Hollies Road Pre-School Playgroup

Hollies Road Playgroup

Inspection report for early years provision

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Hollies Road Playgroup

Unique Reference Number EY264603 Inspection date 05 May 2005 Inspector Patricia Ann Sang

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Hollies Road Playgroup

Setting Address St Mark's Primary School, Fir Avenue Halewood, Liverpool, Merseyside, L26 0XR Telephone number 07985 053276

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E-mail

Registered person Hollies Road Playgroup Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Sessional 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 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?

Hollies Road Playgroup has been established for many years and was registered in 2003 in new premises within St. Mark's School in Halewood, Knowsley. The group operate from two large playrooms and have occasional use of the school hall. There is safe access and use of the school's playground. The playgroup is open from 09:15 to 12:45 Monday to Friday in term time only and cares for a maximum of 30 children aged from 2 to under 5 years at any session. There are 46 children on roll, most children attending live in the local community.

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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 There are 12 staff, most of whom work on a part time basis, to look after the children. There are two staff who hold a recognised childcare qualification with four working toward a childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about good hygiene through daily routines and staff's reinforcement of why it is important to wash hands after using the toilet and before eating food. They know that they could have 'sore tummy's' if germs are not washed away. Children's health is further safeguarded when staff use disposable gloves and aprons on the rare occasions a child continues to use a nappy. An effective sick child policy ensures children's wellbeing is treated with due concern. Children are offered healthy snacks for their mid morning break. They self serve themselves and tuck into bread sticks, cheese and fruits all of which nurture good eating habits and promotes growth and development. Staff have accessed training in food hygiene and healthy eating, as a consequence food items are prepared and stored safely. Children have easy access to fresh drinking water to quench their thirst throughout the play session.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's wellbeing is kept focused since most staff are trained in first aid and the first aid box is kept fully stocked. This ensures injuries children sustain through minor accidents are treated effectively. Children benefit from sessions in the fresh air most days. They enjoy physical activity with bikes, cars, balls and flying kites all of which helps them attain good control and coordination of their bodies. Large indoor play apparatus provides opportunities for more vigorous play in inclement weather and promotes their physical development. Children look forward to regular visits from the dental nurse when they learn, through fun activities, the importance of looking after their teeth. Younger children still using dummies are encouraged to give them up to 'Clarence the crocodile' who sends a letter of thanks to each individual child which makes them feel important.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in safe surroundings both indoors and outdoors. The entrance door is kept locked at all times making certain children are kept safe from unknown persons. Children's protection is assured as staff have continued to update training on child protection and promoting a safe environment. Children are familiar with fire drill, they show confidence and co-operation in vacating the playrooms quickly.

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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 are cared for in a well organised setting that enables them to move freely from one activity to another. Chairs, tables and floor cushions are in good condition, of varying design and size, and enable easy, comfortable use for all children. Children are self assured as they ride on bikes and trucks in the outdoor play area. They avoid bumping into each other and develop a good sense of spatial awareness. Children under three have opportunities to play with their peer group and begin to learn to do things for themselves. Staff recognise they need more adult support in acquiring new skills balanced with freedom to explore and investigate in safe surroundings. Staff respond to children who are settling in by providing one to one support, making them feel wanted and safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children continue to be kept safe as lead responsibility for health and safety is designated to a named person, staff know where to take any concerns that arise and are assured that they will be dealt with accordingly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their play sessions. They participate in a wide range of activities some of which help them understand about the world we live in. For example they plant shrubs, bedding plants and potatoes, nurture them and watch them grow in the garden plot. They begin to learn about wildlife as they observe numerous birds eating the bird cakes they have made and put up outdoors. Children delight in using head phones to listen to stories and songs and appreciate rhymes and stories through a different medium. They follow instruction well as they use tambourines and experiment with rhythm, pitch and sound. Children are provided with opportunities to achieve and build on their natural curiosity as learners. Those aged under three play with magnetic construction equipment so that their assembled structures are less likely to topple and they can build and construct with confidence. Children develop social skills together as they role play

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and make connections with home using the micro wave oven and washing up dishes in the home play area. Children are supported well in learning self help skills, they fasten up their coats for outdoor play, roll up their sleeves before washing hands and spread butter and jam on bread at snack time. Children spend their time purposefully because staff have prepared activities that are fun, provide challenge and extend their knowledge of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have good relationships with each other and staff. They are bold in voicing their favourite songs in the rhyme session as they sing their favourite jingles together. Children's good behaviour is encouraged with the 'good manners' song to remind them of the importance of good manners and behaving well. Staff update their

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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 training in behaviour management which keeps them abreast of handling behaviour appropriately. Children's awareness of the wider community is nurtured through very good resources and acknowledgement of cultural events around the world. For example children participate in the 'Diwali' festival and learn something of Hindu culture. Children with additional needs are fully integrated because staff work with parents and set up activities that meet their requirements and abilities. Parents appreciate the sharing of children's workbooks, newsletters and photographs which keep them updated on a regular basis. Parents are invited to make suggestions and their input is valued. Staff use parental questionnaires to evaluate and use information to enhance the provision for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and enjoy the playgroup sessions. Effective recruitment procedures contribute to ensuring that those looking after children are suitable persons. Staff are organised to take lead responsibility for particular areas of work which ensures that all aspects of provision are duly monitored. Current qualification requirements are met, with four staff engaged in training for a recognised childcare qualification. This shows commitment to providing good quality care for children. Children's fun and enjoyment is the prime focus of the staff group. Well set out playrooms provide for children to make choices about what to do, with equipment and materials that are made easy for them to access. Children under three are allocated a set period of time to play with their peer group when they receive more individual attention. Well kept documentation ensures effective organisation of the playgroup. Attendance

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Organisation

records for children however do not register their hours of attendance and staff may not always know how many are on the premises at any given time. Parents become familiar with staff through a photographic profile, staff name badges and opportunities for friendly discussion. Easy access to policies and procedures ensure that parents are knowledgeable about how the playgroup runs. Children's workbooks are taken home at the end of term and can be shared with the family, they provide a memento of the child's time spent in the playgroup. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • ensure registration systems show hours of attendance to accurately monitor all children present

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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