Grove Community project at James Watt School

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Grove Community project at James Watt School Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY316222 Inspection date 16/09/2008 Inspector Christine Millett

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Setting address James Watt School, Boulton Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B21 0RE Telephone number 0121 4644736 Email Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

The before and after school club at James Watt School is a satellite of the main services run as the Grove Community Project. It is operated by a committee and run on a day-to-day basis by a manager who oversees both projects and is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the setting

The Grove Community Project at James Watt School opened in 2005 and meets in a self-contained community room within the school grounds and has a ramped entrance enabling wheelchair access. The adjacent school playground and field are used for outdoor activities. This is a level site with ease of access to all areas.

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Description of the setting

There are currently 23 children on role. A maximum of 16 aged from three to eight years may attend at any one time. The club is open 08.00 to 09.00 and 15.20 to 18.00 from Monday to Friday, term time only. There are currently two children attending who are within the early years age range. They live locally and attend James Watt Primary School. The club also offers care to children aged five years to eleven.

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Description of the setting

There are three members of staff who work with the children, all of whom hold appropriate childcare qualifications and have attended paediatric first aid courses

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The Grove Community Project at James Watt School provides effectively for children in the early years age range through a variety of enjoyable learning experiences. Children are cared for in a bright, welcoming environment where a strong emphasis is placed on safety. Weekly planning includes activities which address all six areas of learning indoors and provides opportunities for less well-structured outdoor play. Good relationships exist between the setting and all stakeholders which ensure children settle quickly and mix well. The manager and staff are aware of the many strengths of the setting as well as the areas for development which will further improve the experiences of the children.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 extend the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to create more opportunities for adult-led activities thus creating a balance between adult- led and child-initiated activities  implement a more effective system of self evaluation which offers more detailed evidence for its conclusions and clearly identifies where improvements can be made

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provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The setting runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis thanks to a well qualified and dedicated staff. Safeguarding has a high priority and staff ensure that all policies and procedures are in place and reviewed regularly. Staff are accustomed to reflecting on their practice in order to identify areas for improvement and provide the best possible care for the children. This was seen in the action plan put in place in order to achieve the Aiming Higher Award. Self-evaluation, however, whilst taking into account the views of parents and children, is not systematic. Staff have a good understanding of the needs of children in their care and the progress they make but do not always record this knowledge in sufficient detail.

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provision

The two recommendations made at the last inspection have been implemented. Accident records are now well kept and signed by parents and risk assessments are regularly carried out.

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provision

All adults work well together and are committed to acquiring new skills in order to promote the further development of children through the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The impact of the setting is seen in the confident way in which the youngest children interact with adults and the positive relationships they have with older children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Staff are sensitive to the needs of the children as they arrive at the after school club at the end of a busy day at school. The session begins with snack time which is a relaxed social occasion where children sit together and enjoy the nutritious snacks prepared for them. This helps them to learn about healthy eating. Fresh water is available at all times. Children understand the importance of hand washing as this is reinforced by staff.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Staff plan a wide range of activities that link to the six areas of learning of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The extensive outdoor facilities contribute mainly to physical development in addition to teaching the children about using equipment safely. Appropriate action is taken in the event of accidents as staff have up-to-date first aid training.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Regular risk assessments are carried out and recorded. Staff have succeeded in creating a safe environment where risk is minimised and children learn to look after themselves and help each other. Secure steps are taken to ensure children’s safety on arrival and departure by effective procedures in place for signing children in and out of the premises.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The planning is flexible and responds to children’s needs, offering many opportunities for child-initiated activities. Children are also given the opportunity to request specific equipment. Children are purposefully busy and engaged throughout the sessions. They show interest and positive attitudes but would benefit from more adult intervention to support learning and promote communication and thinking skills further. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Informal observations take place which enable staff to determine the progress being made. These insights into development and learning, however, are not recorded in such a way as to contribute to self evaluation. Children’s achievements are discussed with parents. Children are encouraged to take part in tidying up which enables them to experience taking responsibility for their actions. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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