Nodehill Middle School

Playscheme

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Playscheme

Unique Reference Number 118203 Inspection date 02 August 2005 Inspector Christine Bonnett

p.1

Playscheme

Setting Address 170 Oldfield Lane South, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 9JS

p.1

Playscheme

Telephone number 020 8578 6894 E-mail 079 8572 4542 Registered person Greenford Community Centre Summer Playscheme Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

p.1

Playscheme

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Greenford Community Centre Summer Playscheme is managed by a voluntary management committee, made up of parents of children who attend the playscheme. It opened in 2000 and operates from a hall in Greenford Community Centre in the London Borough of Ealing. A maximum of 48 children may attend the playscheme at any one time. The number of children on roll varies. The holiday playscheme is open each weekday from 09:30 to 12:00 for the month of August each year. All children share access to a secure, enclosed outdoor play area.

p.2

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 from the age of 5 to 12 years attend the scheme. Children come from the local and wider community. The provider is not registered to provide overnight care. The scheme employs 4 staff. Three of the staff, including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications. Several volunteers also work at the playscheme.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The large, secure garden allows children the freedom to run around in safety and benefit from physical exercise. The good range of garden equipment, such as a bouncy castle, climbing frame and bikes, gives them good opportunities to practice their climbing, balancing and pedalling skills. The cleanliness of the hall and toilet areas is good and therefore provides a healthy environment for children. Good hygiene practices are encouraged as children are reminded to wash their hands before cooking activities. Staff also act as good role models by making a point of washing their hands before serving food from the tuck-shop. The risk of cross-infection between children needs to be reduced by devising a policy about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious and making sure that it is known to parents. The lack of healthy options available from the tuck-shop does not allow children to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

develop, or put into practice an understanding of healthy eating. Choice is limited mainly to foods that are high in calories, sugar or additives. Some fruit is available, and children may bring their own refreshments, but lack of guidance by staff means that children can over-indulge in unhealthy choices.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move around freely in an environment that has no obvious safety hazards. The hall is light, bright, clean and welcoming for children. The garden is also secure and well maintained which helps to prevent accidents occurring. Although some of the equipment is well worn, it is safe and in satisfactory condition. Some new equipment is purchased each year and risk-assessed to ensure suitability for children. Several members of staff hold a first aid certificate. Consequently, immediate and appropriate assistance could be given to a child should an accident happen. Staff have a satisfactory understanding of child protection matters, in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures. This helps to ensure the well-being of the children. However, a visitor's book is not maintained. This means that should the suitability of a visitor be questioned, accurate details of their visit,

p.3

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 including their purpose for being there, would not be recorded. This may be detrimental to the well-being of the children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have the opportunity to explore a wide range of play equipment independently, and engage in organised activities. Boys and girls can increase their snooker, football and cooking skills as well as indulging their imaginations through a variety of art and craft activities, all of which are fun and stimulating. Children are able to choose to play indoors or out. They may also exercise choice by requesting a particular play activity be set out for them to enjoy. By offering support and encouragement, staff enable children to develop their abilities further, whether it be in playing Monopoly, or going one-step higher on the climbing frame. Children are happy and content at the playscheme. Staff interact well with the children; they laugh, join in games and have fun with them as well as giving support when needed. Consequently, the children are confident to approach them and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have the opportunity to socialise with others from the local and wider community. They also have access to an adequate range of resources that enable them to develop a positive view of diversity within society, and an understanding of others. As children are engaged in meaningful play, their behaviour is good. Age-appropriate and positive strategies are used to manage any difficulties that may arise. In addition, the emphasis on respect and consideration for others helps to create a harmonious atmosphere. Children with special needs are welcome in the playscheme. Staff have a positive attitude towards this area of childcare. The provider has a sound knowledge and understanding of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and her responsibilities as a service provider. Information about the scheme is available for parents to consult to ensure that they are aware of how their child is spending their time. Parents are greeted warmly by

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

staff, and have the opportunity to share any relevant information with them to ensure the needs of the child are met.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Greenford Community Centre Summer Playscheme is a well used and highly valued amenity. It welcomes all parents and carers from the community to stay with their children if they are too young to be left, or simply to spend time with them in a child-centred, safe environment. Children feel comfortable and at ease at the playscheme. The provider organises the day to include quiet activities indoors and physical play outdoors. This means that an individual child would usually be able to find something to interest him or her throughout the session. Staff are deployed appropriately throughout the hall and garden. They constantly supervise the large apparatus, such as the bouncy castle, to ensure that children understand how to use it properly and not endanger themselves or others. An overview is maintained by staff of the wider garden and hall. Through their attendance on training courses and workshops, staff are enhancing

p.5

Organisation

their skills and knowledge of a variety of childcare related topics. For example, child protection and food hygiene. As a result, the children's experiences in the care of the provider and her staff remain positive. However, Ofsted is not always notified of significant changes, particularly in relation to staff. The setting is meeting the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the scheme was requested to ensure that parental permission to take photographs of the children be obtained. Parents are now asked to sign a form agreeing to this.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.5

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): • devise a policy about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious • review the selection of refreshments and ensure children develop an understanding of the importance of a balanced and healthy diet to enable them to make informed choices • ensure a record of visitors to the premises is maintained • ensure Ofsted is notified of all significant changes in relation staff

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6