Bradfield Sunshine Club

Bradfield Sunshine Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Bradfield Sunshine Club

955530 Unique Reference Number 12 September 2006 Inspection date Sheena Bankier Inspector

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Bradfield Sunshine Club

Bradfield Village Hall, Southend, Bradfield, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 6LG

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Setting Address

07946 634694 or 01189 744712 Telephone number

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E-mail

Bradfield Sunshine Club Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of 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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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?

Bradfield Sunshine Club is run by a voluntary committee made up of parents. It opened in 2001 and operates from the village hall in Bradfield which is a small rural village between Newbury and Reading. A maximum of 40 children may attend the after school club at any one time. The club is open before school between 08.00 and 09.00 and after school from 15.00 to 18.00 during term time, each week day, with the exception of Thursday afternoon when it is run from the school. Children have access to two enclosed outdoor play areas and a large playing field.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 100 children on roll aged from four to 12 and children can attend up to the age of 14 years of age. Children come from the local and surrounding area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The committee employs three members of staff. Of these, two hold appropriate playwork qualifications.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is protected through established routines, such as washing hands before eating or after touching animals on the walk to and from school. Children are made aware of the importance of caring for themselves, such as dental health, through discussion with staff. Staff understand good food hygiene practices which ensures food is stored, prepared and cooked appropriately. Staff ensure the premises is clean for use by children and carry out routine cleaning, for example, wiping tables before snack time. Individual plates are used by children which promotes good hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy good opportunities to be physically active and enjoy fresh air. Children walk from the school to the hall in the morning and afternoons. They have use of a public play park, tennis court and a large playing field, where they can play team games. Outings are undertaken to facilities, for example, ice skating and soft play. Indoors, children have room to play with a flying disc and play badminton. This means that children can be active both in and out of doors which benefits their good health. Visitors to the setting from the local hockey and basketball clubs encourage children's interest and participation in sport. This develops children’s understanding of a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to eat breakfast, for example, cereals and toast before school at the club which ensures they have food to sustain them before starting the school day. In the afternoons children are offered a variety of different snacks to ensure they have sufficient food until their evening meal. These include sandwiches, crisps, pancakes and crackers with cheese. Usually fruit or vegetables are available at each snack time. However, it was noted that the children were not offered any fruit or vegetables with their snack on the day of inspection. This does not consistently encourage healthy choices. Children are regularly offered drinks by staff which ensures they have an adequate fluid intake for their well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

All staff hold a current first aid certificate which means accidents or injuries are dealt with promptly. There are suitable policies, procedures and paperwork to manage children's health needs effectively, such as the recording of accidents or medications.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have use of a large range of toys and equipment and are able to initiate their own play and activities, making it a 'home from home' environment, as they make their own choices from the storage cupboards. The cupboards are made inviting as they have murals painted on them. Staff support children in their choices as they help find required resources or join in play and activities. Resources are maintained in good condition through regular checks by staff. Children are able to choose where they want to play and have access to a carpeted area for floor toys and a large hall for active games. Information is displayed for children and parents and staff are friendly and caring. This makes the club welcoming.

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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's safety is managed effectively. There are detailed written risk assessments for the premises and the club has acknowledged the new law regarding child restraints for outings in vehicles. On outings staff use walkie talkies to ensure the children's safety. This minimises the risks and potential hazards to children. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they regularly practise the emergency evacuation and become confident in the procedure and they understand the boundaries and rules, for example, they understand the need to walk sensibly from school to the hall.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff understand their responsibilities to protect children from harm and all staff have undertaken child protection training. There is a clear policy and procedure to follow in the event of concerns. This safeguards children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the club. They enter confidently and understand the established routines well. There are established friendships between children across the age range. They enjoy each other's company and have fun together. Children and staff enjoy good relationships with each other, which contributes to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children initiate and make their own decisions regarding play and activities. This develops their independent skills. They have free access to all the resources and staff support them in their choices. Children are happy and well occupied. They play individually and in small groups through the session, for example, enjoying arts and crafts, building racing vehicles which are then raced across the floor and playing actively with the badminton set or enjoying sitting together and chatting. This helps children to find their own way to relax and unwind after their day at school.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Regular outings and visitors are organised to the club which offers children a variety of different activities to take part in. These outings include picnics at a farm, horse riding, wall climbing, and visits to a wildlife park and to the cinema. These outings are fun and also help children to broaden their experiences, knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a good sense of belonging to the club and are relaxed and at ease in the environment. Children are encouraged to work together and take care of each other, for example, the children took part in a project to build a go-cart together, taking fair turns with it when it was completed. Children's behaviour is good overall, although at times they test the boundaries, such as climbing onto tables. Clear guidelines are provided to children as they sign up to a behaviour agreement when they start at the club. Staff manage behaviour consistently mostly and provide the children with a positive role model. Children respond by treating adults and each other with respect and politeness. Children are regularly praised and given encouragement and children are rewarded for their good behaviour with rewards, for example, stickers and

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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 certificates which are presented to them in school. This supports and develops children's self-esteem and confidence and encourages their good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued by staff, who listen to them well and respond positively to their requests and needs. Children are respected as individuals and staff know them well. Information is regularly exchanged with parents. This helps them to meet the children's needs effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about others through socialising with children of different ages, genders and backgrounds at the club. Children's religious and cultural needs are understood and parental wishes are respected. Children take part in some themes, for example, projects on the Egyptians and activities to raise disability awareness. Positive images of society are represented in the setting, such as within the mural paintings on the cupboards. This allows children to increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good partnerships with parents. They receive good information about the club and have regular newsletters and access to the policies and procedures. Staff are friendly and approachable and available to speak to parents. This keeps them well-informed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The club lacks knowledge and understanding of the October 2005 regulation to maintain a record of complaints which is to be available to parents on request. This is now a requirement for all childcare providers. The after school club expressed an intention to put a complaints log in place when informed of the new requirement. Ofsted have not received any complaints about the setting. Therefore, the impact is deemed minimal.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom they provide.

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Organisation

Staff work well together as a team which promotes the children's enjoyment, safety and welfare. Staff have suitable qualifications and experience with children and have attended some further training. This helps support staff in their roles and responsibilities. They use their time and resources effectively and are well deployed within the room. Staff interact with the children very well. They understand and meet the individual needs of the children effectively. Children enjoy space to play as they have access to a large hall, room and three outdoor areas.

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Organisation

There are clear policies and procedures in place overall, which mostly meet the requirements of the National Standards. The setting does not have paperwork in place to maintain a record of complaints which are to be made available to parents on request.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the club was given two recommendations. These included updating information regarding the regulator and ensuring children could not leave the premises unsupervised.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The club now has Ofsted contact details in place within the complaints information, although this now requires updating to the new Ofsted address. A parent poster is also displayed with

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Improvements 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 an Ofsted contact number. This ensures parents have access to information if they wish to contact Ofsted regarding the setting which helps to ensure children's welfare.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The side door now has a lock in place which prevents children from leaving unsupervised. This ensures the children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure healthy food options are consistently offered to children • update knowledge and understanding of the October 2005 regulation in regard to complaints, ensure appropriate procedures and paperwork are in place.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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