Highway Farm Activity Centre

Highway Farm Activity Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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Highway Farm Activity Centre

EY339547 Unique Reference Number 24 October 2006 Inspection date Nicola Jayne Pascoe Inspector

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Highway Farm Activity Centre

Highway Farm, Loscombe Road, Four Lanes, Redruth, TR16 6QA Setting Address

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E-mail

Highway Farm Activity Centre Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care Type of 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

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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 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?

Pirates holiday play scheme is run by Highway Farm Activity Centre. It opened in 2006 and operates from purpose-built premises, of which they have sole use. The play scheme previously operated at Pencoys Primary School. It is situated on Loscombe Road, in Four Lanes, Redruth, Cornwall. A maximum of 16 children may attend the play scheme at any one time. There are currently 28 children on roll. The play scheme is open each weekday from 08:30 until 16:30 during all school holidays except Christmas. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. Children come from the local area. The play scheme employs four staff. All of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years and play work qualifications. The setting receives support from the local authority, Pencoys school and Play lines.

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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 satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. They learn the importance of keeping healthy through established daily routines. They are reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet and before preparing and eating their snack. Individual paper towels are used for hand drying to prevent the risk of cross-infection. Most members of staff hold a current first aid certificate. The first aid kit is suitably stocked. Accident records show that injuries are treated appropriately and parents are kept informed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy a varied selection of snacks throughout the week, such as toast, fruit and vegetable sticks. They receive a sufficient quantity of food to meet their individual needs. Children are encouraged to freely access fresh drinking water at all times and have a choice of water or low sugar fruit squash with their snack. Children's packed lunches are stored appropriately in the fridge. Children learn about keeping healthy through regular daily exercise indoors and out. They enjoy fresh air and fun outdoors on a daily basis, as the activity centre promotes the value and importance of outdoor play and exploration. They develop their large motor skills and coordination when playing games together such as large scale 'snakes and ladders', they use ride-on toys and make regular use of the 'sports bag'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a child-centred environment, where they are able to move freely and safely. However, the premises are not kept secure during times of operation. Visitors to the setting are monitored. Written risk assessments are used to identify and minimise any risks to children. Children are supervised at all times. Fire safety equipment is available and maintained regularly. Written fire procedures are in place and drills are practised routinely with children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy free access to a wide range of age appropriate and suitable toys and resources. They can safely and independently make choices. When enjoying outings, children are transported safely and with appropriate written consent from parents. Children are safeguarded by the staff's knowledge of child protection procedures. There is a written policy available for parents. Staff are familiar with the relevant publications, action to take and agencies to contact if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children participate in a good balance of enjoyable activities both indoors and out. They are able to choose whether to relax, be creative, take part in physical games or choose favourite resources from the wide selection available. They are confident to initiate play, to which staff respond and offer good levels of support. Children are actively encouraged to suggest ideas for future activities, these ideas are respected and valued by staff.

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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 free access to a varied, interesting and age appropriate range of activities, which contribute to their overall development. They are very well settled, confident and happy. They enjoy good levels of interaction with staff and other children, for example when they print 'Halloween pumpkins' with potatoes and paint and when they play table-top football. Children benefit from comfortable areas in which to relax with friends and chat, play games and read books. They enjoy particularly good opportunities to explore the outdoors, build dens and 'bug hunt' on nature walks through the surrounding countryside.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well supported very well by staff. Staff demonstrate a good awareness of the importance of identifying and respecting children's individual needs and preferences. Children attending for the first time are welcomed and settled by friendly staff, who carefully explain the daily routine and introduce children to where they will find the resources and facilities. Staff interact very well with children and encourage them to try varied and more challenging activities. Children learn about the wider world and people's differing abilities, ideas and beliefs, through both planned and free play activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the staff's knowledge and positive approach to behaviour management. Staff provide a well structured environment. They are very good role models. Children are involved in developing rules to determine the expectations for their behaviour. They are kind, polite and helpful to one another. Children are busy and occupied at all times. Staff recognise the importance and value of working closely with parents. They provide good levels of information through their parent notice boards and prospectus. They engage in daily discussion with parents when children arrive and are collected. Appropriate contract and record forms are used effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the staff's knowledge and skills. The registered person is committed to maintaining appropriate standards of care. Appropriate procedures are in place to recruit and appoint suitable staff. However, the written induction procedures are not fully and effectively implemented. Children are well cared for in an organised and comfortable environment. Familiar, established daily routines are followed which effectively promotes children's confidence. Registration systems clearly show that adult-child ratios are met, as the times of arrival and departure of staff and children are recorded. Suitable contingency plans are in place in the event of an emergency.

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Organisation

Children's records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. Records are updated regularly and shared appropriately with parents. A comprehensive range of suitable policies and procedures are available for parents. Documentation is readily available for inspection. Overall the setting 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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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.

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Complaints 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 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): • ensure the premises are kept secure at all times. • implement effective induction systems for new staff.

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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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