Beechwood Childcare Limited

Beechwood Childcare - Windy Arbor

Inspection report for early years provision

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Beechwood Childcare - Windy Arbor

Unique Reference Number 250020 Inspection date 27 July 2006 Inspector Myra Lewis

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Beechwood Childcare - Windy Arbor

Setting Address Windy Arbor Primary School, Woodlands Way,Chelmsley Wood, Solihull, West Midlands, B37 6RN Telephone number 0121 770 4964

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E-mail

Registered person Beechwood Childcare Limited 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?

Beechwood Windy Arbor nursery and Out of School Club is one of 19 childcare facilities run by Beechwood Childcare Limited. It opened in 1999 as an out of school club and as a nursery from 2006. It is based at Windy Arbor Primary School, Chelmsley Wood. A maximum of 42 children may attend the nursery and a maximum of 24 children may attend the out of school club at any one time. The nursery is open each week day from 07:30 to 18:00 for 51 weeks of the year. The out of school facility is open from 08:00 to 09:00 and from 15:15 to 18:00 during school term times and from 08:00 to 18:00 during school holidays.

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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 39 children on roll aged from 0 to 11 years. Children attend a variety of sessions. The group supports children with learning difficulties and with English as an additional language. There are nine staff who work with the children. Of these, over 50% hold a relevant childcare qualification. Additional staff are provided by the Beechwood organisation in order to meet ratio requirements when necessary. The setting has close links with the school and is supported by the local authority early years department.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is appropriately supported within the setting. Children are encouraged to learn simple hygiene practises through the established daily routines. They learn the importance of hand washing before eating and after toileting. They learn to be independent and develop their self-care skills with good support from staff when needed. Children show an understanding of the routines in place, they wash their hands independently and use paper towels to dry their hands. Staff maintain good levels of hygiene to minimise the spread of infection and observe appropriate nappy changing routines to meet the individual needs of each child. Children's physical skills are supported through a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. They enjoy playing outside in the large garden area, where they have space to run around and have easy access to climbing apparatus to extend their

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Helping children to be healthy

physical skills. Children move around with confidence, they learn to pedal, climb, push and pull toys. Many activities are taken outside so that children can benefit from plenty of fresh air. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual requirements. Children's health is maintained as the staff have a relevant understanding of first aid and act in the best interests of children if they become unwell. A suitable first aid box is available and its contents checked at regular intervals. Records of all minor accidents and medicines given to children are recorded and shared with parents. Children's individual dietary needs are discussed and agreed with parents. Their meals are provided by external caterers who strive to provide nutritious well balanced meals for children. Menus are openly displayed for parents perusal. Staff are aware of children's individual likes, dislikes and preferences. Children develop their

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Helping children to be healthy

independence as they feed themselves at mealtimes, they sit at the table in small groups and enjoy social interaction with adults and other children. However, the present routine does not always suit the needs of the youngest children. Drinks are made easily accessible and staff encourage them to help themselves throughout the day.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. Children settle easily into the welcoming environment. They develop close relationships with staff and are secure in their surroundings. They are cared for in age appropriate groups to cater for their individual needs. Space is organised so that children can move freely and independently around the play rooms. Children have easy access to a wide range of good quality toys and resources which are suitable for their purpose and meet safety requirements. They are actively encouraged by staff to make independent choices about their play activities. They are aware of the boundaries in place to keep them safe and take an active part in helping tidying away toys. Appropriate action is taken to identify and minimise hazards through risk assessment

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of all areas. However, a gate is yet to be fitted to fully secure all areas. Satisfactory fire evacuation plans are in place and practised with the children on a regular basis. All relevant records regarding health and safety procedures are maintained. Children's welfare is further protected as staff have a good understanding of child protection issues and have attended appropriate training. They understand their individual roles in sharing and recording any concerns and know who to contact if they should be concerned.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are eager to play and learn. They are well supported by staff who get to know them well and relationships between them are good. They enjoy a good variety of activities and have easy access to a broad range of toys and resources. They choose from the well planned daily activities which include a good balance of free play and structured choices. For example, construction toys, books, puzzles, sand and water play, craft activities and home corner resources. Displays of children's work is well presented and builds their self-esteem and confidence positively. Children enjoy outdoor play and many activities are taken outside so that children can benefit from plenty of fresh air whilst they play. They can play on a variety of suitable resources to extend their physical development. They can choose from a range of different wheeled toys and climbing apparatus. Children who attend the out of school provision help plan activities that are of interest

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to them. Children contribute by sharing their views and ideas. They arrange small concerts for the younger children which builds their confidence and develops their imaginative skills well. Younger children are happy and settled, they receive lots of attention from staff, who have an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which is used to plan a good balance of different play activities. For example, footprint painting, music and movement sessions.

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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 Therefore all children's individual needs are met effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy, sociable and settled in the caring environment. Their needs are met as the staff work closely with parents to ensure children follow their normal daily routines. Any special requirements or information are discussed and effective communication ensures the special needs of children are recognised and met sensitively. Children have equal access to a good variety of toys and resources, regardless of their ability, gender or background. They interact positively with staff, other children and develop a good sense of belonging. They participate in all activities provided and settle easily to their chosen activity. Children respond well to praise and encouragement and behave well. Staff use positive strategies to manage children's behaviour. Children are encouraged to share, take turns and play together. Inappropriate behaviour is dealt with in a sensitive manner therefore children are beginning to understand the difference

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Helping children make a positive contribution

between right and wrong. Open and friendly partnership with parents are actively encouraged. All aspects of children's individual care needs are discussed fully with parents and their wishes respected. Staff are available to talk with parents each day about their children's routines and progress. Parents said they are pleased with the care provided for their children who enjoy all aspects of the nursery. Information is displayed and regular newsletters keep parents well-informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a happy caring environment. Space is organised effectively to enable children to move freely, safely and independently around the playrooms, providing them with a good range of play activities that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children form positive relationships with staff and their interaction is good. They benefit from staff who are committed to ongoing training and development. All legally required documentation, which contributes to children's health and well-being is in place, stored securely and reviewed on a regular basis. Policies and procedures are made available to parents and information is displayed. Staff work well together ensuring the daily routines are adaptable to meet the needs of children in attendance. They are available to talk with parents each day and welcome their suggestions and comments. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the setting has expanded to provide full day care in a purpose-built nursery. Children who attend the out of school provision use the nursery community room and facilities within the school. The setting have addressed the previous recommendations raised. The range and variety of toys and resources have been extended; fire safety and relevant documentation is now in place and a well stocked first aid box is appropriately maintained.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004. 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.

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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): • review and improve lunchtime routines to meet the needs of younger children more effectively • ensure all outside areas are secure for children to play safely.

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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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