Playdays

Playdays Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY295176 Inspection date 24/03/2011 Inspector Geof Timms

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Setting address Buxton County Infant School, Hardwick Square South, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6QB Telephone number 07976 977 559 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.

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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

Playdays provides after school care in premises on the site of Buxton County Infant School. It was previously registered as Green Lane Nursery until this limited company was formed in August 2004. Children have access to a secure, enclosed outdoor play area. The club operates a breakfast club from 8am to 9am and an after school club from 3pm to 6pm each weekday in term time. In school holidays it operates a holiday activity club from 8am to 6pm from Monday to Friday.

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Description of the setting

The club may care for 50 children aged between three and eight years at any one time. It currently admits children up to the age of 14. There are currently 320 children on roll aged between the ages of four and 14. Of these, sixteen are in the early years age group.

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Description of the setting

The club employs seven staff. Of these, two hold National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) at level 4, three hold NVQs at level 3 and two hold NVQs at level 2. It receives support from the local authority advisory service. It is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

This well established after school and breakfast club has improved considerably since the last inspection. As a result, the club now meets the needs of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage well. The staff provide a good range of enjoyable and interesting activities both indoors and outdoors. The management and staff have completed a detailed and extensive self-evaluation, and this shows how well they demonstrate a strong capacity to continue improving. The staff ensure the club is fully inclusive and all attending have equal access to interesting activities.

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further?

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

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further?

 build closer links with the host school in order to share information about assessments, topics and themes covered to fully complement and support children's progress towards the early learning goals.

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the early years provision

Safeguarding arrangements are good and ensure children are well looked after in a safe and secure environment. The staff have a good knowledge and understanding of policies and procedures and their individual responsibilities. There are detailed registration and medical forms, and opportunities for parents to share their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's needs, interests and likes. All staff have had appropriate and up-to-date child protection training. Staff undergo appropriate vetting and recruitment procedures before commencing their posts. Risk assessments are carried out regularly and maintain children's good levels of safety.

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the early years provision

Staff's engagement with parents is outstanding and a major strength of the club. Parents are well informed about what their children do and those spoken to during the inspection were extremely positive about their child's experiences at the club. They talked about some of the children's favourite activities, such as baking, creative work and seasonal activities. One said the hardest part was getting their child to leave at the end of the day. In particular, parents and carers praise the staff's flexibility. For example, staff take children to other clubs, such as Brownies or ballet classes, and pick them up again afterwards. Staff meet and talk with reception class teachers at the host school and good notes are kept of these meetings. However, staff do not consistently share assessment information and knowledge of the topics children are covering, for the two settings to work more closely and consistently together. Staff have established positive links with other

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the early years provision

settings, to cater for all children's needs.

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the early years provision

Sessions are well organised and ensure children are occupied and safe. Children say they enjoy playing with their friends, especially outside, where they are able to make use of the school's very good facilities. Staff are committed to self-evaluation and take time to discuss and share views on the club's key strengths and areas to develop. They include the views of parents, children and all staff. Staff show enthusiasm for improving the club, and have shown significant improvements since the last inspection. In particular, the recommendations made previously have been tackled effectively.

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and outcomes for children

Children enter the after school club happily, clearly looking forward to their time there. They feel safe at the club and are aware of the procedures to follow in emergency. Fire drills are practised regularly and reviewed by the staff. Children's good physical development is evident because the school allows the club to make use of its wide range of climbing apparatus, playground and grassed areas. In addition, the club is very well resourced with a variety of physical education equipment and games. Children use these and play together happily for extended lengths of time. Scooters are particularly popular; although the children know they must share and politely take turns. Healthy snacks are provided and children understand the reasons why fruit is a good snack option.

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and outcomes for children

Creative activities also have a high priority and children show enthusiasm and pride when making Mothers' Day cards. Since the last inspection a quiet area has been developed in part of the room, which the children make very good use of when they want to relax or sit and read quietly. The club is has a good range of books, arts and crafts materials and construction apparatus. Computer resources have also improved and are very popular. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The key worker system has been implemented very effectively since the last inspection. This supports the children's good personal, social and emotional development. Two staff take on this role, and they have formed excellent relationships with the children. Because of this children, know who to speak to if they are worried or wanting to talk about anything. Learning records are kept and

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and outcomes for children

the key workers note observations and learning moments in these. Behaviour amongst the children is generally good and children make a positive contribution to their community in the way those from different schools play together and support each other. 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 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

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Stage

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

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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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