Cheadle Hulme County High School

SKIPS Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 127509 Inspection date 11/09/2009 Inspector Linda Patricia Coccia

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Setting address The Old Guide Hut, Oldbury Lane, Ightham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 9DE Telephone number 01732 882869 Email Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as

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you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way. Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

SKIPS opened in 1998. It operates from a converted guide hut in Ightham, Kent. There are separate kitchen and toilet facilities. Children have access to a small secure outdoor play area and can access outdoor play areas provided by the local school as well as the local playing field. There is restricted access to the building by way of steps up to the provision. It serves families from the local community and surrounding area.

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Description of the setting

The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently 36 children aged from two years to 10 years on roll. This includes 13 who fall within the early years age range.

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Description of the setting

The group opens five days a week, from 8am until 6pm, for approx 47 weeks of the year. The breakfast club operates from 8am until 9am. During term time there are morning and afternoon sessions for pre-school children, followed by an out of school club until 6pm. During some school holiday weeks the group provides a holiday club which is open from 8am until 6pm. Children attend for a variety of sessions.

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Description of the setting

There are four members of staff who work with the children. They all have a recognised early years qualification to NVQ level 3. The manager is currently on a level 4 qualification course. All staff hold current first aid certificates and food hygiene certificates.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The provision is suitably effective in meeting children's needs because it is their policy to cater for the individual child. Staff are guided by parents on each child's requirements such as medical requirements and dietary needs. The manager is able to promote continuous improvement within the group by making minor changes to policies and procedures which may have an impact on children. This ensures that children progress within both their well being and their education.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain a record of aspects that need to be checked regularly and a record of when and by whom they have been checked (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 02/10/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure that children’s next steps are being clearly identified through the observational assessments and that these are used in leading future planning continue to develop the self-evaluation record using reflective practice and informed discussion to identify the setting’s strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children

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the early years provision

The registered person has limited contact with the group. She relies heavily on her manager and staff deputies to implement policies and procedures and the day-to- day running of the group. The manager consults the registered person regarding any staff or budget issues. Staffing ratios are maintained and includes the manager. This sometimes restricts her time for spending on maintaining paperwork, the majority of which is up-to-date. Staff complete daily risk assessments on the premises covering security and hygiene. However, this does not constitute a full risk assessment which is a breach of the General Welfare Requirements (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). The provision has always evaluated the service being offered but mostly in an informal manner. The registered person has not yet been involved in the provision's current self- evaluation. The manager has ensured that staff and parents have had some

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the early years provision

opportunity to give their views on the service provided. The manager has identified a few areas which she could improve, including the use of reflective practice by staff. However, the evaluation record does not include identified strengths and weaknesses nor considered any impact that they may have on individual children's experiences within the provision.

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the early years provision

The provision has a range of suitable resources which are used appropriately. Toys and equipment are maintained and replaced when necessary. The outdoor areas available to the children are well maintained. The manager keeps a staff training record to ensure that first aid and hygiene certificates are current. It also helps her to identify which staff need to update their training and increase their knowledge base. All staff have recently attended child protection training with the local authority. The provision operates a suitable safeguarding children policy. It includes the procedures to be used if any allegations are made against staff. All staff hold current Criminal Records Bureau checks. The staff promote safety with the children, helping them to understand about using equipment safely and reassuring them when they participate in the emergency evacuation drills. Children have the opportunity to keep themselves safe in an emergency.

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the early years provision

The provision operates an inclusive service for all children. Information is initially collected from parents, who provide details of children's abilities and likes and dislikes. Further information is gathered from staff observation of the children. Parents written comments show they are happy with the care offered to their children and find staff helpful and supportive to their children. The manager is also the group's Special Educational Needs Development Officer who evaluates the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 support and care required by children with identified learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has made some links with other agencies and the local school who are also able to support children whilst they attend the provision. Children's well- being is promoted.

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and outcomes for children

Children have an enjoyable time at the provision. This helps them to be receptive to learning and to make suitable progress under the stepping stones. The children use a variety of toys and equipment and participate in a suitable mix of adult and child-led activities. They can move freely around the premises choosing their own toys and on occasion can free flow to the suitable outdoor area. In choosing their own activities children learn to make decisions. They are also given time to explore the activities and this helps them to become interested, confident learners. Activities cover all the areas of learning from role play in the home corner to learning to master the computer and mastering other current types of technology. Children also see a range of positive images of race and culture as well as disability whilst they are present. They are developing skills to help them in the future. Children show they feel safe in the environment as they happily interact with each

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and outcomes for children

other and staff. New children are getting to know the rules for good behaviour with help from their peers and gentle reminders from staff. Children's social interaction is becoming more proficient.

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and outcomes for children

Each child is allocated a key worker. This is usually the person the child gravitates to in their first few days of attending. The key worker maintains an observation record on each key child. This starts with an initial assessment and progresses to photographic and written observations of the child's preferences and activities chosen. Staff have a good understanding of how young children learn and develop. They therefore instinctively help children to progress. However, they omit to include this knowledge as written records of assessment and children's subsequent next steps in the child's record. Parents have full access to their child's record and have regular opportunities to discuss these with staff.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about healthy living as they learn about their bodies and what eating good nutritious food can do for them. Parents may opt for cooked meals provided at lunchtime from the school kitchen or they can send in their own packed lunches. Staff advise parents of desirable contents of lunch boxes as well as advising them to include ice blocks due to storage constraints. Children's individual dietary needs are recorded and catered for. Drinking water is available throughout the day which children help themselves to. They can take themselves to the toilet although staff are on hand to help when necessary. Children are becoming more proficient in self care. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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Stage

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) 02/10/2009

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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) 02/10/2009

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