Little Clovers Day Nursery

Holts Community Centre Playgroup

Inspection report for early years provision

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Holts Community Centre Playgroup

Unique Reference Number 301009 Inspection date 28 March 2006 Inspector Susan Magaret Lyon

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Holts Community Centre Playgroup

Setting Address Wildmoor Avenue, Oldham, Lancashire, OL4 5PU

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E-mail

Registered person Jacqueline Roper Type of inspection Integrated Type of care Sessional 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are satisfactory.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Holts playgroup is registered to provide sessional care for 24 children. It was opened in 2001 and is situated in Oldham. The playgroup is housed within a community building and consists of one large playroom and an enclosed outdoor play-area. The group provides care for children from the local community. It opens from Monday to Thursday, from 09.30 until 12.00 hours during term-time only. There are four members of staff, none of whom are currently qualified. There are currently 13

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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 children on-roll, four of whom receive educational funding. The playgroup supports children with special educational needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn good hygiene practices through daily routines for hand washing after toileting and before food. Explanations from staff about germs helps them understand the need to practice good routines of personnel hygiene. Children stay healthy through a clean and hygienic environment. They are protected from infection through the use of paper towels and tissues, and an exclusion policy being in place, which is explained to parents. Children enjoy physical activity indoors using climbing and balancing equipment, which helps to develop control and coordination over their bodies. They stay healthy through use of the outdoor play-area using a range of equipment, such as bats and balls and bikes. Children are nourished through healthy choices provided at snack-time, for example, fresh fruit and breadsticks. Their health and dietary needs are met through discussions with parents. However, children lack opportunities to

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Helping children to be healthy

learn that water is good for their bodies or access drinks whenever they want, as water is not readily available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a bright and welcoming environment. They are able to move around safely and confidently due to the effective organisation of furniture and resources. Children use suitable and safe toys and equipment which are checked daily. They are cared for in a safe and secure environment through adequate safety precautions being in place, such as socket covers and radiator guards. Children are protected from harm through risk assessments of the premises to minimise hazards. They are kept safe on outings because staff implement sufficient safety measures, for example, close supervision of children and risk assessing the venue beforehand. Children learn to keep themselves safe through staff discussing road safety with them when out and about. Their safety is enhanced due to staff having an awareness of fire precautions. Children develop an understanding of fire precautions through

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

being made aware of and practising the emergency evacuation plan. Children are protected because staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities in a child protection situation and are aware of the types of abuse and signs to look for.

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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 Children engage well in a sufficient range of interesting and age-appropriate play activities to foster their all-round development. They play happily and cooperate well together in their self-chosen activity. Children acquire new skills and knowledge through staff spending time talking to them about what they are doing, for example, about colours and numbers. They develop confidence and self-esteem through staff giving them plenty of praise for effort and achievement. Children are happy and settled because they enjoy positive relationships with staff and with each other. Through using a range of art and craft materials, children develop their imagination and creativity thus promoting their sense of achievement and satisfaction. Nursery Education. The quality of teaching and learning is satisfactory. Staff have attended training on

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the Foundation Stage and competently put this into practice. They show knowledge of the curriculum by providing a range of activities and experiences to cover all areas of children's learning. Children enjoy spontaneously mark-making using a variety of materials and learn to recognise their names through familiar daily activities, such as selecting their name card on entry. They show interest in numbers through daily routines, such as counting children and use number names and language through puzzles and displays. Staff support children's learning through promoting their understanding of size language, for example, discussing big and small in the sand play. Their knowledge and understanding of the world is encouraged through interesting and practical activities, such as planting seeds and making a wormery which engages children's curiosity and enthusiasm. Children develop good control and coordination over their bodies through running, climbing and balancing activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

both indoors and out and are able to focus on activities requiring hand-eye coordination, such as cutting out and threading. Detailed planning and assessment systems are in place enabling staff to obtain information regarding what children can do when they begin to attend the group. Parents are involved in establishing children's stage of development, although their ongoing involvement in their child's learning and progress in limited. Observations of what children can do are used to plan the next steps for children's learning, however, not all staff are confident in implementing this system fully with their key children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for by staff who work with parents to meet the individual needs of children, for example, through the use of signed consent forms. Children feel a sense of belonging because they enjoy positive relationships with staff and friendships with each other. They begin to develop an awareness of their own needs and those of others through encouragement to share and take turns. Children become aware of the wider world through play resources reflecting positive images of colour and culture. There are effective arrangements in place to care for children with special educational needs. Children's welfare is protected through the staff knowing what to do in the event of identifying a child with special needs. Children behave well; they

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 understand right from wrong through clear boundaries and explanations. Partnership with parents is satisfactory. Children benefit from effective information sharing with parents through daily chats, leaflets and detailed notice-boards. Information is displayed regarding the Foundation Stage curriculum. The setting fosters children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are protected through effective recruitment and vetting procedures. Children are cared for by staff with some knowledge and understanding of child development. However, half of the staff are not qualified and the leader does not hold an appropriate qualification. This is a breach of regulations. Adult-child ratios are maintained to support children's play and keep them safe. The playgroup is organised to provide sufficient staff to cover for staff absences. Good deployment of staff contribute to children's enjoyment and achievement. Effective organisation of play-areas and resources allow children to be independent and confident learners. Well organised documentation contribute to the safe and efficient management of the provision. Children benefit from staff's commitment to broadening their knowledge and skills in childcare practices through further training.

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Organisation

The leadership and management of the nursery education is satisfactory. Staff have attended Foundation Stage training and are involved in planning for the curriculum to help children to develop in all areas. The provision is managed and monitored through weekly team meetings and completion of Foundation Stage evaluation checklists to identify weaknesses and bring about improvements in children's learning. The leader motivates staff through showing commitment to delivering the Foundation Stage by introducing practical ideas into the curriculum and monitoring and evaluating staff performance through providing support and training. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure that policies for sick child, child lost or not collected, complaints procedure and child protection policy were implemented. The provision was required to implement a key-worker system and named deputy. Staff's details were required to be kept on the premises and a visitors book used. Furthermore, a system was required which enabled children to access the toilets safely. All required policies and procedures are now in place and implemented. A key-worker system is in place which meets children's individual needs. A named deputy is available to take charge in the absence of the leader and staff's details are kept on the premises. Children are closely supervised when visiting the toilets and a visitors book is in place and used. These improvements further enhance the care and safety of children attending the setting.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are satisfactory.

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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 water is available at all times to maintain children's good health • ensure half the staff are qualified and the person in charge has appropriate qualification • send in action plan (with timescales) outlining how half the staff will be qualified and the person in charge obtain an appropriate qualification

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure staff implement the system for observing and recording what children do and use to plan the next steps in their learning • ensure parents are informed and involved in children's progress and learning

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 nursery education

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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