The Chatterbox Club Limited

The Chatterbox Club Limited

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

The Chatterbox Club Limited

Unique Reference Number EY305935 Inspection date 13 December 2005 Inspector Anna Barnes

p.1

The Chatterbox Club Limited

Setting Address Basnett Street Nursery School, Basnett Street, Burnley, Lancashire, BB10 3ES Telephone number 01282 457235

p.1

E-mail

Registered person The Chatterbox Club Limited Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day 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?

Chatterbox Club Limited opened in May 2005. It operates from Basnett Street Nursery School, Burnley, Lancashire. The club operates from two main rooms within a purpose built building. The children have access to an enclosed outdoor play area within the grounds of the nursery school. The club is located within walking distance of the local shops and it serves children from the local area. A maximum of 16 children may attend the club at any one time. The club opens from Monday to Friday school term times only. Sessions are from 9.00 to 17.30.

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 There are currently 44 children aged from 2 years to under 5 years on roll. Children attend a variety of sessions. The setting supports a number of children who have English as an additional language. The club employs four staff. Three of the staff, including the supervisor hold appropriate early years qualifications.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where staff implement suitable procedures and practices, which meet the children’s physical, nutritional and health needs. Young children demonstrate their developing understanding of hygiene and personal care as they wash their hands before eating their snacks and after using the toilet. Children learn about personal care and hygiene by listening to staff. Support and guidance from staff helps children to gain an understanding of hygiene by them acting as role models. All staff are able to attend to the children’s health and medical requirements as they are trained in first aid and have systems in place for recording accidents and medication. Children are starting to develop an understanding about healthy living as the staff are beginning to plan and provide activities about being healthy, however, these are limited. Staff work closely with parents to establish the children’s needs so that the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

children’s routines are catered for and are consistent with their routines at home. Children begin to develop their gross and fine motor skills as they engage in a range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. The children enjoy fresh air and exercise when playing in the outdoor play area where they have access to ball games and bikes, all of which provide opportunities for them to develop their physical skills and gain control of their bodies. The staff encourage the children to develop their physical skills by engaging them in music and movement, which the children delight in. Children are well nourished and have their dietary needs met. Children are provided with a range of healthy snacks such as fruit and raw vegetables, together with accessible drinks such as milk and water, following agreement with parents, thus meeting children’s individual needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment where potential hazards are identified and minimised by regular risk assessments. This allows children to move around safely and play independently.

p.3

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 Children are provided with a well set out playroom enabling children to easily and safely access the play equipment, allowing them to make choices and develop their independence. Children use good quality equipment appropriate to their age and stage of development that complies with safety standards. Children are protected from harm as the staff regularly check the equipment for any damage or hazards. Equipment is child sized and play equipment is organised to ensure that children can access them easily and safely. Children learn to keep themselves safe because staff explain acceptable boundaries. For example, children know that they must tidy up their toys periodically to avoid tripping accidents. They also know that they must not run in the setting or enter the kitchen. The staff are watchful and vigilant at all times, ensuring that the children are

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe as they play. Children’s welfare is given high priority as the staff recognise their responsibilities to protect young children from harm. They have a clear understanding of potential signs of abuse and neglect, also who they should contact to report any child protection concerns. The staff take prompt action if they feel that a child is at risk of harm, thus protecting children from abuse or neglect.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled, happy and enjoy their time at the club. Children enjoy good relationships with the staff which increases their sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. The children are excited when they arrive and are warmly greeted by staff. Children develop confidence and self-esteem because the staff regularly praise them for their achievements and good behaviour. For example, children are presented with stickers for good behaviour, sharing, taking turns and this reinforces their positive behaviour. Children’s communication skills are well supported through good quality adult-child interactions. Children show interest in what they do and have a range of activities to choose from. Children are encouraged to experiment with a range of substances and materials such as gloop, play dough, sand, water and junk play, all of which are good methods of developing the children’s imaginations and creativity.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities are planned around the early learning goals. Staff have recently attended training on the Birth to three matters framework and they are beginning to link this to the activity planning, however, evaluation of activities is minimal and not used effectively to inform future planning. Each child’s achievements and development is monitored, recorded and shared with parents. Children begin to distinguish between right and wrong because the staff teach them to take turns when playing games. The children learn good manners and respect for

p.4

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 others because the staff act as positive role models. For example, when sitting at the table at snack time, the staff encourage the children to say please and thank you.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to develop positive attitudes about a diverse society through the activities and resources provided by the staff, such as books, dolls, dressing up clothes and jigsaws. Children learn about different cultures through imaginative and interesting activities that they participate in during the year. For example Eid celebrations and People who help us. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are well met. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals in order to support children with particular needs. Staff extend their communication skills by learning words in Urdu to assist those children who speak English as an additional language. With support and guidance children are happy to share, take turns during their play, learn to play co-operatively and develop skills in negotiations. For example, when playing games, the children demonstrated self control by waiting their turn. Positive

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour is promoted by the use of praise and encouragement. Any behaviour management problems are shared with parents who are encouraged to work with the staff, thus providing consistency. Children benefit from the positive partnership staff have with the parents. The staff work with parents, sharing information on a daily basis to ensure that the children’s individual needs are recognised and their welfare promoted. Staff provide information to parents about children’s progress.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s care is enhanced by the good organisation and management of the provision. The manager has a Diploma in Nursery Nursing and together with staff have a healthy ethos of continual improvement. The staff attend training courses the most recent being the Birth to three matters framework. They have also undertaken the Smiling for life workshop relating to children’s oral hygiene and healthy living, to enable them to keep up to date with good child care practices. Children are relaxed and confident in the environment due to the organisation for their care and learning. Children’s play opportunities are maximised as the staff organise the premises, thus allowing the children to move easily. Care is taken to ensure that children receive a balance of indoor and outdoor play opportunities. Children’s needs are known and supported through the good recording systems adopted by staff. All required documentation that contributes to children’s health,

p.5

Organisation

safety and well-being is in place and regularly reviewed and recorded to a good standard. Staff are familiar with the policies and procedures and these are also

p.5

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 shared with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Complaints since the 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.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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): • develop children's understanding of healthy living through relevant activities and experiences • develop systems for evaluating activities to help staff plan the next steps for children's play, learning and development.

p.6

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.6

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.6