Marshlands Children's Centre

Marshlands Children's Centre Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356338 Unique Reference Number 16 April 2008 Inspection date Sharon Watson Inspector

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Marshlands Primary School, Hall Road, GOOLE, North Humberside, DN14 5UE

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E-mail

East Riding of Yorkshire Council Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Sessional care, Crèche 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?

Marshlands Children's Centre opened in September 2007 to serve the local area of Old Goole in the area of East Riding. The centre comprises of a pre-school group, which is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between the hours of 09.00 and 11.30; a crèche to support parents and carers attending the centre; and a variety of courses and drop-in support groups for parents, carers and their families. The centre is open from 08.00 to 18.00 all year round except for statutory bank holidays. All services are housed in a purpose-built building with outdoor play area for the children. There are currently 21 children aged from two up to three years on roll in the pre-school group. The crèche offers a maximum of 24 places and operates as required to support various adult groups that meet in the centre. Children who attend the crèche are mostly from two up to five years. Children did not attend the crèche at the time of

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

inspection. The setting welcomes children with learning difficulties and disabilities and those with English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A local authority organisation oversees the operation of the centre, including the management of the budget and recruitment of staff. There is an overall centre manager who is supported by a staff team of 16 who work with the children. Of these, 15 have early years qualifications to level 3 and above. In addition a pool of staff can be called on to work when the crèche is operating.

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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. Families benefit from using a centre in which cleanliness is maintained to a very good standard. Children learn by example, as hygiene routines are implemented well to prevent the spread of germs. In the baby area effective measures are implemented as shoe covers are worn by staff and visitors. This ensures the floor area remains clean and allows babies to move around safely. At snack time children observe good hygiene practice as staff wipe down tables and involve the children in setting out cups and plates. Children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the session. However, at snack time the procedure limits children's experience of everyday hand washing and developing of self-help skills. Staff implement effective hygiene procedures when changing children's nappies, therefore minimising the risk of cross infection. Posters are displayed at the children's level to promote their learning of

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Helping children to be healthy

good hygiene practice and healthy eating. Clear policies and procedures are followed to maintain children's health and comply with regulatory requirements. Health services operate within the centre at specified times to support with family health and promote child development.

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Helping children to be healthy

The outdoor play area is accessible to children on a daily basis and offers a good range of toys and activities that promote children's exercise, growth and development. Children's dietary requirements are discussed with parents and acknowledge by staff. A selection of fruit is offered to children at snack time as healthy eating is promoted. However, those responsible for preparing snacks do not have appropriate training. Children are offered milk daily and water is accessible to them at all times. Through discussion children learn about the effects of healthy eating on their bodies. There are good facilities for storing and preparing children's bottles and satisfactory systems for recording babies' food intake.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The centre provides a safe and stimulating environment for children and is purpose built to meet their needs and those of families within the local area. Rooms are light and airy and children's work is reflected in the bright and colourful wall displays for parents to see. Children self-select their play from the broad range of toys available to them in all areas. The safe and secure outdoor area is enjoyed daily by the children as they access a good range of outdoor toys and equipment. The building is suitably heated and ensures children remain warm and comfortable. A separate secure baby area is well set up to ensure children remain safe, stimulated and comfortable. Cots, beds and soft seating are available to children in the main playroom and ensure they can relax and sleep as needed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good systems are in place to ensure the security of the building and maintain children's safety. They remain within sight of staff at all times and are well supervised. A thorough risk assessment is completed and safety measures are implemented in all areas accessible to children. In the crèche the mixed age range of children is managed well to maintain their safety. For example, when setting up activities and using equipment effectively to maintain safe boundaries. The children benefit from the staff's good understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and their knowledge of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedure.

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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 and families are welcomed into the setting by a friendly staff team. They are happy and at ease in the setting as they choose what to play with from the broad range available. A selection of toys are put out on children's entry to stimulate their interest and engage them in play. A well equipped home corner promotes children's role play and maintains links with home. The planning of activities and effective assessment system ensure children's individual learning is promoted. Home visits are arranged and base line assessments are carried out at this time. This helps staff get to know the children and prepare for their learning and development. The playroom is organised well to support children in their choosing of activities. In particular, children paint in the wet area and a well stocked book area promotes children's handling and use of books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Photographs and children's creative work are displayed around the playroom and demonstrate that children enjoy varied play experiences. The outdoor area is accessible at all times and a favourite with the children as they experience sand and water play. The children benefit from a print rich environment and a registration system is implemented well as children collect their name card at snack time. Action and number rhymes engage the children well as they join in with repeated refrains and creative movement. The crèche facility offers support to parents who are visiting the centre. Activities are well planned and prepared to ensure children enjoy their time with staff. The baby area is well equipped to support under two year olds in their routine, play and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The centre offers families a warm welcome and staff are committed to providing the best possible start for children. Staff fully support the inclusion of families and their children and a multi-agency approach to extend services is effectively maintained. The centre operates a successful settling-in policy in partnership with parents that benefits children in their transition from home to pre-school. The needs of all children are considered on entry and a key worker system helps children build relationships with staff. Staff acknowledge children as individuals and remain sensitive to their needs. In particular, at snack time children are called out individually to sit at the table and hugs are exchanged as children demonstrate secure relationships with staff. A good range of resources is well balanced, meets children's varying abilities and provides for non-stereo-typical play. The playroom and resources reflect positively cultural and racial

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Helping children make a positive contribution

diversity and help children to build respectful relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a vigorous system in place to monitor children's progress and development in partnership with parents. The building is disability friendly and effective support, including that of health professionals, is available to children with a learning or physical disability. Children are well behaved and are learning to follow the routine of the setting. When collecting cushions at snack time staff help children to settle disputes and consider the needs of others as they learn to take turns. Reward systems are implemented in the crèche as stickers and good behaviour charts recognise children's achievements. The centre positively promotes good relationships with parents to enhance children's care and learning. Setting information is extensive and supports parents with activities that engage them in their children's learning. Parents are made aware of activities available each day and informal exchanges of information take place daily.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Comprehensive policies and procedures are available to parents and keep them up to date with the operation of the setting.

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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 satisfactory. Staff demonstrate commitment to the running of the centre and improving opportunities for children and their families. The centre works closely with other agencies to develop extended services that meet the needs of the local community. There is a well qualified staff team who work with the children and this enhances their learning and development. Rooms accessible to children are well organised with separate areas for different activities. The organisation of the outdoor area enables children to choose between indoor and outdoor play. Resources are easily accessible and stored in low-level baskets and shelving to aid children's self-selection. Staff are deployed effectively in the pre-school group to aid children's safety and learning. However, this does not follow through to the crèche, where the person in charge lacks experience of working with babies. Staff work closely with the local school to ensure a smooth transition for

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Organisation

There are effective systems in place to ensure staff working with children are suitable to do so. Adult to child ratios are good and children's attendance is recorded up to date. All required documentation relating to children's care is available for inspection. Records about individual children are stored securely to maintain confidentiality. Policies and procedures are reviewed regularly and remain individual to the setting. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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 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): • ensure those responsible for the preparation and handling of food are fully aware of, and comply with, regulations relating to food safety and hygiene

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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 • ensure the person in charge of the babies' room/crèche has at least two years' experience of working with children under two years.

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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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