Homestead Road Playgroup

Homestead Road Playgroup Inspection report for early years provision

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226213 Unique Reference Number 17 October 2007 Inspection date Patricia Bowler Inspector

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Miners Welfare, Homestead Road, Thringstone, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 8LL

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E-mail

The Trustees of Homestead Road Playgroup Registered person Integrated Type of inspection Sessional care Type of 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

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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 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 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Homestead Road Playgroup opened in 1980. It operates from the main hall of a single storey community building in Thringstone, Leicestershire. A maximum of 24 children may attend the playgroup at any one time. The setting is open on Monday from 09.30 to 12.00 and 13.00 to 15.30 and Tuesday to Thursday from 09.30 to 12.00 during term time. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 14 children on roll. Of these, 10 receive funding for early education. Children come from the local catchment area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The playgroup employs five staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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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 are protected from infection through daily routines. Most are effectively implemented by staff who have an underpinning knowledge of health and hygiene issues, supported through clear policies to support children's health. All areas accessed by children are clean and well maintained. Children are becoming independent in their personal care. They use the facilities and talk knowledgably about hand washing to remove germs. However, good practice is not maintained prior to snack time when children use shared water to wash their hands posing a risk of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents are kept informed about health issues, sickness and accidents through good recording systems, and regularly updated information ensures they can be contacted in an emergency. Staff are trained in first aid and a fully stocked first aid kit ensures children receive appropriate care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Positive attitudes to exercise are encouraged as children benefit from regular outside play to take part in physical activities. They enjoy a walk within the setting grounds and engage in active play with a range of outside equipment. A recent topic about 'keeping fit' and a discussion following action songs helps children to understand the effects of exercise on their bodies. They feel their increased heartbeats and talk about the 'need to rest because I'm out of breath'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Well-planned themes enable children to develop an awareness of their growth and development. 'All about me', the theme for this term, includes activities to promote personal hygiene and healthy foods. A range of cooking, meal preparation and eating activities are enjoyed and keeping fit includes different exercise activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy various foods at snack time. They insert straws independently into individual cartons of fresh milk which are stored in the fridge. They giggle gleefully as they say it makes them feel cold when they drink it and instigates a conversation about how we can get warm when we are cold. Children suggest coats, gloves and blankets and one child says 'put the heating on'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Water is available as an alternative to milk and parents are requested to provide a juice alternative if they choose.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Diligent routines, where risks are substantially minimised, provides children with a safe and secure environment in which to play. Good systems for arrival and departure ensure the safe transfer of care and parents are required to inform staff if other persons are collecting children, to maintain their safety. Attention is given to the structure and presentation of activities to ensure children can move around freely and independently as they play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use good quality equipment which is systematically checked to ensure it is safe for purpose, age and is developmentally-appropriate. Creative resources are stored in low-level units to be accessible to children as and when required. Staff have an understanding of encouraging children to be independent whilst setting safe limits, to maintain their safety. For

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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 example, a child requests the chalks during outside play and she is observed by a staff member as she goes inside to collect the chalk container from the unit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Emphasis is given to helping children to understand how to keep themselves safe and they remind each other about taking care as they walk instead of running within the setting. They take part in regular emergency evacuation practises and walk carefully to meet at the designated meeting point. Clear arrangements are established if they are unable to return to the premises so that children can be cared for safely until collected by parents. Outings into the local community help them develop awareness of road safety and they know to look and listen to remain safe whilst crossing roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have sound understanding of child protection issues, including the referral process which is detailed in the written policy. The policy is comprehensive and clear and is shared with parents to ensure they are fully informed about staff roles and responsibilities to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's progress is effectively planned, using the 'Birth to three matters' framework incorporated into the Foundation Stage planning. Close and caring relationships are established with staff to increase children's sense of trust and self-worth. They benefit from the visually stimulating environment, with pictures, posters and displays to extend and support their development. Children develop positive interactions with peers as they are supported in acquiring skills to negotiate and take turns as they play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is good. Varied activities meet the needs of individual children well, in a stimulating and welcoming environment which reflects their backgrounds and the wider community. However, there are missed opportunities to further enhance children's independence as they do not pour or access drinking water as they need. Children's behaviour is managed extremely well as staff skilfully implement a positive behaviour policy to create a harmonious environment. Innovative teaching methods and rigorous assessments support children's development and the information gained is used effectively to guide the planning. Good use of time and resources and diligent monitoring procedures enable staff to maintain the good standards of teaching. Staff are very skilled in encouraging children's communication and language using open questions which allow children to express their thoughts. They also

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

know when to stand back, allowing children to instigate and steer their own play. This is reflected in the good peer group interaction evident within the setting. Children talk very well to each other and staff as they develop listening and conversational skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make good progress because they are recognised as unique individuals. Time at registration is made to welcome children as they respond to an individual greeting gaining confidence and self-esteem as they reply to staff. Opportunities allow children to stand at the front of the group as they gain confidence during 'show and tell time'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A wide range of varied and stimulating activities captivate children's imaginations and challenge their thoughts. A painting easel is available at all times and children gain skills in mark making as they write their names to identify their pictures. Some children show emergent writing forming recognised letters. They recognise their names as they self-register with name cards

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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 which they place on a chart to indicate their presence. Even two year old children do this successfully. They hand name cards to staff at the milk bar to further develop their recognition skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very adept at the computer. They have excellent mouse skills as they develop hand eye coordination and play on their own and in pairs. They quickly understand and delight as they complete various age-appropriate programmes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children listen intently to excellently narrated stories and eagerly join in action songs anticipating outcomes in familiar songs. They giggle delightfully as they become 'sleeping bunnies' and repeat this song when one child 'forgets to wake up'. They listen carefully as staff remind them to take care as they hop around the room.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Personal, social and emotional development is a strong element. Children are very determined in their personal care. They know to wear aprons for creative activities and persevere to put these on independently only requesting help to secure back fastenings. They are highly motivated and enthusiastic as they make active choices about their activities and care. Children are sensitively supported in gaining high levels of self-control. They have an excellent awareness of right and wrong in line with their stage of development. Effective intervention from staff enables them to negotiate and become sensitive and respectful in their interaction with others. Overall, children make good progress in their levels of achievement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from a clear equal opportunities policy which works well in practice. Individual needs are discussed and recorded on detailed children's records to ensure their specific needs are met well. A strong commitment from staff ensures the inclusion of every child and they work collaboratively with parents and other agencies to meet children's individual needs. Children engage in new and exciting activities to enhance their confidence and self-esteem and foster their sense of worth and belonging. Sensitive recognition of their achievements is recognised as staff reward and praise their efforts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children gain high levels of self-control as they follow consistent methods and boundaries to increase their understanding of right from wrong. They understand about sharing and taking turns and older children show care and concern for younger children as they include them in their play. They respond positively to gentle staff interaction when playing at the computer and accept compromises as they learn to share. Children know when it is time to tidy away as they are given a verbal prompt by staff that this time is approaching. This enables them to bring to a close any activities that they are involved in before ably assisting with this task. Children respond extremely well to staff's use of praise and encouragement to promote a harmonious atmosphere based on positive contribution.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. A comprehensive prospectus provides detailed information about the group and gives them an understanding about policies and working practice. Children receive consistent care in line with parental wishes. However, they are not actively involved in the initial assessment to clearly identify what children can do when they become eligible for early education funding. This means that valuable information about what their children can do at home is not included in their records.

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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 Annual meetings with key workers ensure they are kept informed about children's progress and development. Partnerships are further enhanced as staff engage in informal discussions as children arrive and are collected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although a complaints policy is established with clear information to instigate this a complaints log has yet to be implemented.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered as children have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them. They learn about other cultures and beliefs through planned topics and enjoy books and activities to promote their awareness of differences. A very well used item is a hand made book containing photographs of children at play, pictures and postcards to depict different countries as children learn about traditional dress and celebrations. Positive images of disability gives children an insight into the needs of others. Small world play equipment including figures in wheelchairs further help to promote children's awareness.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Robust procedures for recruitment and employment are implemented and maintained. Procedures ensure children are cared for by qualified and experienced staff suitable for their role. Robust procedures are carried out to ensure children are protected from non-vetted persons, as visitors are not left alone with children and new staff are supervised during the vetting procedure. Staff are deployed effectively within the setting to support children's overall care and an effective key worker system ensures their individual needs are met and pertinent information is shared with parents. Clear policies, which are successfully implemented, form a sound foundation to the good quality of care which children receive. Training and development needs are supported as staff attend various courses and events to further enhance their high standards.

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Organisation

Registration systems accurately record children's attendance as staff sign them in and out as parents arrive and collect their children.

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Organisation

All required documentation that contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is established and regularly reviewed. Confidentiality is rigorously maintained whilst ensuring parents are well informed and involved in children's care and learning.

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Organisation

Leadership and management is good. Children benefit from a well-organised routine and a range of activities presented in a stimulating environment to maximise play opportunities. They spend their time purposefully as they are supported in their play, learning and development.

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Organisation

The care and education that children receive is supported because staff have a sound understanding of nursery education and a commitment to implement this effectively. The leader is committed to enhancing and developing the setting through her own working practice and attendance at further training. Staff work effectively as a team to identify areas of strength and improvement, and work conscientiously to ensure recording systems to monitor children's progress give clear direction for their ongoing learning and development. Individual learning outcomes are incorporated into the planning to ensure each child is highly valued and consequently make good progress towards the early learning goals.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the playgroup was requested to improve fire safety precautions by ensuring a fire blanket, which conforms to current safety standards, is accessible in the kitchen and outside drains are made safe or inaccessible to children, obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, include reference to anti-bullying in the behaviour management policy and the child protection policy to include procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Fire safety equipment, which is regularly checked is available within the setting including a fire blanket to ensure children's safety can be maintained. Covers on the outside drains ensure these do not pose a risk to children's health and safety as they play outside. Improvements to documentation include written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment in the registration booklet so this can be obtained if necessary to ensure children receive appropriate medical attention if necessary. The comprehensive behaviour management policy focuses on positive outcomes for children with reference to anti bullying and clear procedures are established in the event of allegations against staff to maintain their safety and welfare.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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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 staff are informed and aware of the importance of good hygiene practice in order to prevent the spread of infection • ensure a record of complaints is established to be available to parents on request

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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): • include parents in the initial assessment at the start of funded education to agree clear starting point for children's learning and development

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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 • continue to develop children's high levels of independence and self care, for example by making drinking water available for them to access and pour themselves.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 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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