KIDS Lady Allen Adventure Playground

KIDS Lady Allen Adventure Playground Inspection report for early years provision

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EY281475 Unique Reference Number 18 February 2008 Inspection date Lisa-Marie Jones Inspector

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Chivalry Road, London, SW11 1HT Setting Address

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0207 5200419 Reg Dir Telephone number warren.koehler@kids.org.uk E-mail KIDS Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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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 Lady Allen Adventure Playground for children with special needs has been registered since 1975. It is privately owned by a company called Kids. It is situated on the edge of Wandsworth common in Battersea, which is within the London borough of Wandsworth. It operates from a purpose built, single storey premises, close to local transport links.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The children have access to a main play room, a computer room, plus office, staff, kitchen, laundry and toilet facilities and soft play area. The main area of play is a large enclosed outdoor adventure play ground with a variety of fixed equipment. The adventure playground is registered for a maximum of 100 children and there are currently five children aged from five years to under eight years attending on a daily basis. Children attend for a variety of sessions and they accommodate children up to the age of 15 years. They provide care for children with learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities and also offer places to their siblings. They also support children who speak English as an additional language and offer an open access scheme to the general public.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Opening times are term time, Tuesday to Saturday 10.30 to 18.00, and during the holidays, Monday to Friday 10.00 to 16.00. Open access for the general public is, term time Tuesday 10.30 to 15.00, Wednesday and Thursday 15.00-17.00 and Saturday 10.00-12.00. During the

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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 holidays open access is from 10.00-12.00 and Tuesday 10.00 - 15.00 again this is for children under eight years and their parents. They do not operate during the Christmas holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Two permanent full time members of staff work with the children and have suitable child care qualifications. There is also a pool of experienced casual play workers. The setting receives support and training from Kids London and the Early Years Partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Staff take positive and effective steps to promote the good health of children, to enable them to understand the importance of good personal hygiene and to be independent. Children are consistently protected from the risk of cross-infection because staff follow effective written hygiene polices and procedures. Staff are first aid trained should a child require first aid treatment and all documentation for the recording of accidents and medicines are in place and clearly recorded, however parents are not do not always able to acknowledge that they are aware of any medication administered. Staff are also qualified to administer lifesaving medication for children who have epilepsy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide packed lunches for the children. Children take part in meaningful cooking activities that promote healthy eating and give them the opportunity to try new foods, therefore children are nourished well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children engage in a range of regular physical activities, which are very successful in developing their physical development. They have access to a spacious outdoor adventure playground where they can practise skills for climbing and balancing and have opportunities to use wheeled vehicles and take part in team ball games such as cricket and football, therefore enhancing the children's opportunities to aid their growth and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The premises are extremely safe and very secure. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently as regular, robust risk assessments take place and any actions highlighted are acted upon swiftly. This also aids the children to be able to take risks, push their boundaries and encourages them to try new activities within a safe place. Children play in a spacious and welcoming environment that is suitable for its purpose and where they feel a sense of belonging. They have access to all the necessary facilities for a range of activities which support their all round development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a excellent range of appropriate resources and equipment, that are maintained well and conform to safety standards. They are well organised to create an accessible environment where they can be independent learners.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Child protection procedures, approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, are complied with. Qualified and experienced staff have a good understanding and knowledge of the effective steps to protect children from abuse and neglect. Policies and procedures are in place for staff to follow in the event of a child being lost or uncollected and with regards to the recording of any child protection issues.

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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 outstanding. Children settle really well at the provision and appear to be very happy. They relate well to each other and socialise and make friends with other children and behaviour is very good. Their welfare is promoted as staff provide a range of activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. Staff respond exceptionally well to the children and with great enthusiasm. They supervise every activity that takes place and constant communication goes on between staff and children. They laugh and joke with the children, whilst offering a supportive role in relation to their emotional needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Due to the fact that children are supported so well by staff, children are confident in their play and will take part in activities that take them out of their comfort zone and challenge them. They squeal with delight when using the structured play equipment, especially when staff take part in the activities with them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have ample opportunities to develop their independence, they have total freedom to explore their environment and take the lead in play activities. Staff are on hand to provide alternatives to what is on offer when requested and are happy to be directed by children as to what they must do in order to enhance the children's play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children is actively promoted. Effective written procedures and policies are in place which are followed by all staff. Children have opportunities to explore celebrations across the world, and they have access to a meaningful range of resources on a day to day basis that promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The setting is designed specifically to support children who have identified learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities. Very effective steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting, in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour is very good throughout the setting. Children are helped to understand responsible behaviour as staff reinforce consistent and appropriate strategies, according to the age and stage of development, to help children understand right from wrong. Children are treated with respect and are given lots of praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from sound relationships between their parents and staff, helping them receive consistent care both individually and as a group. All settling procedures are done on an individual basis to ensure children are settled and happy in their environment. Policies and procedures and given to parents and they are fully aware of the complaints procedures, however, there is not a log available to parents should a complaint be made. The lines of communication are very good between staff and parents, telephone calls are made to parents where children are transported to the setting, therefore ensuring continuity of care.

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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 confident to initiate their own play, and can always readily access toys and equipment independently. Staff effectively use policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Parents are kept informed about the service that is being provided and their child's daily activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. Children are cared for by suitably qualified and experienced staff who have an understanding of child development. Suitable recruitment procedures are in place to ensure staff are vetted appropriately and have suitable skills to carry out their duties.

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Organisation

All the required records, policies and procedures which contribute to children's health, safety and welfare are in place, and work effectively to ensure children's welfare and care. However, a parents complaints log is not in place.

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Organisation

Overall, the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection documentation has been improved as has the children's health and safety. Written details of the centre's drivers and escorts and their CRB status are now provided and maintained by the head office and written permission has been sought from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and the written procedures for uncollected children has now been extended and clarified.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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

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): • develop clearer systems for parents to acknowledge when children have had medication administered • develop the current system to record complaints made by parents, which they can see on request

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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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