Little Stars Playgroup

ST.BEDE'S PLAYGROUP Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

314176 Unique Reference Number 15 June 2007 Inspection date Marilyn Besford Inspector

p.1

ST BEDES SCHOOL, WEST VIEW,SACRISTON, DURHAM, DH7 6AB Setting Address

p.1

E-mail

St Bedes 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

St Bede's Playgroup is a committee run group which has been registered since 1993. It serves the village of Sacriston and surrounding areas. It operates in a demountable building in the grounds of St Bede's School. There is a large playroom, toilets and kitchen facilities and provision for outdoor play in the school grounds. The group is registered to provide sessional care for 16 children aged between two years and under five years old. There are currently 17 children on the roll. The group opens five days a week during term time only. Sessions are from 13.00 to 15.00 on Mondays and from 09.00 to 11.15 Tuesday to Friday. Children attend for varying sessions. There are five members of staff working with the children, three of whom hold recognised childcare qualifications. The group receives support from the local authority.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children manage their personal care well with independence. They benefit from the effective health and hygiene practices followed by staff to minimise the risk of cross-infection. For example, staff thoroughly clean the premises and equipment regularly. Tables are wiped with

p.2

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 anti-bacterial spray before snack time. The children learn from staff's good example of washing hands before preparing snacks and eating.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Effective policies and record systems for medication, sickness and accidents ensure children's day to day health care needs are met and that information about health issues is shared between parents and staff. However, no members of staff hold a current first aid certificate. This is a breach of the requirements of registration and compromises children's welfare, although support is available in an emergency from a qualified first aider in the adjoining school.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy healthy snacks, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and milk, water and juice to drink. They are learning about healthy eating. This is well promoted through interesting activities, such as a session involving Funky Monkey and Gunky Monkey, and art work on food topics. Enjoyable physical activities help children to develop healthy bodies and increasing control over large and small movement skills. They climb and slide on soft play equipment with increasing confidence and develop their skills and coordination in throwing and catching balls.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a comfortable, safe and secure environment. It is welcoming and bright with children's artwork and photographs well displayed, which enhances their sense of self-esteem. Children can move around freely and safely because space is used effectively. Areas for different activities are defined by the arrangement of furniture and equipment. An excellent range of play materials and equipment supports all aspects of the children's play and learning very well.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children stay safe indoors and outdoors because staff supervise them well and follow clear policies and procedures, such as regular risk assessments. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe. For example, they know about walking sensibly, holding hands, as they go from the playgroup building to the sports hall for active play. They are encouraged to play freely on the soft play while being aware of the presence of other children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a clear understanding of their responsibility to safeguard children from possible abuse or neglect. Children are effectively protected by clear procedures for taking action if staff have any concerns about children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and secure in the playgroup. They enter eagerly and get involved in activities with enthusiasm. As they play, they chat about events at home, such as what they had for breakfast, and recount incidents, such as falling on the stairs. A wide range of enjoyable and stimulating activities absorbs the children. Some activities are planned by staff and some are freely chosen by the children. They sustain their concentration well and have time to persevere and complete activities. They enjoy creative and imaginative play, such as making chocolate cream eggs with play dough and describing how good they taste.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children have very good relationships with staff and with each other. They are confident in approaching staff and engaging them in play and conversation. Their enjoyment and achievement in all areas of development are effectively promoted because the staff give support and encouragement. For example, children are helped to climb more confidently with a member

p.3

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 of staff standing close by to offer help if needed. They ask questions to help children think and use opportunities arising from activities and routines to stimulate their development, such as involving the children in counting how many balls are needed for them to have one each.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are helped to settle in through visits and discussions with parents and their varying needs are met well. The close relationship between playgroup and parents ensures information about the children's welfare and progress is regularly shared. Parents' comments show that they value the work of the group and its positive effect on their children's development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children show a sense of belonging in the group. They know the routines of the day and can explain what is happening next, such as snack time. They show a strong sense of responsibility as they take part in routines, such as tidying up. The children benefit from close links with the adjoining school, being part of a bigger community as they share the sports facilities and join in shared activities. They learn about the wider world and its diversity through activities and play materials reflecting different cultures.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's behaviour is good. They are developing self assurance and confidence because staff encourage and praise them. They know that there are rules to follow in order to be considerate of everyone. Their understanding is reinforced by gentle reminders and explanations, such as not throwing toys into a box because someone might be hit and hurt. They are being helped to develop effective negotiating skills in order to manage their own behaviour, as they share tools for play dough.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and well supported in the playgroup. Because staff are well-qualified and understand how children grow and develop, they provide a rich, well-organised environment where children can play and learn. They move around freely and safely, making choices of activities and equipment. The system of record keeping ensures that children's personal records contain all relevant information to enable them to be well cared for.

p.4

Organisation

Staff are keen in their participation in training to help promote children's development but they have not kept up to date with their first aid training. Documentation and procedures are in place as required by the National Standards. These are generally in satisfactory order, although they have not been recently reviewed or updated to ensure they contain the most up to date information, such as the change of address of Ofsted's regional office.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, recommendations were made to update children's records, to improve the policies on child protection and lost or uncollected children, and to develop the range of resources to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

p.4

Improvements 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 Children's records now contain all required information, enabling their care needs to be met. Children are safeguarded by revised procedures for child protection and for dealing with lost or uncollected children. They benefit from an improved range of activities and play materials which promote their understanding of diversity and equality of opportunity.

p.4

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. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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 that at least one person qualified in first aid is on duty at all times • review the group's policies and procedures to ensure that they are fully up to date.

p.5

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

p.5

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.5