St Matthew's Church of England Aided Primary School

Three Acres Community Play Project Inspection report for early years provision

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116352 Unique Reference Number 16 August 2007 Inspection date Anahita Aderianwalla Inspector

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29-31 Parkhill Road, London, NW3 2YH Setting Address

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E-mail

Three Acres Community Play Project Registered person Childcare Type of inspection

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Type of 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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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

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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.

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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?

The Three Acres Community Play project is the largest and most established voluntary sector play provider in Camden. It was the first to be registered under the 1989 Children Act by Camden Council in 1992. Located in NW3 it provides a year round service to local children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

During school holidays, the 60 place after school club for five to 12 year olds extends into a 120 place play scheme and opens from 08.30 to 18.00. On the self-contained three acre site children have access to two play buildings, a large adventure play area, football pitch and space for free play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The core staff team of seven is supplemented by a further twelve temporary play workers to ensure staff child ratios for the fluctuating numbers of five to seven year olds attending are consistently met. All permanent staff hold a relevant National Vocational Qualification to level 2 or 3. Temporary staff have a range of qualifications and experience appropriate to the service being provided.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in bright, clean premises where good standards of hygiene are maintained. Staff implement thorough hygiene routines, ensuring children wash their hands before eating lunch, and after coming in from the outside area. This prevents the spread of infection and promotes the good health of the children attending. Children's health is well protected by staff who have a sound knowledge of first aid and who are all aware of the correct administrative procedures to follow if children have an accident whilst in their care. Written consent is gained from parents for seeking emergency treatment or advice and this contributes to the safe keeping of children. The sickness policy is shared with parents and this limits children's exposure to unnecessary illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their awareness of healthy eating through the nutritious breakfast they enjoy whilst in the setting. Staff gain information from parents regarding children's dietary needs and allergies. This information is recorded and shared with staff to ensure children are not exposed to foods they may be allergic to. Children have access to a water fountain at all times, and this ensures they have enough fluids throughout the day. Children's dietary needs are successfully met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children display a positive attitude towards engaging in physical exercise, requesting to go outside to play. Outside, they eagerly participate in riding bikes, and are keen to demonstrate to others their skills. For example, children swing on tyre-swings, forwards, backwards and round and round. Children participate in team games, cricket and football and competing to see which team can make the highest score. Children thoroughly enjoy playing on the very large climbing apparatus which has numerous slides, and climbing areas for children to have incredible opportunities to experience, a lot physical play, using large muscles and small muscle movements. Children are respected and demonstrate high levels of self-confidence, being proud of their own achievements. They have their physical development very well supported, being free to go outside and play at any time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in welcoming premises that staff create daily. They are welcomed into the group by staff and have various activities set out for their arrival. Children have areas for resting, engaging in quiet activities, arts and crafts, as well as free choice activities. They are able to make choices with regard to the activities they participate in, as well as the toys they wish to play with. They are able to choose from a wide range of toys and equipment that is interesting, stimulating and supports their development in all areas. This helps support their confidence and independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The setting provides children with plenty of space and a wide range of outdoor play areas. Children use and access a challenging range of sports and games equipment, with a broad selection of creative materials also available. For example, children make friendship bands using coloured threads and beads. Staff follow well organised and effective safety procedures to ensure children are kept secure and free from harm. Staff guide children to use all equipment safely and are effectively deployed to supervise and give close support to individual children when needed. Staff organise children safely in groups, according to their ages, and older children

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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 use separate areas within the grounds. Security of the site is well maintained and staff have established clear risk assessments.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by staff who have a sound knowledge of child protection issues and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. Their child protection duties are shared with parents in the 'welcome' pack, and this promotes the children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at Three Acres, with a stimulating and challenging programme of sports, games and creative activities provided. Staff successfully encourage children to join in, try new games and extend their skills. A full range of activities is provided for all ages of children attending, with the emphasis on outdoor and active games and sports. Children also enjoy a wide range of arts and crafts and creative activities. Well organised and challenging activities such as go-carts, provides much excitement and fun for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children quickly settle and engage in activities of their choosing, for example, pool, playing games, and take Lego from the storage unit and put it on the floor to play with. Children develop good relationships with staff and peers, chatting happily. During the inspection, children enjoy making collages, of globes based on the current people and places theme. There are attractive displays of the children's work on the walls around the setting. Children confidently share their creations with the visitor, and enthusiastically share how they made them. Children enjoy coming to the summer scheme, saying about the staff 'they are all so kind, we can play with anything and they listen to us when we need help.' This means the children are valued and respected, and have their needs well met by all staff.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for by staff who know the children in their care well, clearly respect them and meet their individual needs. The setting has an effective awareness of diversity and is open to children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children have access to a range of resources that promote positive images of diversity in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. They are polite and respectful to one another and listen to the staff. They learn to share and take turns, and wait patiently when riding their bikes in a group activity. Staff are extremely good role models, and are calm and respectful to the children. Children, therefore, behave extremely well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships with parents and have their individual needs respected, they are cared for in line with parents' wishes. Parents receive detailed information regarding the group's policies and the procedures they are required to follow as a registered childcare provider. The setting does have a complaints procedure. However, it does not currently contain the correct contact details for Ofsted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 are cared for by suitable and appropriately qualified staff. They attend training to support their professional development, and this enables them to implement new ideas into the group, thus benefiting the children. Good recruitment and induction procedures ensure staff have the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out their duties.

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Organisation

The provider keeps a register of the arrival and departure of children and staff. However, times are recorded inaccurately for children who are late, and this impacts their safety in the event of an emergency. Staff are effectively deployed to ensure children enjoy the activities safely. They share responsibilities of the group, including planning, leading and preparing activities. This enables them to organise the days activities in advance, enabling them to spend quality time with the children, interacting and playing with them.

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Organisation

All required documentation is kept on premises, stored securely and is readily available for inspection. Required consents have been gained from parents regarding the routines and activities their child is able to participate in. This supports the children's well-being.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the setting was asked to devise and make available to parents, a written statement on special needs and to ensure that this is understood and implemented by all staff. The setting have devised a fully comprehensive special needs policy in line with the National Standards; which is shared with parents, and staff have a good working knowledge of the procedures. Therefore, providing a safe and effective child care setting, which works closely in partnership with parents.

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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.

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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): • ensure that arrival and departure times are recorded more accurately on the daily register for all children • ensure the written statement on complaints includes the updated Ofsted's contact details.

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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 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

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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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