Birmingham Community Childrens Centre

Birmingham Community Childrens Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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Birmingham Community Childrens Centre

EY248683 Unique Reference Number 20 February 2007 Inspection date Permjit Tanda Inspector

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Birmingham Community Childrens Centre

61 Bacchus Road, Winson Green, Birmingham, B18 4QY Setting Address

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E-mail

NCH Registered person Childcare Type of inspection 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?

Birmingham Community Children's Centre (BCCC) Crèche and Playscheme opened in 2002. The services have access to a number of ground floor rooms including the large playroom, smaller play room, sensory room and soft ball pool room. The premises is also a base for health visitors, speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and a child development centre. It is located in the Winson Green area of Birmingham within walking distance of local shops and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

It provides child care services to families in the West Birmingham catchment area and to children with disabilities and their siblings. Services provided are integrated and up to half of the children attending have a disability or special need.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The crèche facility provides child care for parents who are attending courses or meetings at the centre and respite care for children with special needs. Sessions run every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 to 12:00. The playscheme operates two days a week

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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 during the school holidays in February, Easter and the summer. Session run from 10:00 until 15:00,

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The number of staff employed on a sessional basis working with the children fluctuates to suit the needs of children attending. The majority of staff hold an appropriate early years qualification or playwork qualification or are working towards a recognised qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because staff follow current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. They follow a very stringent cleaning routine to ensure standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained at all times. A member of staff is on duty that is qualified to administer first aid and therefore respond appropriately to accidents should they occur. The first aid box is easily accessible and staff share accident records with parents when they collect their child.

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Helping children to be healthy

Details of children’s medical needs are well maintained and systems are in place to ensure that all staff are aware of individual needs. Staff have a good working knowledge of the setting’s health and hygiene policies and all of this helps to foster and promote children’s health. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through example and discussion. They understand the need to wash their hands before eating, and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with foods that appeal to them and meet their dietary needs because their parents provide them with a packed lunch during the running of the play scheme. Parental wishes are respected and acted upon, and staff keep written records of children's specific dietary needs, to ensure they avoid certain foods because of allergies or preference. During the session of the crèche and play scheme children enjoy a particularly good range of fresh fruits such as oranges, grapes and banana for snack and squash provided by the setting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy their physical play and are allowed to try new things and practise learned skills, through the encouragement and support of staff. This coupled with the staff’s good understanding of the importance of exercise, aids children’s growing confidence and physical co-ordination. Children have regular physical play both indoors and outside, as they take part in activities, which help to develop their physical skills. These activities range from playing ball games to using the fixed climbing apparatus outdoors. Indoors, younger children especially benefit from the soft playroom where they can safely explore and challenge their skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a warm and inviting environment. Children are kept safe because staff have an appropriate awareness of health and safety issues. Staff supervise children well in the crèche and whilst using other areas within the centre such as the soft play and sensory room. They carry out daily visual risk checks of rooms and areas used by the children. However,

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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 although access to the premises is monitored through the centres main reception desk and visitors are required to show identification and sign the visitor’s book. The two doors leading to the crèche are not kept locked. This compromises children’s safety because the centre is used by members of the public and professionals accessing other services. Staff understand and follow the procedure to report hazards identified such as the safety of immobile babies in the presence of older children, but prompt and appropriate action is not always taken to minimise the hazards effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are effective procedures in place for the safe collection of children. Staff understand the fire procedure and the fire routine is practised regularly and recorded. All fire equipment is checked annually and meets fire safety regulations. Children have access to a broad range of resources which are safe and in good condition checked and cleaned daily by the staff.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is safeguarded because staff have a sound knowledge of child protection procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children who are new and settling are cared for by staff that are attentive to their needs and help them settle through giving them time and space, For example, children are not rushed to take off their coats if they do not wish and activities which they enjoy are made available such as the outdoors. Some children have their own special comforters such as wanting to sit in their pushchair for reassurance; staff support this need well and balance it with giving children the opportunity for new experiences. More settled children enjoy being at the setting, and eagerly take part in the practical activities provided for their learning and enjoyment. Children have daily opportunities to increase their creativity through art activities such as experiencing free, marble, sponge and hand painting, making collage and moulding dough which the children help make.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During the play scheme children are offered a varied range of stimulating activities which they enjoy. They have time to play freely, be physical, relax and rest. Children increase their creativity through accessing a broad range of art & craft activities and have been making their own badges. Staff consult with children and plan events around topics and themes; for example, children have been learning about their health and have taken part in creating a healthy pizza. Children take regular outings to places of interest and leisure and regular walk to the Local Park and library. Children also benefit from regular visitors to the scheme such as professionals in road safety and a visit from a guide dog. This increase the children’s awareness about the need to keep themselves safe and the needs of others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from positive interactions with staff that have a warm rapport with them. There is a warm and caring atmosphere where children feel valued. They show a fondness for books which are readily made available and staff support this interest well by sitting with them.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Staff's sensitivity towards children's individuality and needs ensures that children’s needs are met. The setting’s policy of encouraging parents to attend initial sessions with their children allows them to become accustomed to the environment and staff. The warm and caring relationships developed by staff foster the children's trust and sense of well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff ensure parents and children are warmly welcomed. The small numbers in attendance means the children’s individual needs are met well. They consider and act upon individual need, family background and parental wishes. In addition, in order to assist children to integrate, accept each other, and feel welcome in the setting. The staff plan and adapt resources and activities to take into account the children’s individuality and any specific needs. The environment is organised well to increase the children's independence, paying particular attention to those with special needs, for example, 'Makaton' pictorial signs are displayed on a large board easily accessed by the children and rooms such as the toilet are also labelled to help children become familiar with their environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have regular opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through planned activities, as well as through the range of positive images resources available to them. Children learn to understand right and wrong in a positive environment where staff build on good behaviour through praise and reward. However, staff do not always adopt a consistent approach to managing the children’s behaviour and therefore children are not always clear about the consequence of their behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is good and this contributes to the children's well-being in the setting. Staff actively seek parental views and opinions prior to admission through the creation a very detailed and useful admission form which enables staff to value, respect and act upon any requirements and needs. Parents of children attending the play scheme receive a daily written report detailing the child’s routine and activities undertaken. Staff ensure that parents are aware of how their children are progressing through regular discussions. The good communication between staff and parents benefits the children greatly.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. An appropriate recruitment and selection procedure means that children are cared for by suitably qualified staff. The management team is committed to improving the service provided and this is addressed through regular staff monitoring and training opportunities. Staff give good regard to the well-being of the children, however on occasions the management team do not always take prompt action of safety concerns raised by the staff group and this compromises children safety.

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Organisation

The effective induction programme conducted prior to staff commencing at the setting ensures all staff understand what is expected of them and they are fully aware of the settings health and safety policies. The setting is well-organised with the children's needs in mind. The indoor and outdoor space is used well to maximise play opportunities for all children. All legally required

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 documentation, which contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being, is in place and regularly reviewed. Overall, children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection two recommendations were made to improve the safety of children. Both recommendations have been successfully addressed. The emergency evacuation procedure is displayed and the practise and recording of the fire evacuation has improved to ensure children's attendance details are taken out with a staff member.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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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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): • conduct a thorough risk assessment and produce an action plan with timescales identifying action to be taken to minimise identified risks, paying particular attention to the security of the playrooms used by the children and the safety of babies • ensure adult handling of children's behaviour is consistent.

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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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