Ladybird 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. Ladybird Pre-school Playgroup Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 306418 Inspection date 06/02/2009 Inspector Anne Sadler

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Setting address 99 Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH42 9LJ

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Telephone number 0151 652 3104 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). This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

Ladybird Pre-school playgroup has been operating for 22 years and is run by a voluntary management committee. The provision has its own self-contained unit within Woodchurch Road Primary School in Birkenhead. The playroom has integral toilet and kitchen facilities and there is a secure outdoor play area. The pre-school operates during weekdays and term times only, with morning sessions from 09.05 to 11.35 and afternoon sessions from 12.35 to 15.05. It is registered to care for a maximum of 20 children at any one time, aged from two to five years. Children normally start attending when they are three years old. There are currently 36 children on roll, all of whom receive funding for nursery education. The provision employs seven members of staff to work with the children. Of these, six hold appropriate early years qualifications. The provision participates in an endorsed quality assurance scheme called Effective Early Learning. The setting is registered

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of provision is good. Ladybirds is a popular pre-school playgroup. The manager, staff and management committee have ensured that all major aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage have been implemented to a good standard. All children are fully included in the life of the play group. However, the policy to ensure equal opportunities for all and the system to ensure the suitability of staff and committee members both require updating. This popular setting shows good improvement since the last inspection and this, coupled with good leadership and management, reflects a good capacity to improve further.

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further?

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

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further?

 revise the system for ensuring the suitability of staff and committee members revise the policy for Equal Opprtunities.

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provision

Since the last inspection, all the issues for improvement have been met. All required policies and procedures remain in place, although some were written in 2005 and are now out of date. Informal self-evaluation is practical, effective and very well embedded. Formal self-evaluation has begun and this has included written contributions from parents and all who work in the setting. Staff are trusted and valued. They are well qualified, caring and keen to provide a positive experience for the children in their care. All staff and committee members have been vetted with regards to their suitability to work with children. However, at the time of the inspection some of these were out of date. Parents speak positively about the playgroup. They trust the staff to care well for their children and feel This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 confident in confiding in them with their concerns. The manager of the setting is

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provision

knowledgeable, experienced and committed to quality provision for the children. Under her direction the group is continually self-evaluative and well placed to address the issues for improvement. Experienced staff make formal assessments of children’s attainment and monitor their progress. They have completed assessed observations as part of self-devised and nationally approved schemes on a regular basis. This well embedded system has now been adapted to meet the needs of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. A good start has therefore been made in recording children’s attainment levels and related progress against the early learning goals. This ensures that children achieve well because activities are closely related to their next steps in learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy attending Ladybirds Pre-School Playgroup because staff have a strongly articulated and evident philosophy of being 'here for the children - their welfare and their development’. Alongside their parents and carers, children are warmly welcomed each day into the setting by the staff members whom they fondly refer to as 'aunty'. Relationships are good at all levels so that children are happy and develop confidence as learners. Children play cooperatively together and staff clearly enjoy playing alongside them. There is a good mix of child- initiated and adult-led activity. This encourages independence in children but ensures support when needed. The limited space is effectively used giving the children the opportunity to take part in a wealth of activities. These range from mark-making to bubbly water play, experimenting with musical instruments from other cultures and using the computer. This ensures that children thoroughly enjoy

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

their time in the playgroup and make good progress. The environment both in and outdoors is well-organised, fun and stimulating. Children are taught about cultural diversity and have recently celebrated the Chinese New Year. Children are learning the benefits of healthy lifestyles and enjoy physical play outdoors. They are encouraged to eat and drink healthily and the setting provides dental milk to those who request it. Staff make good use of opportunities to extend the children’s knowledge and understanding of the world outside the setting, with trips to interesting places such as the library and Knowsley safari park. This adds excitement to learning. 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? 3 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 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 registration.

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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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