Beechwood Playscheme

Beechwood Playscheme

Inspection report for early years provision

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Beechwood Playscheme

Unique Reference Number 306345 Inspection date 21 April 2006 Inspector June Cotton

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Beechwood Playscheme

Setting Address Fifth Avenue, Prenton, Merseyside, CH43 9LB

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E-mail

Registered person Wirral Borough Council Type of inspection Childcare Type of 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 satisfactory. 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 Open Access Playscheme is operated by the Department of Education and Cultural Services. The playscheme is based in Beechwood Play and Community Centre, of which they have the sole use. The facilities comprise of the large hall, adjacent side room, and sports hall. The lounge is available for specific activities. There is an enclosed outside play area at the back of the building. The group also have the use of toilet facilities, an office, and a kitchen. The playscheme is open term time, Tuesday to Friday 15.30 to 17.30 and Saturday 09.30 to 12.15 and 14.00. to 16.30. During the school holidays the service is open

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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 Monday to Friday 09.30 to 12.15 and 14.00 to 16.30. A maximum of 26 children aged between 5 and 8 years can attend the playscheme at any one time. Older children are included on the register. There are currently 20 children aged from 5 to under 8 years on roll. The playscheme currently supports a number of children with special educational needs, and also supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language. The Playscheme employs four staff. One member of staff is working towards a relevant playwork qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children demonstrate an understanding of the importance of following good hygiene and health routines as they independently manage their own personal care. A sick child procedure is in place where parents will be contacted to take their children home. Children usually enjoy participating in a range of indoor physical activities such as football, basketball and jumping on the trampoline, although these are limited at present due to the hall being shut, awaiting repairs. Individual children gain confidence and test their coordination and organisational skills in team games or small group activities, such as skipping and hop scotch. The outside play area has a range of play apparatus and is enjoyed by the children in fine weather. Children understand the importance of having regular drinks to stay healthy as they purchase drinks throughout the session. They can also request water to drink,

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Helping children to be healthy

however, fresh drinking water is not readily available for children to access themselves. Most staff have up to date first aid training, thus ensuring that the correct procedures are followed to keep the children healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe with activities which are appropriately supervised by staff. They feel welcome and comfortable in the safe premises with their art work displayed on the walls. There is adequate space for children to move freely and confidently within the large hall, sports hall and quiet room, however, on the day of inspection due to a shortage of staff the quiet room is out of use and the sports hall is closed awaiting repair. The children can choose from a range of basic resources and equipment which are easily accessed or available from staff members. Children's welfare is safeguarded as one member of staff attended training on child protection issues and is aware of the procedures to follow if they have a concern. However, the senior playworker has not had any up to date training. The children gain an understanding of the emergency escape procedures as they have the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

opportunity to practise fire drills. Their well being is protected with daily risk assessments and the staff's knowledge and understanding of health and safety

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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 policies and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a balance of activities which are well supported and supervised by staff. Staff play with the children and help to create a happy and settled atmosphere. Children generally behave well in the group setting and are co-operative with staff and each other. They are happy and confident and enjoy being together in the relaxed and friendly environment. Children relate well to staff and each other and develop a strong sense of belonging as their achievements are valued. They are well supported by staff who skilfully adapt activities or introduce new ideas to involve children across the age range. Children confidently accept challenges and persevere with good levels of concentration when making patterns with Hama Beads and framed pictures. Although play equipment is limited, staff are resourceful in ensuring that the children are well occupied. Adults and children communicate effectively and take time to listen and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

respond to each other in informal chats. Children's individual interests and preferences are recognised and provided for in energetic physical play, such as table tennis or quiet, relaxing games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are aware that certain rules are required to maintain a safe and fair environment where they play happily together and have fun. A fully inclusive environment enables children across the age range to be actively and confidently involved in all areas. Self-esteem and confidence is developed in a positive approach where staff and children offer each other regular praise, value kind actions, and celebrate success. Children play cooperatively and learn to negotiate successfully in a game of table tennis or snooker. Children learn about other cultures through activities, discussion and celebration of different cultural festivals. Parents' written information does not include a complaints procedure which includes a reference to the regulator. A system to maintain a log of complaints which will be shared with parents has not yet been devised. The scheme obtains relevant

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Helping children make a positive contribution

information on the children from parents so staff have emergency contact numbers and they hold information about possible allergies which the children may have. Informal chats, welcome leaflets, and notices promote an effective partnership between staff and some parents to support children in the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children usually have the use of a hall, quiet room, sports hall and outside play area

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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 for their activities, providing an environment where they have fun. Staff work well together to promote the children's welfare and enjoyment. A record is kept of children's attendance and procedures are in place to identify children under 8. Children benefit from good levels of support and supervision which enables them to feel secure within the setting. Staff are very experienced and have had some playwork training but only one has a relevant playwork qualification. The required documents are in place and they are securely stored. However, the staff register and visitor book are not available. Children are well supervised with a good ratio of staff to children. The staff are aware of when to stand back and allow children's play to develop independently and when to become involved and offer new opportunities and maintain children's interest and

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Organisation

enthusiasm. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Some recommendations were made at the last inspection regarding policies, procedures and safety. A verbal policy is in place regarding the exclusion of children who are sick; a complaints procedure is in place but it is the general council policy and not specific to the centre; an induction programme is available for new staff and volunteers; staff discuss the behaviour policy and it is displayed in the entrance hall; parents do not always sign the accident book due to the nature of the Open Access scheme; there are now no obvious hazards in areas that children presently use.

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

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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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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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 • develop staff's further knowledge of child protection in order to gain confidence in this area. • find ways for children to have free access to fresh drinking water • inform parents about the complaints procedure which includes the telephone number of the regulator. Devise a system to maintain a log of complaints which will be shared with parents • improve record keeping by making sure that all records are in place and available for inspection to further ensure that the children are protected

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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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