Sunshine Pre-SchoolOfsted inspection, 23 May 2005

Sure Start @ Woodthorpe

Inspection report for early years provision

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Sure Start @ Woodthorpe

Unique Reference Number EY295674 Inspection date 23 May 2005 Inspector Angela Howard

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Sure Start @ Woodthorpe

Setting Address Woodthorpe School, Woodthorpe Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S13 8DD Telephone number 0114 265 1188 E-mail wendy@surestart.ww.co.uk Registered person Manor and Castle Development Trust Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Sessional care, Crèche

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Sure Start @ Woodthorpe

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?

Sure Start @ Woodthorpe opened in April 2005 and operates from two rooms in a purpose built building. It is situated within the grounds of Woodthorpe Primary School in an inner City area of Sheffield. A maximum of 36 children attend the crèche and playgroup at any one time. The facility is open each week day from 9:00 to 15:30. There is no outdoor play area at this time. It is currently under construction. There are currently 35 children aged from six months to under eight years on roll. The facility currently supports a number of children with special needs. There are no children attending at this time who speak English as an additional language.

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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 six staff employed at the provision. Three of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications and two staff are working towards them.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from illness and cross infection as the staff follow good hygiene routines. However, children's dummies are not stored appropriately. Children are becoming increasingly independent in their own personal care. For example children freely access hand washing facilities as staff are preparing for snack. Children enjoy a very good range of healthy snacks and drinks, which take into account children's dietary needs and parents' wishes. Snack times are social occasions. Staff sits with children joining in conversations and encourages children's independence in feeding themselves. Children do not as yet independently access drinks; however, this is one of the aims of the group. Children enjoy limited access to physical activities. Staff put out a range of ride on toys, balls and hoops after snack time some days. This is to be addressed by children accessing a tumble tots weekly session and access to an outdoor play area

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Staff follow clear health and safety procedures. They are vigilant about who accesses the premises, check safety and suitability of toys on a regular basis and are well aware of health and safety policies. For example the non collection of a child and child protection procedures. The premises are well organised, therefore this ensures children are able to move around freely and independently. Children are learning to keep themselves safe because staff talk to the children about safety. Children could be heard supporting younger children on safety issues, for example pushchairs are not allowed in the rest room. Resources are well-organised at a low level. This allows children independent access to a very wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. Well planned defined areas allow children space to rest and play in a safe

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

manner. Children are well-protected by staff who have a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures. The child protection coordinator ensures policies and procedures are kept up to date and that staff fully understand their role.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time in the playgroup. They arrive at the group eager to participate in a wide range of good quality activities. Children are confident and relate well to each other and staff. Children show a sense of belonging and make choices to meet their own needs and interests. For example one three year old spent 30 minutes absorbed at the craft activity making numerous pictures. Children are happy and feel secure; therefore they move around the group freely. For example a couple of children began singing time with a member of staff, eventually all the children joined in and really enjoyed themselves. Children access a good range of activities and overall there is good structure to the session. Although at times, towards the end children became disinterested and wandered aimlessly. Evidently staff's routine when clearing away does not allow for appropriate interaction to continue. Children and staff share a warm and caring

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

relationship. The caring staff forms good relationships with children. However they need to improve skills when asking open ended questions to stimulate children's thought process. Documentation to aid staff in delivering a well planned, age-appropriate range of activities is in place, but does not address the individual needs of children. There is no base line to work to on entry to the facility, no input from parents about children's abilities and no observations are being completed to inform staff on what step to take next.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed, valued and respected as individuals. Staff meet the needs of the children who attend well. For example children are allowed comforters whilst playing. Staff work closely with parents to gain information about children's needs. This is achieved by a very informative registration form and verbal discussion with parents. It does tend to link to practicalities, for example dietary needs, medical conditions and not children's abilities, preferences or routines which would help with the care of the child. Children's behaviour is good. Staff support children in sharing and taking turns and children learn right from wrong in a caring and sensitive environment. Children follow the example of staff in showing courtesy and consideration for others. Staff praise children for their thoughtfulness and consideration of others. Partnerships with parents is good. Parents are confident at approaching staff and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

work together to meet children's needs. However, parents are not fully informed of their child's progress.

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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 The organisation is good. The children feel at ease in the well organised environment. This means children are confidant, relaxed and enjoy their time at the group. Staff effectively use good policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Staff are committed to improvement and development. They are regular attendees on relevant training. Staff work well together and should continue to access all opportunities to further develop the provision, especially the use of other professionals on site and the close proximity of the Local Authority nursery. The registered person has good systems in place to ensure staff are appropriately checked, have relevant experience and appropriate qualifications. There are effective procedures in place to ensure children are safe and well cared for. Overall, the

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Organisation

provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • improve storage of children's dummies. • develop and implement a system to observe and assess children's progress. • spend more time talking and playing with children to develop their imagination and language. • develop the system used to seek parents input in observations and assessments which would aid the development and care of their child.

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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 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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