunities for on-going training. The premises are well maintained and provide a welcoming, safe and secure environment. There is a good range of safe and clean toys and resources. There are detailed policies in place which are carried out effectively. All the required paperwork is in place and there is a range of additional paperwork to ensure the safe and efficient management of the provision. However, the staff should ensure that the register is accurately maintained. The staff ensure that children are safe at all times. The premises are clean and hygienic. Staff help the children to learn about health and hygiene. The playgroup takes appropriate steps when children are ill. There are effective procedures in place

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How good is the Day Care?

to deal with child protection concerns. The playgroup provides children with regular snacks and drinks but could do more to promote healthy eating. The playgroup offers a wide range of activities across all learning areas. Staff know children well and are able to meet their individual needs. Staff spend their time playing with and talking to the children which helps to develop good relationships. The playgroup promotes equal opportunities for staff and children. The staff help children to learn about people in the world around them through suitable topics,

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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 displays and resources. The playgroup promotes the welfare and development of children with special needs and staff have suitable training. Staff use suitable methods to deal with difficult behaviour. They recognise and praise positive behaviour. The playgroup develops good partnerships with parents who are happy with the care it provides.

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What is being done well?

• The playgroup provides a good range of stimulating activities. The staff have a very flexible approach to planning and encourage children to make choices and to develop ideas. The staff spend their time playing with and talking to the children. They help to extend children's thinking by asking questions and developing discussions. They know children well and are able to meet their individual needs. This all ensures that children are relaxed, enjoy their play and relate well to other children and the adults who look after them. • The staff have a consistent and positive approach to managing behaviour. They allow children to be energetic and vibrant while at the same time helping them to understand behavioural rules. The staff act as good role models and give the children lots of praise and encouragement. The staff are involved with the children's play and this helps to prevent unwanted behaviour. As a result the children are settled, respectful and have a good

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What is being done well?

understanding of acceptable behaviour. • The playgroup develops good relationships with parents. The staff ensure that parents are made to feel welcome and have time to talk about their children's progress. There is a good range of information available to parents including policies, a prospectus and a range of leaflets and publications related to childcare. There is a supportive committee in place and a parent rota system. This all ensures that parents can be involved in the group and in their child's play and learning. • The playgroup staff and committee ensure that children are safe at all times. They regularly review safety procedures and ensure that fire recommendations are met. The staff supervise children well both indoors and outdoors. They ensure that the premises is safe and that risks to children are minimised.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The playgroup makes excellent use of the available space to display children's work and provide interest through murals and other visual aids. This contributes to the group's welcoming atmosphere and helps to consolidate and reinforce the children's learning (Standard 4).

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

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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What needs to be improved?

• an accurate record of children's attendance • healthy eating at snack time • some hygiene procedures for hand washing/drying.

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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 Ensure that an accurate register is maintained at all times. 8 Ensure that snacks are healthy and nutritious.

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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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