Cathedral Academy

Beis Yaakov Creche

Inspection report for early years provision

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Beis Yaakov Creche

137764 Unique Reference Number 20 October 2006 Inspection date Kay Williams Inspector

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Beis Yaakov Creche

373 Edgware Road, London, NW9 6NQ Setting Address

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Beis Yaakov Creche

020 8905 9590 Telephone number office.beisyaakov.barnet@lgfl.net E-mail Beis Yaakov Parent Creche Committee Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Crèche Type of care

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Beis Yaakov Creche

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?

Beis Yaakov Crèche was registered in 2000. It is managed by the Beis Yaakov Primary School Parent Committee. It operates from one room within the Beis Yaakov Primary School, which is situated in Colindale, within the London borough of Brent. A maximum of nine children may attend the crèche at any one time. The crèche is open each week day during school term time only. Sessions are from 08:00 to 16:15 Monday to Thursday and from 08:00 to 15:30 on Friday. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 10 children under three years old on roll. Children attend a variety of sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The crèche employs three members of staff. Of these, two staff, including the manager 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 satisfactory. Children's health is generally well promoted. They benefit from the clean hygienic environment that is provided for them. They are protected from the spread of infection as sick children are discouraged from attending and those who become ill during the day are comforted until their parent collects them. Children's health is further promoted as the staff follow clear procedures regarding the administration of medication. Nappy changing routines are clean and hygienic and the children learn about the importance of good personal hygiene as they are invited to wipe their hands after their nappy has been changed. They further their understanding of good hygiene as they are encouraged to wash their hands before eating their snack, although the arrangement of sharing the same bowl of water to wash in is less hygienic.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to make healthy choices about the food they eat as they choose from the variety of fresh fruits served to them as a mid morning snack. Children are offered a healthy lunch as the policy for healthy eating is consistently applied by the staff and respected and adhered to by the parents who supply their children's food. Children's dietary requirements are considered and they are able to help themselves to their own drink throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered daily opportunities to play outside in the playground. Staff acknowledge how important it is for the children's well being to be able to enjoy fresh air and exercise. While outside the children learn to manoeuvre buggies, control balls and ride push along trucks. Opportunities for the children to further develop their large physical skills continue indoors as they enjoy activities such as movement to music and dancing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for in the safe and secure premises. On site security guards and CCTV closely monitor access to and from the crèche. Children have a firm sense of belonging and are greeted warmly by staff. They part happily from their parents. The child centred environment enhances children's safety as staff take appropriate action to minimise the potential hazards, such as knocking before entering the room to prevent causing an accident to the children who may be playing close by. However it is unclear if staff hold a current first aid qualification.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children feel at ease as they independently access a range of appropriate equipment. Their security is further enhanced as they have easy access to their own familiar objects. For example children help themselves to their own dummies and comfort blankets whenever they need to. Furniture is safe and well maintained and appropriate to meeting the varying needs of such young children. For instance children eat their food while sitting in either a high chair, a baby bounce chair or at a child height table and chair according to their own age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is given good priority as the staff hold sound knowledge of appropriate child protection procedures. They know that children's safety is paramount and are able to act

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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 accordingly should they become concerned about a child in their care. Staff recruitment procedures ensure that adults are vetted accordingly and all visitors are monitored while on the premises.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time spent at the crèche. They are developing a strong sense of belonging as they can initiate their own routine. For example, children indicate when they need to rest, they pull out a floor cushion and take their comfort blanket from the shelf and settle down to nap. They are secure confident individuals who have developed positive relationships with the staff who are attentive and caring.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff are developing their understanding of the Birth to three matters framework. They plan for children's needs and provide a reasonable range of activities which engage and sustain children's interest, although the activities and resources available at any one time do not cover sufficient depth or variety. The play materials are predominantly plastic, so children do not have sufficient opportunities to explore natural materials which limits the sensory experiences. Children benefit greatly from the good amounts of time that staff spend playing with the children, this consequently extends their learning. A spontaneous ball game turned into a good opportunity for children to develop and extend their throwing and catching skills. The adults take the lead from the children's interest and extended the children's learning in taking turns and sharing while they developed their co-ordination and physical skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident communicators who wave and say "bye, bye" to their peers as they leave the setting. Their use of language is developing further as adults appropriately question their learning, "can you find the next piece of puzzle?" or "who is that in your picture?" Children make good use of books as they are able to help themselves to the book case. They look at the pictures for themselves and like sitting comfortably with adults who enjoy reading to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals. Staff know them well and routines centre around the children's individuality. They eat and sleep according to routines that suit them best as agreed with their parents. They are developing a strong sense of personal identity as they enjoy looking at the photographs of themselves and their friends at the crèche. They are learning about their own culture and acknowledge those of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a good sense of fun within the setting and staff are kind and gently spoken, as a result children are very well behaved. They play well alongside their peers and staff gently support children to learn the difference between right and wrong on the odd occasion where their self control breaks down. Children respond to the praise that they receive. Their self esteem is strengthened as the staff praise their efforts. As children prepare to go out to play they endeavour to put on their own shoes: "well done, you did that all by yourself" they are encouraged by the staff. Children beam with pride at their achievements.

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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 that the staff share with their parents. Their continuity of care is effectively supported by the daily diary which keeps staff up to date with information regarding the children's needs. Parents speak highly of the satisfaction that they feel towards the service they receive, often writing their praise in the form of "thank you" cards. Parents are offered sufficient written information regarding the crèche and news letter also serves in keeping them up to date.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable within the organisation of the daily routines. Staff are committed to their role and work well together as a team, providing the children with continuity of care. Staff are effectively deployed and ratios are maintained. Staff are planning to attend additional child care training. Children will benefit from staff's improved knowledge.

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Organisation

The children's records are appropriately collated and easily accessible. Most of the policies and procedures meet the requirements. However, they are not so well collated and staff are unsure of where to find them. The complaints procedure is out of date.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to improve the procedure for vetting staff and for conducting risk assessments. The provider also agreed to enable children to have independent access to resources. Significant improvement have been made in all three areas. Staff vetting procedure is more effective, risk assessment more robust and children have independent access to some of the play material. As a result the outcomes for children have improved.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004, Ofsted received two complaints relating to National Standard 1: Suitable Person, 7: Health and 13: Child Protection. The first involved allegation of poor hygiene practices and the second involved allegations made about the actions of a member of staff at the crèche in July 2005. In the first instance the provider responded by submitting an action plan outlining how standards of hygiene would be improved. The second concluded that the provider did not following the correct child protection procedures. Consequently Ofsted served the provider with a compliance notice and the provider subsequently made appropriate improvements. Ofsted was satisfied that by taking these steps the provider met the National Standards and remained qualified for registration at the time the investigation was closed.

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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 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): • provide children with more hygienic hand washing facilities. • ensure that staff hold an appropriate first aid qualification • continue to develop staff knowledge of, and skills to implement the Birth to three matters framework, in order to extend the range of activities and play material that are offered to the children • collate all policies and procedure more carefully so that they are easily accessible for staff and parents to reference and that they are readily available for inspection. • update the system for recording complaints in line with new guidance to the National Standards 2005.

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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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