Home Away

Home Away

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Home Away

Unique Reference Number EY306449 Inspection date 15 November 2005 Inspector Pauline King

p.1

Home Away

Setting Address Hatfield Primary School, Lower Morden Lane, Morden, Surrey, SM4 4SJ Telephone number 0208 404 2900

p.1

E-mail

Registered person Valentina Mintah Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Home Away Out of School Care opened in 2002 and transferred to Hatfield Primary School in March 2005. It operates from one large hall and two smaller rooms on the ground floor within the Primary School. Children also have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. The premises is located in the London Borough of Merton and serves the needs of the local community. A maximum of 30 children may attend the provision at any one time. There are currently 19 children aged from 3 years to over 8-years on roll.

p.2

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 The group opens five days a week during School term time. Sessions are from 07:30 to 09:00 and 15:00 to 18:30. The Out of School care employs three staff. All staff have suitable qualifications ranging from NVQ III and NVQ II in childcare. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. (EYDCP)

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through practical daily routines such as washing hands after visiting the toilet, before tea and after messy play. Children are further protected by staff’s awareness of appropriate procedures that need to be in place to protect children from illness and infections. Children benefit from physical activities in the hall and outside in the summer time playing ball games. Children are able to help themselves to drinking water throughout the session. Children begin to understand the benefits of healthy diet because they discuss healthy options of snacks provided each week.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a well organised environment. Children use a wide range of good quality toys and resources appropriate to their age and stage of development. Toys and equipment are easily accessible to children offering them freedom of choice. This ensures that children are provided with suitable and stimulating opportunities at all times. Children's safety is protected as there are clear systems in place for the safe arrival and departure. There are regular risk assessments both indoors and out, that enables staff to identify and address any potential hazards. The outdoor area is fully enclosed. Children's safety is further assured because Fire drills are regularly carried out to help children become familiar with the procedures so they learn how to leave the premises quickly and safely. Staff have a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. They know

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

what action to take if they have concerns about a child in their care.

p.3

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 Children are happy because staff encourage children to express their thoughts and feelings. Good questioning and repeating children's responses encourages use of language. Children enjoy and make good progress in all areas of learning from a good range of activities that allow them to explore and investigate. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, singing and role-play. They are interested in the activities available and spend time concentrating on self-chosen activities. Children are confident to try new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help through provision of appropriate and good level of support from staff.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the world through activities that introduce them to other cultures. They talk happily about things that are important to them. Staff have a positive attitude towards diversity. Children become aware of their own and other cultures through a range of resources, planned activities and as they celebrate a variety of festivals. Children behave well because staff give lots of praise and encouragement staff also teach children to respect each other and their environment. Children's consistent care between home and setting is good because staff work in partnership with parents. Parents receive information through newsletters and children's work is displayed on the walls which outlines the planned activities and themes. Staff give daily feedback to parents about their child’s day. Opportunities are made freely available to parents to speak to staff about their child's development both formally

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

and informally to ensure all parents are able to access and gain information on their child. This helps provide children with consistent care between home and the setting. Children benefit from well maintained records

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and are at ease in the well organised setting. Staff show a clear understanding of their role in supporting the children in their play and learning. Children's welfare is promoted because there are clear procedures in place for uncollected and lost children. All staff have suitable child care qualifications and understand their role and responsibilities. Children benefit from staff working well as a team and clear communication and guidance allow them to provide a stimulating well-balanced programme. Children's confidence and independence is well supported by the settings documentation, organisation and routine planning, children and their parents know what to expect. All documentation required for the safe and effective management of

p.4

Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 the setting is in place. This contributes to the welfare of the children. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the setting agreed to obtain a copy of the special needs code of practice in line with the special needs policy. Manager has now obtained a copy.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since last inspection. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • devise a system to record all complaints and action taken

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5