Childcare Inspection Report on

Little Footprints Playgroup

Whitchurch Community Centre, Old Church Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff. CF14 1AD

Date of Publication

Monday, 18 July 2016

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Description of the serviceLittle Footprints of Whitchurch is part of a group of

playgroups which are registered by the same provider. There is a person in charge

(PiC) who oversees the day to day running of the playgroup. They are registered to

provide care for up to 20 children under the age of 12. The group operates from a

large room, located within Whitchurch Community Centre. The playgroup has its

own purpose built children’s toilets, access to their own secure outside play area and

share a communal kitchen. The club operates from 9.00am to 12.00, Monday to

Friday during term time only. Care is provided through the medium of English with

the use of incidental Welsh.

Summary of our findings

Overall assessment

Overall, we (CSSIW) found that the outcomes for children attending the playgroup

were generally very good. Activities were supported by a range of quality resources,

which were plentiful and fit for purpose. Practitioners were positive and enthusiastic

about their roles and the children had clearly bonded with them. The environment

was bright, clean and inviting. Both the Registered Person (RP) and the Person in

Charge (PiC) fully engaged with the inspection process and were committed to

developing the service.

Improvements

This was their first inspection, following registration in October 2015.

Requirements and recommendations

There were no areas of non-compliance identified at this inspection. Many of the

recommendations are related to the record keeping element of the service. Further

details are outlined at the end of this report.

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Well-being

Summary

Children are well cared for, happy and settled at the playgroup. Their behaviour is

excellent and the playgroup is a happy and calm place in which they can learn and

play. They are able to make choices about their play as resources are plentiful and

their requests are listened to and responded to.

Our findings

To what extent do children have a voice?

Children are listened to and their requests and ideas are responded to. At circle time

we heard children ask for specific songs and rhymes and these were facilitated by

the practitioners. Throughout the two day inspection, we saw many examples of

children’s requests being listened to and acted upon. Whilst playing outside,

children wanted to get out blocks to make towers and again practitioners supported

this enthusiastically. Nearly all children express themselves well and make their

wishes known. Consequently children are happy at the setting and feel comfortable

asking for resources and expressing their preferences. Further consideration could

be given to involving children in the evaluation of activities and gathering their ideas

for future planning. This was discussed with the Registered Person and she agreed

she would discuss it further with the staff team.

To what extent do children feel safe, happy and valued?

Children are settled and cope with being separated from their main care givers. They

have formed firm attachments with staff and are clearly very fond of the people who

look after them. The playgroup has adopted a key worker system and this helps to

promote positive and warm relationships within the setting. We saw that many of the

children were starting to form friendships with their peers. They were able to share,

co-operate, take turns with one another with some ease, given their young age and

stage of development. Nearly all children enjoy their time at the playgroup and we

heard lots of chatter and laughter, which demonstrated their high level of happiness

and security within the setting.

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How well do children interact?

Children’s behaviour is excellent and they interact very positively with their peers and

the people who care for them. Many children sustain interest in the tasks and

activities planned for them. One child took great pride in showing a card he had

made, with lots of interesting detail and colours. Nearly all children have good

manners and are able to take turns. They treat one another, practitioners and their

environment with respect and consideration. Resources were used appropriately

and they helped to tidy away during the session. Such positive behaviour ensures

that all children can feel safe and secure when spending time at the setting and

parents can also feel confident in leaving their children.

To what extent do children enjoy their play and learning?

Children are able to explore and enjoy their learning, both inside and outside. We

saw three children play for a sustained period of time with the kitchen equipment,

playing cafes with a member of staff. They loved making pretend food and eagerly

looked for specific food to make certain meals. Pasta was a firm favourite. Outside

some children had a great interest in the mud kitchen told us that they loved to play

in the mud, “making mud pies for tea.” Children were able to explore their play

environment with a considerable amount of freedom. Throughout both mornings, we

noted that children moved freely and independently, inside and outside and were

supported well by practitioners. They engaged in a range of activities such as

painting, playing in the sand, making towers out of blocks, role play as well as more

creative play such as painting and play doh. We saw that some made an octopus,

which was in keeping with their theme “Under the Sea.” We heard lots of incidental

Welsh. Circle time and the register were undertaken bilingually and children also

used sign language when singing their welcome song. However, we did note that not

all practitioners took opportunities to extend the children’s learning and development.

For example when making shapes out of blocks, opportunities were missed to count

out the blocks and talk about the different properties of the shapes, such as squares

have four sides that are all the same length. It is important to ensure that all

opportunities are fully utilised to maximise the children’s learning and all round

development.

How well do children develop and become independent?

Children are generally encouraged to become more independent. We observed

many use the toilets with little support, washing and drying their hands with verbal

prompts. Aprons were close at hand and children accessed these independently

when undertaking painting. A tray of water with some plastic cups was placed on a

table and we saw children help themselves to water. Children were fully engaged

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with tidying away the toys and appeared to thoroughly enjoy doing this. As

resources were plentiful and positioned throughout the playgroup, this enabled

children to access them with a high degree of independence. However, snack time is

an area where independence could be further developed. Staff serve the drinks and

snacks to the children, where as children should have the opportunity to serve

themselves from shared platters and pour drinks themselves. They could also

collect their own plates and cups and help to tidy away once the snack has been

finished. This was discussed with the PiC and RP and highlighted as an area to

consider for promoting greater independence.

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Care and Development

Summary

Practitioners have the children’s welfare and happiness at the centre of everything

that they do. Relationships are warm and mutually respectful, creating a calm, safe

and inviting environment in which they can play and learn.

Our findings

How well do practitioners keep children healthy and safe?

Practitioners are clear about their roles and responsibilities in keeping children safe and promote a safe and healthy environment. There is a robust child protection policy in place, as well as a range of policies and procedures that deal with a raft of health and safety considerations. We did inform the RP that guidance on “Prevent” should be included in the Child Protection policy and staff made aware of their responsibility. From 1 July 2015 the Prevent duty became law in England and Wales. There is a duty on all schools and registered early years providers to have due regard to preventing people being drawn into terrorism. In order to protect children, all providers must be alert to any reason for concern in the child’s l ife at

home or elsewhere. This includes awareness of the expression of extremist views.

We saw that the Infection Control Audit Tool Kit had been completed. The setting

has adopted the Design to Smile tooth brushing program and this was implemented on a daily basis, after snack time. Healthy snack was provided, with a selection of fruit, vegetables and water and milk provided. Children are

reminded to wash their hands before snack time and after using the toilet; all of which supports children to develop healthy habits for a lifetime. Accident records were completed efficiently with parents/carers signatures in place. The setting has a recording system in place for recording pre existing injuries for the children attending the setting. However, in some cases these did not include an explanation or the signature of the parents. We discussed this with the PiC and suggested that reasons were also recorded. This will provide greater detail and may help to identify a pattern, if one were to emerge.

How well do practitioners manage interactions?

The children’s behaviour is excellent. There are clear policies and procedures in

place for dealing with unwanted behaviour. Practitioners offer gentle reminders to

share and take turns, but we noted that there was very little need for adult

intervention, as the children‘s behaviour was generally impeccable. Practitioners

promoted positive behaviour as they act as good role models and treat each other

and the children with consideration and respect. Practitioners are approachable,

warm and friendly and children were clearly very fond of them, seeking staff out to

play with or show them their latest creation. We heard lots of praise and recognition

of good work, effort and behaviour, which resulted in children beaming with pride.

Children were given stickers which also promoted their self esteem and self worth,

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resulting in a safe, respectful and welcoming environment, where children can grow

and develop.

How well do practitioners promote children’s development and meet their

individual needs?

Practitioners are caring and responsive to the needs of the children. We saw that

those children with special needs were well integrated into the setting and supported

sensitively by practitioners. This ensured that they were able to access the full range

of activities and resources on offer. Planning for activities clearly took place,

however, written records and evaluation of these activities were sparse and this is an

area that needs to be developed further. The playgroup has introduced “My Special

Book” for the children and this is a written and pictorial account of their time at the

nursery and a lovely keepsake for their parents/carers. However, it did not record

children’s development in any great detail and again this is an area that needs

further development by practitioners and managers. Next steps in learning were not

always clearly identified and planned for. However, on talking with managers and

practitioners, it was obvious that they knew the children well and were aware of their

developmental needs and progress. Recording children’s progress would provide the

practitioners with clear evidence and information for them to share with

parents/carers or when making referrals to other agencies

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Environment

Summary

The environment is warm and welcoming and children benefit from both indoor and

outside play areas. It is well looked after and inviting. Regular maintenance checks

help to ensure it is safe and secure.

Our findings

How well do leaders ensure safety on the premises?

Managers and practitioners ensure premises are safe and secure. They implement

the safety requirements of the National Minimum Standards and work hard to ensure

the premises are safe, secure and inviting for the children. There were daily safety

and risk assessment checks completed prior to the children arriving and we saw that

these are completed regularly. The Registered Person had made use of the

Infection Control Audit Tool. We saw from records that an emergency evacuation

drill had been undertaken during the previous term, but they had not yet completed

one for the summer term. Practitioners positioned themselves well throughout the

setting. This helps to ensure that they can monitor the children’s safety in an

unobtrusive manner and be on hand to offer assistance if needs be. We heard lots of

communication between practitioners regarding their location and they worked well

together. This ensures that all areas of the setting were suitably supervised and

therefore safe for the children.

How well do leaders ensure the suitability of the premises?

The children benefit from a large indoor space/playroom, which although shared with

other community groups, still has a sense of ownership for the playgroup. There are

two large display boards, which showcase some of the children’s work. Portable

displays boards are also used and put out on a daily basis. This helps promote a

sense of familiarity and ownerships for the children and parents who use the setting.

There is a secure, accessible outdoor play space and we can see plenty of evidence

of investment in this space. Children benefit from being able to play with a mud

kitchen, sand pit, play house as well as ride on toys and bikes. It was clean and well

maintained and we saw that children thoroughly enjoyed playing in this area. Most of

the children spent most of their time playing outside. Children benefit greatly from

this area and the resources within it.

How well do leaders ensure the quality of resources and equipment?

Providers ensure that all children have access to good quality, variety and choice of

play equipment and resources, which enhances their play experiences. These were

made available in sufficient quantity to ensure all children had good variety and

choice. Furniture was appropriate for the age of the children and of good quality.

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Practitioners cleaned the furniture and toys before putting them away. The sand pit

in the garden was suitably covered to protect the sand from any unwanted visitors,

such as cats or mice and therefore making it safe for the children to use. Outside

there was suitable storage and extra toys were stored here. This storage kept the

toys safe and secure as well as being easily accessible to the children. There was a

selection of multi cultural toys and books also available for the children to use which

helps to reflect the wider society in which we live and promote diversity and equality.

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Leadership and Management

Summary

Leadership of the setting is effective. Both the Registered Person and Person in

Charge fully engaged in the inspection process and were honest and transparent

throughout the process. Practitioners find managers supportive and approachable.

Both lead by example and act as good role models.

Our findings

How effective is leadership?

Little Footprints at Whitchurch is a well run and organised playgroup. It is compliant

with the relevant child care regulations and national minimum standards for

registered child care providers. There are a range of effective and well written

policies and procedures. Record keeping is well organised and structured and we

were able to locate information with some ease, especially as the setting does not

have a designated office. Managers lead by example and are enthusiastic in their

approach. The Person in Charge is “very hands on,” conscientious and is dedicated

to providing a quality service. The children are clearly very fond of her and parents

think highly of her as comments in their questionnaires were very positive. Although

the setting is English speaking, there is a good use of incidental Welsh. We

discussed the need to include the “Active Offer” for those families and children

whose first language may be Welsh. This should also be referenced in either their

Statement of Purpose or a separate policy. This will help to demonstrate that they

are aware of their duties in relation to the provision of the Welsh language.

How effective is self evaluation and planning for improvement?

The service is still within its first year of operation and to date have not yet completed

an annual self evaluation or produced a quality of care report, which is a requirement

of the child care regulations. The nursery does have a quality assurance board,

which encourages staff and parents to contribute; any relevant comments made by

the children are included. However, there are no structures in place to capture the

children’s views and this is an area that could be improved. Planning of activities

were also not reviewed in a systematic manner and the RP recognised that this is an

area that could be further improved. Self evaluation is an on going process, which

will support the providers to move the service forward, by identifying what has

worked well and what needs to be changed or adapted for the future.

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How effective is the management of staff and resources?

The team work well together, are aware of their roles and responsibilities and

communicate well with one another. This helps ensure that the playgroup runs

smoothly and efficiently. Staff stated in returned CSSIW questionnaires that they felt

supported by both the PiC and RP and found them to be approachable and easy to

talk to. One member of staff referred to the setting as “their nursery family.” Staff

morale is good and staff told us that they were happy working at the playgroup. One

staff member told us that “it was a privilege to work with the children.” Practitioners

received regular supervision or one to one support sessions and the notes from the

sessions have a reasonable level of detail. There are termly staff meetings with the

other playgroups within the Little Footprints family and this supports the sharing of

information and good practice issues. There is a small team of practitioners, but

they are able to cover any absences from within the staff team and agency staff are

not used. This ensures there is a continuity of care for the children who attend.

How effective are partnerships?

The setting has good relationships with parents. We received seven completed

CSSIW parent questionnaires and all were extremely complimentary of the

playgroup. Comments included: “I have been really happy with the care of my

daughter, staff are friendly, kind, attentive, enthusiastic and approachable.” Another

one stated “I have full confidence in the Little Footprints team; they provide a happy

and healthy environment for the children…. a really brilliant playgroup.” We saw

evidence in children’s individual files that the playgroup works well with other

agencies when supporting children with additional needs. Parents confirmed this to

be the case in their responses in the questionnaires. Regular newsletters are sent to

parents/carers to keep them informed of any changes or events. Parents are invited

to attend trips to local places of interest. Although the play group does not offer a

Parents Consultation evening/day, parents stated they were happy with the level of

communication and felt they were well informed of their child’s progress. The PiC

and deputy manager also meet, greet and hand over the children at the end of each

session. Information is shared and the PiC told us they are always available at the

end of the session to discuss any issues of concerns. Parents complete contracts

and personal information forms prior to starting at the playgroup. The personal

information captures the child’s individual preferences and personality. Children are

encouraged to visit the setting and have a settling in session, all of which supports a

smooth transition from home to the setting and enhances the child’s over all well

being.

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Improvements required and recommended following this

inspection

Areas of non compliance from previous inspections

This was a first inspection, following registration of the setting in October 2015. Therefore there were no areas of non-compliance identified at the last inspection.

Areas of non compliance identified at this inspection

No areas of non compliance were identified during this inspection.

Recommendations for improvement

Involve children in the evaluation of activities and contribute their ideas for planning.

Ensure all opportunities to extend the children’s learning and development are

recognised and undertaken to maximise children’s learning and all round

development.

Further develop independence at snack time. E.g. allow children the opportunity to

serve themselves from shared platters and pour drinks.

Include guidance on “Prevent” in the Child Protection policy and ensure all staff are

made aware of their responsibilities in this area.

Revise the recording system for recording pre existing injuries for children so that it

includes an explanation and signature of the parents/carers.

Develop written records, evaluation of activities and children’s observations/progress

records.

Include the Active Offer in either the Statement of Purpose or a separate policy.

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How we undertook this inspection

Inspectors undertook an unannounced baseline visit which examined all four

themes on Thursday 9th June 2016 for two and half hours, with a further pre-

arranged visit on Wednesday 15th June 2016 for another two and half hours. The

following methodology was used to gather evidence for this report.

observations of care routines and practices

discussion with PiC and RP and practitioners

conversation with several children

return of five CSSIW staff questionnaires and seven CSSIW parent

questionnaires

consideration of information held by CSSIW

sight of a range of policies and procedures

consideration of information held in staff personnel files and children’s

developmental files.

Further information about what we do can be found on our website www.cssiw.org.uk

About the service

Type of care provided

Sessional Day care

Registered Person

Katherine Morgan .

Person in charge

Bethan Morgan

Registered maximum number of places

20

Age range of children

Under 12

Opening hours

9.00 to 12.00 Monday to Friday – term time only

Operating Language of the service

English

Date of previous CSSIW inspection

First inspection following registration in October 2015

Dates of this inspection visit(s)

Thursday 9 June and Wednesday 15 June 2016

Is this a Flying Start service?

No

Does this service provide the Welsh Language active offer?

No

Additional Information: