Early Childhood Playbus

Early Childhood Playbus Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY286969 Inspection date 23/03/2012 Inspector Veronica Sharpe

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Setting address Early Childhood Playbus Grange Farm, Newmarket Road, Heydon, ROYSTON, Hertfordshire, SG8 7PR Telephone number 01727 766707 or 07719681124 Email Type of setting Childcare - Non-Domestic 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

There were no children on roll when this inspection took place. The findings in this report are based on evidence gathered from discussions with those who care for the children and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation. Where there are no children on roll, no judgement is made on the quality of the early years provision as there is no reliable evidence on which to assess its impact on children. The report states if the provider continues to meet the requirements of registration.

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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

The Early Childhood Playbus registered in 2004 and operates as a mobile childcare facility providing early years education, creche facilities and other family services in both urban and rural areas. The service predominantly operates in the counties of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, but is able to offer services in other areas of the region.

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Description of the setting

The playbus is a double-decker and operates over both levels. It includes children's play areas, toilet and baby changing and kitchenette. Barriers are available to provide secure outside play space. The playbus is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to accept a maximum of 12 children under eight, of these, seven can be under two. If no children under two years are present this may be increased to 16 places. The playbus also caters for older children.

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Description of the setting

The playbus can offer care seven days a week all year round, session times vary according to individual need. The Playbus is also available for private hire as a fully staffed facility. There are currently four members of staff employed all of whom hold Early Years qualifications. One member of staff holds Early Years Professional Status. At the time of this inspection, there were no children on roll in the early years age group.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The provider shows through discussion that he has a suitable understanding of safeguarding procedures. He and the staff team attend child protection training on a regular basis. They review their knowledge and understanding at team meetings to ensure their knowledge is up-to-date, which would help to keep children safe. Risk assessments would be conducted each time the bus is used. Checks of the immediate area, resources and equipment would be undertaken as soon as the bus arrives at the site. Staff practise a fire drill at regular intervals to ensure they understand how to evacuate children safely. A range of written policies and procedures support the provision, which are shared with parents. Rigorous recruitment procedures, which include, a Criminal Records Bureau check and checks on references help to ensure adults working with the children are safe and suitable to do so.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Staff would work with parents to meet children's individual needs. Families are allocated a key person and complete initial registration forms. This helps to ensure children's needs would be met. Staff ensure appropriate permissions are obtained from parents, such as permission to seek emergency medical care. This promotes children's health and safety. Through discussion the provider shows he is aware of the importance of sharing information with parents. Parents receive a feedback form after sessions and would be asked to comment on their children's level of enjoyment. Although the nature of the provision means there are few opportunities to share information with other providers, staff contact local schools or pre-school groups as applicable to find out about events and learning experiences they have planned. This would help to ensure consistency. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Through discussion the provider shows how staff would observe young children and the activities to ensure their individual needs would be met. Children would benefit from the good range of resources available. These are organised so children would be able to access them easily. Staff would plan adult-led activities, such as, arts and crafts to ensure children have appropriate learning experiences that cover the areas of learning.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Through discussion, the provider shows that the setting would offer an inclusive service. Poster and pictures displayed reflect different aspects of diversity to ensure that children and families attending would feel welcome. Resources, such as, books and small world toys show positive images of diversity and help children to understand about differences. The provider would ensure the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities would be met through liaison with parents and other agencies as appropriate.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The provider employs a qualified team and encourages their professional development. Staff are supported in improving their qualifications and encouraged to attend workshops and short courses to improve their knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Three members of staff hold current first aid qualifications and would therefore be able to provide appropriate treatment in the event of an accident.

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Compliance with registration requirements

The registered person continues 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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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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