Kids Group

Kids Group Inspection report for early years provision

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EY152709 Unique Reference Number 31 January 2008 Inspection date Kashma Patel Inspector

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KIDS West Midlands, 249 Birmingham Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B72 1EA

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Setting Address

01329 242 959 Telephone number Bridget.Bevis@kids.org.uk E-mail KIDS West Midlands Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care, Crèche Type of care

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Setting Address

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?

KIDS West Midlands opened in 1995 and operates from a large detached house in Birmingham. It is part of a national organisation which provides a range of services for children and families. Children under five are cared for on the ground floor of the main building and have two main rooms, toilets, changing area and small kitchen. The older children use the mobile classroom set at the rear of the premises. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play space, which, includes an area with fixed equipment and also a sensory garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 60 children on roll from birth to five years. Children come from the local and wider areas and staff also visit families in the community. The centre provides care for children with special needs and those who speak English as an additional language. There is a registered crèche, which, provides care for a maximum of 14 children from birth to three years, a 'day break' group, which, provides care for children with special needs, and a playscheme registered to provide care for a maximum of 24 children under 12 years, with, the under 5's and over 5's scheme run at separate times. The centre is open all year round. The crèche operates on Monday and Tuesday from 09:30 to 13:30 and the day break runs from 09:00 to 13:30 on Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. The playscheme operates during most school holidays, with the main being a two week summer playscheme.

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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 There are five staff who work directly with the children and all hold appropriate early years qualifications. Staff are regularly supported by volunteer helpers and students. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well supported in the setting through good hygiene practices such as hand washing and nappy changing. Younger children wash their hands in a bowl of warm water with staff support, whilst others use the bathroom after using the toilet and before having snacks. There well-being is well supported because all staff have a current first aid certificate and have received training on how to administer emergency medication for children with specific needs. A well-stocked first aid box is easily accessible in case of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities both inside and outside in the garden. They develop their large muscle skills as they access the trampoline and climbing frame; which has a ramp to enable children with disabilities to take part. Regular outings to the local shops and parks also ensures children access fresh air to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are met effectively, as these are discussed in detail and clearly recorded. They enjoy healthy snacks of fresh fruit and toast at snacks time. Food provided by parents is stored appropriately to promote children's well-being. Staff are also experienced and qualified to attend to specific needs; such as feeding children through a drip. Children remain well hydrated as they are offered regular drinks of water and juice. Staff also encourage children to ask for drinks with the use of visual signs which are displayed at their level.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a safe and secure environment. For example, all visitors are requested to sign in and out of the building and the front door is kept locked at all times. Safety equipment such as smoke alarms and stair gates ensure children only have access to safe areas. Fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed and children have regular opportunities to practise the drill to reinforce their understanding of the actions required in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of developmentally appropriate toys, furniture and equipment. This ensures that all children are able to participate in all activities. Children enjoy looking at themselves in the mirrors and playing with musical toys which develops their creativity. All equipment is labelled with pictorial symbols to promote children's choice and independence. Potential risks from broken toys and furniture are minimised as the staff carry out daily visual checks on all equipment used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by staff who have a good and clear understanding of child protection polices and procedures. They have been on recent safeguarding training and are aware of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Staff are confident about when to put the appropriate procedures into practise.

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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 good. Children are happy and content throughout their time at the nursery. They build their confidence through good levels of one to one support from staff who develop warm and trusting relationships with the children. There progress and development is well supported through appropriate activities linked to the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children access the sensory area where they enjoy the stimulation of coloured lights, bubbles and textured resources. They develop their imagination as they listen to music and sing their favourite songs and rhymes. Staff promote children's choice by the use of visual cards and objects to help them decide what they would like to sing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's physical skills develop as they take part in regular yoga sessions. They also enjoy playing with the parachute which helps them to work as part of a team. In the garden they enjoy pedalling bikes and playing on the see-saw.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s individual needs are effectively met by staff who know them well. They learn about the wider world around them as they play with a good range of toys and resources which reflect race, culture and gender. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are well supported in the setting which enables them to take part in all activities. Staff use sign language and visual cards to help promote children's independence. They also regularly liaise with professionals such as protégé, speech and language therapist and physiotherapists. Consequently, children are able to make good progress in their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff act as good role models and consistently use praise and encouragement to promote children's self-esteem and confidence. Parents commented that they were very pleased with the care they received for their children and also grateful that the nursery are able to offer care for siblings. Children also benefit from daily verbal feedback given to parents at the end of each session. A complaints log is in place, however, it does not reflect the recent changes in regulations. This means that both staff and parents are not fully aware of changes to the National Standards.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are protected because all staff are appropriately qualified and there are satisfactory procedures for recruitment and vetting which ensures that staff are suitable to work with children. Staff make good use of space to ensure children are able to take part in a varied range of activities and play experiences both inside and outside in their environment. A key worker system ensures children are well supported and cared for by familiar staff throughout the session and also parents know who to talk to about their children's progress.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is in place and maintained confidentially. However, some written policies do not contain sufficient information. Consequently, some aspects of children's welfare is not promoted as staff and parents are not kept well informed. Overall children’s needs are met.

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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 setting agreed to: Ensure that all accident records are signed by parents and completed accurately; to ensure that the complaints procedure includes reference to Ofsted as the regulator; request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and to review the storage of packed lunch boxes. The setting has made generally good progress since the last inspection. All accidents records are signed by parents and contain sufficient information to safeguard children. The child protection policy includes details of the regulator, however, it has not been updated to include current guidance. Consequently, parents and staff are not well informed which impacts on children's safety. Children's welfare is promoted because consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment is in place. Their health is also promoted because all packed lunches are stored

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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

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): • update complaints policy to ensure it reflects current guidance and is shared with parents • review and update policies and procedures to ensure they are in line with current legislation.

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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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