326 Club

326 Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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326 Club

Unique Reference Number EY248906 Inspection date 12 June 2006 Inspector Patricia Jane Daniels

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326 Club

Setting Address Stepgates School, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8HT

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326 Club

Telephone number 01932 563022 E-mail club326@ntlworld.com Registered person Wendy Roydhouse Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

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326 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 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?

326 club provides after school and holiday care for children from four to 11 years of age. There are currently 16 children under eight years of age on roll. The group supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Four staff work with the children. Two staff have childcare qualifications; three have current first aid certificates. The club operates from a building in the grounds of Stepgates School, Chertsey. Children from Stepgates and other local schools attend. The after school club

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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 arranges a collection from local schools. The building is divided into activity areas. Children also have use of the school playground for outdoor play. During the school holidays, children visit local parks. The after school group is open from 15:00 - 17:45 Mondays to Fridays during term time and is open during inset days. The holiday play scheme operates from 08:30 - 18:00 throughout the school holidays.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. All areas and resources are in a clean condition and staff encourage children to develop awareness of good hygiene, for example, by reminding them to wash their hands before eating. A suitable sick child policy ensures that children who are unwell are not admitted and so are not sources of infection for others. Three staff have training in first aid, so that children have access to appropriate treatment if there is an accident. Written parental consent to administer medication has not been obtained for all children, including consent for invasive medicines. This does not ensure that children receive the correct dose in an appropriate manner and is a compromise to their health. Staff make sure that children wear sun hats and sunscreen for their protection when playing outdoors during hot weather. However, there are few areas of shade and the children become very hot after running around in the strong sunshine and high

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Helping children to be healthy

temperature. Staff remind children to have plenty to drink and supply large bottles of water and cups for them to help themselves when playing outside. The after school club provides a nutritious tea using healthy ingredients, which encourages children to develop healthy eating patterns. Children have regular opportunities for outdoor play to promote their physical development. A variety of equipment is provided for play, such as balls, skipping ropes and scooters. Children sometimes use the school's adventure playground, where they practise their climbing and balancing skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The building used by the children is divided into four activity areas and made bright and welcoming through displays of toys, artwork and posters. There is plenty of space for children to move around and a quiet area offers them a place to rest. The building has a doorbell entry and the doors have alarms for security. All areas of the building and the equipment are well maintained. A risk assessment is in place but it does not ensure children's safety at all times. This is because staff are not always deployed effectively to supervise the children. When

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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 children are outside in the playground they spend time playing out of the sight of staff. For example, staff group together in the main play area while children are playing on the grass or to the side of the school building. There is a low-level gate in the play area used by parents for access, which children could open if the area is unsupervised. The insufficient supervision by staff compromises children's safety. Fire drills are held once per term for the holiday play scheme and after school club. However, this is not frequent enough for all children to experience. Some staff have an understanding of the possible signs of abuse and the procedures to take if concerned. However, this is not secure among all staff and some have a poor understanding of how to ensure the children's welfare. The written policy does

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

not include the procedure to take if an allegation is made against a member of staff.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The club is very well resourced with a good variety of toys, which the children find stimulating and interesting. The children have opportunities to do their homework, or to spend their time playing and relaxing. Staff sit with the children to support their play and offer help and suggestions. For example, with the marble run and craft activity. Staff form positive relationships with the children. The children chat to staff about important events that have happened at home, such as going to the football, and staff respond enthusiastically. This friendly approach encourages the children to feel secure, and they appear happy and confident. Toys and activities are presented within children's reach for their selection. This encourages the children to make choices about what they want to do and develop independence. However, when the children play outside the choices become limited

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The club has a range of resources that reflect the diversity within our society. These and planned activities are used to enhance the children's understanding of diversity. Staff are aware of the children's different family groups and make sure that they are represented within the activities offered. This helps all children feel included and valued. Staff have experience in caring for children with learning disabilities and all children are included in all activities. However, a written special needs statement is not in place to inform staff and parents. Staff use positive methods to manage children's behaviour. They praise children when they have done well and distract any unwanted behaviour. Sometimes the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 environment becomes noisy, especially in the dining area where staff call across the room to each other. This can be contradictory for the children, who are told to be quiet. On occasion, the behaviour of older children can be inappropriate and have an impact on the younger children, because staff do not always notice what is happening. A brochure containing general information is given to parents and the full range of policies is available on request. Staff make time to talk to parents when the children are collected, so that information is shared and a positive relationship fostered. This helps to promote continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. On the day of inspection, the holiday play scheme was not in operation. The system for recruiting and checking staff is insufficient. There is no robust system to ensure required checks have been undertaken and sometimes children are in sole contact with unvetted staff. This means that children may be at risk from unsuitable adults. New staff do not have a suitable induction programme that includes training in health and safety and child protection policies and procedures to ensure the children's welfare. Records of staff names and addresses are kept on the premises, but other staff details including employment history are not well maintained. Staff are not always well deployed and this has an impact upon the children, because sometimes the supervision is ineffective. Staff are not always clear about the number of children present. The register of attendance is inaccurate; it does not show the

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Organisation

hours of attendance of children and staff. In the event of a need to check historical records, children may not be fully protected. In addition, in the event of an evacuation, the group may not be able to ensure that every child is accounted for. The system for informing Ofsted of significant events within the setting is deficient. As a result, children may be at risk because Ofsted is unable to make appropriate checks. Sometimes staff use their own vehicles to transport children, but the required documentation and consent is not in place. The provision does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, Ofsted requested that parents countersign the record of accidents. This is now in place, ensuring that parents are informed of any accidents involving their children. This promotes the children's welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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 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: • ensure that written consent to administer medication is obtained from parents • deploy staff effectively to ensure children's safety at all times, indoors and out • ensure that staff having sole contact with children are suitable to do so • ensure a robust recruitment and induction procedure for new staff • provide an accurate register of the hours of attendance of children and staff • ensure that Ofsted is informed of relevant events. 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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