Batley Road Pre-School

Batley Road Playgroup Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 322045 Inspection date 24/01/2011 Inspector ISP Inspection

p.1

Setting address Phoenix Youth Club, Batley Road, Alverthorpe, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 0AE Telephone number 01924 372108 Email 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.

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the setting

Batley Road Playgroup is managed by a voluntary management committee, made up of parents of children at the playgroup and members of the local community. It was registered in January 1978. The setting may care for no more than 22 children under eight years of whom 22 may be in the early years age range. The setting is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. There are currently 32 children on roll in the early years age range of whom 15 are in receipt of nursery education funding. In addition, the setting offers occasional holiday care for children up to eight years of age.

p.4

Description of the setting

The provision operates from the Phoenix Centre in Alverthorpe, on the outskirts of Wakefield. The provision serves families from the local community and supports children with disabilities. The playgroup is open five days a week, Monday to Friday during term time only. Times of opening are 8.30am to 3.30pm. The playgroup has the use of two large playrooms. There is a large enclosed outdoor play area, however, this is not currently in use. There are six members of staff who work directly with the children, all of whom hold appropriate childcare qualifications. The setting receives support from the local authority. The setting has links with other settings where children also attend and will attend in the future.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The Early Years Foundation Stage is implemented effectively overall, ensuring that children have a variety of child-led and adult-led activities which support their progress well towards the early learning goals. The observations of children are used very well to support their individual learning priorities. Equality and diversity is well supported. Partnerships with parents and with other settings where children attend or may attend in the future are good in supporting children's overall welfare. The monitoring of the provision is effective overall in promoting continuous improvement, therefore, the outcomes for children are good.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 reinstate the systems to obtain parents views on the care and education provided  reinstate the opportunities for children to have daily energetic activities outdoors  consider the use of an intercom and, or bell system on the main entrance door. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The provision operates effectively to safeguard children. All the staff have suitable background checks and demonstrate clear knowledge with regard to keeping children protected. Security of the premises is good overall, although there is no intercom or bell system to alert staff that someone may want to enter the premises or that they have just left. The risk assessments in place are effective in reducing risks to children. Systems in place to support children's learning progress are good overall, including the arrangement of resources and the use of space in the environment. However, temporarily the outdoor area is not in use due to alterations to the building. This currently limits children's opportunities for energetic play outdoors. The staff are deployed effectively in the setting ensuring children's individual needs are considered very well. Equality and diversity is supported well by the provisions staff and the resources available to promote the

p.5

the early years provision

wider world and different lifestyles are prominently arranged to support children's learning.

p.5

the early years provision

There are effective working relationships with the parents overall. For example, regular information is shared with regard to the type of activities the children do on a daily basis and what is planned to help individual children progress. Parents are encouraged to contribute to the children's development profiles to support their learning progress and there are a detailed range of policies and procedures to demonstrate how the provision operates. The information gathered from parents as part of the inspection process is positive, with regard to the care and development of their children while at the setting. However, the provision does not currently have an active system in place to obtain parents views on the care and education provided to further extend children's overall development. The partnerships made with other provisions where children also attend work well in sharing information and supporting children's transition to these provisions.

p.5

the early years provision

The monitoring systems for the provision are good overall in identifying its strengths and aspects which are to be developed. This helps the provisions management and staff plan to make on-going improvements for the future, to support the children's well-being and learning progress effectively. The recommendation raised from the last inspection has been put into place to support children, for example, the confidentiality policy has been effectively updated. The provision has had difficulties with their premises since the last inspection, causing the provision to move premises at one time. The provision has now returned to their original building, but they have moved into two different rooms, which means that there is now additional space for activities and for children to work in groups if required, which is an improvement. In addition, despite the difficulties with the premises the provision has successfully implemented the Early Years Foundation

p.5

the early years provision

Stage Welfare and learning and development requirements overall. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children's individual progress is often good and is excellent in some areas according to their individual capabilities and starting points. For example, very young children show great confidence and often instigate their own play. In addition, some children demonstrate very good knowledge about colours and shape. The staff are knowledgeable about the children's individual needs which ensures that a good range of activities are planned for children. For example, children are starting to recognise the sounds of letters through a fun group activity. They explore shape frequently and make patterns. Children express themselves freely as they explore the environment. They often make marks with paint and explore different textures and materials, which they can freely access. Through a planned activity the children are learning about polar bears and they learn about the life cycle of a chicken. Children act happily and they behave well.

p.6

and outcomes for children

They receive praise for achieving in tasks, such as singing songs. This supports children's emotional well-being well. Children are developing their fine physical skills effectively as they use a needle and thread. They experience communication technology as they competently operate telephone dials and key boards. Children enjoy using the play dough and create different shapes using a variety of tools, such as play dough cutters and knives.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The systems for observing and assessing children work effectively to support children's progression towards the early learning goals. For example, activities are planned to help children become involved with other children through group activities, aiding their social skills and increasing their friendships. Plans are in place to extend children's mark making skills and hand and eye-co-ordination. There are also many other plans in place to support children, such as extending their creative and skills for solving problems. The written records kept are clear and informative regarding how children progress and what is planned to help them develop further.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are developing an effective understanding about staying healthy. For example, many of the children know why they need to wash their hands and they frequently do so with support from staff. They have a choice of fruit at snack time to keep them healthy. Children drink water or milk with their snack and can independently access water throughout the session. There is good photographic evidence to demonstrate children being active. For example, children dig in soil and plant seeds. Children can use the large hall for physical play, such as games. However, they can not currently play in the outdoor area to receive fresh air and exercise outdoors as the area is not suitable for use at the moment, but this should only be a temporary problem.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a hygienic environment, where they explore good quality resources and stay safe effectively. Children respond well to adults. For example, they answer questions and join in activities when asked. Children are starting to learn the importance of safety through practising the fire evacuation procedure, and they handle resources suitably in the provision. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are learning about diverse communities and the wider world well overall. There is a selection of resources available to promote positive messages to all children and to help children learn to value differences. For example, there are a range of pictures through out the environment on walls and in books reflecting cultural differences and disability. Children can use a good selection of diverse dolls and they celebrate various festivals, such as the Chinese New Year.

p.6

and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.8

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 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

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.8

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 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

p.8

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9