Kids Zone Poynton

Kids Zone

Inspection report for early years provision

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Kids Zone

Unique Reference Number EY261491 Inspection date 15 August 2006 Inspector Zoe Smith

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Kids Zone

Setting Address Poynton Methodist Church, Park Lane, Poynton, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 1RB Telephone number 07900 003862

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E-mail

Registered person Pamela Susan Bonner 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 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?

Kids Zone was registered in 2003. It operates from Poynton Methodist Church in the Poynton district of Cheshire. Rooms used comprise of a playroom, the church hall, kitchen and toilet facilities. There is an enclosed outdoor play area. The group provides out of school day care for children who attend Vernon, Lower Park, Lostock, St Paul's, Worth or Poynton High School. It is open from 07.30 to 09.00 and 15.00 to 18.00 every weekday during term time and from 08.00 to 18.00 during all school holidays. The group is registered to care for 30 children; there are currently 150 children on roll

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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 who are aged between four and 12 years. The group supports children who have learning difficulties and disabilities. The group is privately owned. The registered person is also the manager. She takes responsibility for the day to day running, management and organisation of the group and is assisted by eight members of staff. Most of the staff employed have or are working towards a recognised childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are actively encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle. They participate in a wide range of physical play activities that provide them with plenty of fresh air and exercise. They enthusiastically roller skate, ride on scooters, and participate in team games, such as football and tennis. When the weather is inclement and children cannot play outside, there are still lots of opportunities for them to exert energy. They eagerly join in ring games and fun activities with the parachute. The premises are maintained to a very good standard of cleanliness. Effective hygiene practices and routines are implemented to reduce the risk of cross contamination and spread of infection. Several members of staff have a current food hygiene certificate. Children know to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The children are well supervised by staff, this minimises the risk to them of

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Helping children to be healthy

accident and injury. However, a member of staff with a current first aid training certificate is not always on the premises at any one time. This is a breach of regulations. Packed lunches are provided by parents in school holidays. The group provides breakfast, light meals and refreshments. Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet that includes fresh fruit, vegetables and salad. Children receive food and drinks in sufficient quantities to meet their needs. Mealtimes are social occasions, children sit together to enjoy their food and each other's company. Children participate in activities that reinforce the benefits of healthy eating. For example, planning a healthy, balanced meal and then using creative resources to make a picture of their meal on a paper plate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well maintained environment. Posters and examples of the children’s art work and creativity are displayed on the walls. This makes the playroom aesthetically pleasing, stimulating and child friendly. A risk assessment of the premises has been conducted. Most potential risks have been identified and effective safety precautions put in place to minimise them. Children are well supervised by staff, they are vigilant, and constantly and directly oversee what the children are doing at all times. However, the premises are not secure and access to them is not

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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 effectively managed. This leaves children and staff vulnerable, and is a breach of regulations. Regular practice fire drills are conducted to ensure staff and children are proficient in emergency evacuation procedures. Children adhere to the agreed boundaries and rules that protect them from accident and injury. They are reminded to wear a safety helmet when riding a scooter and they help to tidy toys away before getting different activities out. Children choose what to play with from a wide range of good quality resources that are suitable for their age and stage of development. Discussions and activities are used to help children understand how they can keep themselves safe. A police officer was invited to the group to talk to the children about road safety. After the visit the children made a wall

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

display to remind them of the green cross code and how to cross the road safely. The safety and protection of children is of importance to staff. They have a sound understanding of child protection procedures and their responsibility to take immediate action should they have concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take the lead in how they spend their time, independently choosing and instigating their own play and activities. There is lots of chatting, fun and activity as they play. A wide variety of activities, toys and resources are provided, that are designed to stimulate the children’s interests and to be enjoyable. Playing outside, construction toys, computer games and creative activities are firm favourites. Children look forward to the regular outings that are organised during school holidays. They particularly enjoy trips to country parks, theme parks, the farm and zoo. Children enthusiastically participate in a good range of creative activities, such as painting, cutting and sticking. They eagerly join in the glass painting and chalking activities, and carefully make models of bumble bees to take home. Children become absorbed in their play as they draw, colour, cut and stick to make cards and gifts for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Daisy the toy dog's first birthday. They have time to relax as well as to be active. Children enjoy playing computer games and sitting quietly reading stories in the book corner. They happily play with construction toys, designing and building detailed and intricate models of trains and cars. Children regularly participate in competitive activities, such as football, tennis, computer and board games. These activities help them to understand rules, play fairly and take turns. Children have access to a range of imaginative and role play resources. They become engrossed whilst playing with the small world imaginative toys, lining the zoo animals up in pairs and taking the train and cars for journeys round the room. All staff members have positive relationships with children and are friendly and approachable. They know when to join in to support and facilitate the children’s play and when not to, in case they interrupt activities. This provides

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children with a good balance between joining in organised activities and having lots of choice and freedom.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a range of resources and activities that promote positive images of gender, culture and disability. At Chinese New Year they tasted food and made dragon masks. These activities help children to find out about the wider world. The group are proactive in welcoming children with learning difficulties and disabilities into their care. All children are valued and take a full part in the group. Interesting activities are provided to help children understand the importance of looking after and caring for the environment. A representative from the local authority was invited to talk to them about the importance of recycling. Following this the children made wall displays to remind them to sort out and recycle their rubbish. Children play an active role in the running and organisation of the group. Activities and discussions between children and staff provide opportunities for children to say

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Helping children make a positive contribution

what they do and do not like and to put forward suggestions and ideas. If at all possible, the children's requests and ideas are taken up. This is helping them to take ownership of and influence what happens at the group. Positive methods are used to manage challenging and to promote good behaviour. Meaningful praise and recognition is given to children for their efforts and achievements. Children happily share and take turns, adhere to the boundaries and behave well. There is an effective partnership with parents. They are greeted in a welcoming, friendly and relaxed manner by staff. Positive steps are taken to ensure parents are kept informed about all relevant policies and procedures. Daily discussions keep them up-to-date about their child's progress and any issues.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in the friendly environment. The group is organised to reflect it is the children's leisure time and to ensure they have plenty of choice. The main playroom is divided into different types of play and activity areas, with resources and equipment in easy reach and access. Children receive lots of encouragement, support and attention from staff. All records and documentation are in place, they are well organised, maintained and stored. Effective policies and procedures are used to underpin the care provided and promote the well-being of children. Regular attendance on short childcare training courses enables staff to update their skills and knowledge. This helps the group to continually review and enhance the service provided. There is a consistent and stable team of staff, which ensures continuity of care for the children. Effective recruitment, selection and induction procedures are in

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Organisation

place to ensure the suitability of staff. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection four recommendations were made to improve the quality of care. The group has continued to develop the stock of play equipment. This ensures that children are interested in the toys and equipment provided. Children's records are now retained for the required periods of time. Regular practice fire drills are conducted to ensure children know what to do in an emergency and regular checks ensure that the outside play area is safe for the children to use.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of all 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): • make sure enough staff are trained in first aid to ensure that at least one member of staff with a current first aid certificate is on the premises or on outings at any one time • assess the risks to children in relation to security and access to the premises and take action to minimise these.

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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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