Trafalgar School

Bradwell Common Playgroup

Inspection report for early years provision

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Bradwell Common Playgroup

Unique Reference Number 141875 Inspection date 08 July 2005 Inspector Dorcas Elizabeth Forgan

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Bradwell Common Playgroup

Setting Address 125 Bradwell Common Boulevard, Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK13 8DY Telephone number 01908 698023

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E-mail

Registered person Bradwell Common Playgroup Type of inspection Integrated 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are satisfactory.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Bradwell Common Playgroup opened in 1984. A committee of volunteers manages the playgroup. It operates from one room in the community-meeting place on Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes. A maximum of 30 children may attend the playgroup at any one time. The playgroup is open each weekday from 09.15 to 11.45 during term times. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, there are sessions in the afternoon from 12.30 to 15.00 when there are sufficient children to warrant the two extra

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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 sessions. Children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 48 children aged from 2 years to under 5 years on roll. Of these, 32 children receive funding for nursery education. Children come from the local area. The playgroup currently supports children with special educational needs, and supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language. The playgroup employs five staff. All of the staff hold early years qualifications. The manager is working towards a further qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of energetic physical activity that contributes to a healthy lifestyle. They benefit from very regular use of the garden, where they play with a varied selection of toys and equipment. Children are learning about healthy living and the care of their bodies, such as putting on their coats and jackets when cold and deciding when they need to have their snack and drink. Children are learning the importance of good personal hygiene through organised activities and some routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet, but the staff have not developed a routine for the children to wash their hands before having snacks. Staff are all trained in first aid and follow procedures to prevent accidents although there is no one clear way to record accidents and ensure that parents are informed. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy a cafeteria-style snack and drink

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Helping children to be healthy

arrangement. They confidently choose when they want a snack; they help themselves to drinks and snacks of their choice from a range of healthy options, which include fruit and yoghurt. The staff take account of the parents' wishes and comply with dietary requirements to ensure the children remain healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. The large hall is organised well so that the children can move around safely and can see all that is on offer. The hall is light and well ventilated. There are good safety and security precautions in place, however the emergency evacuation is not practiced regularly, so that children become familiar in how to leave the building quickly and safely. Children use a good range of safe, good quality, appropriate equipment and resources. Staff help children to keep themselves safe by reminding them not to run in the building and to take care when using outside equipment such as riding bikes

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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 and tractors. This helps children to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. Children are well protected because staff understand their role in child protection and are able to put appropriate practices in place when necessary. There is a clear policy, which is accessible for parents to read and several staff have attended the relevant training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident and happy. They are learning to concentrate and persevere; they are gaining self-esteem. The majority of the children are well settled and they have formed good relationships with the adults and other children. Children do not always receive individual attention to ensure that they are supported to take part in activities. Children are making good friends and they play happily together. They initiate their own games and join in group activities with enthusiasm, such as singing and listening to stories. Children are becoming independent through learning to make choices, such as which activity to take part in and whether to play inside or outside. Nursery Education The quality of teaching and learning are satisfactory. The three year olds are making good progress towards the early learning goals and are challenged very well. However, the teaching of four year olds is less effective. Staff do not adapt activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

so that the more able children are sufficiently challenged. Plans lack detail which means that not all aspects are covered sufficiently to promote individual children’s learning. They do not have systems in place to ensure that children are making progress in their learning. Children show a sense of belonging as they greet each other and the staff on arrival. Children are eager to answer questions and join in discussions at registration time. They are actively involved in play throughout the session. They are gaining independence as they learn to take responsibility for their own personal care. Most children communicate well and enjoy listening to and taking part in stories, such as the Hungry Caterpillar. Children practise writing their own names on their work, but have few opportunities to practise writing for different purposes and making marks. They show an interest in numbers and counting but this is not reinforced through

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

regular counting and using mathematical language in everyday activities and routines. Children are developing an interest in their local environment, the weather and seasons. They grow plants and observe how they grow. They enjoy learning about other cultures and countries especially when it involves exciting activities such as cowboy and Indian days. They are gaining good hand-eye co-ordination through opportunities to use tools and smaller pieces of equipment. Children use their imagination very well in play. The home corner is very popular

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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 especially when resources are used to extend other games such as picnics outside and caring for a baby. Children enjoy singing familiar songs and joining in the actions. There are few opportunities for children to express themselves through paint and create their own pieces of work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed into the group. Children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and children with special needs receive appropriate support and individual attention. Staff ensure that resources positively represent the children who attend as well as those from a wider community. This helps children develop a positive image of themselves and others. Children work harmoniously with others. They behave well; they are polite and are learning the simple rules of the group, and to care for others. This positive approach fosters children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Partnership with parents and carers is good. Children benefit from parents’ effective involvement in their learning. Parents are well informed about the group through the notice board and a daily exchange of information. They are offered opportunities to attend consultation evenings to discuss their child’s progress and are given a written

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Helping children make a positive contribution

report when the child is going to move onto school.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Leadership and management are satisfactory. Induction, training, policies and procedures are in place and work in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare, but staff do not fully implement these. The staff appraisal system ensures that staff's developmental needs are monitored and training is offered in order of priority. A new supervisor is familiar with the way the group runs and deploys staff well, but is not confident yet in carrying out effective planning or ensuring that all children receive appropriate challenges according to their abilities. Overall the needs of the children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last Children Act inspection recommended that the playgroup develop a procedure to improve the protection of the children and carry out a risk assessment to increase the level of safety for children when parents came to collect them from the group. At the previous nursery education inspection, points for consideration were raised that more of the children's art work should be displayed to improve the children's self-esteem, and that parents are given more guidance when helping at activities to ensure children are sufficiently challenged.

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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 The playgroup has developed their child protection policy and procedures to include all necessary details. The group have purchased new coat hooks to relieve the congestion in the hall at collection time. Both measures have improved the children's safety and well-being. Children's art work is displayed on the notice boards in the hall, it is presented attractively and labelled so that the children can feel pride. The group have devised an activity sheet which gives information to the parents when they are helping at focused activities; at all other activities they rely on verbal communication from the staff for guidance, so that they help the children appropriately.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there has been one complaint relating to standard 2: Organisation regarding running without a cleared manager. Ofsted asked the provider to investigate and report back. The provider reported back with details of the current manager and when she was cleared. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are satisfactory.

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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 that emergency evacuation procedures are practised as the fire officer recommends • develop a method of recording accidents that is accurate and ensures parents are reliably informed • ensure that all children receive individual attention and are appropriately supported to take part in activities

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop planning to ensure that all children are sufficiently challenged

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • increase opportunities for children to express themselves creatively

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 nursery education

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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