Happytots

Happy Tots Playgroup Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 219912 Inspection date 12/05/2011 Inspector Susan Marriott

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Setting address 2-4 Blackfriars, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 9PQ

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Telephone number 01933 410700 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. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as

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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

Happy Tots Playgroup was registered in 1999 and is privately owned. The playgroup operates from a converted shop building within the Blackfriars area of Rushden in Northamptonshire. Children come from a wide catchment area and this includes the surrounding villages and towns. All children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. The group has systems in place to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and who speak English as an additional language. On occasions the group can operate in the holidays, when there are staff available.

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Description of the setting

The playgroup is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for 25 children under eight years. Of these, 25 may be in the early years age group and none may be under two years of age. The playgroup is open each weekday from 8.55am to 11.55am and 12pm to 3pm during term time only. There are currently 49 children aged from two to under five years on roll. Of these, 40 receive funding for nursery education. The playgroup employs six staff who work with the children. Of these, all hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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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 is an extremely friendly, well-managed and inclusive playgroup which genuinely strives for improvement. The experienced and long-serving staff team work conscientiously to deliver the essence of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Staff sustain good quality interaction with children to guide learning from child-led play and promote positive attitudes to learning. Children make good progress in their learning and development, and observation and assessment systems track and secure progress. Most aspects of children's welfare are promoted well and there are good partnerships with parents and carers. Competent and capable leadership and effective self-evaluation secure the nursery's good capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the content of the first aid box to meet the needs of the children  extend experiences for boys that build on their interests and value their strengths as active learners and problem solvers. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children feel secure and happy in this positive environment created by staff who hold appropriate levels of qualification and work very well together as a team. Children's welfare is properly promoted as the playgroup has effective safeguarding procedures. Staff attend regular training and review their procedures to ensure that they keep up-to-date with this area of work. Good physical security prevents intruders entering the premises and an efficient record of visitors is kept. Appropriate checks are carried out to ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children and suitable records of checks are now kept on the premises. Regular risk assessments and daily checks are appropriately recorded and ensure that hazards are minimised. Good daily practice, such as ongoing explanations from staff, reinforces children's understanding of safety issues. For example, children are reminded that running around indoors may cause accidents. Fire evacuation

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the early years provision

procedures are practised regularly to ensure all children are involved. However, first aid boxes do not contain enough supplies to enable staff to deal appropriately with a more serious incident.

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the early years provision

Available resources are used well and the staff work hard to create a bright, stimulating indoor environment for children in this playgroup. The owner has secured substantial funding to improve the outdoor area and has created an attractive learning environment which promotes children's progress towards the early learning goals. The doors to the outside area are open throughout most of the session, enabling children to enjoy free-flow access to outdoor play in the fresh air. The area is very well-resourced, with a climbing frame and many other toys and equipment, such as chalks for mark making, a playhouse for role play and sand for exploration, are also set out.

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the early years provision

Staff update their knowledge on a regular basis and keenly implement any suggestions for improvement which they believe to have a positive influence on the outcomes for children. They work collaboratively with the advisory services and openly welcome their input and support. Staff hold appropriate levels of qualification and work extremely well as a team, helping to create a positive environment where children feel secure and happy. Staff have a clear understanding of anti-discrimination, enabling them to implement appropriate policies and provide a service which is inclusive for all children and their families. They work with parents and carers to ensure that they understand each child's individual needs, background and culture and are therefore able to meet their needs and promote children's awareness of individuality.

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the early years provision

The playgroup makes every effort to work in partnership with others to secure smooth transitions and continuity of care for children. The staff are alert to the early signs of needs of the children that could lead to later difficulties. They respond quickly and appropriately, involving other agencies as necessary. The children receive appropriate, sensitive and caring support through individual education plans with clear targets and regular reviews. The playgroup liaises with the local school and many parents are attending a course on managing children's challenging behaviour. Parents receive thorough information about the setting and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their children's progress, for example, through newsletters and daily talks with staff.

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and outcomes for children

Children experience an enjoyable programme of learning and development at the setting. They are very well-supported by the friendly and caring staff who work hard to meet their individual needs and go about their work in an extremely calm and purposeful manner. Staff develop positive relationships with parents and children, observing children and getting to know them really well as individuals. They tune into children's interests and thoughts, tapping into what they know and are interested in, enabling them to respect and stimulate the children's learning effectively.

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and outcomes for children

Children's enjoyment is enhanced and their learning effectively extended because staff join in appropriately with their play and discussions. Children are praised for their achievements and staff encourage independence. Staff speak clearly and calmly at all times, asking open questions and continually extending children's understanding. As children sit down in the garden to enjoy a group story, they comment that the sun has just come out. Staff ask where the sun has been and ascertain that children know that the sun was behind the clouds. Staff ask what moved the cloud and some children demonstrate their knowledge that the wind blew the cloud across the sky. A child comments that the sun makes us hot and another that the snow makes us cold. Staff make the most of the opportunity to talk about safety and the use of sun cream to prevent sunburn.

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and outcomes for children

Staff include teaching about colours and counting in their commentary, so that children learn effectively through play-based activities. Group activities and songs contribute significantly to the quality of the playgroup. Planning shows that a specific book has been chosen to focus children's discussion and learning related to colour, numbers and shapes. Staff ask interesting questions, such as 'how many builders are asleep or awake?' and 'what is an architect?'. The discussion explores mathematical language such as the shape of the door in the building and whether the wall is too high or the roof is too low.

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and outcomes for children

The learning environment promotes children's progression towards the early learning goals. Play and exploration are generally planned and purposeful and take place both indoors and outdoors, with a balance of adult-led and child-led activities. The space inside the premises is bright and thoughtfully set out, with distinct play areas which reflect the six areas of learning. The outside play area is used regularly to provide additional play opportunities across all areas of learning for the children. Children have the opportunity to plant and grow potatoes in pots and strawberries in the raised beds. Nevertheless, space limits the opportunities for adventurous play and the owner acknowledges that there is further scope for extending experiences for boys that build on their interests and value their strengths as active learners and problem solvers.

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and outcomes for children

Staff clearly spend a lot of time and effort completing detailed planning sheets, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and identified learning intentions are suitably matched to the criteria in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Information is gathered on entry to provide staff with a good quality baseline from which to measure children's progress. The children's learning journey books contain delightful photographs and comments about their learning for parents to read. The information is in a format which clearly shows the progress made during the children's time at the playgroup.

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and outcomes for children

Children's self-esteem is promoted as they are offered opportunities to talk about themselves, their families and recent experiences. Children's behaviour is managed well and in a manner appropriate for their stage of development and particular individual needs. Children learn about the relevance of healthy lifestyles and develop skills for the future as they become independent, share ideas and work together. For example, staff encourage children to try to fasten their own coats rather than doing the task for them. 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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