St Anthony's Catholic Primary School

Beavers Playgroup Inspection report for early years provision

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144549 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2008 Inspection date Chris Banks Inspector

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Rose Lipman Community Centre, De Beavior Road, Hackney, London, N1 5SE

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E-mail

The Committee of Beavers Playgroup Registered person Childcare 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

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 Beavers Playgroup for children aged between two and five years was registered in 1993. It is managed by a voluntary parent committee and operates from the Rose Lipman Community centre in the N1 area of Hackney.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The provision operates 48 weeks a year and opens from 09:30 - 11.30 and between 12:45 and 14:45. The setting is closed on Friday afternoons. Children may only attend either morning or afternoon sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 26 children on roll. The playgroup is registered to care for a maximum of 20 children at any one time. The setting supports children with disabilities and those who have English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A team of six staff work with the children, five of whom hold recognised qualifications in early years childcare.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in clean and suitably maintained surroundings. They are protected from the risk of infection because staff have clear written procedures in place which are effectively put into practice in most areas. Children are encouraged to learn about good self care skills from an early age and are familiar and comfortable with hygiene routines such as hand washing. They receive sensitive support from staff during toilet training but arrangements for the disposal of nappies requires improvement. Potties also need replacing to ensure hygiene standards are consistently maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff are well informed about children's individual health issues and keep well documented records. Children benefit from the comprehensive sickness policy of the nursery which also gives parents clear guidance about common early childhood illness and details of exclusion times. All staff hold valid first aid certificates which means they are well prepared in the event of an accident or emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy snacks and in some cases are actively involved in making their own sandwiches and washing up afterwards. Children are able to choose from a range of different fruits and are also kept well hydrated throughout each session. A choice of water, juice or milk is made freely available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Whilst the outdoor area is being refurbished, children have access to a large first floor hall for more vigorous physical play and also have suitable opportunities for climbing and balancing on the climbing frame and trikes in the main playroom.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are looked after in safe surroundings and enjoy the security of being cared for by a staff team who have good safety awareness. Good practical precautions are taken to protect children and prompt action is taken if any potential hazards are identified. Daily checks of the playroom and upstairs hall are carried out and recorded before children arrive and equipment is also checked for safety on a regular basis. Children also benefit from routine safety procedures such as regular fire drills which are carefully logged.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The system for recording children's attendance has improved as their time of arrival and departure is now clearly recorded. There are also clear agreements about who is eligible to collect children on the parent's behalf. Staff act decisively if there is any doubt.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a strong commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children. They are positively protected because staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities in child protection and act in a child's best interests. They are familiar with the process for monitoring, recording and reporting concerns and have clear procedures to follow. The role of Ofsted is made clear and there is also a procedure in the unlikely event an allegation is made against a member of staff.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are made to feel welcome at the playgroup and separate easily from their parents when they arrive. Older children are able to identify their name labels as they self register and attach them to a painted tree on the wall. Space in the playroom is suitably prepared in advance of their arrival which enables children to settle comfortably into activities. At the end of each session, most children also enjoy helping staff tidy away in preparation for going home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff form close relationships with children and know them very well. Children benefit from the informal key worker system which enables them to participate in small group activities as well as engaging in spontaneous free play. Children enjoy companionable times with staff especially when they join the large group for action songs, music making and storytelling sessions. Interaction between staff and children at all times is positive and caring.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a suitable range of activities appropriate to their ages and particular stages of development. At times, however, the choice is somewhat limited because staff are busily clearing way after an adult led group activity. Whilst children greatly enjoy various aspects of role play as they dress up and use the home play area, sufficient resources are not always available to enhance their imagination.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected because staff have a good understanding of their individual needs and respond to them well. They benefit from the caring, affectionate approach of staff who have developed trusting relationships. Children are positively encouraged to develop their social skills during routine activities and receive warm praise and encouragement for their achievements. Sharing and turn taking is positively encouraged and less confident children are gradually learning how to play alongside their friends. Staff guide behaviour in a way which is consistent but is also sensitive to individual children's circumstances. Children's growing awareness of difference is suitably fostered through a range of activities and resources. They are learning to value difference and to be kind and considerate towards each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are well integrated and benefit from good partnership working with parents and outside agencies which helps positively promote their overall health, welfare and development. Some children also benefit from additional support in developing their communication and language skills. This is both individually and in small groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. They are actively encouraged to take part in the life of the playgroup and each day, a few are also timetabled to work alongside staff. Parents are kept well informed about their child's progress in a range of ways. Children's observation records are shared and portfolios also include photographs and examples of children work. When children are ready to move on to a full time nursery or school, their family receives continued support during the transition period. New parents are encouraged to take an active part in the settling in process. In this way, separation is less painful for both parents and children. They are also closely consulted about their child's existing understanding and use of English.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a well qualified and experienced staff team who work well together to create a relaxed and happy atmosphere for children. Training is continually updated in key areas and staff are already becoming familiar with the new Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Organisation

There are clear and comprehensive written policies and procedures relating to children's health and safety which staff effectively put into practice. Parents work to a formal code of conduct and are also encouraged to read all the polices and procedures of the playgroup. In this way, they become familiar with most aspects of childcare practice. The well developed complaints procedure which includes Ofsted details is however, not shared with all parents. Staff are also keenly aware of confidentiality issues involved when working alongside parent volunteers. Documentation is well organised and there are suitable arrangements for the storage of confidential information.

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Organisation

There is sufficient space in the main playroom which is quite well organised. Furniture and equipment is of reasonable quality. Children are able to explore their surroundings in safety and are always accompanied to toilet facilities which are located outside the main playroom.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection, the provider was required to improve record keeping arrangements for children's attendance. Their arrival and departure time is now clearly recorded every day.

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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): • improve arrangements for the hygienic disposal of all nappies and ensure toilet training equipment is clean and hygienic

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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 • continue to develop and improve the overall choice and range of activities for children and further extend resources for children's imaginary role play. • ensure the written complaints procedure is openly shared with all parents

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The quality and standards of the care

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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