The Grange Play Centre

The Grange Playcentre

Inspection report for early years provision

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The Grange Playcentre

Unique Reference Number EY233794 Inspection date 02 August 2006 Inspector Ceri Ann Mills

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The Grange Playcentre

Setting Address Beddington Park, London Road, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 7BT

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E-mail

Registered person London Borough of Sutton Play Service 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?

The Grange Playcentre registered in 2003 and is owned and managed by the London Borough of Sutton. It operates from a single storey building situated in the grounds of Beddington Park in Sutton. The Grange serves families in the local area by providing a Toddler Group, an After School Club and a Holiday Play Scheme. The Grange is registered to care for not more than 48 children aged 4 to 8 years, although older children up to the age of 12 may attend. There is one large play room, a soft play area and a quiet zone available for the children. The grounds outside are fully enclosed and provide children with a range of fixed apparatus in park land

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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 surroundings. The Grange operates from 15:15 until 18:00 during term time, when children are collected by staff from the local school; and during the holidays from 08:45 until 17:15. Children may attend for the full day or sessions from 09:30 until 12:30 and 14:00 until 17:00. Attendance numbers vary each day; on the day of the inspection there were 45 children on roll, of whom 23 children are under 8 years. The Grange supports children with special needs and children who have English as an additional language. The Grange employs staff in line with required staff:child ratios. The Manager is supernumerary and works with two other contracted staff members, all of whom are qualified. There are a number of casual staff members who work directly with the children, of whom 5 were present on the day of the inspection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is assured because staff apply effective procedures and practices which meet children's physical, nutritional and health needs. The premises are spacious, clean and appropriately maintained. The recent installation of a new heating system ensures children are cared for in comfortable surroundings throughout the year. Children receive consistent guidance from staff about the importance of good hygiene practice before food is taken and the visual displays remind children to wash their hands after using the toilet. Children's individual health and welfare needs are met effectively. Comprehensive details are gathered from parents about children's individual needs; and their written permission is secured for staff to administer medication and to seek treatment, in the event of an emergency. Children are well cared for if they become unwell or have an accident; staff have the required first aid skills to safe guard children. Mandatory

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Helping children to be healthy

documents, such as accident records, are efficiently maintained and shared with parents which ensures they are kept fully informed about their child. Staff provide parents with a range of useful health information, such as the promotion of sun safety and healthy eating. Children receive plenty of fresh air each day and benefit from the many opportunities to be active; which keeps them healthy and promotes a positive attitude towards exercise. Children enthusiastically explore the broad and challenging range of activities. They confidently negotiate space, both in and out of doors, and have fun practicing different physical skills, such as table tennis, skate boarding and climbing on the fixed apparatus. Children benefit from regular nourishment. They enjoy taking their snacks and

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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 packed lunches with their friends and staff, who sit with the children during the lunch period, making it a relaxed and social occasion. Children develop a good understanding of healthy eating, as the setting actively promotes children's healthy growth and development. The tuck shop offers a variety of healthy options; the visual information guides children as they make their selections from a range of fresh fruits and savoury snacks. As a result children learn about different food types which are beneficial for their bodies. Some staff members hold relevant certificates in food hygiene; they use their knowledge effectively to ensure food preparation areas are maintained appropriately and food provided by parents is stored safely on site.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in surroundings which are safe and secure. Staff have a good understanding of protecting children from potential hazards. A daily risk assessment is carried out and efficient procedures are in place for the safe arrival and collection of children. Staff deployment is very good, which ensures children are well supervised at all times. Children's security is carefully monitored and effective procedures ensure children are not able to leave the site unsupervised. Visitors are not able to gain access without alerting staff and their presence is recorded. The premises is child centred, bright and welcoming with a range of children's art work and informative posters adorning the walls. Children know where they can safely play. They move freely and confidently between the inside and outside play areas; and use furniture, equipment and toys which are safe and well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is managed well, when they are taken off site during the holidays and when being collected from school, because there are effective procedures and documentation in place. Children develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe, both on and off the premises; and they understand why it is important to use the equipment correctly. They listen carefully to safety information from staff and follow their guidance well. Children are able to raise safety concerns through the children's committee and have had recent discussions about stranger danger. Children's safety in relation to child protection is assured; staff have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities, enabling them to follow appropriate procedures, should they have concerns. In the event of an emergency children's welfare is safeguarded because good fire safety procedures are in place. Children are familiar with evacuation procedures as

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

fire drills are regularly practiced and all the required fire safety equipment is maintained on site.

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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 have fun and benefit from the close involvement of the staff team, who consistently use praise and encouragement during children's play. Children's efforts and achievements are valued, which effectively builds their confidence and self-esteem. Children are warmly welcomed by staff, who are friendly and sensitive to their needs; for example, knowing when a child is attending for the first time. This helps children to feel secure and able to join in quickly. Children eagerly take part in a wide range of activities, which are well supported through high quality adult-child interactions; the activities are adapted accordingly to ensure children of all ages and abilities are included. Children confidently approach staff for assistance and staff effectively help children learn new skills. For example,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they spend time with younger children explaining rules of games so they are able to join in with the older children. Children build positive relationships with each other and the staff who are extremely attentive to what children say and do. Children feel valued and part of the setting because they contribute ideas and share opinions, both informally and formally, through the children's committee. Children thoroughly enjoy playing out of doors in natural and well maintained surroundings. They benefit from a good balance of physical play opportunities and other activities, such as art and craft, which are linked to a weekly theme during the holidays. Children are active and keen to participate in a variety of sports games. Some of these games are organised by the staff while others are initiated by the children. Children have quiet times during the day, when they can play a computer game or relax by watching a video. Play materials are readily accessible which enables

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children to make their own decisions and choices about their play and learning. Effective arrangements are in place for wet days, ensuring the children continue to have fun whatever the weather.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and good about themselves because staff treat children as individuals and with equal concern. An inclusive and welcoming environment is promoted, with support systems in place for children with special needs and those who have English as an additional language. Staff adapt activities to enable children with special needs to take part at a level appropriate to their needs. However, the use of specialist resources, such as communication symbols, is limited. Children learn to appreciate each other's similarities and differences; they meet and mix with a diverse group of children and have access to resources, mainly books and posters, which reflect most aspects of diversity. Children develop an awareness of different cultures and festivals through planned activities, such as celebrating Chinese New Year and Diwali.

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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 Children benefit from the positive relationships the staff build with parents. General information about the provision is prominently displayed for parents on the notice board. However, the settings policy details are not readily available. Parents are made to feel welcome. They have good opportunities to share information about their children with those caring for them, so staff get to know the children well and provide appropriately for them. The setting values parental feedback and suggestions; and supports parents by providing different types of childcare during the holidays to meet the individual needs of families. Children behave well and benefit from staff being very good role models. This encourages children to respond by helping each other and taking turns, for example,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

whilst waiting in the tuck queue or to play pool. The settings behaviour management policy promotes good behaviour. Staff use effective strategies, such as praise and appropriate rewards, to manage a wide range of children's behaviour. As a result children understand the effects of their behaviour on others and play harmoniously together, most of the time. Children enjoy taking on responsibilities within the setting. For example, helpers are selected each day whose duties include preparing tuck. This helps children to feel involved and builds their confidence. Children know what is expected of them and follow the "club rules" well. For example, they remove their shoes and check that the permitted number of children is not exceeded before using the soft play room.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a very well organised and inviting environment, by a dedicated and mostly qualified team of staff, who work extremely well together. There are opportunities for all staff to attend external courses and through in-house training they keep their play work knowledge up to date. There are robust recruitment and induction procedures in place, which includes staff being properly vetted, to ensure they are suitable to look after children. All staff have a very clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the setting because of the effective implementation of the operational plan. Children receive a high level of support and supervision because of the good adult:child ratios and effective deployment. Staff plan a varied and stimulating programme of activities which are appropriate for the wide age range of children attending. The daily routine is flexible and takes into account the wishes of the

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Organisation

children, whilst ensuring there is sufficient time for rest and refreshments. The setting has a comprehensive range of policies and procedures which contribute to the efficient and safe management of the setting. All required documents for the safety and wellbeing of the children are in place. Records are accurate, easily accessible and stored securely. As a result, the provision meets the needs of the range of 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 the provider was asked to ensure that children are encouraged to eat in suitable areas of the provision at snack times; and that staff remain vigilant of behaviour. The provider has acted on both recommendations by reviewing where, when and how children take their snack; and revising the behaviour management policy ensuring all staff understand and implement consistent procedures.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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.

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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): • improve arrangements for informing parents about all policies and procedures. • continue to increase resources which promote the development of children with special needs and reflect diversity.

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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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