Goldhill Adventure Playground

Goldhill Adventure Playground

Inspection report for early years provision

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Goldhill Adventure Playground

Unique Reference Number 227018 Inspection date 11 August 2006 Inspector Paula Hunt

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Goldhill Adventure Playground

Setting Address 432 Saffron Lane, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 6SB

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E-mail

Registered person Goldhill Adventure Playground Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day 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?

Goldhill Adventure Playground opened in 1974. It is an open access provision operating in the Saffron Lane Estate serving the local area in the city of Leicester. It is registered to provide care for 35 children between five and eight years, although children may attend until they are 16 years. The provision caters for children who have special needs. The group opens five days a week during school term time 15.00 to 18:00. During the holiday the playground operates from 11:30 to 15:30.

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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 Nine staff work with children. All staff have early years qualifications and/or experience.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from illness and infection because the staff conscientiously follow current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines. For example, staff wipe down tables after snack times and drinks which have been spilt on the floor are mopped up straight away. First aid training is kept up-to-date and a fully stocked first aid box is within easy reach, making sure that children receive good levels of care in the event of an accident or emergency. A record of all accidents is maintained and written parental consent is obtained to administer medication. Children clearly understand good health and hygiene practices, they all know to wash their hands before handling foods and after using the bathroom. There are good routines in place for the cleaning of the premises. A snack bar and tuck shop operate throughout the session. The tuck shop consists of

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Helping children to be healthy

sweets, crisps and fizzy drinks. There are limited healthy options provided for the children to choose from. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They either help themselves or ask for a drink when they are thirsty. Children sit happily together and chat as they enjoy their chips, jacket potatoes and toast. Children benefit from a good amount of fresh air and exercise contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Daily access to a wide range of outdoor play equipment provides opportunities for children to have fun whilst developing their physical skills. Activities are planned to provide variety and to enable children to gain confidence as they learn to move with control and use their bodies in different ways. Children squeal with delight as they swing along the ariel runway and negotiate with each other as they take turns to cross the rope bridge. Interactive games, such as football and cricket,

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Helping children to be healthy

provide children with the opportunity to work as a team, learning to follow defined rules.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. They benefit from plenty of space, which is well organised to include areas for different activities. Children use a good range of toys and equipment, which are easily accessible and suitable to their differing ages and abilities to meet their developing needs. Detailed risk assessments are undertaken daily and potential hazards are identified and minimised, which means that children are able to play safely and independently. The staff are vigilant, offering good supervision as children play. Discussions about road safety, stranger danger and regular fire drills give the children a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Staff deploy themselves effectively and supervise the children

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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 closely to prevent accidents. Suitable security arrangements contribute to keeping the children safe. However, children's well being is compromised as there are limited systems in place for the identification of visitors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because staff understand their role in child protection. All staff have a good understanding of child protection issues through relevant training. They are fully aware of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and designated members of staff take responsibility for liaising with child protection agencies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, happy and settled within the setting. They are actively involved for the planning of the activities at the group. Regular planning meetings are held and ideas from the children are acted upon. As a result, children are contributing to and taking ownership of the group. Children are secure in their relationships with staff to express themselves enthusiastically as they play. All children spend their time purposefully and take part in a good range of activities, such as badminton, pool and basketball. Those who wish to have some time to themselves choose quieter games, such as playing on the play station or reading a book. Children have positive relationships with their friends which is evident as they sit and chat whilst making pictures from hama beads. Staff are a consistent team which means that children are greeted by a familiar adult who knows them and can meet their needs when they arrive at the playground . The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

focus of the setting is to allow children to have fun. Children are complimentary about the staff commenting that they are "kind and friendly" and that the activities on offer are "good fun".

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children value each other as individuals and are cared for by adults who know them well, which increases their sense of belonging. They learn about different cultures through the activities provided and equipment available to them. They make their own decisions about whether they want to take part in an activity and confidently inform staff about their needs. Children are learning to act responsibly, for example, they line up and take turns to use the various pieces of equipment in the adventure playground. Staff's frequent use of praise supports children's efforts and fosters their confidence to try new challenges. Older children are encouraged to be "mini play workers" and work with the leaders to support the younger children. Children with special needs are cared for sensitively in a sharing and inclusive environment. The children have been involved in drawing up ground rules, such as sharing, not

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Helping children make a positive contribution

bullying and taking turns. As a result, the children own and understand the rules, they

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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 behave well, show concern for each other, share the resources willingly and are beginning to be responsible for their own actions. Parents are made to feel welcome and staff establish open and friendly relationships. Parents have a high regard for the service provided and kindness and consideration of the staff.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a supportive environment. This promotes their learning and ensures that they enjoy their time at the setting. The surroundings allow them to move freely and to make choices and decisions. As a consequence, they are confident to initiate their own play and show good levels of independence. Most records and documentation, which relate to children's individual needs are in place. This promotes their welfare by contributing to the continuity of their care. However, children's well being is compromised as there are poor procedures in place for the identification of children under eight years. The staff work well together as a team. They ensure that children have access to a suitable range of play materials and their leisure time is enjoyable. As a result children have choices in the activities that they engage in, fostering their independence. Overall the provision meets the

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Organisation

needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the playground agreed to devise and implement a procedure for lost or uncollected children, and to record any incident of physical restraint; to keep a written record, signed by parents of any accidents to children and to maintain a daily record of children under 8 years attending the playground. Most of these issues have now been addressed. A policy for lost or uncollected children has been devised and implemented as has an incident record. A system operates to record the names and ages of the children attending although staff are unaware of the actual number of children under eight on site and therefore this recommendation remains. A written record is maintained of all accidents although parents are not always available to sign. However, staff do try to telephone parents to alert them to any serious accident or bumped head.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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. There has been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 1 2004.

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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

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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that children have access to nutritious choices in food and drinks • introduce a system for the identification of all children under eight years • ensure there is a system for keeping a record of adult visitors

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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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