Hazel Grove Methodist Playgroup

Hazel Grove Methodist Playgroup

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Hazel Grove Methodist Playgroup

Unique Reference Number EY315285 Inspection date 08 March 2006 Inspector Zoe Smith

p.1

Hazel Grove Methodist Playgroup

Setting Address Wesley Street, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 4JQ

p.1

E-mail

Registered person Patricia Ann Clayton Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Sessional care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Hazel Grove Methodist Playgroup has been open and registered since 1990; the current owner has been registered since 2005. It operates from Hazel Grove Methodist Church which is located near the centre of Hazel Grove in Stockport. The group is open each weekday from 09.15 to 11.45 during school term-times. Rooms used comprise of one large playroom which has nearby toilet and kitchen facilities. The group is registered to care for 26 children and there are currently 46 on roll. The setting welcomes and can support children with special needs and those who speak English as an additional language.

p.2

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 is a team of four staff who regularly work with the children and several part-time staff who assist when needed. The registered person is also the manager she holds an appropriate early year’s qualification and two members of staff are working towards achieving a recognised qualification. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy participating in a wide range of physical play activities, such as climbing on the climbing frame, riding bicycles and completing obstacle courses. They are developing good control and coordination over their bodies. Children exert lots of energy as they enthusiastically bounce on the space hoppers, ride bicycles and pedal wheeled toys. Regular physical play activities and exercise is helping children to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The premises are warm and clean. Good hygiene practices and routines are implemented by staff. Children are starting to learn about the importance of good hygiene and cleanliness. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. The benefits of good hygiene practices are reinforced through discussions. Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. This encourages them to choose healthy options. Dietary requirements are discussed

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

and agreed with parents. Children’s preferences are appropriately catered for. They receive drinks and food in sufficient quantities to meet their needs. Fresh drinking water is readily available to quench their thirst during a session. Activities, discussions and stories are used to positively reinforce the importance of healthy eating. For example, children help to prepare a fresh fruit salad and then take it home to eat with their family.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and well maintained environment. Examples of their creativity and art work are displayed on the wall. This creates a stimulating, welcoming and child friendly environment. Potential risks have been identified and effective safety precautions put in place to minimise them. Regular fire drills take place to ensure staff and children are well practiced and proficient in evacuation procedures. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe through activities and practice. They adhere to simple rules and routines that safeguard them, for example, helping tidy up. The crossing patrol person regularly visits the setting to talk to and show children how to cross the road safely. Children are able to participate freely and independently in a wide range of play

p.3

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 activities that provide challenging expectations. Consistent boundaries ensure children have a balance between having freedom and safe limits. They choose what to play with from safe, good quality resources which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Vigilant supervision by staff ensures children are well protected and kept safe at all times. Priority is given to the children’s protection and well-being. Staff have a sound understanding of child protection procedures and their responsibility to implement them should concerns arise.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the group in the friendly and busy environment. They have lots of fun and enjoyment as they play and learn. Children are beginning to form early friendships and enjoy being with each other. They confidently choose what to play with from the wide variety of good quality resources which appeal to all. A session is planned to provide a well balanced range of activities to stimulate the children's interest and development. Children are making progress in all areas of development because staff are aware of and use early years guidance, such as the Birth to three matters framework to plan activities. Attending to their own personal care is helping children to become increasingly independent. However, snacks are served and cleared away by staff. This results in missed opportunities for children to practice and develop their independence and self help skills. All children spend their time purposefully. They become engrossed in and

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

particularly enjoy imaginative play. For example, dressing up and then taking the dolls and teddies for walks, and making drinks and snacks in the play house. Children are making good progress in communicating and developing language skills. They love to sit and look at books in the book area, listen intently to and enthusiastically join in stories, rhymes and singing. Children link words with actions, they recall events, talk freely and confidently to the staff. They recognise and name colours and are becoming increasingly competent at counting. There are plenty of opportunities for children to freely express themselves and develop their creativity. They eagerly use a wide range of sensory materials, such as sand, dough, glue and paint. Children love to paint, enjoying the feel and texture of the paint as they carefully use a brush to paint their hands, and then squelch it through their fingers before making a print of their hands on the paper. They design

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and make interesting models of toys and vehicles using boxes and cartons, skilfully using a variety of creative materials and tools. Children enjoy the challenge of completing jigsaw and inset puzzles. They think about and consider where a piece fits and then carefully manipulate it into place.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a good range of resources that provide positive images of gender, culture and disability, including books, jigsaws and imaginative toys. They

p.4

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 regularly participate in activities that help them learn about their own and the religious and cultural beliefs of others. At Chinese New Year they discussed that it was the year of the dog and made a large dragon and pictures of dogs. This is helping children to find out about the wider world they live in, be respectful of and understand others. All children are welcomed at the group and their individual needs appropriately met. Staff skilfully support children to share and take turns. Children know the boundaries that are in place and adhere to them. They respond to meaningful praise from staff and behave well. Children play happily alongside and with each other. Stories and discussions are used to positively reinforce what is right and what is wrong. The group has an effective partnership with parents. Parents are greeted in a

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

friendly, warm and welcoming manner. Positive steps are taken to ensure that they are kept informed about all relevant policies and procedures. Regular discussions and a record of children's work keeps parents up-to-date about their child's day, progress and any issues. The views of parents are actively sought and their suggestions implemented wherever possible.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and thoroughly enjoy attending the group. The environment is stimulating and well organised with different types of play and activity areas. Children receive lots of support, encouragement and attention from staff. This promotes their confidence, so they eagerly explore their surroundings and enthusiastically join in activities. Staff benefit from regular attendance on short training courses and those leading to recognised childcare qualifications. This is enabling them to continually develop their childcare skills and enhance the service provided. All records and documentation are in place and contain sufficient detail. Policies and procedures are used to inform and underpin staff practice. Appropriate systems are in place to recruit and check the suitability of staff. Children are cared for in a safe environment, where they are making progress in all areas of development. Overall the setting meets the

p.5

Organisation

needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of all complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

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 On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.6

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): • provide opportunities for children to develop their independence and self help skills at snack times.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6