White Lodge Centre

White Lodge Play Scheme (Spelthorne)

Inspection report for early years provision

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White Lodge Play Scheme (Spelthorne)

Unique Reference Number EY290622 Inspection date 08 August 2006 Inspector Patricia Jane Daniels

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White Lodge Play Scheme (Spelthorne)

Setting Address Buckland County Junior & Infant School, Berryscroft Road, Staines, Middlesex, TW18 1NB Telephone number 01932 839300

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E-mail

Registered person White Lodge Centre Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

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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

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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.

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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.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

White Lodge Play Scheme (Spelthorne) opened in 2002. It caters for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. It operates from several rooms within the premises of Bucklands County Junior and Infant School in Staines. Facilities available include the main hall, dining area, a medical room, toilets, playing fields and playground equipment. Access to the play scheme is through referral or direct contact with the White Lodge centre. The play scheme is registered for 18 children aged from four years to under eight years, and children up to twelve years attend. The provision is open five days a week

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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 during school holidays from 10:00 to 16:00. The company employs both full and part-time staff to meet the required child to staff ratios. Staff have undertaken in house inductions and some are working towards recognised qualifications. Some staff hold a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Staff follow good hygiene practices to provide a clean environment and minimise potential cross infection for children. They encourage children to wash their hands before eating and use hand wipes for children who have an aversion to water. Rebus symbols showing hand washing are used to augment communication and help children understand the routine. In this way, children begin to develop understanding of good hygiene. An appropriate medication policy is in place and shared with parents. Written consent to administer medication is obtained, so that treatment is given in line with parents' wishes. Staff have training to administer any specialist medications, so that children receive appropriate care. The "all about me" document completed by parents gives staff a good insight into the care needs of the children. This is particularly important in ensuring that the profoundly disabled children and those who cannot communicate

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Helping children to be healthy

have their care needs fully met. Parents supply food, staff store and reheat it as necessary. Staff encourage parents to provide healthy foods for their children, but are aware that some children have distinct and fixed preferences for certain items. Fresh drinking water is available at all times. Some children are able to ask for a drink but regular breaks are held when children have drinks, to ensure that they do not become thirsty. Children's physical development is promoted by opportunities to play outdoors and through some activities provided inside. Themed activities such as an Olympic session encourage children to take part in physical play and the more profoundly disabled children have the activity adapted to suit them, so that all children are included.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The play scheme is held on a primary school site and has sole use during its opening times. The environment is made welcoming by displays of the children's artwork and toys. A quiet area is provided and children move freely between the rooms and outside, according to their preferences. A suitable range of toys is provided for children's selection, with a good range of sensory and sound making toys included. A risk assessment is in place and steps have been taken to minimise the identified risks to children. The school gate cannot be locked and staff have identified this as a

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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 concern. They make sure that children are kept safe by close supervision and by keeping away from the area. A fire drill has not been practised with the children because it is considered too disruptive for them. Instead, staff have practised it twice and have allocated responsibilities to ensure that children can be evacuated safely in case of an emergency. Staff have training in safeguarding children at their induction day and demonstrate a good understanding of the procedures to take if they have concerns about a child. This promotes the welfare of the children in their care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children's confidence and independence are promoted through positive interactions with the staff and the opportunities to make choices. A variety of activities is set out in the main areas for the children's selection. Staff encourage children to join in the planned/group activities, but allow them to play as they wish. As a result, children who do not like large group situations or have specific behaviour patterns for play have their needs met. The staff are paired with an individual child for the day. They find out about the children's needs and preferences and use this information to provide appropriate care and play. Staff are focused on the children, play with them, talk to them and offer cuddles. The children who are able approach them feely, indicating that trusting relationships have developed. The play scheme does not provide outings, but has regular visitors. For example,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

recent visitors have included a clown, a puppet show and some lizards. This provides opportunities for the children to have different experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are included in all activities at levels appropriate to their needs, but do not have to take part if they do not want to. The activities are adapted to be inclusive and staff recognise that some children prefer to take part in an unconventional way. Parents complete a comprehensive document before their children start at the group. In this way, staff can meet the children's needs from the start. Staff receive training in disability awareness, so that they develop the skills needed to meet the children's needs. Children's behaviour is managed well. Staff understand the complex needs of the children attending and the associated difficulties that can affect their behaviour. Strategies are consistent and appropriate at all times, with rewards and praise for good behaviour. Alternative activities are offered to distract from unwanted behaviour. Staff treat the children with respect and encourage them to say 'please'

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and 'thank you'. The children benefit from the skilled management of their behaviour.

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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 Staff make time for daily conversations with parents to ensure that any relevant information about the children is exchanged. Communication books are used to record further information for parents. A brochure containing basic information about the provision is given to parents, although parents who are new to the setting do not always receive this. The exchange of information promotes continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. White Lodge carries out checks on all staff before they have contact with children, to ensure their suitability. Staff receive induction training, so that they have an awareness of health and safety, safeguarding children and disability. All staff are familiar with the policies, so that the correct procedures are consistently applied when caring for the children. Ratios are generous, with the majority of children receiving one to one support. Regulatory requirements are met and the documentation relating to the safety, health and welfare of the children is in place and well maintained. Sometimes parents do not fully complete the register of attendance when they sign out their children. However, there is no risk to children because the register shows that they are no longer on the premises in case of an emergency evacuation. The play scheme meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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

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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

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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): • ensure that all parents receive relevant information about the playscheme • ensure that parents complete the register of attendance when they collect their children

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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

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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

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