Boomerang

Boomerang

Inspection report for early years provision

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Boomerang

Unique Reference Number EY282456 Inspection date 16 August 2006 Inspector Pauline Pinnegar

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Boomerang

Setting Address Holy Trinity Church Upsall Grove, Fairfield, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, TS19 7QH Telephone number 01642 570102 or 07881 486292

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E-mail

Registered person Holy Trinity/ Rosehill Out of School Club 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?

Boomerang, an out of school day club, opened in April 2004 and is a committee run group. It operates from Holy Trinity Church hall which is located in the Fairfield area of Stockton-on-Tees. The club have use of the main church hall, the adjoining school library/computer room and the main hall. There is a secure outdoor play area. A maximum of 26 children may attend the group at any one time. The group is open Monday to Friday from 07.30 to 09.00 and 15.00 to 18.00 term time. In the school holidays the group operates from 07.30 to 18.00. There are currently 62 children on roll aged from three years to 10 years old. Children

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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 attend for a variety of sessions, mainly from the surrounding catchment area. The group supports children with learning difficulties. The group employs two full-time and four part-time staff. Five members of staff have a recognised childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Staff implement health and hygiene guidelines to ensure children's health, nutritional and physical needs are satisfactorily addressed. Priority is given to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in all areas, in particular the kitchen and toilets. This ensures risks to children are minimised. The group have a clear sick children's policy and parents are informed that children should not attend the club if they are unwell, so that risk of infections is minimised. Staff raise children's awareness of healthy practices, encouraging them to wash their hands before lunch and baking activities. However, this good practise is not always followed at snack time. Arrangements for administering medicines and first aid meet requirements. However, not all parents sign the accident record which compromises children's health needs. Parents are asked to give their written consent for emergency medical treatment or advice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parent's wishes are considered so that children's individual health and dietary needs are met. Children bring packed lunches from home and parents are encouraged to include an ice pack in the packed lunch box to keep food fresh. Staff encourage children to express preferences and make their own choices; they enjoy a variety of different snacks such as fresh fruit, carrot and cucumber sticks. Children can access drinks freely throughout the session as there is a water dispenser in the activity room. Children participate with enthusiasm in the social aspect of group lunch time and use this opportunity to converse with staff and their peers about the benefits of a good diet. Children have lots of opportunity for active physical play both indoors and out. They use the church hall to organise games of football, hockey and skittles when it is not possible to go outdoors; they play cooperatively and involve others in their team and

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Helping children to be healthy

ring games such as 'What's the time, Mr Wolf?' Outdoors children enjoy the new play area, climbing the ropes with agility, playing on the swing and the climbing frame. They also enjoy playing with a range of outdoor equipment such as scooters and bikes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Staff are clear about their responsibilities to ensure children are protected and understand their child protection policy. However, the policy lacks information about procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff. There is a clearly defined procedure displayed, outlining the fire emergency

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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 evacuation procedure, which is practised regularly with the children to raise their awareness and understanding. Children are learning successfully to keep themselves safe. For example, they observe agreed boundaries when playing outdoors. These are constantly reinforced by staff and children clearly know where they are allowed to play safely. Children know they must cross the road with the crossing patrol person after school and are not allowed to play in the bushes outdoors. Children are always signed-in and out by staff when they are taken to school, and when they are collected by parents from the club. This works well and safeguards children. Although there are clear procedures in place for outings parents have not given their written consent for children to be transported in a vehicle. This compromises children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safely cared for in a secure and welcoming environment, where staff check the premises each day and refer any issues of concern to the school caretaker. The outdoor area is secure. Staff are deployed effectively to ensure safe supervision of children both indoors and out. Children have enhanced their indoor environment by painting a welcome poster and by displaying their art work. A rota is in place to ensure checks are carried out regularly on equipment, so that all is safe for children to use. A suitable range of equipment is in place for children which is easily accessible promoting their independence. Children are confident to make any concerns known; they are confident to seek staff support to negotiate difficulties, which enables them to feel safe and secure in the club.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very confident and happy in the group. They arrive with enthusiasm and immediately select favourite activities. Children communicate well with staff; they approach them naturally and easily, ask questions and tell them their news. They are forming positive relationships with their peers as they cheerfully play together and have formed close friendships. An outline weekly activity plan helps to introduce variety into the daily play environment. The range of activities planned on a daily basis is broad and balanced, so that children have lots of play choices. There are, for example, planned areas for reading stories and quiet play, creative activities, role play, dressing up and computer games. Resources are stored at child height promoting children's freedom of choice and independence. Children express themselves well creatively and represent their own original ideas as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they engage in a wide and varied range of craft activities. These include wax paintings, picture tree rubbings and chalk pictures. Staff support the children as needed but encourage them to do things for themselves which builds their confidence and self-esteem. Activities are usually based on a theme, such as animals, holidays and under the sea. Quieter children are able to spend time using the Play Stations or enjoying small world play. Children use initiative to choose activities and develop their own play ideas throughout the session. Older children are currently involved in using their imagination by converting the book corner into the 'big brother house' setting themselves tasks to complete. Children also enjoy playing snooker, cooperatively taking turns. They also enjoy baking activities, decorating cakes with icing. The new outdoor play area is a strong favourite with children. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 constantly asked when they would be going outside to play with the new large climbing equipment. Children develop their large motor skills as they climb with agility. During the school holidays children take part in interesting outings such as trips to the Darlington Railway Museum, Preston Park and the Life Science Museum. Children behave very well; they are polite, confident and self-assured. They learn to understand acceptable, cooperative behaviour, as they negotiate what they want to do with their friends and make sure everyone is happily involved. Children's interactions with staff are warm and trusting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children understand responsible behaviour and are actively involved in devising their own rules for the club, encouraging other children to observe them if necessary. Behaviour is very good at all times and children work harmoniously with others. They play board games, with the Play Station and snooker table, which effectively supports their intellectual development and cooperative skills. Children ask politely if they can leave the table, they say excuse-me, please and thank you. Staff act as good role models as they address each other and the children with respect. Staff have good verbal communication with parents which ensures they can successfully meet children's individual needs, and cater well for children with learning difficulties. Parents have access to the complaints policy, which is in the easily accessible policy file. However, the full address and telephone number of Ofsted is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

not included on the policy and the log is not in line with changes to regulations. Children are cared for by adults who know them well. They can choose for themselves as they easily access the available equipment and resources. Children especially enjoy playing outside or with indoor sports games, such as tennis and football. Staff work closely with the children to offer positive role models. The range of resources available is not gender stereotyped. There is a suitable range of resources and activities available to children which reflect the diverse nature of society. Children celebrate festivals such as Hanukah and the Chinese New Year and learn about people from different cultures as they use activity sheets. The group has clear procedures to support children with learning difficulties. Children are encouraged by the staff to recognise the needs of their friends and they respond by taking turns fairly

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Mandatory documentation is mostly in good order, meets requirements and is stored with a high regard for confidentiality. However, the record of staff attendance is not accurately maintained with times of arrival and departure. A range of clear policies and procedures are fully understood, and well implemented by the staff to effectively promote outcomes for children. They are freely available to parents in a file in the

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 hall. Children are protected because procedures are in place to ensure all staff receive appropriate vetting. Staff have a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to continual improvement due to the effective induction procedures that are now in place. Although there are clear procedures for transporting children in an appropriate vehicle the required documentation is not available for inspection within the group. Staff members are experienced and most hold recognised qualifications. Staff are committed to ongoing training to enhance their knowledge and understanding of childcare. 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 last inspection the provider was asked to make sure the visitor's book contains times of departure and the behaviour management policy includes a statement on bullying. The record of visitors is maintained accurately promoting safety within the group. The behaviour management policy now contains a statement relating to procedures to be followed with regard to incidents of bullying. This has improved the overall organisation of the group and contributes to improving children's overall well-being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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):

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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 • improve hand washing routines at snack time • ensure all accident records are signed by parents • ensure parental consent is sought when transporting children in a vehicle • ensure that the child protection policy includes procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a staff member or volunteer • ensure the complaints procedure contains all the necessary detail and is in line with changes to regulations • ensure the record of staff attendance is accurate • ensure records are kept about vehicles in which children are transported, including insurance details and a list of named drivers.

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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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