Zone 4 Kids

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. Zone 4 Kids Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY275725 Inspection date 03/03/2009 Inspector Nora Waugh

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Setting address Coquet Park First School, The Links, Whitley Bay, NE26 1TQ Telephone number 0191 2581662 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

Zone 4 Kids is privately owned by Tynemouth Nursery Group who run six other settings throughout North Tyneside. It has been registered since 2003 it operates from two purpose built rooms and the sports hall in Coquet Park First School, Whitley Bay. There are no issues which may hinder access to the premises.

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Description of the setting

A maximum of 48 children aged under eight years may attend the setting at any one time. It is open from 07.30 to 09.00 and from 11.00 to 18.00 each weekday during term time.

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Description of the setting

There are currently 70 children on roll. Of these 26 are within the Early Years Foundation Stage and 35 are on the childcare register. The setting supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the early years register, the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the setting

There are four members of staff who work directly with the children. This includes the manager. All of the staff hold appropriate childcare qualifications. Additional staff can be used from the company's other groups as and when needed. The group is working towards the Aiming High quality assurance accreditation.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is Satisfactory. Zone 4 Kids is an effective and caring setting which children really enjoy attending and where their individual needs are well catered for. All children receive a warm welcome and are included in all activities. A strength of the setting are the strong policies and procedures for keeping children safe and secure and the good provision for encouraging children to be healthy. Partnerships with parents are good and they speak positively about the setting. Self evaluation is still at a comparatively early stage but management has identified this as a priority and have a clear view of how to move forward. The recommendations identified at the last inspection have been carried out.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure children have access to suitable spaces to relax quietly  encourage independence by providing children with more choices of activities.

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provision

Established staff have a clear understanding of their roles and the routines for the nursery. They work well together and are enthusiastic, they enjoy working with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children. New staff are less sure of children's needs. The expectations of the Early Years Foundation Stage are understood and this is reflected in the planning and assessment systems. Key workers are in place for children in wrap around care and they are responsible for collating records. This is still developing for Early Years Foundation Stage children attending the after school club. Some aspects of organisation limit the choices children can make, for example when all children are expected to be outside.

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provision

Self-evaluation and identifying priorities for improvement takes place through discussion across the management group. Priorities are identified and noted, self- evaluation strategies are in place although strengths and areas for development are not clearly identified. The nursery is taking part in the Aiming High quality assurance scheme and has found this useful in supporting improvement.

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provision

Strong group policies are in place which meet the welfare requirements including careful recruitment procedures and safeguarding policies. The site is secure and the procedures for bringing and collecting children to the provision are good. Thorough risk assessments are in place and checks of the environment completed each day.

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provision

Partnership with parents is also good. Detailed information is collected from parents before children join Zone 4 Kids and then regular newsletters and discussions keep them up to date. Parents are very enthusiastic and supportive of the provision.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children settle well into the wrap around care and the after school club. Those accessing the wrap around care are in a small group and receive considerable individual attention. The children in the after- school provision arrive in class groups but quickly find friends from other classes and settle to activities. The lack of a comfortable area to relax, chat and be with friends means some children are restless at first. Adults encourage all to feel part of the group and are very supportive of the youngest children. Children are confident to approach adults and discuss what they are doing.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A range of suitable activities are available for children. Each day there is a focus activity linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning. These activities usually take place during the wrap around session. The children in the after school club have a more relaxed curriculum designed to be different and complementary to the school day. Children are consulted for ideas and the choice of activities which includes computer games, drawing and construction. At times children's own role play games are not extended because adults do not offer sufficient support or resources. The younger children enjoy playing on the trim trail after lunch and engage in games, for example this involves a troll under a bridge. Language skills are developed effectively and children have fun. The after school club use the playground and the trail. Children are not always given a choice in this and some of the younger children begin to tire. Staff do not always pick up on this

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

or offer an alternative. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The provision for encouraging children to be healthy is good. Water is available throughout the session and children are served a choice of healthy fruit for snack. Meals at tea time are healthy and varied. Routines for hand washing and promoting hygiene are good. Tea time is enjoyed by children though not used well enough to promote language and social skills. The outside area is used every day to give opportunities for exercise. Safe routines are practised when going to the dining hall or outside.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well, are polite and friendly. They have helped to draw up the rules and generally keep to them. As some become tired there are more disagreements but these are quickly and effectively managed. Children get on well together and value being with friends and siblings from different classes. 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? 3 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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