St Josephs Playgroup Ltd

St Josephs Playgroup Ltd Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY365592 Inspection date 17/04/2012 Inspector Karen Callaghan

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Setting address 83 Plaistow Lane, BROMLEY, BR1 3JF

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Telephone number 02082891588 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. 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

St Joseph's Playgroup Limited was registered in 2007 as a limited company. It originally opened in 1973 and has been owned and managed by the current provider for more than 20 years. The playgroup is situated on church premises in the London Borough of Bromley. It operates from St Joseph's church hall and has use of an adjacent room, toilet and kitchen facilities. Children have access to outside play space, including a secure garden to the rear. The playgroup is registered on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of 32 children aged from two to under eight years may attend the playgroup at any one time. Sessions operate from 9am to 12pm, Monday to Friday during term time only. There are 36 children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age range. Children aged three and four years old are in receipt of free nursery education. The setting supports children with special

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Description of the setting

educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language. Six full time staff work with the children, five of whom hold a National Vocational Qualification at Level 3; one is a qualified primary teacher. Staff have access to training courses and support services run by the local authority through Bromley Early Years department.

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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

The playgroup provides a safe and welcoming environment for children. The children engage enthusiastically in a wide range of activities that help them make good progress in their learning. The staff respond well to the needs of children resulting in a happy learning environment. Partnerships with parents are sound overall, and those with other providers and outside agencies are well developed. The manager leads a small team of staff and together they evaluate the playgroup, although parents' views are not always sought and used. The staff attend regular training sessions and use their new skills to continuously improve the provision for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 encourage parents to review their child's progress regularly and talk with them about their child's progress  use the views of parents to make informed decisions about future improvements to the playgroup. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The playgroup promotes the welfare of children very well and this helps to keep them very safe. There is a secure entry system with a bell and all visitors sign in, and this further promotes children's safety. Recruitment procedures are robust and this helps to check the suitability of all adults working with the children. All staff have attended child protection training and this means they are confident in recognising any child who may be at risk of harm. All necessary records and policies are in place and staff review these regularly to keep themselves updated with information. Staff are vigilant and carry out comprehensive risk assessments to reduce hazards and keep children safe.

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the early years provision

The well established staff team work well together and are managed effectively. The team responds to the needs and interests of every child who each have a key person who monitors and records their individual progress. They observe their children and evaluate their future learning needs. All staff attend training sessions to keep their skills and knowledge updated. For example, recent training in behaviour management enables them to help children control their own behaviour. Staff show a good capacity to improve; they have evaluated the playgroup and have identified some of the strengths and have introduced new activities, for instance a growing area has been established outside. Staff do not always ask for or take account of the views of the parents and children to inform decisions about the playgroup.

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the early years provision

There is a broad range of good quality resources to enable all children to choose freely and follow their own interests. Children are encouraged to become independent learners and receive plenty of praise when they succeed in a task. Staff listen to, observe and respond to the children's needs. Staff promote equality and diversity well. Children celebrate a range of festivals including Chinese New Year and Christmas. They are able to role play and create imaginative pictures with a range of resources that positively reflect diversity. Children with special needs are well supported and more able children are given opportunities to extend their skills, for instance a child who enjoys threading activities is given opportunities to sew.

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the early years provision

Staff have established effective partnerships with the local authority early years team. They seek their advice on supporting children with additional needs and in managing challenging behaviour. All children therefore make good progress in every area of learning. Local primary school reception teachers visit the playgroup to meet the children and discuss their needs before they start in reception classes. The playgroup also has strong partnerships with other early years settings in order to share good practice.

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the early years provision

Staff establish suitable partnerships with parents and many parents are happy with their child's progress. Parents feel that the staff are approachable and can talk to them at any time. At the present time, however, there are limited ways in which the playgroup seeks the views of parents or involves them in reviewing their child's progress. Parents are invited to events such as sports day and the Christmas play This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to help them become involved in their children's learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time at the playgroup and have fun learning and socialising. They are well supported by dedicated and knowledgeable staff. The staff are friendly and encouraging and this enables the children to become confident and independent learners. They are keen to try out new activities and experiences. For example, children work together to create a large, colourful picture of a hungry caterpillar using a variety of materials and tools. This helps to develop their creative skills and also their physical skills as they use a range of tools to cut and stick. Children enjoy cooking activities, for example observing the changes that happen to pasta when it is cooked. This enables them to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world. The large hall means children can move around freely and have independent access to a range of good quality resources. Children learn to write their names, learn the sounds of letters and count accurately

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and outcomes for children

through routine activities. Children behave sensibly; they make friends and are responsive to the needs of other children. This helps them develop good skills for their future learning.

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and outcomes for children

Staff plan for the children's needs using the guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage. These plans show the main themes for each half term, for example 'Old Macdonald's Farm.' Children plant seeds, count, create pictures after listening to stories, sing songs and hear poems. These activities engage children's interests and help them make good progress across all areas. Individual observations show what skills the children have mastered in order to progress further.

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and outcomes for children

The children have a good awareness of how to lead a healthy lifestyle. They show they understand good hygiene practices as they wash their hands before touching food. Children enjoy eating a variety of salads and fruit at snack time and can name their favourite fruits. They demonstrate they enjoy keeping fit as they readily join in organised skipping and running games. Children have plenty of opportunities to develop their physical skills. They ride on tricycles and push buggies around outside, and practise their ball skills. A large climbing frame, slide and trampoline are set up inside the large hall and this allows children to use their energy and build their confidence. The children also visit the park area belonging to the convent for picnics and to explore the local area.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe in this calm and organised environment. They learn to tidy up with the positive encouragement of staff demonstrating they understand their responsibilities to care for their environment. The playgroup provides a good learning environment which supports all children to move on confidently to their next stage of development. 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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