The Greenhouse Project

Arts Project

Inspection report for early years provision

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Arts Project

Unique Reference Number 322452 Inspection date 09 August 2006 Inspector Chris Scully

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Arts Project

Setting Address Tiber Street Site, Lodge Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside, L8 0TP

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Arts Project

Telephone number 726 8099 E-mail greenhouseproject@lineone.net Registered person The Greenhouse Multi-cultural Play & Arts Project Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care, Crèche

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Arts Project

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

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Greenhouse Multi-cultural Play and Arts Project registered in 2002. It is managed by a management committee and operates from two rooms within a single storey building in Toxteth, South Liverpool. A maximum of 40 children may attend the out of school club and play scheme with a maximum of 20 children attending the crèche provision at any one time. All children share access to a secure outdoor play area. The out of school club operates term time only from 15.15 to 18.00, the holiday play scheme operates 08.30 to 18.00 and the crèche operates when required to support community groups and training initiatives.

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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 There are currently 75 children from three to 12 years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting serves the local and wider community. The setting supports children with learning difficulties or disabilities and children for whom English is an additional language. The setting employs five members of staff and seven volunteers. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications. There is one member of staff working towards a qualification. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean environment. They understand the need for good hygiene practices, as they wash their hands before meals and snacks. Staff provide effective support to children and carefully explain the need for them to wash their hands, even though they may not feel the need to. For example, they discuss the importance of children washing their hands after being outdoors. Children are confident to see to their personal needs, such as going to the toilet. However, their independence and self-esteem is hampered as due to a previous incident, the toilet doors are locked and children have to ask staff to open them. Staff are trained in first aid. This means they are able to provide effective support to children who have an accident. A comprehensive sick children policy is in place. This includes the exclusion timescales for infectious illnesses, which successfully reduces

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Helping children to be healthy

the risk of cross infection. Children have regular opportunities to test and explore their physical control. Several children relished their chance to challenge staff to a game of football. They eagerly tackle the staff and display various levels of skill. Children return to the main room victorious after scoring two goals. Children enjoy using a range of outdoor resources, such as the swings and climbing frame and are unafraid to modify their resources to create a new challenge. For example, some children lay the goal posts on the floor to use as a balancing frame. Children enjoy a range of healthy and nutritious snacks. All meals are provide by the parents and are stored in the child's cool bag. Staff are aware of the children's individual dietary needs and meet these well in practice. Children are currently involved in growing their own fruit and vegetables supported by a local community scheme 'Heal 8'. Children enjoy tending their crop, they ensure they are watered and

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Helping children to be healthy

take pleasure in turning their produce into healthy snacks, such as potato salad. Children indulge in a relaxed social occasion at snack and meal times. They sit together and engage in a range of lively conversations with their friends and staff. Older children are encouraged to help set the table, which further promotes their social skills. Children are provided with drinks at these times. However, they have limited opportunities to independently access fresh drinking water at other times during the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

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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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The setting provides two spacious rooms, which are very welcoming to children and adults. The staff and children have created a fun, safe environment in which they can take part in a range of activities. For example, the walls of the setting are adorned with a wide range of children's artwork and photographs. The children are able to become engage in a range of activities, however, on some occasions their choice of child-initiated activities is limited. Children access a range of resources and toys. These include an extensive range of resources and materials displaying positive images of the world around us. However, there are limited soft furnishings or furniture for children to rest or relax upon. The risk of accidental injury is minimised in the suitably organised setting. Staff have clearly identified areas of concern and have effectively removed or reduced the potential risk of harm to children and adults. This is supported be the effective use of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

risk assessments for individual activities. Fire evacuation systems are in place and are regularly practised with the children. However, whilst fire extinguishers are in place there are no fire detection systems in operation, which may hinder children's safety. Clear systems are in place for taking children on outings. This includes a higher staff to child ratio and a risk assessment being completed prior to the visit taking place. Children learn to keep themselves safe through various activities and discussions with the staff. For example, when learning about road safety, they created a green cross code song to help younger children learn the importance of road safety. Clear systems are in place for collecting children from school and using public transport or the community minibus. Staff have a secure understanding of child protection issues. They are able to recognise the potential signs of abuse or neglect, which enables them to protect

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children from harm. A comprehensive child protection policy is in place and conforms to the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance. Staff are aware of the procedures to take should they have concerns about a child. Effective systems are in place should an allegation be made against a member of staff. Contact numbers for the appropriate agencies are to hand and staff are conversant with the procedures to be implemented. This means staff are able to take prompt action in order to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy at the setting. Staff build good relationships with the children that enable them to feel, safe and secure in their care. Children are confident to engage in conversations with staff and visitors. Children are generally engaged in the activities provided, although, some do become disinterested and wander away. At these times there is often a limited choice of alternative activities available, which limits the children's choice. At present there are times during the day when there is an imbalance between the child and adult-led activities. Having said that, children do experience a wide range of interesting art and creative experiences. A number of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 spent a considerable amount of time working on their artwork for a display. Children are equally proud of their previous creative endeavours, which include making flowers from recycled resources in line with their topic on the environment. Children are becoming skilled at using a variety of games on the computer consoles. However, some of these games are not appropriate for the ages of the children attending. Older, more confident children are happy to provide support to others when accessing the games. They eagerly call out the direction they should take and which areas they need to avoid in order to complete the level. Children have made friends and play well with their peers. They are keen to tell visitors about the things the like to do, such as painting, having fun and playing with the dough. Children have

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

good opportunities to explore different art and creative experiences from outside organisations, such as the drama groups and music workshops. Children are keen to compose their own songs and music in line with thematic work. For example, they proudly sing their song to staff and visitors about recycling. This enables the children to develop a wider understanding of environmental issues and their local community. Children are able to develop new skills as they digitally altered the photographs they have taken. These are prominently displayed within the hall by staff, which successfully fosters the children's self-esteem and sense of belonging. Children are confident to tell visitors that they are happy and 'we have lots of fun'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are valued and respected by the staff. The children's individual needs and circumstances are know and are provided for by the staff. All children are fully included in the activities. Children show respect for one another. They listen to what each other has to say and they take turns generally well when using resources. Children are surrounded by a wealth of positive images and resources. They are keen to learn about their local community and the wider world though exciting projects and topics, such as looking at the rainforest. They celebrate a range of festivals throughout the year and support a number of community based initiatives. Children are confident to discuss a range of topics with their peers, such as the different foods children eat and their beliefs. This means children are developing a very positive attitude to others in a safe, welcoming environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. They respond well to the staff's requests and are generally kind and courteous to others. Children are very much part of the setting and have a strong sense of belonging. They are confident to redesign the setting's rules or to add new ones, such as creating reminders for when children access the toilet areas. They are proud of their achievements, such as scoring a goal against the staff or creating a piece of work. Older children offer support to other children when playing games and show concern when others are upset. Children with additional needs are included in the activities provided. Clear systems are in place to ensure the children's needs are fully met, this includes additional support from other agencies who work directly with them. Staff build positive relationships with the parents and carers. Most consents are in

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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 place which means children are cared for in line with their parent's wishes. Parents are kept informed of the activities through information displayed on the notice board and daily discussions with the staff. However, the setting has not provided parents with the name and address of the regulator in the complaints policy or compiled a record of complaints. This means parents do not have sufficient information available should they wish to make a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by qualified and experienced staff. All staff are suitably vetted and inducted, which means they are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities. This is further supported by the regular team meeting and appraisals. The staff have opportunities to attend training courses to further extend their skills and knowledge. This means staff are able to enhance the play and learning experiences offered to children. Staff spend time talking, interacting and playing with the children. This means children are fully supported in the activities and successfully fosters their self-esteem. Policies and procedures are in place. However, the accident record does not show the full name of the child who has had the accident and does not promote confidentiality as two records are held on each page. Daily registers are in place, although, they do not show the actual times of children's attendance or when children

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Organisation

have left the premises to go on trips. This hinders children's safety. All policies are available to parents on request. Staff are in the process of updating the policies in order to ensure they contain all the necessary information. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection two actions and six recommendations were made. The fence surrounding the perimeter has been made safe. Risk assessments are carried out on each outing to ensure children's safety and sufficient adults are present for when children are crossing the road. An uncollected child policy has been implemented. Hot water systems have been installed within the boys' and staff toilets. The sick children policy includes information on exclusion timescales for infectious illnesses. The menu's have been redesigned to include a wide range of fresh produce and healthy options for children. A Special Educational Needs policy has been created. The complaints policy has been revised, however, the name and address of the regulator has not been included in the current policy. In addressing these issues the provider has improved upon the health, safety and well-being of the children attending.

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Complaints since the last 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 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 satisfactory. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • provide suitable furniture for children to rest or relax upon • seek advice regarding the provision of adequate fire detection equipment and comply with any recommendations made by the Fire Safety Officer • revise the current systems for children accessing the toilet areas to ensure they can do so independently • revise the organisation of the activities provided to ensure there is an equal balance between planned and child-initiated activities to enhance the children's choice and indpependance • ensure the register records the actual times of children's attendance, all consents are in place and the accident record contains all necessary information and maintains confidentiality • ensure a record of all complaints is maintained, which provides information on the outcome and action taken, and provide parents with the name and

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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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