Manor Way Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 01/07/2004 Inspector Name Linda Margaret Nicholls

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Kestrel Under Fives Playgroup Setting Address Newton Close Lordswood Chatham Kent ME5 8TR

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Kestrel Playgroup Address Newton Close Lordswood Chatham Kent ME5 8TR

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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

Kestrel Under Fives Playgroup opened in 1976. It operates from two large rooms in a church in Lordswood, Chatham. The playgroup serves the local area. There are currently 72 children aged from 2 to 5 years on roll, this includes 24 funded 3-year-olds and 33 funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group currently supports several children with special needs and one child who speaks English as an additional language. The group opens four days a week, term time only. There are sessions from 09.15 to 15.15 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and a morning session on Wednesday. The group provides a lunch club for up to 16 children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or above, two are attending training in September. The pre-school receives support from a teacher from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Kestrel Under Fives Playgroup provides good care for children. Paperwork is up to date and parents are informed of their child's development. The organisation of the day care is very good. An operational plan includes reviewed and updated aims, policies and procedures. Staff work well as a team and minimum qualifications are exceeded. An induction plan for students,volunteers and committee members is in place. Paediatric first aid training is current. The registration certificate is displayed. The premises are decorated, warm and colourful. The safety and the care of the children is good. The premises are secure, visitors are challenged and their details recorded. The premises are for sole use during the hours of the playgroup's opening; they are clean and well maintained. Resources and records are stored securely. There are written fire procedures and fire drills are recorded. A daily risk assessment is undertaken and emergency exits are clear.

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How good is the Day Care?

Staff are aware of emergency evacuation procedures. Medical and health details are recorded and individual requirements are met. Written procedures, policies and consents are available for parents. Staff work with other professionals. Future training plans include updating child protection knowledge for all staff. The range and quality of activities is stimulating. Children are engaged and curious.

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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 Large and small scale duplo bricks are used to provide children with opportunities to extend their play and create a dynamic environment. Children access toys and materials directly so that learning and development of skills is encouraged. The display of children's work is colourful and at child's height. Staff are good role models and encourage socially acceptable behaviour. Group rules are illustrated. Children respect each others differences. The partnership with parents is excellent. Surveys are taken and practice adapted to parents requirements. Parents are reassured of the care their child receives.

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What is being done well?

• The sharing of information between parents and staff is very good. Questionnaires have been responded to and additional events planned to meet parents' suggestions. The introduction of a lunch club has been a success. Parents are involved in the provision. • The range and quality of activities is stimulating and creative. Children take part in visits to the local shops to purchase items for cooking. They visit the local dentist. Children learn about their community. • The staff use positive and consistent strategies to manage children's behaviour. Children's individual needs are met. Children feel secure and play within clear boundaries. Staff are aware some behaviour results from children's level of understanding.

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What needs to be improved?

• the child protection training for staff; • the range of information workshops and events for parents.

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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 12 Continue to extend range of information workshops and events for parents. 13 Plan to update child protection training for staff.

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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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