Scotchman Middle School

Thomas Calton Crèche

Inspection report for early years provision

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Thomas Calton Crèche

Unique Reference Number 107420 Inspection date 14 June 2005 Inspector Sonia Steele

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Thomas Calton Crèche

Setting Address Southwark Adult Education Service, Alpha Street, Peckham, SE15 4NX Telephone number 020 7358 2101

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E-mail

Registered person London Borough of Southwark Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care, Sessional 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?

Thomas Calton Crèche was opened in 1992. It operates from two rooms in the Thomas Calton Adult Learning Centre in Peckham. The crèche serves students from the local community attending courses at the centre and also offers full time places for working parents. The group opens five days a week during term time. Sessions are from 09:30 to 12:30 and 13:00 to 16:00. The group offers care for 26 children aged 6 months to 5 years. There are currently 26 children on roll. They attend sessions depending on the time of their parents' courses if students. The setting currently supports a number of

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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 children who speak English as a second language. Six full time staff work with the children. All the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2,3 and 4.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn personal hygiene through well organised daily routines. They know that washing their hands, after tiding the toys away, visiting the toilet and before eating helps prevent the spread of germs. Good health and hygiene practices are maintained by staff who consistently use gloves for nappy changing and mopping up any body fluid. Four members of staff hold a current first aid certificate and there is a clear policy regarding administration of medication. This ensures children receive the correct dose in an appropriate manner. However, the group do not have a medication book for parents to sign and acknowledge what has been written. Children are kept healthy because the staff know and understand how to protect children from infection by following a good daily routine. The environment is clean and tidy. Toys and equipment are washed regularly and staff ensures that they use

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Helping children to be healthy

gloves when changing the babies and changing mats are cleaned after every use. Children's snacks are varied and healthy. They can include fruit, toast or sandwiches and a drink. Staff use this session as a sociable interaction where children can talk about what they are eating, what type of fruit and where it comes from. Parents provide all meals for the fulltime children and special dietary needs are noted to ensure children remain healthy. However, staff need to foster children's independence by encouraging the older ones to help themselves to water at any time or taking turns to share the snacks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very interested and involved in their play. Their experiences at the group are evenly balanced and the manager ensures that staff are deployed effectively. Children benefit from a warm and welcoming environment in which they feel comfortable, safe and secure. They have a wide range of age-appropriate toys and equipment both in and outdoors. Staff are very attentive to the children's needs throughout the day and the children are given the opportunity to enjoy and learn the importance of physical activity. The children are confident when using large and small equipment such as scissors, pencils and bikes. They move freely with confidence while playing outdoors. The room is organised to enable children to move freely and confidently.

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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 The children have access to a well organised play area with sufficient, suitable toys and stimulating play materials. The group provides child-sized furniture to encourage independent access. The children learn to share and be protective of each other. Staff continue to point out safe practices to the children to help them take responsibility to keep themselves safe. Children are kept safe by ensuring risk assessment is carried out. This means that spillages are cleared up immediately, radiators are covered, fire drill is conducted and recorded appropriately. Clear safety is maintained in the group by ensuring the main entrance to the crèche has a secure bell system and safety arrangements for visits and outings are clearly drawn up for parents to sign. The manager of the group is the nominated child protection officer. She ensures that

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures are up to date and that all staff understand their responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's care, learning and play are supported by a well trained and committed staff. Observed the way the children join in actions songs that help develop their co-ordination. Well planned activities and outings offer the children lots of experiences such as playing musical instruments and wearing cultural costumes, hats, gloves and coats. Children have excellent opportunities to learn about the world they live in. Staff build positive relationships with them and develop their self-esteem in which children are able to make decisions about their play and learning as they choose from a wide range of activities. Children were involved, interested and enjoying their play, staff praised and encouraged them. Babies are cared for by experienced staff who have a good understanding of their needs. They have been trained in Birth to Three matters which they use effectively. Babies are held while being fed and receive plenty of cuddles. Staff respond to their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

gestures and suitable toys and equipment are provided for their needs. The children showed curiosity and interest by facial expressions, movement and sound. The older children have access to a wide range of books and listen to musical tapes with nursery rhymes and also bilingual tapes of stories around the world. There is a written plan of children's activities which meets individual needs and interests. Children relates well to staff and their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children and staff are from a varied backgrounds. Staff display positive images and objects to reflect non-stereotypical roles as well as racial, cultural and religious diversity. Children benefit from there being staff able to speak their language which in turn helps them to show an interest in lives of other people and those familiar to

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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 them. This enables children to develop self-confidence and have a positive attitude to others. Staff are aware of children's individual needs and respect their differences. They help the children learn about other cultures through activities, books, photos and visitors. There were no children with special educational or physical needs at the time of the visit but the staff are fully aware of their responsibility to take appropriate actions when such children are identified at the provision. A member of staff is the nominated Special Educational Needs Co -coordinator and she is aware of how to obtain additional resources for children with Special educational needs and disabilities. Children will then be able to integrate well within the settings and with ease. There are good system in place to support children with special needs such as wide

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Helping children make a positive contribution

entrance with ramp, disabled toilets; and staff are fully aware of outside agencies who can support and provide suitable equipment to meet the individual needs. The manager spoke enthusiastically about parents' contributions when fund raising and going on outings. Children's behaviour, observed during snack time, was good. They had fun singing nursery rhymes and talking to each other. Children were polite to each other and they learn to share and take turns. Staff use praise to promote good behaviour. Staff gave simple explanation that are appropriate to the age and understanding of the child. Children them respond effectively to praise and encouragement. Children benefit from staff having a positive partnership with parents. They gather all relevant information before the children start to plan and provide suitable activities according to the child's needs. The admission policy offers clear information on the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

operation of the group. Children are able to develop trust with staff which enables them to settle in well. Staff continue to share important information about children's needs this ensure continuity of care. Two parents' questionnaires were seen at the time of the inspection. Both parents were complimentary about the care offered to their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Since the last inspection the crèche has changed its registration to include working parents. The manager helps to keep children healthy and safeguards their welfare by ensuring all staff are suitably qualified and deployed effectively within the group. Staff have appropriate induction training, clear written policies and procedures in combination with basic training in infant feeding, child protection, behaviour management, first aid and food and hygiene. All staff trained in Birth to three matters and as a result children are happy and well settled. Good interaction between staff and children was observed. A deputy is employed to take charge in the absence of the manager. There is a system in place for recording children's progress. This allows staff using the information to plan appropriate activities to meet the individual needs of all the

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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 children. However, none of the staff have started their observation of the children. All relevant documentation required by regulations was in place and easily accessible for the purpose of the inspection. This contributes to the welfare of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The crèche has made significant improvements which promote children's good health. There is a named deputy who is able to take charge in the absence of the manager. All staff have been trained in Birth to three matters and this has resulted in the development of the baby area and good attention being given to the babies. They are now catering for working parents. All staff are now fully qualified to NVQ level 3-4 and deployed effectively to ensure the safety, welfare and development of the children. The outdoor area is covered with soft turf which allows children to move around with confidence, imagination and in safety. The fire exit has been identified and is clear of obstacles. The fire safety procedure has been drawn up and displayed. Fire drill has been conducted and written down according to regulations.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaint since the last inspection

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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): • The group to keep a written record signed by parents, of medicines given to children • Key worker to co-ordinate and gather information about the individual child's needs and progress and share this with parents and other workers.

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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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