Barnston Buddies

Barnston Buddies

Inspection report for early years provision

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Barnston Buddies

Unique Reference Number EY288750 Inspection date 24 August 2005 Inspector Kathleen Margaret Wride

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Barnston Buddies

Setting Address Barnston Primary School, Sandham Grove Barnston, Wirral, Merseyside, CH60 1XW Telephone number 0151 342 3411

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E-mail

Registered person Nicola Prance and Gary Prance Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day care, Out of School care

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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?

Barnston Buddies day care and out of school club has been registered since October 2004 and is situated in the Barnston area of the Wirral. It operates from a purpose-built unit in the grounds of Barnston primary school and serves the local area. The provision is open 5 days a week from 08:00 until 18:00 for 50 weeks of the year. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 68 children on roll in the playgroup and preschool, 74 in the out of school club and 118 in the holiday club. The provision supports children with special educational needs and receives support from an early years advisory teacher.

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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 The provision employs 15 staff, all of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications or who are working towards one.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good health and hygiene procedures help prevent infection and cross contamination. There are clearly established routines for cleaning surfaces and equipment, rotas are displayed and good practice observed. Staff wipe down tables after lunch break in preparation for the afternoon activities and children learn the importance of good personal hygiene due to the staff's effective guidance and support as they wash their own hands after toileting and before the lunch. Children bring their toothbrushes and are encouraged to clean their teeth after meals, helping them to understand oral hygiene. Older children show awareness of the purpose of hand washing to remove germs. Children are well protected due to good sickness, medication, accident and emergency procedures. The first aid box is appropriately stocked and many staff hold up-to-date first aid qualifications. Children who are unwell settle on comfy cushions,

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Helping children to be healthy

take some water and are observed while waiting for parents. Children's physical development is promoted well. They have access to a good range of outdoor play equipment to develop skills. For example, wheeled toys, skipping ropes, scooters and hoops. Children also have access to the school outdoor equipment. They enjoy a parachute game out in the sunshine developing their listening and understanding skills. Children are well nourished and develop an awareness of the importance of healthy eating. They explore healthy foodstuffs during topic time and in the provision of the meals and snacks. Children experience visiting countries from around the world as part of their activities tasting paella and fried rice. Children are offered regular drinks throughout the day and have access to fresh drinking water at all times, helping to form good habits for the future. Menus are carefully devised offering children a

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Helping children to be healthy

balance of nutrition. They enjoy apples and raisins at snack time and have fresh orange or apple juice with their breakfast, further encouraging healthy choices. Children's individual dietary needs and preferences are well catered for as staff collect detailed information at registration and use it when devising menus.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an excellently organised environment. Older children play without interruptions from younger children and can follow their own interests because of the layout of rooms. All areas are bright, with lots of natural light and decorated with children's art work and posters, making it most welcoming for children and visitors. This also helps to develop the children's sense of belonging. There are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 positive images that reflect the local community and includes greetings in different languages. Display boards contain useful information for parents and helps them to understand the day-to-day running of the provision for a good partnership between parents and staff. Children have access to a very good range of clean, safe and challenging equipment in each area. Resources are suitable for different ages and abilities and meet all children's needs effectively. Children have access to 'home-made' resources. For example, a post office where you can get passports, post parcels and postcards and also an airport lounge check-in desk, complete with lots of suitcases. Older children who attend the holiday club are well catered for as they enjoy planning their own holidays using brochures and making passports. A very good range of accessible

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

resources help children to understand and appreciate diversity and inclusion. Excellent safety procedures are in place to protect children from hazards and dangers. A written risk assessment is used on a regular basis to ensure that all areas are rigorously checked. The accident records are used as part of the risk assessment. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they practise their fire drill regularly and are reminded that the floor may be slippery as they re-enter the room after playing outside in the rain. Induction procedures are effective as newly appointed staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities. Children's welfare is safeguarded as staff have a clear understanding of the procedures to follow if they have concerns about a child. A designated child protection officer ensures that staff are supported appropriately in any circumstances where they may be needed. Children are further protected as parents are made

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

aware of the provisions responsibility to children when they register.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Warm and caring relationships are formed between children and staff as they talk and laugh together whilst playing. Children are engaged in an excellent range of activities that they clearly enjoy, which help them to acquire new knowledge and skills. They respond eagerly to challenge as staff ask open-ended questions to make them think. For example, they create a life-size model of an Egyptian mummy and wonder what kind of jewellery and clothes she will wear. Plans made in advance are evaluated on a regular basis to ensure that children's individual needs are being met and their enjoyment fulfilled. The theme of holidays around the world captures children's imagination as they visit Egypt, Australia, Spain France and many more countries. There is an airport with arrivals, departures, baggage claim and booking in desk. Children are fully involved and gain an awareness of the diversity of the wider world. They make a 3

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

dimensional model of Egypt, find treasures buried in the sandpit and become 'mummies' as they wrap themselves in toilet roll. Younger children enjoy role play and are encouraged to make choices and play cooperatively. Creative opportunities with craft items are popular with children and

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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 they proudly display their achievements. They become engrossed in a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which provide high levels of challenge suitable to their age and stage of development. Older children write the ground rules for the club and the 'friendly face team' organise activities and 'buddy' younger children. This gives them a sense of responsibility, of being involved and consulted. Behaviour is of a consistently very good standard as staff have high expectations of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle well, they are supported by skilled staff who guide them towards activities. Behaviour is good, staff are positive role models and children respond with a clear understanding of what is expected of them. Older children write the ground rules for the club and the 'friendly face team' organise activities and 'buddy' younger children. This gives them a sense of responsibility, of being involved and consulted. Behaviour is of a consistently very good standard as staff have high expectations of the children. Children learn about the wider world through activities such as the travel agents. Staff encourage discussion which helps children to understand about similarities and differences. Children with special needs are supported well and fully integrated into the provision. Staff responsible for special needs create action plans for individual children which works well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. Information is exchanged regularly and includes news letters, daily diaries and consultations. Parents are well informed about their children's progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The good organisation and careful planning creates an atmosphere where children can learn and develop. They are cared for by staff who are well qualified and committed to making the sessions enjoyable. Good policies and procedures underpin the smooth running of the service. However the log of complaints is not yet in place. Staff have good opportunities to update their knowledge and skills. The manager carries out regular meetings as part of monitoring the provision. Daily planning of activities ensures the children enjoy a broad range of experiences. Space and resources are used to good effect. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements 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 a log of complaints is maintained • continue to develop the new plans in restructuring the sessions to meet the needs of children and families.

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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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