Community Action Project

Cap Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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Cap Centre

Unique Reference Number EY296516 Inspection date 04 July 2005 Inspector Patricia Dawes

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Cap Centre

Setting Address Windmill Lane, Smethwick, West Midlands, B66 3LX

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E-mail

Registered person Community Action Project Limited (3655201 Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day 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?

Cap Centre is a committee run day nursery. It opened in 2004. It operates from a purpose built setting which is situated on a main road in Smethwick, Birmingham. A maximum of 32 children may attend the setting at any one time. The day nursery is open daily from 07:30 to 18:00 all year round. The out of school group opens daily during term time from 15:00 to 18:00 during term time and 07:30 to 18:00 during summer school holidays. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 37 children from 6 weeks to 8 years on roll. No children are in

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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 receipt of funding for nursery education. Children come from the local area. There are currently no children attending with special educational needs or with English as an additional language however there are effective systems in place to offer appropriate support. The setting employs nine staff. There are eight staff, including the manager who hold appropriate early years qualifications, and one member of staff is working towards a qualification

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from infection as staff follow appropriate health and hygiene procedures. This also helps children to understand and become familiar with simple health and hygiene practices. Children in all areas of the nursery benefit from lengthy periods of outdoor play, enjoying the freedom to explore in the fresh air, whilst promoting their physical well-being. Children enjoy a varied menu and staff take care to ensure individual dietary needs are catered for, in order to maintain children's welfare and respect parents' wishes. Children in the pre-school area have access to drinking water as they wish in order to meet their needs. Children's health is promoted as staff show an awareness of their individual health needs. They take care to respect babies' individual sleep patterns and routines, in order to maintain continuity of care. Children are protected in the event of any accidents as several staff have

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Helping children to be healthy

qualifications in first aid. Records contain all relevant information required to ensure the health and welfare of children. These are maintained appropriately and shared with parents.

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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 welcoming setting that is suitable for the purpose and has good facilities. They are kept safe as the risk assessment is reviewed in order to ensure a safe environment is maintained, however safety procedures are not always effectively implemented with regard to fire evacuation procedures and risk assessments for outings for older children. Children develop an understanding of how to keep safe, for example, staff explain why they must not sit on a stack of three chairs. Children are grouped into separate base rooms appropriately helping them to become comfortable and familiar with their environment. Children within the baby and toddler area have their care needs met as this area is self-contained with appropriate equipment and facilities. Good selections of suitable, safe, high quality items are available throughout the nursery and children have sufficient independent access to

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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 the range of toys and resources to meet their individual needs. Children are protected because staff have a secure knowledge and are aware of their role and responsibilities in child protection. They are able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. All children arrive happily and settle quickly into the environment showing confidence and eagerness to play and learn. Close and caring relationships increase children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. Children enjoy their time in the setting and are beginning to progress because staff are skilled and use their knowledge well. Children aged 0-3 years are better stimulated and appear happier within the setting. There is a lack of interesting experiences for children who attend the out of school group. Some staff praise and encourage children in order to develop their confidence and feelings of self-worth, however such practice is not consistent. Staff are in the process of implementing the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enable them to plan more effectively for children under 3 years. Children's individual needs are sufficiently considered within routines and children are given sufficient praise and cuddles to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

help them feel secure and valued. Children's confidence and self-esteem is enhanced by the staff's positive interaction. Most children are listened to and their language and communication skills are consistently encouraged by staff who challenge and respond well to their questions. They are adequately supported in their learning through staff providing familiar daily routines and a balanced range of activities such as sand play, role play, painting, and jigsaws. Staff have an acceptable understanding of how activities are adapted to ensure that all children can participate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are made thoroughly welcome and staff have a high regard for each child's individual needs to ensure their time is spent purposefully. They make choices in their play which ensures that they are interested in what they do; are able to choose activities which promote their independence. Each child is valued and included in every aspect of the daily routine and activities are meaningful, stimulating and fun. Children have a basic range of opportunities to learn about themselves and others in the wider community. Planned activities help children gain an acceptable understanding of their environment. Effective strategies and written policies are in place, which are displayed and discussed with parents to promote consistency, however these are not consistently applied throughout the setting. Younger children's behaviour is well managed due to

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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 the clear boundaries and positive role models set by the staff; however unconstructive practice is displayed with older children. This has a negative impact and fails to promote older children’s self-esteem. Some children are beginning to understand the difference between right and wrong. This is reinforced through daily routines and practices such as showing care and consideration for others and helping to tidy away toys after use. Children’s individual needs are well met because staff are positive, professional and friendly. There are very good systems in place to develop positive relationship with parents to encourage involvement and information sharing, such as staff not discussing children in front of other parents: using individual children’s records, and a key working system. This ensures children’s needs are effectively met, and parent’s

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The organisation of routines and activities are reasonably well planned, in order to ensure children's needs are met. Children are given acceptable support as staff are adequately deployed and space and resources are well organised. Children's health is maintained as there are systems for record keeping in place that are generally in order. Children benefit from the care of staff who are generally motivated and recognise the need to continually update and increase their knowledge of good practice. Policies and procedures are in place which has a satisfactory impact on children's safety and well-being; however the system to deputise in place of the manager is poor. All documentation is regularly reviewed and updated. Adequate systems are in place to ensure parents are well informed about the service. Overall the needs of all children attending are met.

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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

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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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): • review the procedures for fire safety to ensure that children and staff are fully familiar with them, practise regular drills and that a record is kept • ensure all staff are consistent in their approach to behaviour management and act in accordance with the setting procedures • ensure that staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities in deputising, and that they are knowledgeable about the setting's policies and procedures so that they can meet the needs of the children.

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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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