SS AIDAN & OSWALD'S OUT OF SCHOOL CARE-CLUBOfsted inspection, 8 Jun 2006

Care Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Care Club

Unique Reference Number 508038 Inspection date 08 June 2006 Inspector (Kate) Kathryn, Jane Ryder

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Care Club

Setting Address St. Aidan and Oswalds RC Primary School, Roman Road, Royton, Oldham, Lancashire, OL2 5PQ Telephone number 07974 379 327 E-mail cthrntrvs@aol.com Registered person Moira Harwood and Mrs Catherine Travis Timms Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

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Care 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?

St Aidan & Oswald Out of School Club was registered in 1994. It operates from St Aidan's Primary School in Royton and has the use of the school hall, the small meeting room and kitchen facilities. The school play ground and playing fields provide opportunities for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 60 children may attend the club at any one time and there are currently 112 children on roll. It opens each week day from 07.30 to 09.00 and 15.00 to 17.30 during term time and during school holidays from 07.30 to 17.30 except on a

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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 Friday when it closes at 17:00. Pupils of the school are given priority for places during term time and during the school holidays it serves the local community. The setting currently supports children with special educational needs and there are five children attending who speak English as an additional language. There is a team of 10 members of staff, three of whom hold relevant qualifications. A further three are presently undertaking training.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children generally learn the importance of good personal health and hygiene issues through the established daily routines. They know, for example, that washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating prevents germs spreading. However, no soap is provided in the girls bathroom, this compromises children's health with the risk of cross contamination. Children's welfare is further protected as all the staff team have valid first aid certificates and there are good procedures in place to record accidents and the use of medication. However, parental consent is not obtained to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Snacks are prepared in principle with good food hygiene advice although staff's certificates are out-dated. Children enjoy regular physical exercise through a range of organised activities outdoors for example, football, cricket, tennis, rounder's and the use of bikes. During

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Helping children to be healthy

wet weather children partake in a variety of softball games and team games in the large school hall. Children benefit from being provided with some healthy snacks. They enjoy a variety of different sandwiches and fruits during term time which helps to promote a healthy eating ethos. Through the school holidays, children bring along their own packed lunches and the club provide fruit and biscuits. Children help themselves to drinks throughout the session from the tray and cups provided on the kitchen counter. Snacks and drinks comply with special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy.

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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 child centred play environment which is well maintained, safe and secure. It provides ample space that enables children to play and relax in comfort. Appropriate organisation of the play areas allows children to move freely and safely. Children's sense of belonging is enhanced through the many displays of their art work. They are well protected through the staffs vigilance in challenging unknown adults arriving to collect children. Fire drills are carried out to ensure safe evacuation of the building. However, there are no entries for 2006 and this compromises

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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. Different activities are provided within two play rooms and children confidently engage in play of their own choice. They benefit from a good selection of resources and equipment which reflects their age and interests. Children are familiar with where things are kept which encourages them to play independently. The chairs and tables are an appropriate height for the children attending. Staff are clear about their role and responsibilities with regard to child protection and therefore children are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, relaxed and approach the play activities with enthusiasm. Members of staff generally interact well with the children during outdoor play. For example, organising cricket and football games. However, there is less interaction and direct involvement during indoor play activities. Children spend their time purposefully and take part in a wide range of activities such as: ball games; board games; construction; books and home corner play. They are able to make independent choices. Children particularly enjoy the activities around the 'World Cup' theme. They have made bunting, flags and football shirt pictures representing all the countries taking part in the tournament. They benefit from 'chilling out' in the comfy television area at the end of a long hot day. They are involved in making suggestions for future activities as members of staff regularly ask them for their suggestions. Children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

display confidence and familiarity within the setting. This ensures they are able to respond to their own needs and wishes, for example, helping themselves to a drink from the kitchen counter and choosing different resources from the toy cupboards.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about diversity through a variety of activities. For example, they explore culture through activities such as food tasting and the celebration of festivals such as Eid and Chinese New Year. However, their knowledge of the wider world is hindered due to the lack of anti discriminatory toys that explore similarities and differences. Staff treat children with equal concern and respect their decisions about what they want to play with. This establishes a sense of security and fosters trusting relationships. Children with additional needs are cared for appropriately and sensitively in consultation with parents and other relevant professionals. Children are well behaved and polite in response to the expectations of practitioners. They clearly understand the boundaries and staff have high expectations of them. Children have contributed to a series of positive club rules such as, no name calling

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and being kind to each other. Members of staff frequently remind children about 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 rules especially during holiday periods when new children may attend. Children are learning to act responsibly. For example, they tidy away toys and pour their own drinks. Staff sensitively consult parents about any behaviour issues, ensuring that they make time and provide a confidential setting for discussions to take place. Practitioners promote effective partnerships with parents. For example, through gathering information on the application form, informal discussion and the use of regular newsletters. Parents find staff very approachable and friendly and value the advice staff are able to offer, especially around behaviour issues. Parents have access to the club policies and procedures which outline the expectations of the group.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The play areas are welcoming and organised to help children be independent. Children benefit from the active involvement of the practitioners in the activities which enhances their enjoyment and sense of achievement. Generally children's safety and welfare is protected due to the vetting procedures which all staff submit to. However, there are no records to confirm that the vetting procedure has been complied with and suitability checked. Staff training is valued as a means to further develop the provision and members of staff attend additional training. The organisation of staffing levels generally ensures required ratios are met. However, on a rare occasion the deployment of staff has had an effect on the ratio's which has led to a breach in their conditions of registration. Documentation is generally maintained in good order to promote children's welfare. Policies and procedures work in practice to ensure there are positive outcomes for

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Organisation

children. The registration method is appropriate and clearly details the children present and the time that they leave. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection the setting was required to: obtain parental consent for emergency medical treatment; review the contents of the first aid box and develop the play resources reflecting equal opportunities. Parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment has been overlooked and remains outstanding. The first aid box is stocked with relevant contents and will ensure staff have the medical supplies to attend to children's minor injuries. The toy resource promoting diversity is still limited although some play equipment and displays reflect positive images.

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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 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 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): • ensure parental permission is obtained, to the seeking of any necessary medical advice or treatment • make sure the fire drill record is kept accurately • develop a system for recording the vetting of newly appointed staff, in particular CRB checks • make sure that the adult:child ratio's are always maintained to ensure sufficient staff are working directly with the children.

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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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