Fun For Kids

Fun For Kids

Inspection report for early years provision

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Fun For Kids

Unique Reference Number 511612 Inspection date 16 May 2006 Inspector Carol Johnson

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Fun For Kids

Setting Address Grange Farm Primary School, Dewsbury Avenue, Coventry, West Midlands, CV3 6NF Telephone number 02476 715271

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E-mail

Registered person Fun For Kids Ltd (3404620) 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Fun for Kids out of school club is one of two provisions in the same organisation. It opened in 1995 and operates from the dining room of Grange Farm Primary School in Coventry. Children also have access to the school outdoor play areas and the main school hall. All the children who attend the club are from the school. A maximum of 24 children may attend the group at any one time. There are currently 24 children on roll. The provision opens term time only from 08.00 to 08.55 for the morning session and 15.30 to 18.00 in the afternoon.

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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 Children attend a variety of sessions. The group are able to support children with special needs or children where English is an additional language. There are five staff working with the children, plus a volunteer helper. All staff hold an appropriate childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s health is supported well by staff who follow good health and hygiene procedures. Three staff members have attended food hygiene training and this is reflected in their everyday practice. For example, all areas of the premises are very clean and staff ensure that tables are thoroughly wiped with anti-bacterial cleanser before snack. Children are aware of good practice with regard to hand washing and personal hygiene practices. Staff encourage them to wash their hands before touching food and after visiting the toilet. Good procedures are in place to ensure that children’s best interests are considered should they become ill or have an accident. Four staff members hold a current first aid certificate and all have received training in the management of anaphylaxis. Required documentation and procedures protect children’s health and ensure that parental wishes are adhered to. The club has a clear written sickness policy that it

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Helping children to be healthy

shares with parents, informing them of illnesses that would mean their child should not attend. It also outlines staff responsibilities for the recording and reporting of accidents and the procedures for the administration of medication. Children are provided with a basic snack and drink during sessions. For example, after school they are usually given the choice of biscuits or a packet of crisps and a drink of squash or water. Parents are consulted regarding children's dietary requirements and any allergies or special requests are noted and respected. Occasionally, children are provided with different snacks as a result of an activity, such as making fruit kebabs, or as part of a festival celebration. However, opportunities for children to learn about healthy eating are limited and the nutritional value of current snacks is low. Children have access to a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health

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Helping children to be healthy

and physical development. They benefit from regular physical exercise and have access to the school hall and outdoor play areas. Children enjoy energetic play and staff join in enthusiastically with activities. For example, children can participate in team games, practise ball skills or run around and let off steam. They demonstrate good spatial awareness and listen and respond promptly to staff instructions. Staff offer children lots of support and encouragement. Consequently, children are developing confidence and the motivation to persevere with a variety of physical skills. Children are able to choose whether they want to join in with physical games or take part in quieter activities such as reading, drawing or participating in board games. Areas both indoors and outside are provided for children to relax and rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

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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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally safe and secure environment because staff take reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children on the premises, both inside and outside, are minimised. Toys are safe and of good quality and daily safety checks are carried out on all areas of the premises and equipment. Children are only released into the care of known individuals and emergency evacuation procedures are regularly practised. However, the provision's current system for risk assessment does not address all issues that may have an impact on children's safety. For example, older children are currently allowed to visit the toilet unaccompanied and this entails them walking through the main hall and several classrooms. Usually, the club has sole use of the premises during session times, but occasionally after school activities take place and additional children and their carers are within the school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Consequently, there is a potential safety risk for children and staff have not fully considered what action needs to be taken to ensure that children's welfare is protected. Children are aware of the club’s safety rules and they are learning how to protect their own well-being. The club's rules are displayed and children know that they must always tell a staff member before they leave the room and that they must not answer the door. Staff ask that parents talk to their children about safety and security and reinforce why the rules are necessary. Children’s welfare is suitably protected because staff have a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. Staff are aware of the procedures to follow if they have child protection concerns about a child and they know that their first priority is the welfare of the children in their care. Children are not left unsupervised with staff who have not been vetted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and having fun. They benefit from plenty of learning and play opportunities both inside and outside. Activities are flexibly organised to meet children’s needs and reflect their interests and include puzzles, games, discussions and a wide range of craft activities. Children are asked what they would like to do and they are encouraged to make independent decisions about their play. Some activities and toys are put out prior to the children's arrival and others are left in the cupboard, from which they can make self-initiated choices. Children are well supported in their play. Staff demonstrate a good awareness of when it is appropriate to intervene and when it is better to stand back and allow children time to explore and experiment without interruptions. Staff take time to chat to children and listen and show interest in what they have to say. Children demonstrate good manners and know not to interrupt when others are talking. Staff

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

allow time within the routine for children to share their news and talk about things that are of importance to them. For example, reception children eagerly told the group

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 about their visit to a butterfly farm. They showed what they had bought and talked about what they had seen. As a result children are confident, eager to take a turn and show good levels of self-esteem. Children have formed good relationships with the staff and their peers. They interact well and are keen to participate in activities. Children and their parents comment positively on the range of activities offered and the friendly and approachable staff.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared as individuals because staff treat them with equal concern. The setting operates an inclusive policy and staff demonstrate a positive attitude towards caring for children with special needs. They ensure that planned activities are appropriate and suitable for all children and they are willing to work in partnership with parents and other professionals to meet children's diverse needs. Staff talk to parents about family customs and beliefs and record and respect children’s individual requirements. Children are learning to appreciate and value each others’ similarities and differences. Staff help them to develop a positive attitude towards others through everyday activities and discussions. Children are introduced to a variety of religious and cultural festivals through, for example, books, music and craft and they have access to a range of resources that reflect diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave exceptionally well because staff effectively use a range of positive strategies to encourage good behaviour. Children receive guidance with regard to rules and boundaries and positive attitudes in the setting are encouraged through frequent praise and recognition in the form of certificates or stars. Staff are calm and consistent in their management of behaviour and act as good role models. Children are encouraged to think about others and through planned activities have explored issues around bullying, racism and disability. They demonstrate respect, manners and consideration for others. Relationships between staff and parents are friendly and informal. Regular communication ensures that parents are kept informed about their children's care, behaviour and routines. Consequently, their children receive consistency of care and are helped to settle. Parents are provided with a wealth of written information about

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the policies and procedures of the club. Notice boards display information about activities, events, staff qualifications and the club's complaints procedure. Children's self-esteem is fostered as examples of their work are attractively displayed around the room. Parents comment positively on the welcome they receive and the relaxed and happy atmosphere that greets them when they come to collect their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have plenty of space to provide for their needs. They are mainly cared for in the dining room of the school but they are also able to access outdoor play areas and the school hall for energetic play. Sessions are effectively organised to offer children

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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 variety and fun. Resources are plentiful and the environment is attractive and welcoming.

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Organisation

Good procedures are in place to ensure staff suitability. All staff have been vetted and have gone through an induction process. Regular appraisals and staff meetings ensure that all staff members are aware of policies, procedures and are able to identify their training and development needs. Staff work well as a team and good contingency arrangements are in place to cover unexpected staff absences. Ofsted training requirements are met and staff demonstrate a commitment to improving their knowledge of child care related subjects by attending further training. Well written policies reflect Ofsted requirements and clearly outline staff responsibilities. General information is easily accessible and children's admission forms contain required information to ensure children's welfare. Generally, documentation to ensure the safe and effective management of the setting is maintained appropriately. Confidentiality is respected and personal information is

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Organisation

kept secure. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure that a record is kept of all visitors to the club. This is now in place and documentation clearly shows who is on the premises at any given time. Consequently, children's safety and welfare is satisfactorily improved.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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 good. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that children are offered healthy and nutritious choices at snacktime • review current systems for risk assessment to ensure that all potential hazards to children are identified and minimised. This includes the procedures to ensure children's safety when visiting the toilet.

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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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