Bright Sparks Children's Centre LTD

Bright Sparks @ Efford Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY411404 Inspection date 30/11/2010 Inspector Sara Frost

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Setting address The Jeremiah Centre, 71 Stott Close, PLYMOUTH, Devon, PL3 6HA Telephone number 01752 294 029 Email brightsparks@live.co.uk Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

Bright Sparks@Efford was originally registered in 2004 and moved to its current premises at The Jeremiah Centre in June 2010. The setting is managed by an individual private limited company. It is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for up to 48 children, of whom 48 may be in the early years age range and of whom eight may be aged under two. There are currently 31 children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age range. Children have the sole use of the church hall, meeting room, conservatory, side garden and associated facilities. The setting opens five days a week and is closed on Bank Holidays and for one week at Christmas. Care is offered from 8am to 5.30pm on weekdays for children from birth to the age of 11 years and 11 months, although there are no children who currently attend for out of school care. The managing director has a level three childcare qualification. She

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Description of the setting

employs a manager who holds an NNEB and Certificate in Early Years Practice, one member of staff who has qualified teacher status, two additional staff with level three childcare qualifications and another member of staff working towards a level two qualification.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are clearly happy and content as they adapt and settle well to any changes in their normal routine. They are keen to be actively engaged with the activities provided and are supported effectively by staff ensuring that they make good progress in their learning and development. Staff are currently developing their systems of recording to further enhance children's individual learning. Reflection processes have recently begun incorporating views from all staff, plans for the future have been indentified to bring about further improvement for those who use the nursery.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop systems to liaise with other providers delivering the EYFS for children to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care  ensure all risk assessments are fully documented  maintain consistency in assessment records to show identified targets for all children and fully share with parents  build on system to show and aid reflection with regards to own practice This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Systems are in place to ensure children are safeguarded as all staff are aware of possible signs and symptoms of abuse. The settings safeguarding policy has recently been updated and includes processes to follow in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff. Visitors are met at the entrance, identification checked prior to allowing entry and a signing in process is in place. Effective systems are in place to ensure that all persons residing or working at the setting are appropriately vetted further systems are in place to ensure staff are suitably qualified. All staff receive appraisals which ensure that any future training needs are identified and courses applied for. The staffing team support children effectively as they move freely around, maintaining children's safety at all times. Currently all policies and procedures are being up dated. Risk assessments are conducted, most are clearly documented; however staff were unable to locate a

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the early years provision

written risk assessment for one regular outing but were able to confidently talk through practise.

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the early years provision

The contingency plan of using the smaller room for all children today due to the extreme cold weather resulted in inconsistent organisation of toys and resources. Children's independence to freely select toys and activities was limited. However, the environment was welcoming and inclusive for all children. The low attendance ensured children's safety was not compromised and the deployment of staff still enabled all children to be fully supported in their play and learning.

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the early years provision

Staff meetings are used to discuss current and future plans. Management have yet to formally develop processes to evaluate their practice continually although they have identified plans for the future development of the setting, such as; developing the outdoor play area and joining the Bristol Quality Assurance Scheme. Good partnerships have been established and parents clearly appreciate key worker staff making time to talk to them about their child's progress. However, the forging of links with other Early Years settings has yet to be established.

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and outcomes for children

Systems are in place to ensure children are safeguarded as all staff are aware of possible signs and symptoms of abuse. The settings safeguarding policy has recently been updated and includes processes to follow in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff. Visitors are met at the entrance, identification checked prior to allowing entry and a signing in process is in place. Effective systems are in place to ensure that all persons residing or working at the setting are appropriately vetted further systems are in place to ensure staff are suitably qualified. All staff receive appraisals which ensure that any future training needs are identified and courses applied for. The staffing team support children effectively as they move freely around, maintaining children's safety at all times. Currently all policies and procedures are being updated. Risk assessments are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

conducted, most are clearly documented; however, staff were unable to locate a written risk assessment for one regular outing but were able to confidently talk through practise.

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and outcomes for children

The contingency plan of using the smaller room for all children today due to the extreme cold weather resulted in inconsistent organisation of toys and resources. Children's independence to freely select toys and activities was limited. However, the environment was welcoming and inclusive for all children. The low attendance ensured children's safety was not compromised and the deployment of staff still enabled all children to be fully supported in their play and learning.

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and outcomes for children

Staff meetings are used to discuss current and future plans. Management have yet to formally develop processes to evaluate their practice continually although they have identified plans for the future development of the setting, such as; developing the outdoor play area and joining the Bristol Quality Assurance Scheme. Good partnerships have been established and parents clearly appreciate key worker staff making time to talk to them about their child's progress. However, the forging of links with other Early Years settings has yet to be established. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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