EKC Group

Project Playroom

Inspection report for early years provision

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Project Playroom

Unique Reference Number 130728 Inspection date 15 August 2005 Inspector Fler Wright

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Project Playroom

Setting Address Prior House, 6 Tilbury Place, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 0GY

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E-mail

Registered person Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Crèche

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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?

The Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project Playroom (Crèche) opened in January 1993. It operates from Brighton Unemployed Centre and is for the sole use of persons attending the centre. The group use two rooms and have access to an outdoor play area. Sessions run from 10:30 to 13:00, five days a week all year round and the group also offer three afternoon sessions that run from 13:45 to 15:45 all year, except for during the summer holidays. The group is registered for 12 children aged 0 to 8 years, of whom no more that 4 can be under 2 years. The number of children on roll varies. Children attend for a

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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 variety of sessions. Staff currently support a number of children with special educational needs and with English as an additional language. There is a core team of two staff, who hold appropriate early years qualifications. Two further part-time workers who are also fully qualified are available for contingency use as required. Four volunteers with childcare experience staff each session, with the assistance of one of the core qualified supervisors. Four additional members of staff hold a relevant childcare qualification and three members of staff are working towards a qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Well established hygiene routines enable children to learn about the importance of maintaining good health. This is having an impact on children; they are beginning to understand how to prevent the spread of germs as staff ensure all children wipe their hands before snack. Water play is used imaginatively, as children are encouraged to wash dolls to help them to start to think about personal hygiene. Snack time is well organised. Children and staff sit together and use the time effectively as a sociable experience that encourages their learning and development. Children have access to a good range of nutritious snacks. The healthy options available, such as fruit and rice cakes, help to encourage children to develop healthy eating practices. Drinks are available at snack times and children are able to access drinks when inside, but they need to ask staff first. This ensures they are sufficiently

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Helping children to be healthy

hydrated. Staff gather all relevant information regarding diet and medical history to enable children's individual dietary and medical needs to be met. Children are encouraged to keep fit and healthy as they freely enjoy a good range of equipment such as swings and sit and ride toys, which help to develop their physical skills on a daily basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a well organised environment that allows them to move around and play safely. Most areas are kept clean and well maintained, helping to achieve a welcoming environment for children, although the outside toilets are relatively dirty and are consequently rather uninviting. Children have access to an extensive range of toys and resources that help to encourage their learning and development. Staff are very aware of the majority of hazards both inside and out, which helps to ensure children are kept safe and free from harm. However, the cable in the hallway poses a slight risk to children as it is not always securely fastened. The outside area is open to the general public, but staff deployment is effective and guarantees

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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 well-supervised and safe. However, there is no routine procedure in place to record visitors to the premises, putting children at a slight risk. Children practice fire evacuation procedures to ensure they are familiar with the routine to follow in the event of an emergency, although staff do not record drills in any detail. Staff have an understanding of their roles and responsibilities with regards to child protection, although the policy requires some minor updating. They are aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and have a good knowledge of the process to follow should they have any cause for concern. This ensures staff quickly recognise when a child is in danger and can act in the child’s best interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enthusiastically participate in all activities and are very happy and relaxed within the child-centred environment provided. They are involved in an excellent range of well planned and thought-out activities that help to encourage their learning and development, such as gardening, physical play, imaginary play and cold cooking. They are given the opportunity to act out simple everyday tasks, such as bathing and dressing dolls and washing down trikes, encouraging them to learn from a variety of experiences whilst engaging them in purposeful play. Equipment is placed strategically so that children can approach activities with ease and use their imagination to adapt them accordingly to further their enjoyment. The dedicated staff are excellent in their interaction with children and are very enthusiastic in their conversation with them. They make helpful comments and ask

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

an abundance of open ended questions to encourage children to think and learn from the experiences on offer. Children relate exceptionally well to staff and confidently approach them for support, indicating trusting relationships are built. Staff join in with play and offer children support and aid when required, but ensure they have sufficient challenge so they can begin to explore and learn new things independently. Group snack times are used as an excellent opportunity for children to interact socially with staff and each other, as everyone is actively involved. Children are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings to the group and enjoy listening to each other and discussing past experiences. This helps to increase their confidence and encourages them to develop both emotionally and socially. Staff value each child's contribution to the group, as they further question children's particular

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interests, helping everyone to get the most from the discussion taking place. Children are able to make decisions, explore and investigate and relate to others, and are involved, interested and enjoy their play immensely. They have easy and safe access to a wealth of good quality, stimulating toys, and concentrate on specific activities and resources for extended periods of time. This confirms that they are stimulated, and that the extensive opportunities and equipment on offer provide balance and challenge to meet their needs.

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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. Children are treated with respect and are made to feel good about themselves. Staff encourage all children to participate in the activities provided, ensuring they all have an equal opportunity to maximise their enjoyment and potential. Festivals are celebrated, and there is a very good range of resources that help to develop children's understanding of equality and diversity. Sensitive explanations and use of persona dolls help children to think about others and learn about the importance of emotional wellbeing. Staff cater for children with special needs and work closely with parents and outside agencies to ensure children's individual needs are met. Children are well behaved and respond enthusiastically to staff. They are regularly praised and encouraged, helping to increase confidence and self esteem. Staff use helpful and consistent explanations for managing behaviour, which helps children learn to understand right

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Helping children make a positive contribution

from wrong and play together harmoniously. As a result, children show a good understanding of working co-operatively as they happily share popular resources, such as ride on toys, and take turns in games. Staff encourage a communicative relationship with parents, who are happy with the care provided. Daily exchanges of information ensure that knowledge is shared regularly in order to ensure children's ever-changing care needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The majority of mandatory records are in place and are confidential and well maintained. This helps to ensure the safe and effective management of the setting in order to promote children's welfare. However, a number of the policies and procedures do not contain the necessary information and require updating in order to meet current guidance and legislation. Although the names of children in attendance are recorded, staff do not make a note of times of arrival and departure. This means that the register does not accurately reflect the number of children in attendance at any one time and it is apparent that, on occasion, more children than the registration allows have been cared for with parental support. Staff are now fully aware of how this impacts upon the children in their care with regards to space limitations, and in future, will ensure they adhere to their conditions of registration at all times.

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Organisation

Staff have a relatively sound knowledge and understanding of their roles and responsibilities and work well as a team. They have briefings at the end of each day ensuring consistency of care. Children benefit from a well organised environment where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. Activities are well planned and overall, staff meet the needs of the children for whom they provide.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the group were asked to ensure all accident records were signed by parents. All records are now countersigned by parents, helping to ensure children are safeguarded and parents are kept well informed.

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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): • update policies and procedures in line with current guidance and legislation. • ensure the register accurately reflects the number of children in attendance at any one time, and times of arrival and departure are recorded.

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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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