Bebington Pre-School Playgroup

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. Bebington Pre-School Playgroup Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY302164 Inspection date 11/11/2008 Inspector Tony Anderson

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Setting address c/o Stanton Road Primary School, Stanton Road, Wirral, Merseyside, CH63 3HW Telephone number 0151 343 9091 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

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

Bebington Pre-school Playgroup operates from a detached classroom unit in the grounds of Stanton Primary School, in a residential area of Bebington. It has a separate entrance and car park. The playgroup was registered to provide care in this building in 2005. It consists of one playroom, a kitchen, a small reception area and three toilets.

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Description of the setting

A maximum of 13 children may attend at any one time and there are 25 children on roll at present. The provision is open each weekday from 09.15 to 15.00 during term time only, operating one session in the morning period and one in the afternoon. The children have access to a secure, enclosed outdoor play area. The centre supports children with special educational needs and those children for whom English is an additional language.

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Description of the setting

A total of five staff work with the children, four of whom hold relevant early years qualifications at level 2 or 3. They are supported by a voluntary management committee and are members of the Pre-school Learning Alliance. The setting is registered on the Early Years and Childcare Registers.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall effectiveness of the playgroup’s provision is satisfactory. Staff create a positive and friendly atmosphere for learning and play and children clearly show their enjoyment of a variety of activities. They have good relationships with staff and with their friends. The monitoring of children's activities is developing well and includes individual files of each child's work supported in many cases by a range of photographs and 'post it' notes. However, the evaluation and assessment systems linked to this information do not yet clearly demonstrate the rates of progress being made in the different areas of learning and this affects the consistency of day-to- day planning of each child's next steps of development. Children’s welfare is promoted well and their safety is supported by regular risk assessments both on site and in preparation for occasional trips and visits to the local community. However,

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

procedures for the regular checking of staff are not yet fully defined. Parental support is strong and partnership with the local school of which the playgroup is a part is good. The setting's self evaluation and planning for continuous improvement are not yet fully in place. Improvement since the last inspection is satisfactory.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the safeguarding policy includes a defined renewal period for staff checks to be carried out  make sure that day-to-day planning is linked to information about children's progress and is used to help them to make the next steps in their development  improve the level of self evaluation so as to ensure continuous This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 improvement.

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provision

Leadership and management of the playgroup are satisfactory.

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provision

Staff are appropriately trained and qualified for their respective roles and the ratio between adults and children meets statutory requirements. They work well together as an effective team and a good staff appraisal system has been introduced since the last inspection. Staff are well supported by an active and supervisory committee who are also regular and supportive visitors to the playgroup. Staff clearly know their children well and there is a strong feeling of harmony and enjoyment in the playgroup.

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provision

Appropriate written policies and procedures are gradually being prepared and implemented at the playgroup but there is not yet a policy covering the regularity of safeguarding checks on staff. The provision of care and welfare is good and staff are quick to help and support any children in need of assistance. The present lack of an effective self evaluation system prevents staff from being clear about their priorities for development and does not allow them to consistently monitor and evaluate the success of their playgroup. The present monitoring and evaluation systems of children's progress, which were highlighted as in need of improvement at the last inspection, are not yet used sufficiently well to consistently plan for children's next steps of development.

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provision

Links with parents are good and the playgroup has recently introduced wider opportunities for parents to meet with the playgroup’s staff and to share ideas about their child’s early year’s development. Additional improvements have been made to the collection arrangements for children from the playgroup which ensure the safety and well being of parents and children near the busy school car park.

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provision

The playgroup’s capacity for further improvement is satisfactory.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The effectiveness of children’s learning, development and welfare is satisfactory. The playgroup’s staff are friendly and approachable and well supported by members of the playgroup’s committee. Staff create very positive relationships with children and their parents. Day-to-day planning is gradually improving and many good opportunities are taken to involve children in making choices, for example, three children could hardly wait to access the playgroup's computer. However, the inconsistent use of information about children's progress leads to some lack of direction in helping children make the next steps in their learning and so ensure their progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The playgroup’s environment for learning is good and there are a wide range of resources both inside and outside the setting including some very effective two seater bicycles which successfully promote team work and friendship between This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children. Children enjoy the challenge of self-registering and placing their photograph on a seat in the 'Big Red Bus'. A wide range of colourful displays is testament to the range of interesting activities provided for children, such as the impressive collection of home-made pretend fireworks which were a bright and illuminating feature covering one wall of the setting.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Each child has a key person and this makes a good contribution to the welfare, health and well-being of every child in the playgroup. Children respond well to advice towards their own safety and they are aware of, and regularly take part in, evacuation routines. They behave well and have a good awareness of healthy eating. The indoor and outdoor facilities are subject to regular risk assessments and staff demonstrate a thorough understanding of safety routines and systems. Most children make a good contribution to the playgroup’s community and they are satisfactorily prepared for their future development. 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? 3

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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 since 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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