MASK (Mossley After School Club) Ltd.

Mossley After School Club (Mask)

Inspection report for early years provision

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Mossley After School Club (Mask)

Unique Reference Number EY251110 Inspection date 23 August 2006 Inspector Sue Anslow

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Mossley After School Club (Mask)

Setting Address Old School Building, Leek Road, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 3TU Telephone number 07713 514292

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E-mail

Registered person MASK (Mossley After School Club) 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 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?

Mossley After School Klub (MASK) is one of two out of school clubs run by the same private provider. It opened in 2003 and operates from two rooms in a community centre in an old school building in Mossley, near Congleton. A maximum of 48 children may attend the out of school club at any one time. The club is open during term time each weekday from 07.30 to 09.00 and 15.30 to 18.00 and during school holidays, each weekday, from 07.30 to 18.00. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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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 There are currently 158 children on roll, aged between three and 11 years of age. The out of school club supports children with learning difficulties and children who speak English as an additional language. There are 21 staff employed at the out of school club. Eight have appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop an awareness of the benefits of keeping healthy through effective hygiene practices and consistent routines. They have an understanding about self-care skills and maintaining their own health as they wash their hands before snacks and after outdoor play. This practice ensures children's health is protected. There is a written policy in place detailing the procedures for managing sick children, accidents and medication, further promoting children's health needs. However, not all records are countersigned by parents which compromises good management of children's health care. Children enjoy lots of outdoor activities which support and help their physical skills as well as contributing to a healthy lifestyle. They benefit from good access to a well maintained outdoor area with some fixed equipment to practise climbing and balancing. The extensive school grounds enable children to run and jump in safety as

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Helping children to be healthy

well as explore nature as they look for frogs and other wildlife in the shrubs and hedgerows. Children are well nourished throughout the day. Parents provide a packed lunch for the holiday club and snacks are provided by staff. Older children can choose their own snack such as toast or biscuits and fresh fruit and salad items are included in the weekly menus. Children have good access to drinking water throughout the day and diluted juice is served with food. Children's individual dietary needs are known and these are catered for to ensure children remain healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children enjoy ample space both indoors and outside for a wide variety of activities. They confidently select play equipment from the range available, all of which is appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children access toys and equipment that is safe and hygienic and the regular checking and cleaning of furniture, toys and equipment promotes children's health and safety at all times. Children's safety is protected by staff who are vigilant at all times and complete regular risk assessments to prevent accidents and keep children safe. Written emergency evacuation procedures are displayed in the building, however, staff have not discussed or undertaken regular evacuations of the premises during the summer

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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 holidays, which compromises children's safety in an emergency. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through reminders from staff, for example, tidying toys from the floor, not running indoors or not climbing trees outside. Safety certificates are obtained for all appliances and a health and safety policy is followed by staff to promote the safety of the children. However, procedures have not been formulated for staff to follow should a child not be collected from the setting at the end of the session, which compromises children's safety in this area. Children's safety and protection with regard to possible harm or abuse is also seriously compromised by staff's insufficient knowledge of correct procedures for recording and reporting any concerns to the appropriate agencies and not having written procedures should an

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

allegation be made against any adult working with the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and relaxed in the company of the staff. They enjoy the time spent in the out of school club when they can relax or be active in accordance with their needs and interests. They are motivated, eager and actively participate in the many activities, outings and experiences offered to them. There is a good range of resources which are used well to interest children and develop their learning. Children are confident and relate very well to each other and staff. They are well supported by staff who encourage children to extend their experiences as they listen and talk to them. Staff ensure that children take part in activities which offer suitable challenge and promote their well-being and development. A child wanting a member of staff to write a message in a birthday card for his friend was encouraged to write it himself with some adult guidance. Treasure hunts, using small pieces of coloured

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

paper, cut into different shapes and hidden in trees and bushes around the grounds, provides a valuable learning experience as well as lots of fun. Children develop good large and small physical skills through using the climbing and balancing equipment in the outdoor play areas and the many and varied art and craft activities indoors. They experience the natural environment around them as they play outdoors or join in a variety outings to such places as the town park, the seaside and ten pin bowling during the holidays.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met well because staff liaise closely with parents, observe children's characters and interests and provide appropriate activities and resources. Children with special needs are welcome to attend the out of school club and are included in all activities to the extent of their abilities. However, an appropriate policy statement is not available to support staff in managing children with learning difficulties or disabilities. Children behave well and enjoy mutually respectful relationships with the staff 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 each other. They develop self-esteem and confidence as they voice their opinions and make decisions. They develop a positive attitude to others as they learn to share and take turns, becoming increasingly independent and able to take responsibility for meeting their own needs. Staff praise and encourage efforts, achievements and helpfulness and are on hand to prevent any confrontations or difficulties. However, the behaviour management policy does not include strategies for managing bullying which compromises the overall protection of children in this area. Partnership with parents is good. A brochure outlines the aims and objectives of the out of school club and flyers are sent to local schools advertising the holiday club activities. Relevant information and appropriate written consents are obtained from parents prior to their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

child attending. This ensures staff know the child's needs and general interests and provides continuity and good management of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children's care is managed well by a team of experienced staff who work well together on a rota basis, covering the before and after school club and holiday sessions throughout the year. Qualified supervisors lead each session and all staff are checked and inducted appropriately. This enhances the safety and well-being of the children. Well organised activities ensure children are happily occupied in the relaxed and informal environment. They move freely between the different rooms and outside into the enclosed play areas, therefore providing a good balance of activities. Appropriate records are kept up to date as required, enhancing the general care of the children. However, policies and procedures supporting the management of children's safety do not comply with the National Standards or local authority guidelines. The required procedures for staff to follow with regard to child protection issues or uncollected

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Organisation

children, are not recorded. This means that the children's welfare and safety is not fully protected. Overall the provision does not meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was asked to amend several written policies and procedures in line with the National Standards. These have not been completed satisfactorily so are being raised again.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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: • include in the child protection policy, contact details for police and social services and procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation against a member of staff or volunteer • provide a clearly defined procedure for use if a child is not collected. 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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