Playdays Pre-school

Playdays Pre-school

Inspection report for early years provision

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Playdays Pre-school

507693 Unique Reference Number 24 November 2006 Inspection date Tracey Marie Boland Inspector

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Playdays Pre-school

Remembrance Road, Coventry, West Midlands, CV3 3DG Setting Address

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E-mail

Playdays Pre School Registered person Integrated 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are satisfactory.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Playdays Pre-school opened as a playgroup in 1984. It operates in the lounge of the Willenhall Free Church. There is direct access to a safely enclosed outdoor play area and a kitchen and toilets are off the entrance area. A service is provided for children between the ages of two years six months and under five years. Most children live locally but vacancies are available to all who apply. The group operates term time only, Monday to Friday from 09:15 until 11:45.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are four staff on duty at all times including the manager. Most staff hold early years Level 3 qualifications.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A total of 23 children are currently on roll; two are funded three-year-olds and seven are funded four-year-olds. The pre-school is supported by an Early Years Development Childcare Partnership

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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 teacher. A service is provided for children with special educational needs. There are currently no children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The pre-school has Pre-school Learning Alliance membership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good practises with regard to hygiene and personal care through the consistent reinforcement and clear routines in place within the setting. Children reflect this in their play within the home corner also ensuring they wash their hands before preparing a meal for their friends. Snack time is a very social occasion. They access a healthy, nutritious snack identifying their own needs and independently choosing when they eat. A snack bar is operational at times throughout the morning. Children use wipes to ensure their hands are clean, they place their name card in a box enabling staff to monitor who has had snack, they collect a plate and choose four pieces of fruit, pour themselves a drink and sit down to eat it with their peers in groups of four. They understand the importance of healthy eating through their involvement in topics and activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activity both indoors and out and play is linked to current themes for example, an array of improvised musical instruments outdoors in the shape of saucepans, cutlery and cups. They learn to recognise the changes to their bodies following exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected at times of minor accidents as most staff hold valid first aid certificates and are responsive to the needs of the children. A clear written policy is in place with regard to illnesses and procedures and exclusion times are in place to protect staff and children. Health records are maintained and shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a safe and secure environment. Staff are vigilant at all times to ensure the ongoing safety of the children who are only released into the car of a known adult. Staff have identified potential risks within the setting and outdoors and taken appropriate steps to ensure they are minimised. Written risk assessments are in place and reviewed annually and toys, equipment and furniture are well maintained, clean and easily accessible.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A clearly written fire evacuation procedure is displayed, known by the staff and practised with the children. Records completed enable staff to identify any areas of weakness within the procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a working knowledge and understanding of child protection and abuse. They understand their role and responsibility with regard to protecting children and are aware of local referral procedures. They keep their knowledge and understanding of this area of their work up to date through ongoing training and development.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a variety of interesting, stimulating activities which are age appropriate and staff support and encourage their play, allowing time for them to develop their creative skills. Play is planned although staff are responsive to spontaneous play and enable children to follow any ideas they may have. Clear relationships have been formed and staff have a clear knowledge of the children and their individual stages of development. Regular observations and assessments take place and staff meet weekly to plan and share information and ideas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Teaching and learning is satisfactory. Staff have an understanding of the foundation stage of learning and use the stepping stones to plan a varied curriculum. They build on the information gained from parents about their child and have an awareness of the individuals in their care and are responsive to children with specific needs. Staff encourage and support children in activities both planned and spontaneous however, they do not always extend thinking and language development sufficiently. Observations and assessments are completed and staff evaluate the activities that have taken place, identifying any individual needs of the children. This information is then carried forward and used to inform future planning. Children are well behaved and responsive to the adults and any requests made of them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy, settled, relaxed and separate well from their carers. They are enthusiastic and keen to be involved and enjoy adult led activities and those chosen independently. Within the group there are confident speakers with both staff and visitors and clear relationships have been formed within the peer group. Children show kindness towards each other and are supportive to those less able members of the group. Independence is actively encouraged throughout the session for example, snack time, when using the bathroom and putting their coats on when going outside. Children are learning about other cultures and beliefs through celebrations and the positive portrayal of diversity and the wider world through discussion and a variety of resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children confidently select their name cards when they enter the setting and at snack time. They enjoy books and join in with well known stories and songs. They handle books with care and re-tell stories with their chosen friends. Children have opportunities each day to develop their fine manipulative skills and pencil control. Some children are able to form letters and others write their names clearly without support. However, there are times when language development could be extended. Children enjoy number rhymes and songs. They can count up to five, some to 10 and most are in correct sequence. When singing they are able to match the correct amount of fingers to the number. Children are learning to measure through a variety of activities for example, by making their own height chart, when involved in cooking activities and through growing plants from seeds and bulbs. They are developing an understanding of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

mathematical language such as, 'bigger', 'smaller', 'more than' or 'less than'. They also compare shape and size, children continually recognise and name shapes in everyday routines and activities.

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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 explore and investigate in a variety of ways. They learn about life cycles and change in familiar contexts and use a variety of materials to mould and build such as dough, sand and mud. They select tools and construct with a purpose and use musical instruments and take part in music and movement to learn about rhythm and move in time to a beat. Children develop an understanding of technology and how things work and find out about their environment through discussion and visits in the local area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing an awareness of space and move with confidence. They move with control and coordination and enjoy games such as 'What's the time Mr Wolf' and musical bumps. They understand the importance of healthy eating and express how their bodies have changed following exercise. They understand the need to wash their hands to maintain cleanliness and their own personal care needs. Children use a range of small tools and equipment with control and with a purpose. They use balancing bars and manoeuvre wheeled toys and equipment with confidence and direction.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children explore colour, texture and build using a variety of materials. They control scissors well and use glue, sellotape, paints and crayons confidently. Children enjoy ample time to construct and build. Children enjoy role play and re-enact known experiences with their chosen friends and the older children encourage and involve the younger members of the group in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Partnership with parents and carers is satisfactory. Parents receive a clearly written prospectus detailing the care and education provided for their child and which includes policies and procedures in place within the setting. They benefit from regular newsletters which keep them informed of the service and encourages their involvement with themes, topics and forthcoming events, they are encouraged to share information about their child and are kept up to date with their ongoing progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are treated as individuals and their needs and preferences are discussed with parents and well known by the staff. They develop their understanding of diversity and the wider world through discussion, cultural celebrations and through the positive images of society they see through play. Children with specific needs are well supported and strong relationships have been formed with parents and other professionals. Individual education plans are in place and staff's knowledge and understanding of needs is enhanced through training and development. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour is good. children are aware of the rules in place within the setting and respond very well to requests made of them. They are praised for good behaviour and their achievements. Manners between the children are good and they are kind to each other, share and take turns.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, well maintained environment where there is ample space for them to move around safely. Most of the staff hold a recognised early years qualification and regularly access training through the local authority to keep themselves up to date and informed about best practice and current legislation. Clear routines are in place to ensure that children are not left unattended with unvetted people.

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Organisation

Clearly written documentation is in place, easily accessible and up to date. Policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents about the setting and care provided. However, the current complaints policy does not include the new requirements for dealing with complaints.

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Organisation

Leadership and management is satisfactory. Staff work well together and plan as a team and training is seen as a priority. Staff monitor and evaluate their practice to ensure it meets the needs of the children they care for. The manager is a positive role model to her team and welcomes ideas and suggestions as to ways of improving and enhancing the care provided. Strong links have been formed with the Pre-school Learning Alliance and the local authority. The manager and her team work closely with parents and other professionals when caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Organisation

Overall the provision 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 setting was asked to develop a written procedure to be followed in the event of a child being lost. A clearly written policy is now in place and known by staff therefore safeguarding children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

They were also asked to develop and implement an action plan detailing how at least one member of staff with a current first aid certificate will be on the premises or on outings at any one time. All staff except the manager hold a valid first aid certificate. Therefore, children's welfare is not compromised at times of accidents or emergencies.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The setting was asked to ensure that there are procedures in place for recruitment and selection of staff. A clear policy document has been developed which reflects the procedures now in place for the recruitment of staff.

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Improvements since the last inspection

They were asked to include times of attendance in the daily record of children looked after. Clear recording of times of arrival and departure takes place by staff. This ensures all children are accounted for at all times so their safety is maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Staff were asked to make the kitchen inaccessible to the children. A high bolt is now in place on the kitchen door and staff ensure that this is secured when the kitchen is not in use. Therefore, children's safety is maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

With regard to the funded education of the children staff were asked to improve opportunities to develop climbing and balancing skills with the use of equipment that will challenge them

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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 effectively. This is an area of continual development by staff who encourage the children to access a variety of equipment which encourages them to climb, manoeuvre, balance and use their large muscles in play. Plans are in place to develop the outdoor play area and increase the resources available to them and fund raising is taking place to support this. Physical activity is included in the planning and encourages the inclusion of children that are less mobile.

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Improvements since the last inspection

They were asked to improve opportunities for children to explore the local environment. Staff take groups of children outdoors and in the local area to develop their understanding of their community. They use photographic evidence to show parents and visitors the activities they have been involved in.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Finally, staff were asked to use observations as recorded evidence along with information gained from parents to complete assessment records and inform future planning for individual children. Staff gather information from parents regarding their child's overall development when they first begin their placement at the setting. They complete ongoing observations and assessments, identifying strengths or weaknesses which are then carried forward and included in future planning.

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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. 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are satisfactory.

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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 complaints policy to include the new procedures to be followed when dealing with complaints.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • develop procedures to encourage and extend children's language development.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 nursery education

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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