Little Diamonds O.S.C. (Venner Road)

Little Diamonds O.S.C. (Venner Road)

Inspection report for early years provision

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Little Diamonds O.S.C. (Venner Road)

Unique Reference Number EY318886 Inspection date 20 June 2006 Inspector Denys Rasmussen

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Little Diamonds O.S.C. (Venner Road)

Setting Address Venner Road Hall, 1 Venner Road, London, SE26 5EQ

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E-mail

Registered person Anthony Michael Mensah 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?

Little Diamonds Out of School Club was registered in 2005. It is one of three out of school clubs run by an individual provider in the London borough of Lewisham. The club opens from 15:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday during term-time only. It is run from a hall which is owned by the London borough of Lewisham. The premises are used by a range of community groups throughout the week. The out of school club has sole use of the premises during it's hours of operation. They have the use of a fully enclosed outdoor area which is directly accessed off the hall.

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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 is registered to care for no more than 30 children aged from four to under eight at any one time. Currently they have 22 children on roll. The club supports children with learning difficulties. There are three staff working with the children. One holds an early years qualification and one is on a training programme. The children are escorted from local schools to the club in one of two minibuses owned by the provider.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children learn about good hygiene habits through the daily routine, such as washing their hands before meal times. They keep clear and accurate records; for example, about any accidents that have occurred. However, children's full details are not kept on the site which means staff do not have full information about the children's health needs. This compromises children's health. Children can access drinks as they need them. The meals provided for the children are healthy and include fresh fruit and vegetables. This helps children to make healthy choices. Children are encouraged to be actively physical by playing team games, such as football and running around in the outdoor area, this supports their physical development.

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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 bright and welcoming environment which has the appropriate facilities available to meet their needs. The staff team are vigilant with regard to the supervision of children and access to the provision is well monitored to protect children. Equipment and resources available to children are age appropriate, in a satisfactory condition and conform to safety standards. There is a comprehensive written risk assessment, however, on the day of inspection some electrical sockets were uncovered. This means daily risk assessments are not always sufficiently thorough. Fire prevention is good and regular fire drills help children become familiar with the procedures, so they learn how to leave the premises quickly and safely. Children's welfare is protected. The provider ensures that procedures are up-to-date and that staff understand their responsibilities in relation to child protection issues.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This is supported by staff attending child protection training.

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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 Children are confident within the club and relate well to staff and each other. They readily approach staff for support indicating that good trusting relationships are built. They have particular friends and they enjoy attending the group. There is a limited choice in play resources offered. However, the children take part in the activities offered which they enjoy and which contributes to their development. They enthusiastically join in team games and encourage their friends to participate. Children are able to co-operate well whilst playing board games, where they negotiate and take turns. Children have opportunities to attend various outings to promote their interest in the wider world, for example, during visits to local parks and museums. The children are encouraged to be independent and confidently use the resources

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

available. They enjoy their time at the setting, relaxing with their friends and following their interests with enthusiasm.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children show a sense of belonging as they talk freely about their friends, family and school. They learn to take responsibility because of the positive interactions of the staff, such as encouraging older children to help the younger ones. The children are clear about the club rules. They particularly enjoy the reward system which encourages them to behave well. Children are introduced to a variety of festivals and traditions through activities and meals. They recently celebrated black history month and the children watched a play to reinforce this. The club provides an inclusive environment where all children are welcomed. They support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities through effective verbal communication with the parents. Children benefit from the partnership staff have developed with parents. This ensures children settle well and their individual needs are met. Parents have access to the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

written policies, however, a complaints log has not yet been implemented. Parents therefore do not have access to full information. Parents interviewed were very satisfied with the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Space, staff and resources are organised to create an accessible environment where children are busy and occupied throughout the session. Staff know the children well and provide activities that support their current interests. Ofsted were not notified of a change of manager, this is a breach of regulation and means the person-in-charge has not completed all appropriate checks. Not enough is done to ensure children are cared for by appropriately qualified staff. Although satisfactory written policies and procedures are in place they are not available at the setting which means staff have nothing to refer to. However, when questioned, the

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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 manager had a satisfactory understanding of procedures to follow in the event of a missing or uncollected child. Most records are maintained to a satisfactory standard. However, the documentation relating to information about the children is not available on site. This does not fully support the children's health and welfare. The setting does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 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: • develop and implement an action plan that sets out how supervisors will achieve a level 3 qualification • develop and implement an action plan detailing how at least half of all childcare staff will be qualified. • improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations and set in place a procedure to notify Ofsted of relevant matters (when the suitable person-in-charge changes) • ensure that staff have direct access to relevant documentation to fully support the health and welfare of the children. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed

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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 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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