Playtime

Playtime

Inspection report for early years provision

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Playtime

Unique Reference Number EY280529 Inspection date 08 September 2005 Inspector Jean Goodrick

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Playtime

Setting Address Mayfield School, Warwick Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 3HN Telephone number 01223 712127

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E-mail

Registered person Benjamin Michael Thorp Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

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E-mail

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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Playtime Out of School Club and Play scheme has been registered with its current owner since May 2004. It operates from a school building on the outskirts of Cambridge. Children have access to the school playing field. The club serves the local area. The school is currently being rebuilt following fire damage. The club returned to the school in April 2005 from temporary accommodation. The club is registered for 30 children under 8 years of age when one hall is in use. There are currently 35 children

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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 on roll. The club is open from 15:15 to 18:00 every weekday during term time and may open during some school holidays from 08:30 to 18:00. The club employs seven members of staff. The owner/manager is currently on a level 3 play work course. One member of staff is enrolled on a level 2 training course. Other staff have relevant training and experience.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a good range of energetic physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They develop self confidence in their physical skills as they play games and take on challenges provided by staff. Children have regular access to the school playing field to let off steam in the fresh air. Staff are creative in the use of limited accommodation while the school is rebuilt. There are satisfactory procedures to ensure that children's health is promoted. Children wash their hands after using the toilet. Accidents are recorded and signed by parents to ensure continuity of care. Information about children's health needs is obtained when children start at the club. Staff are generally attentive to children's welfare. The manager has a current first aid certificate. Children's dietary needs are met. Children help themselves to squash or water which is easily accessible. They have a snack at the club of, for instance, a drink and

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Helping children to be healthy

biscuits, and sit at tables chatting with their friends enjoying a pleasant social occasion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in a suitable environment. Access to equipment is limited by the space that is available for storage in the school hall. Other equipment is temporarily stored in an inaccessible mobile classroom on the outskirts of the playing field. Staff make good use of the resources which are available in the current situation. Children play in a safe environment. Security is good and the children are unable to leave the premises unaccompanied. Staff are particularly vigilant and act to minimise hazards, for instance children carrying pool cues around are given reasons why it is unsafe. However children's safety is compromised as there is no written emergency evacuation plan for the club available or displayed. No practice has been carried out since the club returned to the school building.

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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 There are generally suitable procedures in place for the protection of children. However, relevant information about staff relating to the protection of children is not available at the club.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children and staff establish warm, respectful relationships. There is excellent interaction between staff and children involving lots of humour as well as care and concern. Children are relaxed and confident and new children settle in quickly. Children speak enthusiastically about their time at the club. They enjoy the range of activities provided, including art and craft activities, games and outdoor activities. They also enjoy relaxing with their friends and mixing with the wide age range. Staff ensure that all children, who would like to be, are involved in activities, and staff are quick to respond to signs of boredom. For instance, an impromptu balloon game is devised which is fun and suitable for all ages and involves some skill. Children take part in competitive games, for instance a pool tournament. Staff give plenty of praise for efforts and achievements and children enjoy the challenges.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. All children are welcomed and included in the provision. Children can take part in all the activities as, for instance, girls join in the pool tournament. Children of all ages mix well together. Staff at the club have experience of working with children with special needs. Children's behaviour is very good. Staff have a clear and consistent approach to behaviour management. They explain the reasons for boundaries, for instance the safety of others, and children accept the need for limits. Staff encourage children to resolve their own differences and negotiate with each other, for instance over time spent on the computer. The club has a clear anti-bullying policy and this ethos is clear in the behaviour of staff and children. Parents whose children have attended the club for several years express appreciation for the quality of care which has been available for their children. They

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Helping children make a positive contribution

also express understanding for the current limitations due to building work. Parents have also appreciated written communications in the past, for instance the newsletter, and hope that this will be reinstated in the future. Parents have insufficient information on how to make a complaint.

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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 generally have good levels of support and they are confident to initiate and take part in activities at the club. Staff have relevant qualifications and experience which means that they use the space and resources effectively to provide a range of activities suitable for all ages. In general staff show concern for individual children's welfare and safety. However the manager has not yet completed a level 3 qualification in play work. The club has satisfactory arrangements to provide cover if members of staff are absent. The manager has a list of previous staff who have been through the vetting procedure. However the framework of procedures, policies and records which is necessary for the safety and protection of the children is not fully in place and is not accessible to parents. There is no complaints procedure available for parents. There

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Organisation

is no evacuation or fire procedure and a fire practice has not been carried out since the club returned to the school building. Records of staff, including their vetting status, are not available at the club. Ofsted has not been informed of significant changes such as changes in the staff team. Therefore the needs of children are not adequately met.

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • improve knowledge and understanding of requirements set out in regulations including records to be kept on the premises • make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint

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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 • produce written procedures for the emergency evacuation of the building • ensure that there are effective procedures in place for checking that staff are suitable to work with children. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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