Piglets Playgroup

Piglets Playgroup

Inspection report for early years provision

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Piglets Playgroup

EY260057 Unique Reference Number 20 November 2006 Inspection date Pauline Pinnegar Inspector

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Piglets Playgroup

Cheviot Crescent, The Old Canteen Community Centre, Billingham, Cleveland, TS23 2PR

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E-mail

Piglets Playgroup Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Sessional 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?

Piglets Playgroup was registered in 2003. It operates from two rooms within the Billingham Youth and Community Centre. There is access to enclosed outdoor play area. The premises are located close to the centre of Billingham. The facility serves the local and surrounding areas. A maximum of 32 children may attend the group at any one time. The group is open each weekday from 09.30 to 12.00 during school term time, and for three weeks in the summer holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 56 children aged from two years to under five years on roll. The group currently supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and also supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group employs nine members of staff. Of these, seven hold appropriate early years qualifications and five members of staff are working towards an additional qualification.

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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 begin to learn about the importance of good personal hygiene through established daily routines, such as when they wash their hands before snacks and after using the toilet. They are generally protected from the risk of cross-infection because staff are familiar with the groups health and hygiene policies, for instance, they wipe tables before use and follow clear procedures for changing nappies. However, paper towels for hand drying are not always available resulting in children sharing one tea towel, putting children at risk from cross infection. The procedures for cleaning the bathroom area are not strictly adhered which poses a risk to children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Snacks are prepared on the premises using fresh fruit such as apples, grapes, melon and mango. Healthy eating is promoted and parents are advised that the group adopts a healthy eating regime. Children also explore topics relating to healthy eating. They have prepared winter soup with vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and swede. Other topics have also included activities relating to growth and development. Children have compared their height and discussed parts of the body. Parents contribute fresh fruit for snack time. Staff consult parents regarding children's dietary and religious needs and these are taken into account. Fresh drinking water is easily accessible to throughout the session in addition to juice at snack time.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from having satisfactory access to the outdoor play area. They enjoy a range of activities which promote their physical development and make good progress in a range of physical skills. Children have regular opportunities to practise throwing and catching skills and to develop hand-eye coordination by using equipment, such as balls, bats and hoops. They have opportunities to pedal bikes and climb using a range of large apparatus. Children quickly learn to handle tools for art and craft and develop fine manipulative skills as they practise balancing blocks or completing jigsaws. Children also enjoy regular 'exercise' sessions jumping, stretching and balancing on one foot.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children access a warm and welcoming environment and benefit from a selection of activities that are readily accessible to them at each session. Space within the playrooms is effectively organised with identifiable areas created for different types of play. Resources are safe and well maintained. A selection of books and toys are stored at child height allowing children to make some independent choices. Children learn about fire safety and regularly practise the fire evacuation procedure, helping them understand how to keep safe in the event of a fire or emergency evacuation. Sensitive reminders, such as a request to pick up toys from the floor to prevent someone tripping over, increase the child's awareness of everyday safety in the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are vigilant, conduct ongoing visual risk assessments, and respond quickly to potential hazards, such as spillages. They have a good understanding of most health and safety procedures,

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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 which they implement effectively. However, the door to the storage cupboard containing hazardous substances is not locked, which could have a detrimental effect on children’s welfare. The building is secure at all times and visitors are identified and accompanied when on the premises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because key staff clearly understand their role in child protection and are able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. All of these measures contribute to the safety and welfare of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time in the group and build good relationships with staff and peers. A suitable range of activities and toys are set out each session. Children are generally interested in the activities provided and gain enjoyment from being with each other and the staff. Children are keen to look at books and listen to adults attentively on a one to one basis. They come together at snack and story times. Sufficient age appropriate activities are available. Staff have introduced aspects of the 'Birth to three matters' framework when making assessments of children's achievements within the group. However, assessments do not fully inform planning the steps in children's development, particularly for the very young two year olds. Further development is required to ensure that children's needs are fully met and their progress is adequately monitored.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children develop and practise their personal and communication skills well. For example, staff provide a role play area and ask questions to develop conversation and imaginative play. During the sessions there is usually one focussed activity exploring children's creative development. Children have opportunities to paint or use creative materials daily. The current topic is winter and children create hedgehogs using junk materials and make squirrel puppets. Children's interest in natural materials and the world around them is promoted with the use of the interest table. Exploration focuses on leaves, twigs and conkers. Construction play is another favourite with children and they build using wooden bricks. Children develop their writing skills at the mark making area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children behave well as staff use appropriate strategies to address any unacceptable behaviour. They are calm and sensitively support children to learn to share, take turns and respect the needs of others. Children become able to resolve conflict and play together amicably as staff are good role models and help the children to negotiate and talk things through. Staff praise their achievements and their work is satisfactorily displayed within the messy activity room. Children make some decisions about their play and resources are easily accessible to stimulate free choice. Staff have regard to equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and planned activities and resources support children's understanding. Activities include opportunities for children to learn about various festival, such as Holi, Divali and

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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 Hanukkah. Children also explored a topic relating to Sri Lanka focussing on culture. They participated in activities relating to food, dress and language within the country.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The group's special educational needs policy shows a commitment to inclusive practice for children with additional needs. Key staff have attended relevant training and aim to work closely with parents and other professionals to ensure all individual needs are met. However, the procedures to support children who speak English as an additional language are not sufficiently rigorous to meet the needs of children on roll.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Warm and friendly relationships with parents contribute to the children's well-being. They receive written information about the group and policies and procedures are clearly displayed. Staff are friendly and approachable. Relevant information is exchanged informally each session and a regular dialogue provides news of forthcoming activities and events.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The staff work very well together as a team and are supported through regular staff meetings and access to training. Recruitment and vetting procedures ensure children are well protected and cared for by staff with knowledge and understanding of child development. Induction procedures for new employees are thorough and well implemented. The premises are suitably organised indoors and outdoors to maximise play opportunities for children. Most staff have a relevant childcare qualification.

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Organisation

Most of the required policies, procedures and record keeping systems are in place. Good regard is given to keeping children's records and personal information confidential. The majority of which are appropriately organised and maintained. However, the written consent from parents to administer medication is not clear which compromises children's health and safety, and the complaints log has not been updated in line with changes to regulations

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the group was asked to; request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment; make available to parents relevant contact details in the complaints procedure; ensure child protection procedures include all relevant contact numbers.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All the required documentation has now been updated. Parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment is included in parents contracts, and they have been given all the necessary information with regard to making a complaint. This has improved partnerships with parents and promotes children's welfare overall.

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Improvements 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 The child protection procedure is now clear and detailed and contains all the relevant contact details, promoting children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004, 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 complaint 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): • develop the risk assessments to ensure all hazardous substances are stored safely and inaccessible to children • improve hand drying procedures, and the cleaning routines in the toilet area to prevent risk of cross infection • improve the outcomes for children under three years by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters' framework • develop the equal opportunities policy to include procedures to be followed for children who speak English as a second language • develop the complaints log in line with changes to regulations • develop the medication policy to include clear consents from parents to administer medicines.

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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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