Children of the FutureOfsted inspection, 22 Sept 2005

Children of the Future

Inspection report for early years provision

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Children of the Future

Unique Reference Number EY292426 Inspection date 22 September 2005 Inspector Donna Bonner

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Children of the Future

Setting Address Anerley Primary School, William Booth Road, London, SE20 8BW Telephone number 020 8778 7677

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E-mail

Registered person Nickola Thomas 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children of the Future has been registered since 2004. It operates from the dining hall and one classroom of James Dixon Primary school, in Anerley, Bromley. Children have access to a secure playground. Children attend from Alexander, St John's and St Anthony's primary schools in Bromley. A maximum of 24 children may attend The opening hours are 07:45-08:30, 15:15-18:00 during term time and 08:00-18:00 during school holiday periods.

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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 A maximum of 24 children under 8 years may attend the setting at any one time. There are currently 35 children on roll. The setting offers support to children with special needs. There are 7 staff working with the children of whom 2 hold an NVQ3 qualification, and 4 are working toward NVQ2 early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children have ample opportunity for physical exercise as they enjoy free play outside in the playground. They confidently play swing ball and use hoops and skipping ropes which encourages their good health. Children practise good hygiene as they wash their hands after using the bathroom and before meals. Staff are aware of what to do if a child falls ill or has an accident but there is no evidence that first aid certificates are held. Children enjoy sociable mealtimes. They are beginning to learn about nutritious foods as fruit and water is readily available. Children do cooking activities each term when they make pizza and such choices encourage a healthy diet. The planned menu does not include alternative foods for children with special dietary needs. These children's choices are therefore limited as these foods are given less consideration.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure on the premises as staff challenge visitors. Children benefit from ample play space that is well organised so that they play freely which enhances their all round development. Children use toys and equipment that are carefully checked before each use although there is no record of this. Children's safety is ensured as they have easy access to resources that are stimulating, age appropriate and conform to safety standards. Their safety is considered as staff supervise children during their play. Staff are easily identified by their uniform and badge so that children can easily approach them. Children take some responsibility for their safety as regular fire drills are held and so they evacuate the building promptly. Regular premises checks are carried out in liaison with the school caretaker and this ensures children are safe as the building is maintained. Accidents are recorded but lack

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

specific detail and evidence of wider risk assessments are not available and do not state what action has been taken to prevent a recurrence. Children's welfare is safeguarded as staff are aware of their duty to protect children in their care and some written documents support this. The written procedure regarding allegations against staff is unclear and so could delay prompt action.

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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 benefit from some planned activities that encourage their all round development. They take pleasure in toys and equipment that are easily accessible and age appropriate. Children gain an insight to different roles in the community as fire-fighters, police and sports leaders visit and talk to them about their role. Staff are deployed so that they are near to children and supervise them during their play. Some staff engage in children's play during outdoor games, and staff ask questions to encourage children's play. Although children comfortably approach staff, support in their play is sometimes lacking as some staff sit with them but offer little interaction. Children benefit from completely free play when outside and this encourages their freedom of expression. There is limited consideration and planning for children who

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

wish to do quiet or non sport activities outside, as such activities like puzzles, are poorly presented on the ground. There is an adequate amount of activities available but limited staff interaction and creativity hinders the enjoyment of children who need more support or a greater challenge.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. Children are beginning to develop confidence in the setting. Staff discuss children's needs with their parent and regularly talk about their progress which encourages partnership. Staff have some understanding of the needs of children with special needs as they share information regularly. Children are able to access toys and resources that reflect differing backgrounds. This helps children to gain a better understanding of diversity and the wider community. Children largely play co-operatively. They keenly show each other skills they've acquired and demonstrate how to play hoops. Children's behaviour sometimes pose a challenge for staff and at times, they respond well to staff requests about their behaviour. They understand when clear expectations are given to them by staff but do not often receive them. Children's acceptable behaviour is compromised as not all staff understand or

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Helping children make a positive contribution

explore the reasons why children may display unacceptable behaviour. Children know that persistent unacceptable behaviour is recorded in a book and shared with their parent. As a result, children do not fully understand the consequences of their behaviour but that the matter will also be addressed by their parent.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children are comfortable in the setting and familiar with the routine. There is sufficient space and children readily help to set out toys and tidy up. Priority is given to staff doing NVQ2 training as less than half the staff team hold a valid qualification. Systems to evaluate and monitor general staff performance and development is lacking and affect good practice. There are clear recruitment procedures and sufficient staff. Some documentation is accessible but not all are maintained in line with the National Standards. Some of these documents are incomplete as they lack specific detail, are unclear or refer to the previous address of the setting. Ofsted has not been notified of significant events so that children are further protected. The childminder does not setting does not meet the needs of children for whom she

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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 provides.

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • make sure there is evidence that enough staff are qualified 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 • develop staff’s awareness and understanding of effective ways to manage children’s behaviour, taking into account their age and stage of development • improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the National Standards, ensure all documentation is in line with the National Standards and set in place a procedure to notify Ofsted of significant events These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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