Grove Hill PlaygroupOfsted inspection, 26 Apr 2006

Grove Hill Playgroup

Inspection report for early years provision

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Grove Hill Playgroup

Unique Reference Number 508458 Inspection date 26 April 2006 Inspector Josephine Ann Northend

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Grove Hill Playgroup

Setting Address Community Centre, Bishopton Road, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS4 2RP Telephone number 01642 816384 E-mail julie_grovehill_ycc@yahoo.com Registered person (Proprietor) Grove Hill Youth and Community Mana Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Sessional care

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Grove Hill Playgroup

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?

Grove Hill Playgroup was registered 1992, and previous to this care has been offered at the setting for 30 years. The facility is registered at Grove Hill Youth and Community Centre, close to the local primary school, shops and other amenities. The playgroup is registered to care for 26 children between the ages of 2- and 5-years-old. There are currently 35 children on roll. Children from the local community attend. The playgroup operates 2 sessions each day with the exception of Friday, when the facility only operates in the morning.

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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 Work is currently being completed on an outdoor area for the playgroup, to be accessed directly from the childcare room. Children also have use of the sports hall within the building and undertake outings within the local community. Four members of staff are employed at the setting, all have a childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health within the setting is supported appropriately by staff who have good knowledge of the health and hygiene procedures in place. Children learn about good hygiene practices through daily routine and activities. There are procedures in place for the recording of medication administered to children, however, the playgroup does not normally administer medication. Children enjoy physical activity. They have opportunities to be involved in regular physical play and exercise in the large sports hall. There is a good range of equipment available to encourage their physical development. Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet to encourage healthy eating habits. Staff take account of any special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy. Regular drinks are offered as part of playgroup routine, however, children do not have independent access to fresh drinking water through out the session. This

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Helping children to be healthy

means children who do not request extra drinks remain thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. Furniture and resources are well presented to allow children safe and easy access to them. The environment is safe and secure, and good steps have been taken to protect children when they play, for example, risk assessments are undertaken regularly and action taken to minimise identified risks. Equipment is stored well, children are fully aware of what is available and a good range is set out to allow children to make choices for themselves and direct their own play. A good range of toys is available, suitable for the ages of children attending and in sufficient quantities to ensure children enjoy a wide range of activities to promote all areas of development. Children are well protected. The leader and staff have a clear understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a child protection concern. Required procedures

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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 The provision is good. Children are enthusiastic and confident within the setting's relaxed environment and they enjoy their time at the playgroup. There is a good range of resources, which are used well and are of interest to the children. The children independently choose their activities from the range set out prior to their arrival. The good relationships evident between children and staff help the children develop a strong sense of self. Communication skills with children are well supported through good adult-child interactions. Staff are involved in the children's activities, listening and talking to them while offering good support. Consistent support and meaningful praise encourages children to become increasingly independent, to learn what they can do and know when to ask for help, for example, when doing jigsaws and using

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy good relationships with staff and are developing good relationships with each other. They are happy and relaxed within the environment. Children develop self-esteem and confidence as they freely make choices and decisions. Children access a varied range of activities and resources, which increase their awareness of diversity. Children are well behaved. They are given clear boundaries for behaviour and staff use their experience well to provide a positive, calm atmosphere in which children can feel relaxed and secure. Children know what is expected of them and respond well to staff. There are clear systems in place to support children with special needs. Partnership with parents is good. Parents' knowledge of their child's needs and interests are actively sought before the placement commences. Information is displayed for parents' attention and they receive a playgroup leaflet. Parents are kept

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Helping children make a positive contribution

verbally informed about their child's day and activities. This ensures children's individual needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The registered person uses effective recruitment procedures to ensure that staff are appropriately vetted and qualified. Regular staff meetings promote good team work and adult-child ratios are above the minimum recommended. The good organisation of time means children receive one-to-one attention and their individual needs are met. Records, policies and procedures support good practice, safeguarding children's welfare and ensuring parents are well informed of their children's progress. Documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the provision is in place, however, the complaints policy does not reflect recent changes to Ofsted's

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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 address and telephone number. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to ensure there are more regular opportunities available for children to develop large physical skills. An outdoor play area is now almost complete. It will be accessed directly from the childcare room and used each day, weather permitting. The playgroup also has use of the large sports hall within the centre. The use is planned once a week, however, the playgroup also use it at other times. Children now have access to a good range of equipment that supports their physical development.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no 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.

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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): • update the complaints policy to include Ofsted's change of address and telephone number • ensure fresh drinking water is available to children at all times.

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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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