Woodlands School LTD - Hutton Manor

Woodlands School LTD - Hutton Manor Inspection report for early years provision

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EY336851 Unique Reference Number 10 May 2007 Inspection date Sandra Daniels Inspector

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428 Rayleigh Road, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 1SD Setting Address

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01277 245580 Telephone number jl@woodlandsschools.co.uk E-mail Woodlands School LTD -Hutton Manor Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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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?

Woodlands School Ltd, Hutton Manor Out of School provision opened in 2006 and operates from Woodlands School, Hutton Manor. It is situated in Hutton, which is on the outskirts of Brentwood. A maximum of twenty children aged from three to under eight years may attend the provision at any one time. Children over the age of eight also attend. The provision is open each weekday from 08.00 to 08.45 and from 15.00 to 18.00 during term time only. All children have access to a secure outdoor play area. All children attending the provision are pupils at Woodlands School Hutton. The provision currently employs two members of staff, both of whom are currently working towards suitable qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well-protected because practitioners employ comprehensive health and hygiene policies and procedures. Toilet facilities are kept very clean and pleasant for children to use. Staff set a good example to children by cleaning tables thoroughly, by involving children in food preparation and clearing away and involving children in discussions about healthy

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 eating. They help children to learn and practise simple good health and hygiene procedures for themselves by reminding, when necessary, to wash their hands before snack time and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's good health is further promoted as they are excluded from the setting if they are unwell, particularly with an infectious illness. Should a child become sick whilst at the group, parents will be notified and they will be monitored and cared for sensitively until their parent arrives to collect them. Practitioners are all trained in first aid and are confident in their ability to deal with minor accidents and medical emergencies should they occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to understand about healthy eating. They can make choices from healthy options for snack, including fresh and dried fruits and various sandwiches and drinks. Snacks are planned by staff with careful consideration given to fat, sugar and salt content and in consultation with the children. Staff have respect for, and a good understanding of, children's special dietary requirements. Children sit together with practitioners to eat and snack times are seen as relaxed, social times where children engage in lively conversations and learn more about healthy options. This is also reinforced during play. For example, children thoroughly enjoy a shopping game where they eagerly point out what is healthy and what is not.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have excellent opportunities for physical activity, particularly outdoors. They enjoy using the vast school grounds where they can develop skills such as climbing, balancing, running and riding wheeled toys. They play outside whenever the weather permits, learning to appreciate the importance of physical exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They take part in team games, developing the art of sportsmanship as children of mixed ages play football together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in the Early Years classroom in the main school building. The premises is very safe and secure, tidy, clean and welcoming to children and visitors alike. Children's work is attractively displayed around the room which is well organised to enable children to move around safely and independently and to promote their development. Children feel valued as they all receive warm, personal greetings from staff as they arrive from various classes or groups within the school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an excellent range of safe and well-maintained furniture, equipment and toys that meets the varying needs of the children attending. Children benefit from using toys and games that promote their intellectual, social, emotional, cultural and physical development. Resources are in abundance and are stored accessibly so that children can select what they want to do. Furniture is of good quality to ensure that children are comfortable and can play and eat together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Practitioners take positive steps to promote safety within the setting and outside, ensuring that proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents. Visual risk assessments are carried out routinely before children arrive each day to ensure that any potential hazards are identified and minimised. Children know, or are shown, how to use equipment safely. For example, they know not to move around whilst holding scissors. Children's awareness of how to keep themselves safe is promoted because practitioners follow detailed policies and procedures related to safety issues. For example, fire safety, lost and uncollected children and site security. In addition, staff talk to children appropriately about how to take care of their own safety, both day-to-day and in the event of an emergency.

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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's welfare is well safeguarded because practitioners are knowledgeable in all areas of child protection. They have a thorough appreciation of their roles and responsibilities in this regard and are able to put appropriate procedures into place as necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The development of children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities is promoted very effectively in this setting because children take part in a very broad range of activities. Staff meet children's needs through sensitive and highly appropriate interactions which promote children's self-esteem. For example, children receive lots of praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements, helping them to feel good about themselves. Children have many opportunities to make choices when developing their knowledge, skills and understanding. They choose the activities they take part in and decide which filling they would like for their sandwich. Children's care, learning and play is very well supported by staff who know each child extremely well and can, therefore, provide for their individual needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children build extremely positive relationships with one another and with members of staff. Having finished their snack, children were given permission to leave the table and continue their play. One young child suggested to his friend that they remain at the table and had a chat, which they did. Children from a range of ages mix together extremely successfully and effectively. The older children like to help the younger ones and actively support them in their play. For example, when using the cash register to take some money in payment for some washing and ironing that had been done in the imaginative play area, an older child demonstrated to a younger child how to swipe the credit card.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children remain motivated and interested in what they are doing because they make their own choices. They are happy, very confident and secure as they enjoy their time in this setting. Children clearly look forward to attending this warm and friendly environment. All children are actively listened to and their thoughts and ideas highly valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children feel highly valued and free from discrimination as staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children. Children benefit because staff recognise that children's attitudes towards others are established in their early years and practitioners plan to help children to learn about equality and justice through their play. Children become aware of the wider society and are helped to consider and value diversity because some of the games and activities have a multi-cultural emphasis. Family members and staff work effectively together to share information, for example, about cultures, home languages and children's specific needs. Parents come into the setting to help children and staff celebrate various cultural festivals, for example, making a large dragon display at the time of the Chinese New Year. Children join in very well, take responsibility and play a productive part in this setting

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Helping children make a positive contribution

because staff are skilled at welcoming, enthusing and listening to them. Children are encouraged to share, remember their manners, respect others and ask for help should they require it.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very kind and courteous and consider the needs and feelings of others as they include them in their play. Group times such as snack times, are sociable and help children to bond with each other as staff are talkative and inclusive. Practitioners' positive approach 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 attitudes allow them to successfully support children individually and in small groups, so that they have a good amount of free choice. All these measures help to develop children's high self-esteem and strong sense of belonging. Very strong systems are in place to support children with additional needs. Practitioners are strongly committed to full inclusion and are enthusiastic in creating an atmosphere of mutual help and understanding amongst the whole group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit greatly as staff acknowledge and understand that the relationships between themselves and children's parents is crucial to the child's well-being, development and progress. Trusting and mutually supportive relationships exist, ensuring that children receive consistency of care. Practitioners are friendly, approachable and interested, making time to speak to parents, particularly at home time. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the service provided, particularly the variety of activities and the friendly and professional staff. Parents and staff exchange useful information about children's time in the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are able to share, take turns, treat resources well and speak nicely to everyone. Practitioners also speak routinely positively and politely to children and always address them by name. Children behave extremely well and understand responsible behaviour because staff are motivated, vigilant and interested in teaching children to behave well and to consider others. Practitioners praise children enthusiastically when they adopt good manners and help others.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall children's needs are met. Children are well protected and cared for by staff with good experience and a growing knowledge and understanding of child development. However, the provider has agreed to review staff induction procedures to ensure that all staff are familiar with all of the setting's policies and procedures. All staff working with the children are suitably vetted to ensure they are suitable to do so. Staff development is given high priority in this setting and there are many opportunities for further training courses and workshops for practitioners. Staff to child ratios are always maintained and practitioners use their time productively, getting involved in children's play. They spend as much time as possible in direct contact with children, enhancing children's enjoyment through meaningful conversation and example.

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Organisation

Most necessary documentation is in place, however, the provider has agreed to review systems currently in place for recording visitors to the setting and accidents to children whilst attending the out of school provision. Policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and amended as necessary so that they continue to serve their purpose well. The provider takes care to elicit frequent feedback from children and parents.

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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. 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): • review staff induction procedure to ensure that all staff are familiar with all of the setting's policies and procedures • review systems currently in place for recording visitors to the setting and accidents to children whilst attending the out of school provision.

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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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