Ursuline Out of School Club

Ursuline Out of School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Ursuline Out of School Club

Unique Reference Number EY216620 Inspection date 14 August 2006 Inspector Frank William Kelly

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Ursuline Out of School Club

Setting Address Nicholas Road, Blundellsands, Liverpool, L23 6TT

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Ursuline Out of School Club

Telephone number 07951 283 574 0151 932 9378

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E-mail

Registered person Ursuline 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?

Ursuline Out of School Club has been registered since 2002 and is operated by a committee. It operates from the first floor and main hall of Ursuline Catholic Primary School. The school is situated in the Blundellsands, Crosby area of Liverpool. A maximum of 30 children may attend the setting at any one time. It operates each weekday from 08.00 to 08.45 and 15.15 to 18.00 during term times and from 08.30 to 17.30 during the school holiday periods. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 50 children aged from four to 11 years on roll. The setting

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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 supports a number of children with additional needs. Children come mainly from the local catchment area, as children who attend generally attend the school or live close to the setting. The club employs eight staff. Of these, three including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications and three are working towards a qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in an adequately maintained and suitably clean premises. They have easy access to hand washing facilities, which are kept clean and are well stocked with both hand dryers and paper towels, soap and tissue. Children are familiar with the routines and independently wash their hands without being reminded after visiting the toilet. Daily routines and staff prompting help to encourage the children to wash hands before eating. Staff implement good hygiene practice throughout the course of their daily duties, such as wiping tables before and after children have eaten. Good practice tips included in the activity planning help staff, and volunteers further promote the children's good health. For example, during baking activities it is suggested that staff encourage children not to lick their fingers or spoons until after they have finished, thus, helping children to gain awareness of

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Helping children to be healthy

good hygiene practices and reduce the risk of cross infection. Sufficient staff have completed up to date first aid training to ensure that at least one member of staff is always on duty to help protect children in the event of an accident or minor injury. Regulatory policies relating to the reporting of notifiable diseases and food poisoning have been devised and records for the administration of medication and accidents are shared with parents so as to further protect the children's well-being. The setting does well for promoting the children's physical development. It provides a programme of both familiar and less familiar activities that provide children with regular exercise that raises their heart rate and gets them to use and develop their differing coordination skills and muscle groups. Children use scooters with increasing speed and accuracy as they race around the outdoor areas and their peers. They

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Helping children to be healthy

enjoy team games, such as football in the playground or playing on the climbing frame whilst visiting Acorn Farm. Regular trips during the summer and other holiday periods, include tennis, golf and ten-pin bowling. Throughout the day children can choose from and self-initiate a range of creative and more restful activities. They enjoy threading their own bead necklaces and bracelets, drawing, painting and playing with tactile materials, such as playdough. Children's individual dietary needs are known and catered for. Projects about healthy eating, and visits from the dental health care team are helping raise children's awareness of healthy lifestyles and encouraging them to think about what they eat and how they care for themselves. Information about sugary drinks, and making fruit smoothies as alternatives are promoting a more healthy diet. The setting ensures that

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Helping children to be healthy

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 children have continued access to drinks at all times and that the snacks served are reflective of current guidance, such as 'five a day'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in premises that are old but suitably maintained. Regular maintenance is completed by the school and an on going series of improvements and refurbishment will benefit the facilities available to the children in the long term. Annual maintenance checks for fire safety and portable electrical testing of electrical items are up to date and contributes to keeping the children free from harm. There is an appropriate evacuation procedure, which, the policy states, is to be practised with the children each term. However, there has not been a drill since January 2006 and they are not conducted during school holiday periods. This means it is unclear if children are fully familiar with what to do in the event of an emergency. Space is appropriately organised so that the children are able to move freely and safely throughout. Furniture, such as tables, chairs and comfy cushions are well

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

resourced to meet the differing needs of the children and enable them to eat, rest and play comfortably with their friends. The toys, games and other equipment are of a good quality, well maintained, suitable for their purpose and regularly checked so that children are able to play safely. Generally children are kept safe and free from hazards as staff have completed full risk assessments and taken many actions to minimise the risks to the children. These include fitting doors with finger guards, and security buzzers to the entrances. However, the setting has failed to update the risk assessments to identify and take action prior to known building works taking place within the school premises during the holiday period. Therefore, due to the nature of some of the work, access to the premises by unknown visitors is possible. That said, children are well supervised and accompanied by adults at all times. Procedures for escorting children through

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

corridors and stairways is well managed. Staff clear the building contractors from these areas, use telephones to communicate when to proceed and position themselves well to prevent children gaining access to any hazards left, such as tools or building materials. The staff promote the children's safety by checking the premises and equipment on a daily basis prior to the children arriving, but the lack of a formal check list, means that staff still do not always identify risks, such as uncovered plug sockets or trailing wires from the telephone. Staff demonstrate a sound understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of them having any concerns regarding the protection and safeguarding of children. Some staff have completed child protection awareness training and there are written policies to follow. These policies are brief but refer directly to the printed copy of guidance from the Local Safeguarding Children's Board and the government

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

publication 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - summary' However, some of the information, such as the contact details for the local police and social services is not easily located within the documents, should staff need it in an emergency. These procedures are made available to parents with the setting's other

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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 documents but it is not clear if parents are fully aware of them at the time of their child starting at the club.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have an enjoyable time at this setting. They are relaxed, very sociable and interested in what is available to them. Staff get it right, providing a good balance of planned and free play activities, which engage and stimulate the children. The activity program is well thought out by the staff so that children get to widen their experiences and further their enjoyment. For example, earlier on in the holiday playscheme the children enjoyed a visit backstage at the Empire theatre in Liverpool, thus, providing children with an insight of how it feels to be on a stage. This week a dance and drama coach is spending time with the children following a theme of 'under the water'. Activities include playing tag games, such as 'sharks, cod, mackerel and herring' and learning a series of choreographed dance moves, which are to be performed at an end of playscheme show for parents. Children participate

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

in the learning of the routines with much enthusiasm and vigour, repeatedly practising their 'head slides' and increasingly complex series of steps and actions. There is much laughter and enjoyment as staff join in and children's confidence is boosted by their praise and encouragement. Lots of craft activities are provided and children freely help themselves throughout the day. Their ideas and interests are followed and staff display their work positively. Displays currently on the walls include the children's drawings and paintings of Pirates of the Caribbean and of the guide dogs with harnesses. Photographs displayed show children enjoying visits to the local farm to visit the chicks they had hatched earlier, feeding the goats and horse riding. Activities on the premises include t-shirt painting and making sugar icing figures. During free play sessions children move with familiarity and a sense of purpose as they clearly know what they want to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play with. For example, two girls settle at the computer and navigate around the screen with increasing skill, whilst three boys play for a whole session in the role play area, initially with the action figures and then later on playing 'Cafes'. Others call for staff to watch them as they play pool or air hockey. Children demonstrate a clear sense of right and wrong as they patiently and politely take turns during these activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are included and their differences acknowledged and valued. Staff form close and caring relationships with children as they show interest in and value what the children have to say and do. This gives the children a sense of belonging and is helping them to develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem. The setting works closely with parents of children with additional needs to ensure that they receive the support and care they require. Staff know all the children well and are quick to respond to ensure that children participate fully in the activities in a way that suits

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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 them. Children learn about their culture and the culture of others through the celebration of different festivals, such as Easter, Chinese New Year and Diwali. Good quality posters, books and toys reflecting positive images of diversity are displayed and accessible throughout the setting. There is strong emphasis on being kind and tolerant to each other. Effective strategies are used to reinforce good behaviour. Praise and encouragement are consistent and children mirror the good role models presented by the staff. This caring environment has created a fun and fair atmosphere where children are listened to and encouraged to respect each other and think about the impact their actions may have on others. They have been invited to contribute to the ground rules, which are displayed on the wall and include statements, such as 'be nice and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

kind' and 'share the computer'. Partnership with parents overall is good. Information is shared during registration and policies and procedures relating to how the setting operates are made available. Children benefit from the close relationship staff have with parents and information about the child's likes, wishes and abilities is obtained prior to a child starting and then used as a basis to plan suitable care. Much information is shared verbally on a daily basis during the arrival and collection times. Occasional newsletters, letters and posters are made available to keep parents up to date about current events.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. One of the key strengths of this setting is the management's ability to identify and access the wide range of activities and child orientated initiatives that are available within the immediate and surrounding areas. This means that children this summer and throughout the year enjoy a diverse and fun packed program of trips, visits and experiences that enhance and extend their overall development and understanding of the world. Activities this year have ranged from playing new sports to raising awareness about ethical issues, such as recycling, and fund raising for organisations, such as guide dogs for the blind. Children are relaxed and confident within the setting as they have good adult support from familiar and suitably vetted adults. They are cared for in surroundings that are organised so they can freely make decisions about what they do. All required policies

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Organisation

and procedures are in place, although, those for child protection and the recording of complaints require updating. These are generally implemented consistently to keep the children safe and well cared for. The management retains all required records for inspection and demonstrates a sound understanding of meeting the National Standards. However, it has failed its regulatory duty to keep Ofsted informed of the changes to persons on the committee. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there was one action imposed requiring the setting to address an issue regarding staff suitability within an agreed timescale. In addition to this action, another nine recommendations were made relating to developing and improving documentation, children's access to fresh drinking water, the availability of suitable crockery during snack and meal times, resources reflecting diversity, and the deployment of staff. Since then the setting has responded to all points raised. The setting has ensured that all staff including the then recently appointed manager have completed suitable vetting procedures. They have increased the number of staff working each session, thus, children have good support from safe and consistent adults. Children's care and welfare have benefited from the improvement and development of policies and procedures, such as those for children with special needs or the

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Improvements since the last inspection

recording methods for medication administration and accidents. Full risk assessments have been conducted and generally work well. Overall, the improvements made continue to keep the children safe. Children's health and comfort have been improved as staff now ensure that fresh drinking water is available to the children at all times so that they can keep themselves hydrated. Children are now provided with a full range of suitable crockery to use during all meal and snack times. The setting has increased the range of and makes readily available to the children, a varied selection of toys, books and good quality posters that reflect the diversity within today's society. These are helping children to develop a positive attitude towards others as they gain an awareness of others' similarities and differences.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • increase the frequency that the fire drill is practised with the children to ensure that children who only attend holiday playschemes are familiar with what to do in the event of an emergency • prepare a daily check list for staff to use to further minimise hazards to the children and revise the procedures for risk assessment to ensure that staff prepare action plans for when circumstances change, such as building work during school holiday periods • revise policies and procedures for child protection and the recording and reporting of complaints so that it clearly explains to the reader the steps to be taken • keep Ofsted informed of any significant changes, such as changes to the committee.

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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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