Ofsted Report - April 2005

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.

Warmley Community Centre Playgroup has been open for several years. It operates from the main hall of the Centre. A smaller hall is also used for older children during one session of the week. The pre-school serves the local communities, the closest of which are Warmley and Kingswood.

Children attend for a variety for a variety of sessions. The group opens five days a week during the school term times. Sessions are from 09:30 until 12:00 hrs.

Five part time staff work with the children. They all have the National Vocational Qualification level 3 in Pre-School Practice. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. It also has advice and practical input on Special Educational Needs from Fair Play.

Warmley Community Centre Playgroup provides good quality care for children. Staff have several years experience of working with pre-school children. The operational plan is very good. It is well written and has clear aims. Space is organised well. Activity tables are set out in the large hall before children arrive. They have freedom to move around during play. The hall is rearranged during the session, according to the space required for the next activity. Energetic play takes place inside as there is no suitable outdoor area. A wide selection of toys and play equipment is available. The pre-school provides equipment for core activities such as sand, water, imaginary and creative play. There are a number of challenging and stimulating games to help children to solve problems.

Records are generally satisfactory. They are clearly written and they are accessible to parents by several methods including a web site. Some procedures are not completed to the required standard. Staff have a satisfactory understanding of safety issues. A written risk assessment is made of the areas used by children and also of possible hazards on trips. Fire safety is given high priority and drills are carried out regularly. Staff have information about children's dietary needs in the working folder. They know about food allergies and of individual food preferences. There is no information about children's diets in the food preparation area. Individual and special needs are given careful consideration and they are well met. Support is obtained from outside agencies such as

Since the last inspection staff have developed a system for carrying out and recording risk assessments. They have also developed the policy for lost or uncollected children.

• The operational plan is very good. It is well written and has clear aims.
• Staff provide a wide selection of activities that help children make progress in all areas.
• The equipment and play materials are good. A number of challenging and stimulating mind games to help children to think are also provided.
• The individual and special needs of children are well met. Staff obtain support from appropriate care agencies when necessary.
• Children behave very well.
• Children are sensitively cared for according to their parents' wishes.

• the recruitment and vetting procedures to be written
• the staff induction procedures to be written
• the information about children's diets and food allergies to be available in the food preparation area
• the child protection policy to be further developed to include the action to be taken if an allegation of abuse is made against an adult or a member of staff.

Good

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.

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

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.

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.

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.