Elaine Avenue Junior School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 20/08/2003 Inspector Name Gillian Charlesworth

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Margaret Lloyd Holiday Playscheme & Playgroup Setting Address Washington Avenue Grovehill Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 6NG

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Margaret Lloyd Playgroup Address Washington Avenue Grovehill Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 6NG

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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

Margaret Lloyd Playgroup and Holiday Play scheme are a community focussed, self-funding charitable group who are led by a management committee comprising some paid and volunteer staff. The group are situated in the heart of Grovehill in Hemel Hempstead, set back from the road within a recreation ground. They have sole use of the premises during opening hours which have been refurbished and rebuilt over the years and feature ramps and slopes for greater accessibility. The environment is child orientated with child size toilet facilities and some fixed play equipment in the spacious area outside. There is a car park within the recreation ground. The Playgroup is open Monday to Friday, term time between 09:15 and 11:45 hours for 3 to 5 year olds and 12:45 to 14:45 hours (except Friday) for younger children. They do not accept children under 2 years 6 months. The holiday play scheme opens in the summer and admits children between aged

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Information about the setting

three and six years between 09:15 to 15:15 hours during which time children are invited to bring a packed lunch. The group is supervised by Helen Hendery who leads a staff team which provides consistency between the Playgroup and Holiday Playscheme. The Playgroup have regard to the Early Learning Goals in planning activities for the morning sessions whilst the afternoon sessions for younger children and the holiday play scheme are less structured. There are no pets.

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How good is the Day Care?

Margaret Lloyd Playgroup and Holiday Play scheme provides satisfactory care for children. The indoor environment is child centred, safe and welcoming; the spacious secure outside play area can be freely accessed by the children. Resources are age appropriate and well maintained. They are frequently extended and some have been chosen to meet specific needs. Staff prioritise safety. They are all experienced within the playgroup and have some

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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 degree of knowledge. They are friendly, supportive and responsive to children's needs and preferences and help them to have fun although there are missed opportunities and a lack of consistency and understanding in some areas. The group has developed good links with parents through its community focus. They offer support and share information on a regular basis although some policies need development.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider agreed to ensure the daily record of attendance of staff is accurate; develop an action plan detailing how there will be a suitably qualified deputy; keep a record of visitors; conduct a risk assessment and develop an action plan of identified risks; maintain a written record of medicines administered; develop knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities and review the policy; devise a system to record incidents of physical restraints and ensure that records are maintained. Staff attendance is now included in the daily register; the deputy has almost completed NVQ2 and will enrol for NVQ 3 qualification in September bringing new knowledge to the group; a visitors book has been provided and is used; a comprehensive risk assessment completed and daily hazards addressed thus minimising risks to children; a medication record form has been prepared and an accident incident book is used and shared with parents. Equal Opportunities issues

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What is being done well?

• Priority is given to identifying and minimising risks on a daily basis to ensure children's safety. Staff supervise effectively and have procedures for the safe arrival and collection of children (std 6). • The environment is accessible and child centred. It is homely and in good decorative order with plenty of natural light from low level windows which are furnished by net and decorative curtains. The outdoor play area can be used simultaneously with indoors (std 4). • There is an emphasis on community spirit and families are welcomed by staff who are supportive and kind. They support children's needs and preferences enabling them to have fun whilst being safe (std 12/3). • There is a commitment to extending the range of resources. Children's special needs are identified and resources purchased to support their learning. Funding is often sought through community fundraising (std 5/10)

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What needs to be improved?

• knowledge of current issues on behaviour management, equal opportunities and child protection which is used to develop positive practice. (std 9,11,13).

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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 • policies, procedures and documentation which underpin management, ensuring that staff and parents have a clear understanding (std. 2/7/8/9/11/13). • organisation and monitoring of activities to ensure consistency and promote stimulating interaction between staff and children (3/5/11).

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 2 Develop procedures to be followed in the event of a child being lost or a parent failing to collect a child. 30/08/2003

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

13 Devise a suitable written statement which is shared with parents, based on Area Child Protection Committee procedures and includes responsibilities; reporting; procedures and contacts (13:2) 30/12/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 1 Develop management and staff knowledge of behaviour management; equal opportunities and child protection and ensure that all staff are adequately briefed about their role and duties. (1:4;2:4) 3 Ensure that planned activities are consistently provided and that staff are actively involved in stimulating and interacting throughout the session. (this refers to snack/meals times) (3:2; 3:3). 11 Review behaviour management strategies and policy and ensure they are positive, consistent, developmentally appropriate, fully understood and followed by staff and discussed with parents and children (11:1;11:2;11:3)

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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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