Wise Owls Holiday Club

Wise Owls Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Wise Owls Club

Unique Reference Number EY291729 Inspection date 12 August 2005 Inspector Samantha Hunt

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Wise Owls Club

Setting Address Highfield School, West Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1PD

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Wise Owls Club

Telephone number 0870 2418198 E-mail wiseowlsclub@yahoo.co.uk Registered person Tanya Elizabeth Galitzine-Scott Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

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Wise Owls 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?

The Wise Owls Club (Highfield) is one of two out of school clubs run by the provider. It opened in July 2004 and operates from several rooms within Highfield School in Maidenhead, Berkshire. A maximum of 24 children may attend the playscheme at any one time. The playscheme opens during the school holidays from 09:00 until 17:00, with the option of extended care from 08:00 until 18:00. There is access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are approximately 50 children aged from 3 to under 8 years on roll, children may attend up to the age of 11 years.

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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 The club serves the local area and children can attend for a variety of sessions. Currently four staff work with the children, two have a level three early years qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy regular physical activities that helps keep them in good health. They access the outdoor area and large hall on a daily basis and staff plan a range of activities to aid their physical wellbeing. Children freely access equipment such as the climbing frame, skipping ropes, bats and balls. Children confidently run, climb, skip and hop and; hang from monkey bars. Children have a good choice of nutritious and well presented meals and snacks, which help, encourage healthy eating. Staff encourage children to try new foods and children are aware of the foods that are good for them such as fruit and vegetables. Children can help themselves to drinking water whenever they are thirsty; staff encourage children to drink plenty especially in warm weather to prevent dehydration. Children are aware of their own personal needs; they take themselves off to the toilet and wash hands before and after mealtimes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff follow effective procedures laid down for administering medication to children, this ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a bright, spacious, well maintained environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. There is a sufficient range of toys and resources for the children to play with. Toys are clean and in good order, furniture is school tables and benches and not comfortable for relaxing on. Children are beginning to show awareness of safety for example; telling one another not to run indoors, and explaining what to do in the event of a fire. There are effective measures in place for the safe arrival and departure of children. Staff carry out a daily risk assessment of the area’s they use but do not record it. There are clear procedures for outings that ensure children’s safety. Staff have a sound knowledge of child protection. All required documentation is in place and they are aware of the procedures to follow if they have any concerns. This

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

helps to promote the children’s safety and wellbeing.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settle well in the setting. Children confidently approach staff for support and are forming good relationships with one another. Children enjoy a good range of activities that are stimulating and well balanced for all ages. Children freely access paper and pens to draw with and particularly enjoy physical play outside on the climbing frame. Children independently select most toys and resources; however, accessibility of some does hinder children’s ability to self-select this causes frustration to the children. Children are confident to ask question for example “what’s for dinner today” and are confident to make their needs known to staff, who listen and respond to what they say. Staff give positive praise and involve themselves in children’s play, to help

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

extend enjoyment and learning for example; when playing board games and skipping in the play ground.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to gain a sense of belonging through the sound relationships they form with staff and other children. They are comfortable with the structure and routine of the setting and clearly enjoy being there. Children talk happily about their home life and things that are important to them. Staff give children positive praise and encouragement. Children learn to take turns and most wait patiently for example when using the monkey bars on the climbing frame. Staff set children clear boundaries and behaviour is good. Partnerships with parents are effective; parents receive information on the setting when they book and verbal feedback daily, if they request it. This helps staff to meet all children’s individual needs. Children have opportunities to become aware of the wider community with visits to parks, farms and local attractions; however, resources, which promote positive

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Staff plan an effective routine which provides children with a variety of play and learning experiences that help them to feel secure and settled in the setting. The environment is spacious and well laid out to allow children to move around safely, however children do not have anywhere comfortable to rest and relax during the day. The garden is easily accessible and children make good use of it throughout the day.

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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 are effectively grouped this ensures appropriate support and care throughout most of the day. However, staff deployment during lunch periods is ineffective and could compromises children’s wellbeing. Most regulatory documentation is in place and stored appropriately, to ensure children welfare and care are promoted; however, there are some minor areas for improvement. There are appropriate procedures in place for uncollected and lost children. This promotes children’s welfare. Overall, the setting meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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): • review and improve procedures for the deployment of staff during lunch periods to ensure ratios are maintained and children are not left unattended with unvetted staff. • provide children with an area to rest and relax in and make equipment and resources easily accessible and appealing to all. • improve and update documentation to ensure; an accurate record of all children's attendance times is maintained, all staff contact details are up to date and stored on site and a record of visitors is maintained.

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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:

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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 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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