Explore Learning Leicester

Explore Learning

Inspection report for early years provision

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Explore Learning

EY316518 Unique Reference Number 26 September 2006 Inspection date Tracey Marie Boland Inspector

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Explore Learning

Sainsbury's, Grove Farm Triangle, Enderby, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE19 1WT

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Setting Address

0116 2826800 Telephone number leicester@explorelearning.ltd.uk E-mail Explore Learning Ltd Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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Setting Address

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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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?

Explore Learning Ltd has been registered since 2006, and operates from a large, purpose-built room inside Sainsbury's in Grove Park, Leicestershire. Children have access to one main room and a toilet area. There are currently 200 children from six years to 14 years on roll. Children can attend for two sessions a week, varying the days if they wish. The setting supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group opens seven days a week from 12:00 until 20:00 on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:00 until 18:00 Wednesday to Saturday and 10:00 until 16:00 on Sundays during school holidays. During term times it opens from 15:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays and 10:00 to 16:00 on Sundays, only closing for five days a year, mainly over Christmas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Three full time staff and 10 part-time staff work with the children. No staff currently hold any childcare qualifications but they are all working towards recognised childcare qualifications through the Open College Network. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are aware of good personal hygiene practises, which are reinforced by staff and reflected through posters displayed within the bathroom area. They are cared for in a well maintained, clean and welcoming environment and clearly written information is shared with their parents regarding illnesses, which mean their child should not attend. Health records are completed although as children only attend for a short time, medication is not usually administered. Children's welfare is not compromised at times of minor accidents as three staff hold valid first aid certificates and demonstrated that they deal with any incidents in a calm and appropriate manner.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children help themselves to fresh drinking water throughout the session. Although children do not have food within the facility the themes and topics that are completed within the 'Surf Club' includes healthy eating and looking after themselves. Quizzes and educational activities are also completed which develop their understanding further.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's opportunities for physical play are limited as the facility is a computer based setting, focusing on mathematics, reading, writing and spelling. However, their fine motor skills and hand and eye coordination is well developed through the use of the computers and the art and craft activities. Children enjoy a lot of social interaction with their peers and strong relationships have clearly been formed.

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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 safe, secure environment where the clear organisation of space ensures their ability to move from the computers to the 'Surf Club'. The premises are brightly decorated and lighting is good. Toys, equipment and furniture are safe, clean and in good condition and the computers are regularly checked to ensure their ongoing suitability.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Security within the setting is very good. Children sign themselves in and out of the setting, observed by a parent and or a member of staff. Their attendance is also recorded on the staff computer. The gate into the facility is only operational by a member of staff and is secure at all times. Children can only leave with a known adult at the end of each session. Staff and children are aware of the fire drill and any emergency evacuations are recorded and exits are clearly identified.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a good understanding of child protection issues and their role and responsibility with regard to protecting children in their care. They understand local referral procedures and are aware that the children's care is paramount and they must take appropriate steps to ensure their safety.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settle well into the setting. Excellent relationships have been formed between the staff, children and their peers. Individual time and attention is given to each child who confidently asks for support and help if needed. Staff engage in discussion with them about school and things they may have done at home. Older children have the opportunity to debate issues that have been in the news over the past few weeks and staff encourage the children to share their views on current topics. The computer programmes are at an appropriate level for each child and time spent on the initial introduction of parents and children ensures that staff have assessed the children's abilities and the programmes meet their needs. The level of competency is increased as the children complete tasks in mathematics, reading, writing and spelling.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are cared for as individuals with different needs and are well supported in trying out new activities. Clear explanations from staff help develop the children's confidence in themselves and their abilities. They receive a lot of praise and encouragement from the staff and there is a good rapport between staff and children. Children complete challenges on the computers and for each challenge they receive a certificate of achievement. Children are presented with their certificates by staff in front of all the group who applaud them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Once they have finished the programmes on the computer children are free to play in the 'surf club'. There a variety of resources are available, for example, board games, fuzzy felts, Betty Spaghetti and art and craft resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared as individuals and staff within the setting are aware of their religious and cultural needs and their abilities. Staff warmly greet children and parents and clear communication ensures that they are kept informed and up to date of their child's achievements and progress. Children are encouraged to become involved in all the activities available to them which includes themes and topics about countries and healthy eating as well as board games and art and craft. Resources that reflect diversity are provided but are very limited, which means that children's understanding of the wider world is limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A clearly written policy is in place regarding learning difficulties and disabilities which details how the service will be provided to children. The strong levels of support ensures that all children are included and receive a great deal of individual attention so their needs are met effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are aware of rules regarding behaviour as staff reinforce them when necessary. Behaviour throughout the inspection was excellent. Children were occupied and eager to complete their programmes. They were polite and supported each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents benefit from clearly written information about the setting which includes a membership handbook and tuition book. It outlines policies, procedures and academic information about the computer programmes for the children. Initial and ongoing assessments of the children's

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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 abilities take place to ensure their individual learning needs are continually met and challenged. Very positive comments have been received from parents which include 'approachable staff, friendly atmosphere, good systems for keeping parents informed'.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well-organised, child-friendly setting. Policies and procedures compound the practices of the staff and parents benefit from clear communication from a confident staff team. Effective recruitment and selection procedures for staff are followed as is a thorough induction process. Staff work well together and have a clear understanding of the ethos of the group. However, although they attend 'in house' training they do not currently hold early years qualifications.

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Organisation

Staff are deployed to a specific zone within the setting and they have responsibility for the children in that area. This is changed each day and allows all staff and children to form relationships within the setting. All required documentation is in place and stored within the boundaries of confidentiality.

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Organisation

Overall the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop the resources available that reflect diversity and the wider world

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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 • develop an action plan detailing how staff qualification requirement will be met.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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