Kingston Park Playgroup

Kingston Park Playgroup

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Kingston Park Playgroup

319226 Unique Reference Number 07 March 2007 Inspection date Jayne Utting Inspector

p.1

Kingston Park Playgroup

Kingston Park Community Centre, Brunton Lane, Kingston Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE3 2SW

p.1

Setting Address

0191 286 9825 0191 2864489(pm) Telephone number

p.1

E-mail

Kingston Park Playgroup Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Sessional care Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Kingston Park Playgroup was registered in 1992 and is a well established childcare facility in the local community of Kingston Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. It operates from the community centre which is close to amenities and a metro station. The group has access to enclosed grassed and composite safety surfaced areas. Children attending the group are mainly from the local area which is predominately private housing and represents a diversity of backgrounds.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group is registered to care for up to 26 children from two to five years of age and is open Monday to Friday to run concurrently with school term times. Sessions run from 09.30 until 12.15.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Three staff work with the children. Two hold appropriate childcare qualifications. The group also receives qualified teacher support through the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where they begin to learn about the importance of good hygiene and personal care throughout their daily routine. Consistent adult support and guidance helps children to gain a good understanding of hygiene and become increasingly independent in their personal care, for example, washing their hands before a snack, after messy play and after using the toilet. Children are well protected from the spread of cross infection due to staffs' vigilance and well maintained procedures for cleaning. For example, staff wash their hands before preparing food and wash down tables before and after snack times. A clear written policy regarding sick children and the effective recording of all accidents and emergency contacts, promotes children’s health and well-being. All staff hold relevant first aid certificates, positively safeguarding children.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of fun activities which contribute to their good health. The playgroup plans both indoor and outdoor activities which help promote children’s physical development and help them gain increasing control over their bodies. For example, riding on bicycles, feeding the birds, making footprints in the snow, playing with balls and using the large climbing apparatus, soft play and slide. Space is arranged in the playroom for physical activities when children are unable to access outdoors.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a variety of healthy snacks including raisins, dried fruit, bananas and toast. Staff actively promote healthy eating, encouraging children to try a range of new tastes, for example, trying apples and bananas during a planned fruit tasting session. Staff have a clear understanding of children's dietary needs and ensure these are met, safeguarding children's well-being. Staff plan snack time well, so that children gain good social and learning opportunities. For example, they sit together at the table and engage in conversation about what they have been doing, holidays and their family. Children have free access to drinks throughout the session and are offered suitable drinks such, as water and milk.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The environment is made welcoming for children with accessible resources laid out before the children arrive. Whilst the playgroup has sole use of the premises when it operates, there are other groups that use the room, therefore staff have limited areas to display the children's work. Children have plenty of space to play physically, quietly or imaginatively, as staff make best use of the available space, defining areas well.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a wide range of equipment easily. They sit comfortably in the book area and show interest in the books available. The large selection of construction materials stimulates children's imagination to make models of towers. A selection of toys are set out each day at child height, developing children's independence as they make their own selections.

p.3

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 are well protected because the setting has effective safety procedures which are understood and implemented by staff. Access to the premises is only possible with the authorisation of staff, as the outer door is locked. High level locks plus an adequately organised arrival and departure procedure ensures that children can not leave the setting unattended. Visitors are required to sign in and out of the playgroup, with staff ensuring they have no unsupervised access to children. Internally many safety measures have been taken, with smoke alarms and socket covers in place. Crash mats are placed around large play equipment to further safeguard children. Daily visual safety checks are carried out though not recorded, minimising potential hazards for children. Electrical and fire safety equipment is regularly checked and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

kept in a safe condition and there are appropriate fire safety procedures in place, with up to date records of practice evacuations. Staff help the children learn about keeping themselves safe at playgroup using sensitive reminders, for example, telling them about walking in the playgroup, putting toys away, and playing carefully with the sand. The outings procedure includes guidance on risk assessments, parental consent, emergency procedures and items to be taken, such as first aid kits and spare clothing.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect. Staff have attended training and show a sound understanding of the procedures to follow should they have concerns. They have a good understanding of the signs and symptoms to look out for and the records they must keep to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident, enjoying their time at playgroup. They eagerly participate in the good range of child-centred and adult-led activities and experiences which promote all areas of their development. For example, they colour in pictures, play with the farm set and build high towers out of construction materials. Children clearly love climbing on the slide, running around outside, listening to stories, joining in with action rhymes and they play happily with the pushchairs in the home corner.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children begin to show confidence and independence as they select their own activity from those on offer. Staff get down to children's level, join in with their play and use effective open-ended questioning to extend their play further. Staff respond well to children and answer their questions appropriately.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The room is set out effectively to promote children's independence. Areas are well defined, for example, a writing and drawing table, construction area, physical play and role play area. Staff rotate resources to ensure a good variety of opportunities are provided.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. There are effective procedures in place to ensure staff receive appropriate information and guidance regarding the individual care needs of each child before they attend playgroup, ensuring that these are met. All children develop a positive attitude towards others and a

p.4

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 positive view of diversity and disability is promoted. This is done through the provision of stories, books and other activities, including the celebration of a range of festivals, such as Easter, Chinese New Year and Christmas. However, resources are not consistently available to children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and disabilities, as well as those with English as an additional language are welcomed into the playgroup, and there is a positive attitude towards inclusion. The playgroup is proactive in ensuring appropriate action is taken when a child is identified as having a learning difficulty or disability. Staff maintain close links with parents and relevant professionals, which ensures the children's overall needs are well met.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. They benefit from lots of praise and encouragement from the staff who teach the children to consider the needs and feelings of others, for example, by sharing and taking turns. Staff set consistent boundaries for all children, which they reinforce with sensitive reminders, for example, not to block the stairs on the slide and to share toys and resources. Children learn to respect the environment by being encouraged to use resources carefully, and tidy up when requested.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff build effective relationships with parents. Children benefit from the sensitive settling-in period and the initial sharing of information about children's needs. Verbal feedback is given to parents at the end of each session and they are happy to stay and talk to the staff about what children have been doing that day. A prospectus is given to parents which makes reference to key policies and describes the general organisation of the group. An informative notice board keep parents updated about general aspects of the provision. A complaints procedure is in place and this is effectively shared with parents.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Indoor space is well organised and staff are purposefully deployed, enabling children to participate independently and in groups. All required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place. Staff are required to read all policies and sign to show they are aware of them. Attendance records are in place for staff, children and visitors, although these are not always clear. All documentation is stored confidentially, ensuring children's privacy is respected.

p.5

Organisation

Appropriate recruitment and training procedures are in place and all staff and students are vetted prior to working in the group. Committed to ongoing personal development, staff have attended a number of relevant short courses, such as first aid, food hygiene and equality and diversity.

p.5

Organisation

Children benefit from a friendly and committed staff team who work well together, ensuring the needs of all children are met. Children's work is displayed on the walls which increases their sense of belonging and reflects how their contributions are valued by staff.

p.5

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection recommended that the playgroup ensure policies and procedures are reviewed regularly and are understood by all staff and volunteers, and followed through into practice; to ensure staff adopt a consistent and positive approach to the management of behaviour, by giving clear and reassuring explanations which help children to know what is expected of them, and to provide regular opportunities for children to play outdoors throughout the year.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

Procedures are in place to ensure policies and procedures are regularly reviewed, and staff sign to show that they have read and understood the policies. There is a behaviour management policy in place, and staff have a consistent and positive approach using age appropriate strategies, combined with clear explanations as to why some behaviour is not acceptable in playgroup. Staff make excellent use of the outdoor area, ensuring daily planned activities including feeding the birds, making footprints in the snow, riding on bicycles and playing with balls and hoops.

p.6

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. 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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 procedure to record daily safety assessments • ensure the consistent provision of resources to reflect non-stereotypical roles, racial, cultural and religious diversity, and disability. • further develop attendance registers to more clearly show arrival and departure times.

p.6

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 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

p.6

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

p.7