Asha Preschool

Asha Creche

Inspection report for early years provision

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Asha Creche

Unique Reference Number 512696 Inspection date 05 September 2006 Inspector Margaret Shelborn

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Asha Creche

Setting Address 43 Stratford Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 6JG

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E-mail

Registered person Asha Neighbourhood Project Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Sessional care, Crèche

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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?

Asha Crèche registered in 2000. It is situated in the Beeston area of Leeds. It is part of the neighbourhood community centre, which provides opportunities for women to access courses. The crèche operates from two adjoining ground floor rooms within two converted terraced houses. A maximum of 10 children may attend the crèche at any one time. The crèche is open daily from 09.30 to 12.30 and again from 13.00 to 16.00. There are currently 24 children up to the age of four years on roll. Systems are in place to support children who speak English as an additional language.

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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 The crèche employs two staff to work with the children; both have an early years qualification. In addition, sessional workers are employed to assist when maximum numbers are reached. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and is partners with the Sure Start programme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to play and learn in a clean, welcoming environment. Most of the time hand washing routines are in place. Children wash their hands after visits to the toilet and after messy play. However, hands are not always washed before snack time. Children are offered a drink and a snack during the short time they are cared for. However, there is not always a snack available; staff had not purchased any fruit so children attending the afternoon session were only offered a drink. Staff recognise the signs of tiredness in babies and young children and provide appropriate opportunities for sleep or rest in line with parents' wishes. Children are made comfortable on large cushions in a quiet area. Weather permitting children are taken to the local park where they have space to run around and can access larger equipment, such as a climbing frame and slide. Written policies are in place regarding sickness, accidents and administration of

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Helping children to be healthy

medicines. These are fully implemented and shared with parents in writing and verbally. There are three members of staff, plus office staff working in the building, who have a valid first aid certificate and there is a suitably stocked first aid kit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Staff organise space effectively. Activities are organised so children are able to freely and independently move around the welcoming crèche rooms. Staff take positive steps to identify and minimise risks to children. Daily risk assessments are carried out to ensure equipment is safe and suitable. The crèche door is kept locked; parents have to knock to enter. Staff are aware of their responsibilities and there are acceptable systems in place for registration and keeping children safe. Some children are a little unsettled as it is the beginning of a new term. Staff work closely with parents and children to comfort them. Children who have been attending for some time are happy and confident within the environment. They freely choose toys and play recourses from a varied, age-appropriate selection. Children are under direct supervision at all times. Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. Staff have a good

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of the procedure to follow with any concerns. They are fully aware of

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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 types of abuse and signs to look for. All staff have attended relevant child protection training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Staff have good relationships with the children and they have a sound understanding of children's individual needs. Children have free access to a suitable range of equipment and activities which support their development and independence. Appropriate interaction with the children enables the staff to challenge and extend the children's knowledge within their play. For example, through imaginary play children set the table with cutlery, placing different fruits and imaginary buns on plates, and make imaginary phone calls. Staff interact in the children's own language asking what fruit it is and becoming involved in the imaginary phone calls. All the children attending the crèche have English as their second language. Staff use the 'Birth to three matters' outcomes to record children's development in individual profiles and these are shared with parents. Activities are planned,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

evaluated and assessed to ensure the children's needs are being met. Imaginative artwork is produced and some is proudly displayed on the walls. However, staff do not always make all the resources available to all the children. The role play equipment and creative and messy activities, such as sand, water and collage, are not offered to the children who are upset during a session.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children behave well and their behaviour is managed effectively by the staff who offer clear guidance, support and encouragement. Children with special educational needs or disabilities are welcome to attend, with staff willing to obtain advice from other professionals when needed. Children are learning about other cultures through a range of resources, books and activities, and they celebrate festivals and customs. Staff have good relationships with the parents, who value the care and support their children receive. All are greeted on arrival, and staff soon get to know the children and their families well. Registration forms are completed with the necessary detail; any special requirements are noted and respected whether for medical or religious reasons. Parents have details of the complaints procedure and feel able to raise concerns directly with the staff. Communication with parents is well established and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

most of the staff can speak Pakistani and Bangladeshi.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children participate in a range of activities that are organised to sustain their interest. Children benefit from staff who are familiar with their cultures and beliefs. Ratios are

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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 well maintained. Staff are appropriately vetted and qualified. They ensure the conditions of registration are respected and the children are well supervised. They also undertake ongoing training to further improve their practice. Staff work very well together as a team. The premises and resources are suitable for the children, with activity areas safe and child friendly. Records, policies and procedures support good practice, safeguarding children's welfare and ensuring parents are informed of their children's progress. However, policies and procedures at the present time are all written in English. 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

Since the last inspection: a system is in place to record any incident of physical restraint or significant behaviour; a system is in place to ensure staff know who they are admitting to the crèche; parents have to knock on the crèche door and from a fenced off area parents can be seen; there is a written procedure in place for all outings; all visitors are asked to sign the visitors' book on entering and leaving the premises; staff have obtained a copy of the 'Special Educational Needs: Code of Practice'; and a written request from parents for the seeking of emergency advice and treatment is in place for every child who attends the crèche.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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 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 • ensure staff are informed and aware of the importance of good hygiene practices at all times • ensure all children are offered access to all the resources in particular messy and creative activities.

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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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