Playdays

Fundays

Inspection report for early years provision

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Fundays

Unique Reference Number EY295176 Inspection date 06 June 2005 Inspector Debbie Rushworth

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Fundays

Setting Address Buxton County Infant School, Hardwick Square South, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6QB

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E-mail

Registered person Playdays Ltd 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 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?

Fundays Limited opened in 2004, although it was previously registered as Green Lane Nursery. It operates from Buxton Infants School situated on Hardwick Square South, Buxton and serves the local area. The setting is registered to care for 50 children between the ages of 3 and 8. There are currently 108 children on roll, including children with special needs. The club is open from 08:00 to 09:00 and 15:00 to 18:00 five days a week during term time and from 08:00 to 18:00 in school holidays. Over half the staff have early

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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 years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. The club receives the support of Derbyshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children regularly participate in a wide variety of active play, encouraging them to develop control of their bodies and keep fit and healthy, for example by playing team parachute games and practicing target throwing. During school holidays children take part in outdoor pursuits, encouraging an appreciation of open-air, physical activities as they grow older. A quiet area is not usually provided, making it difficult for the children to sit and relax after school. Sick children receive sensitive care, protecting others from illness. Following accidents, the staff use their up-to-date knowledge of first aid to give injured children the attention they need. Parents are fully informed of accidents and illness so they can seek advice if children suffer any after-effects. The premises, in particular the snack area, are hygienic. Toilets are checked regularly to ensure they are clean. This

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Helping children to be healthy

helps to prevent cross infection between children. The provision of healthy snacks, and the club's healthy eating policy, raises children's awareness of nutrition. Children benefit from drinks being available at all times, particularly during physical activity. Their special dietary needs are clearly displayed enabling staff to provide the correct food. Children have little input into the preparation of snacks but they begin to learn the skills needed to prepare food independently at weekly cookery sessions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and risk-free environment as a result of the staff clearly being aware of their responsibilities. Children have a variety of secure outdoor areas where soft matting is used to prevent injury. Indoors, the children play in the warm, bright classrooms and hall, giving them space to move between activities safely and freely. Children are kept safe as staff closely supervise activities. Children abide by clear safety procedures, especially when moving between their school and the club. They listen and follow instructions, becoming more aware of road safety and traffic hazards . Staff safeguard and promote children's welfare. All the relevant procedures and documentation is in place. For example, staff have a secure knowledge of child protection procedures and many hold a current first aid certificate.

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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 The wide variety of toys and equipment are clean and safe. Children know to put away toys to avoid damage and trip hazards. Toys are interesting and appropriate for the age of the children, keeping their interest throughout the session.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a positive relationship with staff and their peers, helping to develop their confidence. They settle well at the beginning of the session, sharing stories of their day with staff and friends. Children enjoy fun and challenging activities which are well organised and interesting. These activities include some which are more adventurous during school holidays, for example canoeing. A range of focussed clubs and activities are available every week, such as French, drama, art and baking. This gives all children opportunities to widen their experiences and skills. Children are grouped in age, ensuring that they can learn from playing with children of similar ability. A lot of active games are available and these are balanced by quieter, more reflective activities such as water and sand play, giving children some choice. Additional support is consistently given to children, staff are sympathetic and provide

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

reassurance if children are tired or wary of older children. They give comfort, cuddles and the security of familiar activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Equipment and resources meet the needs of individual children and some are representative of other cultures. Some international festivals, and festivals from other faiths, are celebrated, beginning to raise children's awareness of the wider world. Children generally know the behaviour expected of them and behave well. The staff have a consistent and calm approach to unacceptable behaviour. They discuss with the children the impact of their behaviour on others, helping children to understand right from wrong. Trained staff support children with special needs. Activities are adapted to include everyone. For example, providing lively activities to include children who find it difficult to sit still for long, encouraging them to take part and succeed. Parents feel welcome at the club. Systems, including a newsletter and noticeboard, ensure that they receive ample information. They are happy to approach and talk to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

staff at the end of the day, supporting the continuity of care between the club and home. A photographic display of club activities helps new parents and children to feel welcome and gives children a sense of belonging.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Clear recruitment and vetting procedures ensure that children receive care from suitable adults. The manager has a wide experience of working in childcare settings and has a good understanding of children's needs. The skills of the staff with childcare qualifications and are used well to support the organisation of the club. However procedures for the appointment of an appropriately qualified manager need to be reviewed. Time is organised well to provide children with a good variety of activities over the week. The involvement of staff in the planning of activities gives them an understanding of their role. They are pro-active in constantly supporting children's safe play. Children are grouped appropriately although, during school holidays, individual children do not benefit from the extra support a key member of staff would provide. Staff manage both indoor and outdoor space effectively, with children taking

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Organisation

turns to use the different areas. All documentation is in place and is generally in good order. Staff regularly share relevant records with parents, giving them day-to-day knowledge of their children's care. The provision meets the needs 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 procedures for the appointment of an appropriately qualified manager

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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 • provide a quiet area for children to rest and relax • implement a key worker system for school holiday provision

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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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