Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School

Beechdown Health Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Beechdown Health Club

Unique Reference Number 110107 Inspection date 23 November 2005 Inspector Marie Thompson

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Beechdown Health Club

Setting Address Winchester Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 4ES

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E-mail

Registered person Beechdown Creche Club Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Crèche

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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 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?

Beechdown Crèche has been registered since 1996. It operates from within the Beechdown Health Club which is situated in a rural area of Basingstoke, Hampshire. The Crèche and Beehive operate within the Beechdown Health Club for the use of members children whilst they use the centres facilities. They are in two large rooms within the club and have access to a secure garden and a communal play area. The crèche cares for up to 24 children aged up to 3 years and the Beehive cares for up to 24 children between 3 and 8 years. The children attend for a maximum of two hours a day.

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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 currently 174 children on roll. The group supports children with special educational needs and welcomes those with English as an additional language. There are 14 staff who work directly with the children, 12 of whom are qualified. The crèche is open 6 days a week and the Beehive is open 7 days a week all year round. The crèche receives support from the Early Years Partnerships (EYDCP).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Staff who have a good knowledge of the crèche's health and hygiene procedures support children’s health within the setting appropriately. Daily routines reinforce good hygiene and act as helpful reminders to encourage children's increasing independence. Children know, for example, that it 'stops germs spreading' when they wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children enjoy physical exercise and learn about the importance of activity in a healthy lifestyle as they join in play freely in the crèche. Children use the outdoor area in suitable weather, organising themselves independently to play with equipment such as bats and balls, wheeled toys and climbing equipment. Children understand the importance of having regular drinks, as a way to maintain their health and to prevent dehydration.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are secure in a well-organised environment. There is enough light in the premises for children to feel comfortable. There is a designated area for children to rest. Staff are aware of procedures to follow if the temperature is too high or low. Staff identify risks and minimise hazards, which enables children to move around safely, freely and independently. The staff give high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety in the crèche. Children develop good levels of independence to select from the resources available, which enables them to develop their own freedom of choice. Staff make a conscious effort to welcome every child and their family. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The staff carefully supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

development. Children positively interact with each other, this is due to the wide selection of equipment available. The staff have all the required procedures and documents in place, in the crèche, to ensure the safety and promotion of children's welfare. Staff protect children's welfare through a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities in child protection. Staff are able to effectively and efficiently deal with

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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 all child protection concerns and there is documented evidence to support this.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children settle extremely well at the crèche. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. They relate exceptionally well to each other and socialise with other children, forming some close relationships. Staff sensitively interact with children and are aware if they are tired or upset. Children independently choose between a variety of imaginative and dynamic toys, books and activities that appeal to all. For example, the play station, snooker, plasma TV and copious amounts of art and craft materials. Children listen and respond to music, stories and songs. Staff play an important role in developing language skills by talking to the children about their experiences. All children spend their time purposefully engrossed in an exciting range of highly innovative and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which provide optimal challenge. They explore an exceptional range of activities, which

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

contribute to their comprehension of the environment around them and their appreciation of creativity. They do this through walks around the area and the enclosed outside play area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy good, warm relationships with the staff and each other. Children develop a sense of self-esteem and confidence as they voice their opinions and make choices and decisions. Children are well behaved. Staff talk to the children regularly to ensure that they understand the boundaries. Staff provide a meaningful range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children with special needs integrate well with the group. Equipment and resources are adapted to ensure all children are able to participate fully. All children respect and understand that some children need extra help and some support those who do. The staff have excellent relationships with all of the parents, which is friendly and supportive. Parents are fully informed of the crèche's practice, ensuring the children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

continued support and welfare. Parents feel welcome and value the staff's congenial and consolatory approach to caring for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The staff meet the children's needs through good organisation. Children feel at home

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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 and at ease in the environment. This means they are confident to initiate play and join in activities, which extend their leaning and skills. For example, children develop skills in a variety of activities, which increases their achievements and self-esteem. The registered person uses good recruitment procedures, which ensures that staff are appropriately vetted and qualified. The induction programme and teamwork ensures that staff work together to promote children's health, enjoyment and achievement. Staff attend training courses whenever they can. However using an approach in line with Birth to three matters, would improve the outcomes for children from birth to three. The crèche uses policies and procedures to protect the children, although not all policies and procedures are readily available to parents.

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Organisation

Relationships with parents are very friendly. They receive information verbally on a regular basis to keep them informed about the service. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to collate and display procedures for evacuation, parents failure to collect a child or a lost child and a parents and carers complaints about the service. All procedures have now been collated and most are displayed. These measures contribute to ensuring children's continued health, safety and wellbeing.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Concerns were raised regarding Standard 10: Special Needs and Standard 12: Working in Partnerships with Parents and Carers. An unannounced visit was made on the 16th June 2005 by two inspectors to discuss concerns raised. As a result of the visit, actions were set regarding Standard 9: Devise an equal opportunities policy that is consistent with current legislation and guidance. Ensure that this is understood and implemented by all staff and shared with parents. Standard 10: Devise and make available to parents a written statement on special needs which is consistent with current legislation and guidance. Ensure that this is understood and implemented by all staff. Ofsted are satisfied that the provider remains qualified to be registered.

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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

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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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 the outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with Birth to Three matters. • ensure all policies and procedures are readily available to parents

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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