Pre-school Learning Alliance Bestwood Childcare Centre

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Inspection report for early years provision

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Unit)

Unique Reference Number EY303708 Inspection date 27 October 2005 Inspector Anne Cooper

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Unit)

Setting Address The Community Centre, Gainsford Crescent, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG5 5HT Telephone number 07949 814914

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E-mail

Registered person Pre-School Learning Alliance Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Sessional care, Out of School care, Crèche

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E-mail

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?

Bestwood Childcare Centre was first registered in 2005 run by the Pre-School Learning Alliance. It operates from the community centre, and is situated on the Bestwood housing estate. A maximum of 35 children may attend the childcare centre at any one time. The centre is open each week during school term time from 08:30 to 11:30 and then from 11:30 till 12.15 for the lunch club. The afternoon sessions run from 13:00 till 16:00. During school holidays the centre offers holiday play sessions which run from 09:30 till 12:00 on Monday and Thursday and 13:00 till 15:30 on Tuesday and Friday. The centre closes for bank holidays and 1 week at Christmas. All children share access to a secure close outdoor play area at the day nursery.

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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 There are currently 35 pre-school children on roll. The centre currently supports a number of children with special educational needs. The catchment area is from the local estate and children within the local Sure-Start boundary. The out-of-school club employees 4 staff all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted through the use of sound hygiene procedures, such as using colour coded cloths. The children learn about personal hygiene through daily routines, an example of this is washing hands after visiting the toilet and before eating. The staff is good at promoting healthy food and displays on the walls show good examples of this. Healthy snacks are provided at break time, and the staff recognises children's individual dietary needs. Some children stay for the lunch club, and then parents provide the packed lunches. Instructions are clearly displayed for the storage of the lunches to reduce the chance of infection. Fresh drinking water is available to the children at all times. Children's physical skills are promoted effectively through a range of indoor and outdoor activities, which allows children to be active and develop their co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for and safe in this setting. The building provides appropriate space for children to freely move around, and is bright and very colourful which makes it inviting to children. The children are able to independently choose from a good range of resources and craft materials. The building and equipment have been fully risk assessed to ensure children's safety. The staff have a sound knowledge of child protection issues that ensures that early warning signs of abuse can be identified and correct procedures followed. Effective procedures are in place to protect children from unvetted persons and to ensure they are only collected by agreed persons. The staff provides suitable levels of supervision and are well deployed around the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children appeared happy and settled at the playgroup. They have friendly relationships with the staff, which enables them to approach them and seek comfort and support when needed. Children's language is skilfully developed by the staff who

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 asks the children questions and talk about what they are doing. The staff team plan the activities based on the foundation stage guidance, currently the focus is on pets. The children enjoy looking at the photographs of their pets and talking about them. There is a full range of well maintained resources which are used to interest and develop the children; an example of this is the children being able to access a computer. The children are able to choose how they enjoy their time, for example some children enjoy sticking, others playing imaginatively in the home corner and sharing books with the staff.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging at the children's centre, and their individual needs are well met at the setting. Children are kept busy and happily involved in their play and most play co-operatively together, for example sharing and taking turns. Age appropriate strategies are used for dealing with unwanted behaviour and the staff act as role models to promote positive behaviour. The staff provides a good range of resources to promote images of ethnicity, disability, race and gender which help children learn about the wider world. An example of this is the staff are able to use sign language and there are posters showing how to do signing. Relationships with parents are friendly and information is shared daily at the end of the session. A full range of information and polices about the centre are displayed for parents, who are invited to events such as stay and play to develop partnerships.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The registered person uses effective recruitment procedures which ensure that staff are appropriately vetted and qualified. However, there needs to be management cover throughout the sessions. The induction programme and good team work make sure staff work together well to promote children's health, enjoyment and achievement. Required documents are well maintained and stored confidentially. The policies and procedures are clear and appropriate and support the organisation and care of the children. Children feel at ease in this suitably organised environment and this means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The needs of all the children who attend are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure there is a manager or deputy who is able to take charge in the absence of the manager at all times.

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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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