Southmead Choices

Inspection of Southmead Choices Southmead Childrens Centre, Sherwood Drive, Prescot, Lancashire L35 3XZ

p.1

This provision meets requirements

n Supporting children when they transition into the setting is a priority for leaders. They plan to replicate the systems that are already embedded for older children by collating a range of information from families and other agencies before children start. They will access any specialist training that may be required to meet children's individual needs. Settling-in sessions will be provided to enable children to become familiar with the setting and the staff and to help them to feel secure when they start. n Partnership working is a real focus for leaders. They have established excellent links with a range of agencies and some local schools. They aim to use these connections to ensure they can regularly share information regarding children's individual needs and to complement their learning. They will share regular information with parents about what the children have experienced each session. n Leaders are extremely qualified and experienced in meeting children's individual

p.2

This provision meets requirements

needs. They are aware of the importance of gathering children's communication needs. They plan to use the information to enable them to respond to children's needs and wants effectively. For example, staff plan to use visual aids and sign language to speak with children. n Leaders demonstrate a thorough knowledge of how they would positively support children's behaviour. They would ensure staff take preventative steps to help children manage their emotions. For example, staff would ensure that children who do not like loud noises are more comfortable in a quieter space. Leaders plan to discuss the strategies that would help children to feel safe and secure with parents and other settings and agencies that are known to the child. They understand the importance of consistency of approach. n Leaders value the importance of supporting children's independence. Children requiring help to manage their self-care tasks will be encouraged to take off

p.2

This provision meets requirements

their own shoes before staff complete personal care. They will be encouraged to wash their own hands throughout the session and to make independent choices about what they want to play with. Leaders plan to ensure children's independence is promoted at all times in the setting. n Following a significant incident, leaders recognised some weaknesses regarding the sharing of information with parents. They took swift action to rectify this. They plan to ensure leaders oversee all accidents and incidents to enable them to identify any possible hazards to children, to ensure they remain safe. n Leaders recognise the importance of effective risk assessments. They confidently identify risks in the areas that are used by older children and take steps to minimise these. They plan to review these risk assessments before new children start, to ensure they have taken into account any individual needs, for example

p.2

This provision meets requirements

possible choking risks or risks linked to medical needs. n Leaders understand their role and responsibilities to safeguard children. They demonstrate a good understanding of how to recognise concerns that may indicate a child is at risk of harm and how to respond to this information. They

p.2

This provision meets requirements

9 July 2022 regularly update their knowledge by accessing training sessions, including specific training that focuses on safeguarding children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

p.2

This provision meets requirements

There were no children in the early years age range present 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 early years children present, 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 whether the provider continues to meet the requirements of registration.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2565277 Local authority Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Inspection number 10239205 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 10 Number of children on roll 5 Name of registered person Merseyside Youth Association Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07710503541 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Southmead Choices registered in 2020 and is run by a charitable organisation. The setting employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and one holds a qualification at level 5. The setting operates on Saturdays all year round, except for two weeks at Christmas. Hours of operation are from 10am until 1pm. The setting specialises in supporting children with SEND.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The nominated individual showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure that they are safe and suitable. n The inspector reviewed some documents, including first-aid certificates. n The inspector discussed with the nominated individual how they intend to meet the safeguarding and welfare requirements.

p.5

Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

p.5

Inspection activities

9 July 2022 regulates and inspects 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

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.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6