Kings Heath Playcare

Kings Heath Playcare

Inspection report for early years provision

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Kings Heath Playcare

Unique Reference Number 509432 Inspection date 05 August 2005 Inspector Teresa Marie Taylor

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Kings Heath Playcare

Setting Address Kings Heath Primary School, Valentine Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B14 7AJ Telephone number 0121 444 5826

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E-mail

Registered person Kings Heath Playcare Ltd Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School 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

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?

Kings Heath Playcare at Kings Heath Infant School is one of two settings run by Kings Heath Playcare Limited. The play scheme opened in 1995 and provides before and after school care for children attending Kings Heath Infant school. A play scheme is provided during holiday periods, with spaces offered to the wider community. The play scheme is open during term time from 08:00hrs to 09:00hrs and 15:20hrs to 18:00hrs. During the holidays operating hours are 08:00hrs to 18:00hrs. Children have access to a large, well equipped outdoor play area. There are currently 55 children on roll for the holiday play scheme. Children attend

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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 for a variety of sessions before and after school and during the holiday period. The setting currently supports children with special needs and the building is wheel chair accessible. All staff have appropriate child care qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to develop their understanding of good hygiene as good routines are in place regarding hand washing and table cleaning. Staff maintain good standards of hygiene within the club ensuring children's general good health. Staff have completed a first aid course and have an appropriately stocked first aid kit ensuring they are able to respond appropriately to any accidents children might have. Additional training has been undertaken for the use of an Epi-Pen and regular visits are made by a nurse to keep staff up to date on health and medication issues. Children enjoy access to a wide range of indoor and outdoor toys and activities which contribute to their physical development and independence. They are encouraged to make their own decisions regarding play, inside or out, and are offered an extensive range of activities off site, which the children choose. Children's individual dietary needs are agreed with parents, recorded and supported

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Helping children to be healthy

by the club staff, enabling children to be provided with suitable meals and snacks. Children help themselves to water, available via the school water fountains, and squash available in the breakfast room. At present the parents provide packed lunches and the club provide vegetarian breakfasts and teas. The current project children are undertaking is on healthy eating which includes the contents of a healthy packed lunch.

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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 warm, welcoming and child centred environment where risks are identified and minimised. This means they can move around freely, safely and independently. Children understand about safety and risks as the staff give explanations, for example, 'use some more crash mats as this will give you a greater area to play on safely.' Children choose their own activities from a wide range of toys and equipment that the staff ensure is safe, in good condition and appropriate for the children's ages. They ensure children with disabilities are able to access equipment safely and take an active part in all activities. All required procedures and documentation are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The staff have clear plans for fire evacuation and

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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 these are be shared with the children. Regular fire drills are carried out and recorded. Staff also undertake regular risk assessments and record the checks. Outings are planned with the children and a list is clearly displayed on the wall. Children with additional needs are provided with one to one care to ensure their safety and involvement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well at the club. They relate to each other and the staff very well. They have a sense of control as they participate in the children's forum and make decisions regarding activities, outings and equipment. Their emotional well-being is fostered well. Children were happy to discuss the club and how it was for them. Their comments included, 'everything here is good, the staff, my friends, playing together.' They liked the fact that they could play outside at any time or have physical activities inside. They felt that the staff always supported their choices. They recognised that the behaviour management policy worked because they said, 'its fair because everyone behaves well and it means we can do more things'. The staff's careful and consistent management, and open discussions with the children enables children to develop appropriate strategies for sharing, playing together and respecting other

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

people's views. To further develop experiences for the children they attend activities outside of the club. The children are fully involved in planning outings and were keen to discuss were they were going. The staff encourage children to fully express themselves and they respond well to children's requests for interactive play or changes of activities. This enables children to develop independence and self-esteem. The appropriate storage of equipment allows children to safely access all toys and equipment. The staff keep a photographic record of children's activities which are shared with parents and children. The club accepts children with special needs and ensure that staffing levels take account of individual needs. Children present with additional needs were enabled to participate in all activities and were fully accepted by the other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made very welcome and their behaviour is very good. In conjunction with the children, staff set clear and consistent boundaries which help the children learn to co-operate, share and begin to take responsibility for their actions. The children's understanding of right and wrong is developing well due to the consistent behaviour management strategies used. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well and they all expressed satisfaction at attending the club. There are good partnerships with parents which contribute significantly to children's

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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 well being. Parents are provided with daily conversations and photographic evidence of children's activities ensuring they are aware of their child's day, and reassured about their care. There is also a parents' brochure but not all information is provided for both the out of school provision and the holiday club. Although there are good policies in place they are not easily accessible to parents. Children's independence is encouraged enabling them to develop a sense of self-esteem and belonging. The staff are aware of individual needs and ensure these are met enabling children to develop at their own rate. Staff also ensure that all activities are accessible by all children. The children's forum provides a platform for children to express their views and be involved in the decision making process.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in this welcoming, and child centred environment. They have good access to resources and are provided with a wide range of experiences which keeps them motivated and interested in what is available. Space is well organised enabling the children to move freely as their play develops and they are confident in accessing all toys and equipment, and requesting attention. All relevant documentation is in place and daily activities are displayed and shared with parents. This helps parents gain a good insight into the type of service provided for their children. All staff have clearances in place and are provided with half termly appraisals. This includes their training needs. Training is actively encouraged and there is a rolling programme for first aid and child protection training. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the scheme was asked to provide a record of visitors, staff records, Ofsted's contact details on the complaints policy, and a wider range of toys and equipment to support equal opportunities. All documentation is now in place, but toys and equipment to support equal opportunities are still limited.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints received 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

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 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): • provide a wider range of toys and equipment to support equal opportunities • ensure that parents are provided with the same information for the out of school club and the holiday play scheme and that policies are easily accessible to them.

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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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