The Parks Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/03/2004 Inspector Name Charlene Howlett

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Chasewell Playgroup Setting Address C/o Chasewell Community Centre Avocet Way Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 9YA

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Chasewell Playgroup

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Chasewell Playgroup Address Chasewell Community Centre Avocet Way Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 9YA

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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

Chasewell Playgroup opened in 1973. It operates from a community centre which is situated close to two schools on the edge of Banbury town. The group has the use of the main hall and all the facilities and has an agreement with the neighbouring primary school to share its outdoor area. Chasewell Playgroup serves the local area of Cherwell Heights and Bodicote. There are currently 32 children from 3 to 5 years on roll. This includes 20 funded 3 year olds and 8 funded 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:00 to 11:30. Four full-time staff work with the children and they also employ a relief worker as required. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level two or three. Two staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The playgroup is managed by a committee of parents and is a registered charity. It

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Information about the setting

receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Chasewell Playgroup provides good quality care for children. The staff and parent committee work well together to create an organised and stimulating early years provision. The staff team is experienced and a number of staff are raising the level of their childcare skills and knowledge by attending training events and courses. The range of toys, equipment and resources is stimulating and provides sufficient challenge and promotes children's learning in all areas. The environment is warm and welcoming for parents and children. Although the indoor space is well organised, used appropriately and creatively, children do not have regular opportunities to play and learn outdoors. The Committee is currently updating the group's policies and procedures to ensure they comply with the Government Standards and other legislation. Most procedures to promote children's good health and safety are sound and a risk assessment of the premises and activities will further support staff in maintaining a

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How good is the Day Care?

secure environment. Children benefit from a daily snack of fresh fruit and a drink. Staff take their responsibilities serious with regard to supporting children who require

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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 medication. Children's care and learning are well supported by staff who monitor their progress and development and use this information to plan appropriately for their needs. Staff know the children well and offer them a high level of interaction, both in small groups and on a one-to-one basis. Children are enthusiastic, confident, and enjoy their play. There are well established rules and boundaries within the setting which help children settle and feel secure. The playgroup has a very positive partnership with parents. They are encouraged to participate in the management of the group as well as join a rota of adult helpers. Staff take time to talk informally to parents about their children's progress each day and plan to provide formal opportunities to share children's written progress records

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What is being done well?

• A generous adult:child ratio gives children good support. They benefit emotionally and socially from interaction with staff and other adults who have time to talk and listen to them, as well as play with them and attend to their personal needs. • Staff encourage children's learning through planning and presenting a range of activities which is appropriate to meet the needs and abilities of all the children. They have a wide variety of materials available for the children to select and explore and staff interact frequently with them throughout the session. As a result, children enjoy attending the group and are progressing well. • Despite some recent difficulties with finding qualified staff and a management committee, the group is now flourishing with a keen group of parents and staff who demonstrate enthusiasm and a commitment to keeping the group functioning and providing children with quality care and learning.

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What needs to be improved?

• the opportunities for children to play and learn outdoors • hand-washing routines, to ensure they are hygienic • the documentation of the procedures to follow if a parent fails to collect a child • the identification of hazards and records of how these are minimised.

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What needs to be improved?

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 2 Draw up procedures to be followed in the event of a parent failing to collect a child. 3 Extend the curriculum to give children opportunities to play outside on a regular basis. 6 Conduct a risk assessment on the premises identifying action(s) to be taken to minimize identified risks. 7 Ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding hand washing.

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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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