Greenacres (Den)

Greenacres Den

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Greenacres Den

Unique Reference Number EY310089 Inspection date 27 June 2006 Inspector Jane Nelson

p.1

Greenacres Den

Setting Address 16 Ripley Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2JH

p.1

E-mail

Registered person Greenacres DNS Limited Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care

p.1

E-mail

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Greenacres Den is one of four day care provisions operated by Greenacres DNS Limited. It opened in 2005 and operates from five rooms in a converted building ,which is situated in a residential area in Hampton, Middlesex. A maximum of 40 children may attend the setting at any one time. Four sessions operate daily: breakfast from 7.30-9.00, morning activity sessions for children three to five years, lunch ( for nursery and reception age children) from 11.30-12.00 and after school from 15.00-18.00 during school term times. A Holiday club operates on the premises for full days (8.00-18.00) during school holidays. Children have access to a

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 72 children aged from three to under eight years on roll. Children are collected from two schools in the area, where they attend part or full time education. The setting currently supports a number of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The setting employs six members of staff. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications and two are working towards a qualification one is unqualified.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's physical development and good health is promoted well, through daily access to physical exercise and out door play. They make good use of the indoor climbing wall, and talk about how they like climbing on the wall, several children say this is their favourite activity. Children have daily access to play in the outdoor area, where they play football and use equipment such as large plastic hoops and cones. In addition, a weekly extra curricular physical activity session is also provided. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own personal hygiene by following good practices such as washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Signs are displayed in the bathroom reminding children to wash their hands, and easy access to liquid soap encourages this practice. Children have access to healthy food and enjoy their snack of sandwiches, raw carrot

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

and fruit. They socialise well during snack time, laughing and talking about a school outing they have been on, and what they like to eat. Children eat sitting on chairs in a large circle, which means that some children have limited space to sit. Children are not given plates or serviettes which mean they have to hold their food while eating.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where they are generally well supervised by staff. Space is well planned and organised with quiet, creative and more active areas, which means that children can move around, play and relax safely. They use a range of equipment and play materials that are safe and in good condition. There is space for them to use equipment on the floor and at tables safely. Children are reminded to be careful in their play and are aware of their own safety, for example taking care on the climbing wall. Children are familiar with the evacuation procedure and talk about how they held hands, left the building and crossed the road during a recent practice. Good practices such as, children wearing coloured tabards during the collection process from schools, helps to ensure their safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children's welfare is protected by the setting's polices and staff's awareness of child protection issues, however the nominated person has not updated their knowledge. Systems are in place to ensure staff are deployed effectively to ensure children's safety, however these are not always fully effective and can result in staff requirements not always being met.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arrive at the setting happy and excited. They talk about the school trip they have been on, and have time to tell staff about this during circle time at the beginning of the after school session. The well organised space and range of activities, provide good opportunities for children to relax after the school day. They have opportunities to use their imagination, make choices about what they do, socialise and play together. Children say they enjoy coming to the setting. They say they like playing table football, drawing and especially like climbing on the climbing wall. They use their imagination well and enjoy playing in the tree house, making a beach area from blankets in one of the rooms and 'relaxing on the beach'. They have access to a well resourced creative room, where several children enjoy painting. Children's creative work is valued and displayed attractively, encouraging them to take pride in their

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

work and participate in creative activities. Children's opinions are valued and taken note of, through discussion and use of the suggestion box. This increases children's self esteem. They benefit from good support from staff, who facilitate children's play well through planning and organisation of resources, answering children's questions and make suggestions to extend their play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have opportunities to learn about differences and diversity. They have access to some resources such as books, posters, puzzles and dolls. Different foods and discussion are included in monthly topics and discussion takes place following on from topics children are covering at school. Children's opinions and preferences are highly valued, for example they write suggestions of things they would like to have at the after school club and put them in the suggestions box. This increases their self confidence and helps them to have a sense of belonging in the setting. Children behave well, they are busy and involved in activities. They play well together take turns and share equipment. They benefit from clear boundaries and participate in the setting of ground rules, which are displayed. This helps children to take responsibility for their own actions and understand why rules are in place. Children's

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 achievements and positive behaviour are praised. A new system displaying children's achievements is being implemented, which encourages positive behaviour and kindness to each other. Children with special educational needs are well supported in the setting, through one to one attention at times during the session. Children receive continuity of care due to good systems for sharing information with parents, which operate well, such as daily communication, newsletters, and children's individual folders containing creative work and any information from the setting. General information for parents is displayed on notice boards. Parents say they feel their children are happy at the setting.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children’s individual needs are well known due to clear written information being obtained from parents. Written documentation, policies and procedures are in place and implemented adequately. They are clear and well organised although some information is not up to date. Suitable recruitment procedures are in place and followed. Systems are in place to obtain evidence of staff checks and qualifications, however not all the required information is in place for all staff. Staffing arrangements do not always ensure there are the required minimum amount of staff on the premises at all times. Good systems are in place to encourage and value staff through appraisals, regular staff meetings and an annual team building day. Staff are encouraged to identify areas for development and improvement through participating in completing regular updates of the self evaluation form. The setting is meeting the needs of the range of

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other then those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE 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 On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • make sure contact details for Ofsted are updated • make sure evidence of CRB checks and qualifications are in place for all staff and a minimum of 2 adults are on site at all times • designated person for child protection to update training • review organisation of large group snack time to ensure all children can eat comfortably.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.6

The quality and standards of the 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

p.6