Rainbow 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. Rainbow Playgroup Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 203441 Inspection date 20/01/2009 Inspector Justine Leong

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Setting address Methodist Church Hall, Nayland Road, Mile End, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5ET Telephone number 07779 349128 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

Rainbow Playgroup opened in its current premises in 1990. It operates from a hall at the back of the Methodist Church in Mile End, Colchester. Access is via a small step to the front of the property. A secure enclosed outdoor area is used for outside play activities. A maximum of 24 children aged from two to five years may attend the setting at any one time. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 09:15 until 11.45 and Tuesday 12:15 until 14:45. On Wednesday and Thursday a lunch club is available for older children from 11.45 until 13.15.

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Description of the setting

There are currently 36 children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare register.

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Description of the setting

There are five members of staff. Of these, four members of staff hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children play and learn in a welcoming and productive environment, where they make good progress towards the early learning goals. They are generally safe and have their welfare needs met. Staff work in partnership with parents and carers to provide each child with an individual approach. Inclusion is promoted and staff work together to ensure that all children can access all activities. The manager and staff are committed to improvement and are developing systems to monitor the provision and identify areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve assessment to identify next steps in children's learning and inform planning  develop use of the outside area to improve learning and physical activity opportunities.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure risk assessments are comprehensive and cover everything with which children may come into contact (this relates to the radiators, the cupboard in the main hall and the doors to the main hall) (Suitable premises, environment and equipment, also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 20/02/2009  complete risk assessments for outings (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register)(Safeguarding and 20/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 promoting children's welfare)

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provision

Appropriate recruitment and vetting procedures ensure that children are cared for by suitable adults. Policies and procedures are in place to support practice and these are effectively implemented and shared with parents. All required written parental permissions have been obtained, ensuring children are cared for in line with their parents' wishes. Parents praise the care and education their children receive at the setting.

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provision

Staff demonstrate a secure understanding of their role and responsibilities in safeguarding children's welfare. A safeguarding policy is in place and staff are aware of correct procedures to follow if they have concerns about a child in their care. Staff have completed written risk assessments, although these are not comprehensive and have not been completed for outings, potentially compromising children's safety. Staff are beginning to use self-evaluation to identify possible areas for development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for by knowledgeable staff who work well together to create a welcoming and nurturing environment. Staff demonstrate a secure understanding of how children learn through play and use their knowledge effectively to plan and provide a broad range of interesting learning opportunities. An effective key person system is in place, enabling staff to provide each child with an individual approach. Assessments are completed frequently by staff and children make good progress towards the early learning goals. However, next steps in children's learning are not consistently used to inform planning and ensure they make as much progress as possible.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit as staff plan activities covering all areas of learning. They have access to mark-making resources, enjoy participating in creative activities and also enjoy sharing stories in the comfortable book corner. A balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities allows children to learn at their own pace whilst enabling staff to provide support. For example, while some children develop good communication skills as they play independently with small world toys, other children work with staff investigating and exploring a range of materials. Staff use questioning effectively to support children's learning and extend their understanding.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing a sound understanding of appropriate hygiene procedures as staff remind them to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. They sit together to share snacks of fresh fruit, rice cakes or toast and drinks of milk or water. Staff provide some opportunities for children to participate in physical activity, both indoors and outside. For instance, children listen to action songs and join in with the movements. Children have some opportunities to play This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 outside in the secure garden. However, the outside area is not consistently used to provide learning and physical play opportunities for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are relaxed and secure at the setting. They are increasingly confident and developing good self-esteem as staff listen attentively and value their contributions. Children benefit from regular opportunities to learn about the wider world as they play with a toys and resources that are representative of diversity. Staff demonstrate that children's home experiences are valued and teach children about different cultures and beliefs. Staff are consistently polite and respectful, acting as positive role models for behaviour. Children understand what is expected of them and their behaviour is good. 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? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 20/02/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 20/02/2009 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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