Woodkirk Academy

Play Scheme

Inspection report for early years provision

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Play Scheme

Unique Reference Number 137383 Inspection date 24 August 2005 Inspector Sandra Rosemary Pierce

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Play Scheme

Setting Address Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9EF

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Play Scheme

Telephone number 020 8466 2800 E-mail nicci.parsons@cannonsclubs.co.uk Registered person Cannons Health & Fitness Ltd Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Sessional care, Out of School care, Crèche

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Play Scheme

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?

The Cannons Crèche and Cannons Junior Activate multi-activity club was registered in 1998 and is run by Cannons Health and Fitness Ltd. It operates in a purpose-built area within the Cannons Health and Fitness Club in Bromley. The Cannons Crèche provides care for children from 12 weeks to 4-years-old. Parents are members of the Cannons Health and Fitness Club. Children can stay in the crèche for a maximum of 2 hours. The crèche is open on Monday 09.00 – 14.00, Tuesday and Thursday 09.00 -16.00, Wednesday and Friday 09.00 – 14.00 and 16.00 – 18.00, Saturday and Sunday 09.00 – 13.00.

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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 The Junior Activate club provides pre-school activity classes for children aged from 2 to 4-years-old and activity sessions and outings for school children aged 4 years to 11 years, during school holidays. The pre-school class is open Monday to Friday from 09.30 – 11.30 and from 16.30 – 18.00 on Fridays. Sessions are also available on Sunday between 10.00 and 12.00. Club Activate holiday scheme is available during school holiday periods from 09.30 – 16.00. There are a maximum of 58 children on roll at any one time, attending for a variety of sessions. The facility supports children who have additional needs. There are 5 full-time staff and 18 part-time staff working with the children. The manager is supernumerary. The manager and 7 members of staff hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because staff follow appropriate hygiene guidelines and encourage children to develop good routines. Children learn about the importance of hand washing after toileting, and before preparing and eating snacks and meals. Staff remind children to use soap and to dry their hands properly. Good procedures in the crèche such as use of disposable gloves and aprons for nappy changing sustain high levels of hygiene and help prevent the risk of cross-infection. Children's dietary requirements are acknowledged and respected. On entry to the provision, staff request written information from parents which helps them to understand each child’s needs. During the holidays, older children are encouraged to bake and prepare food and select healthy options from the lunchtime menu. All of which enhances children’s health and well-being. Babies and young children enjoy their exercise in the soft play areas. They gain

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Helping children to be healthy

control of their bodies and develop their physical skills through sliding, rolling, crawling through tunnels and playing in the ball pool. Older children participate in physical activities on a regular basis, promoting healthy lifestyles. They confidently use a suitable range of equipment and play indoor and outdoor games to advance their spatial awareness, coordination, agility and strength.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Young children enjoy a bright, secure and welcoming environment, which is suitably organised to meet their needs and support their development. Children are generally safe in the setting. Staff undertake regular risk assessments of the premises and equipment enabling swift action on any safety issues to minimize risk to children. There are effective procedures for the safe arrival and departure of

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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 children. Sound staff deployment and sensible supervision when children move around the premises provides added security for children. Staff demonstrate a thorough understanding of their roles and responsibilities in the event of an emergency although communication systems that are in place between the crèche room and pre-school room are not consistently used. Staff are secure in their knowledge of child protection and as a consequence, children’s welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Toddlers and babies settle quickly and benefit from a good range of stimulating toys and equipment, arranged to encourage their interest. The organisation of the equipment provides children with opportunities to be independent and make their own choices. Children make positive relationships with staff through warm and supportive interactions. Young children enjoy their time in the pre-school. They play enthusiastically and learn to co-operate with each other, share and take turns. Children are encouraged to develop their imagination and creativity through the drama, music and art and craft activities incorporated into the daily programme. For example, they utilise soft play blocks to build boats and learn to pilot them in safety. Staff are perceptive to the children’s individual needs and support children in their efforts. Older children have good opportunities for physical play, craft and baking activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

including cake decoration, and outings, which enable them to respond to new challenges. Children confidently approach staff for help when they require it and staff listen and talk to the children and encourage them to extend their experiences, learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual differences and preferences are acknowledged. Children's understanding of right from wrong is encouraged by the use of appropriate behaviour management strategies, codes of courtesy and respect. Staff praise and encourage children, which helps them to feel positive about themselves. Children with special needs receive good support through the provision of extra staff when necessary. Older children join in with group games and activities, which encourage them to work together as a team ensuring each child is actively involved. Children in the pre-school participate joyfully in a full range of resources and activities that support equal opportunities. Children generally have appreciation of diversity through reading and story-telling. However, the crèche has limited book resources reflecting positive images of difference within society. Books stored in boxes are not

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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 always well maintained or displayed to enable young children easy access and choice. The partnership with parents is good. Information about children’s individual care is gathered from parents and this assists staff in supporting children well and including those with additional needs. Activities and resources are adapted to ensure all children full participation. Information shared with parents about their child’s time in the crèche and pre-school facility keeps parents fully informed and helps ensure the provision of consistent care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from well-organised staffing, resources and clear line management which supports staff. The company management provides comprehensive guidance with written policies and procedures to protect the security and care of children. Staff have good knowledge of these and their practice reflects the group’s operational planning. Good communication and competent record keeping encourages a high level of cooperation between staff and parents and provides children with the confidence and emotional security to relax and engage in new experiences. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the registered provider agreed to provide an appropriate range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The setting has taken action by purchasing a variety of multi-cultural resources for the pre-school and crèche to support children's understanding of cultural diversity. However, children attending the crèche would gain further benefit by extending book resources in this area.

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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): • establish secure methods of communication and contact in the event of an emergency, between the Junior Activate pre-school room and Crèche facility • ensure babies, toddlers and young children using the crèche have easy access to a well maintained range of appropriate books including those that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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