St John's After School Club

St John's After School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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St John's After School Club

Unique Reference Number EY307629 Inspection date 03 April 2006 Inspector Karen Eunice Millerchip

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St John's After School Club

Setting Address St. Johns School, East Avenue, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 1TE Telephone number 0116 2709932 E-mail info@st-john.leicester.sch.uk Registered person St John's After School Club Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care, Out of School care

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St John's After School Club

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

St. John's After School Club operates from several rooms within the school building. There is a securely enclosed outdoor play area. The club provides care for children who attend the school. Opening hours are 15:45 - 17:45, Monday to Friday during school term time. The club is registered for 32 children with 52 children aged between 4 and 8 years currently on roll. Children over 8 are also cared for. Children can attend for a variety of sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 There are 10 staff employed to work with the children and the majority of staff hold a relevant childcare qualification at level 2 or above. Other staff have suitable experience or qualifications in associated areas.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment. They are learning about the importance of good hygiene routines such as hand washing and cleaning tables before and after snacks. Children have a light snack, fruit and drinks during the session. Children's individual dietary needs are clearly indicated on their records and staff ensure these are adhered to. Ongoing discussions with parents ensure children's changing needs are catered for. Children's well-being is supported by staff members trained in first aid; an appropriately stocked first aid box is readily available. Children who become ill are well cared for and made comfortable until collected by a parent or carer. The majority of records are maintained accurately; however, the system used to record accidents does not promote confidentiality. Children learn about keeping healthy through discussions at snack time and when

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Helping children to be healthy

running and playing in the playground. Children have good opportunities to take part in physical activities both indoor and outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy activities in a very welcoming environment. Equipment is safe and in good condition. Risks of accidental injury to children are generally low because staff are vigilant and most potential risks have been identified and satisfactorily addressed inside the school and in the playground. However, the fence surrounding the pond is not effective in preventing children from accessing this area and the boundary gate is not made secure when children are in the play ground, therefore, children could leave unsupervised and access by the general public is not managed. Children are aware of the rules with regard to safety, for example, do not run in the club area, do not open the front door and only play in specified areas of the playground. Appropriate fire safety precautions are in place and the fire evacuation procedure is displayed. Fire drills are practised and recorded to ensure children are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

familiar with the routine and can exit calmly in case of an emergency. Children's welfare is safeguarded as staff have a secure understanding of child protection issues and the procedure to follow where there are any concerns. Parents are made aware of the procedure thereby promoting a common understanding on how to keep children safe from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and self-assured, they are encouraged to help make decisions about their club. They can relax or be active and although initially the room is set out by staff, children are developing independence as they are able to request other resources according to their own interests. Children are well supported when learning new skills and during discussions and sharing of ideas. The routine of the session is well balanced and includes activities inside and outside. Resources meet the children's needs and include art and craft materials, imaginative play including a variety of small world, construction toys, books and board games for children at different stages of development. Physical play is enjoyed outside and in the school hall. Games, dance and exercise to music are organised and children are able to use adventure play equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have developed strong relationships with staff and each other; they show care and concern for each other. They have clear guidelines and boundaries which help them understand right from wrong and show good behaviour. Children are involved with setting club rules such as time limited sessions on the play station and they respond positively to staff requests. Children are encouraged to share and take turns, thereby developing their social skills. Children’s individual needs are known and satisfactorily addressed by staff. Admission forms contain sufficient information and consultation with parents and children ensures staff are able to provide appropriate challenge and support for all. Children are learning to appreciate and value each others’ similarities and differences; supportive staff practice ensures that all children are included and beliefs and cultural needs are respected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s continuity of care is appropriately promoted through the information shared between the staff and parents. Children are cared for in an open and honest environment where parent’s opinions and requests are valued and adhered to.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Staff create a well organised and friendly environment where children and their parents are welcomed. Staff plan sessions to ensure a good balance of activities are provided and are suitable for all ages that attend, so children are interested and occupied. Children are happy and settled in the club, they respond well to known routines, move independently from room to room and choose from a good selection of resources thereby promoting their confidence and self-esteem.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children's welfare is well promoted through staff's sound knowledge of their roles and responsibilities. Staff ratios are maintained above the required standards thereby promoting children's feelings of security as staff are always nearby to offer support. Clear procedures and effective policies support staff in working successfully with the children. Overall, the needs of all children are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop and implement a procedure for keeping boundary gates secure to prevent children from leaving unsupervised and unknown persons from accessing the grounds • to safeguard children's welfare develop and implement a procedure to ensure children do not access the pond area • develop and implement a system of recording accidents that ensures confidentiality of information.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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