Sure Start Shildon Children's Centre

Sure Start Shildon Children's Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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Sure Start Shildon Children's Centre

EY319462 Unique Reference Number 04 October 2006 Inspection date Karen Marie Tervit Inspector

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Sure Start Shildon Children's Centre

Children's Centre, Byerley Road, Shildon, County Durham, DL4 1HN Setting Address

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E-mail

Sure Start Shildon Children's Centre Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care, Out of School care, Crèche 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 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?

Sure Start Shildon Children's Centre opened in 2006. It operates from the Children's Centre and has use of rooms within Timothy Hackworth Junior and Infant School. The day care and crèche run from the centre itself, with the out of school using the out of school room and the junior school hall within the school. A maximum of 91 children may attend at any one time. There are currently 37 children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The day care runs from 8.00 to 18.00, 51 weeks of the year. The out of school runs from 8.00 to 8.50 and from 15.30 to 18.00 Monday to Thursday and from 14.30 until 18.00 on a Friday term time and 8.00 to 18.00 in the school holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

All children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. Children come from the local and surrounding area. The centre supports children with learning disabilities. There are 12 staff working with the children, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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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 good. Children's well-being is promoted through staff having a clear knowledge of hygiene procedures, which are implemented effectively. They present as positive role models, for example wearing disposable aprons when nappy changing and serving food. They wash their hands and clean table top surfaces and floors at appropriate times. Children are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through consistent daily routines. They learn about good hygiene practices because they are encouraged to wash their hands, and there are low level sinks and paper towels available to make hand washing a simple and enjoyable task for children. Most staff have current first aid training ensuring that children are well protected in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are well met, in keeping with the wishes of parents. For example, staff work closely with parents to ensure that babies are fed according to their own individual feeding routines. All children are offered a variety of drinks and healthy meals and snacks. Menus are displayed for parents to see, these are varied and nutritious. Fresh drinking water is available in covered jugs at all times, this is changed regularly throughout the sessions. Children's independence and self help skills are enhanced, as they are encouraged and supported effectively to cut up their food or given the opportunity to pour their own drinks. Staff sit with the children whilst they eat making lunchtime a sociable experience and babies are cuddled whilst being fed their bottles.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical skills through an wide range of activities. For example, babies are encouraged to crawl and move around, and are developing small hand skills when picking up and handling toys. Children are very active and they enjoy their time spent outdoors. They confidently access equipment and even though the outdoor area is in the process of being developed they receive good daily opportunities to receive fresh air and physical exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Staff have a thorough understanding of health and safety procedures which they implement effectively. They are vigilant and conduct ongoing visual and written risk assessments. Accident records are comprehensive, they include any identified hazards and what can be done to remedy them. There is a strict outings policy, which the staff following closely ensuring children are kept safe. Staff have a good awareness of security. For example, all visitors are greeted by a receptionist who ensures they sign in. The entrance to the child care area is kept locked from the inside and a door buzzer system is in operation, with staff being able to see who is at the door from the individual playrooms. Children attending the out of school are escorted to and from their actual classroom entrance by a member of staff, ensuring their safety in the busy playground. Fire drills are carried out on a regular basis and staff are very familiar with the

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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 Children use an excellent range of toys and equipment, including everyday household items, that are of good quality and safe. Children's independence is developing well, as the storage of resources is organised to encourage children to self select from the open shelving.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff supervise children well, so as to create a balance which allows them to move freely within the setting, whilst ensuring their well-being is safeguarded. Children are well protected as staff attend a number of training courses related to child protection. This ensures that their practice is underpinned by a good and up-to-date knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. They also know the correct procedure to follow should they have any concerns; however, the child protection policy is not always clear as to what to do if an allegation is made against a member of staff.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Even though most of the children are very new to the setting, they arrive happily and settle well as staff offer a warm welcome. They immediately engage in meaningful activity, such as bathing the dolls or playing in the sand. The children are encouraged and supported by enthusiastic staff who effectively implement a programme of activities based on themes and using the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children enjoy a wide range of stimulating and interesting activities which help them to make progress in all areas of development. Babies play with a variety of activity centres and musical toys. Staff hold the babies and make good eye contact with them so that they respond by smiling and gurgling. Older children in the out of school engage in a wide range of stimulating and challenging activities and are encouraged to contribute to the organisation of the setting by leaving post-it notes of what they particularly

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's confidence and self-esteem is considerably enhanced by the consistent quality of staff interaction. Children are listened to and their language and communication skills are effectively encouraged by staff that challenge and respond positively to their questions. Social and learning skills are expanded through regular daily routines and activities, such as creative and imaginary play. Staff have a very good understanding of how children learn; activities are adapted to ensure that all children can participate. Staff take photographs showing the children involved in their play, and these are displayed or kept in their 'Moving On' folders to monitor their progress and for parents to see.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made thoroughly welcome and staff have a high regard for each child's individual needs. Children's work, particularly in the out of school, is beautifully displayed, giving children a sense of belonging. There are displays of family photographs in the 0 to 2 year old room in the quiet area so that very young children can keep looking at familiar family members, particularly when they are tired, helping them to feel settled. Children make choices in their play which ensure that they are interested in what they do and are able to choose activities which promote their independence. Each child is included in every aspect of the daily routine

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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 and activities are meaningful, stimulating and fun. Children have a wide range of opportunities to learn about themselves and others in the wider community through regular visits to places, such as the library and the local railway museum.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is excellent, with staff using positive, sensitive strategies for managing it. Children's positive behaviour is rewarded in a variety of ways, including stickers which they proudly wear. Staff talk about children in an affectionate manner and openly praise them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are promoted and developed extremely well. Good information is available for parents, such as noticeboards, verbal discussions and an very informative booklet. Parents are made to feel very much part of the setting, with excellent use being made of the 'Moving On' folders as a two way communication system, these are mostly stored in a confidential manner. Open days are planned and very good settling in procedures allow parents to stay with their children until they feel they are ready to be left. Even though the facility is very new parents and carers speak very highly of the care their children receive. Parents are fully informed and consulted about all aspects of the care provided, with the staff discussing all issues and incorporating parents' requests into the service.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the strong management and effective organisation of the setting, both the registered provider and the manager are enthusiastic and committed to delivering good quality child care. The setting only recently opened but staff have spent time getting to know each other and the children so that they work very much as a team. Staff working with the children are experienced, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and clear about their roles and therefore consistently promote children's well-being. Staff are very well deployed throughout the rooms ensuring that children are actively supervised at all times.

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Organisation

A high priority is given to staff development and training. Induction procedures are very comprehensive and daily discussions ensure that all staff are fully informed, included and valued. The setting has a very good range of record keeping, policies and procedures. These are shared with parents and staff. Parents complete a detailed information form about their child and any particular needs are noted and shared with staff.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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): • ensure that the child protection policy clearly documents what to do in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff • ensure confidentiality of children's records at all times.

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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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