St Michaels After School Club

St Michaels After School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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St Michaels After School Club

Unique Reference Number 317452 Inspection date 19 June 2006 Inspector Carys Millican

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St Michaels After School Club

Setting Address St Michaels C of E Primary School, Carlisle Road, Dalston, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA5 7LN Telephone number 01228 607805

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E-mail

Registered person St Michaels After 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 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?

St. Michael's After School Club is run by a management committee. It opened in 2000 and operates from within the premises of St Michaels Primary School in the village of Dalston, on the southern outskirts of Carlisle. A maximum of 32 children may attend the after school club at any one time. The provision operates from Monday to Friday 15.30 to 18.00 term time only. Children attending the club have access to a number of areas within the school including the outside yard and school field with an adventure playground.

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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 26 children aged from three to under eight years on roll. Children attend aged up to 11 years. Children attend from the urban and rural community. The after school club currently supports a number of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The after school club employs three members of staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications and one is working towards a qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is generally supported by staff that have a sound knowledge of the after school club's health and hygiene procedures. Staff follow appropriate hygiene practices within the setting by making sure that areas are clean and tables are wiped before children sit down for snack. Children explain basic hygiene practices as they wash their hands before eating. Children stay healthy because they are protected from infection and are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill. Staff hold appropriate first aid certificates and follow the after school's sick children’s policy. Documentation is in place to ensure that children are generally protected. Information regarding children’s individual dietary needs and medical conditions or requirements are known by staff and records are maintained. Children learn about healthy eating and begin to understand the importance of a

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Helping children to be healthy

balanced diet. They are provided with a selection of healthy snacks. They choose what they would like to eat and benefit from the social occasion created at snack time. However, children’s independence and the development of self-help skills during snack time are not fully encouraged. Children are asked one at a time to choose what they would like to eat and staff prepare it. Older children are not encouraged to help and drinks are poured for them. Children enjoy a selection of drinks and fresh drinking water is readily available to children at all times. Children enjoy a range of physical activities inside and outdoors that contribute to their good health and all-round development. They play football and tennis with staff members, and children have great fun as thy wear moon shoes to walk around the playground. Children have access to the adventure playground where they can balance and climb on the apparatus. Indoors children use an exercise trampoline and

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Helping children to be healthy

play skittles. Quieter activities are provided for children allowing them to complete homework and use a computer.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally kept safe and secure when playing indoors and outside. Staff use visual safety checks before each session starts. Written risk assessments are not fully in place. Children help themselves to the selection of suitable and safe equipment provided indoors and outside. Staff check toys and equipment before use

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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 and outdoor areas are checked before use. Children cannot leave the premises unsupervised due to the safety procedures in place. Door alarms indicate when persons enter or leave the room and outer doors are locked to prevent unauthorised access. Most documents, procedures and written parental consents are in place to maintain children's safety. A public liability insurance certificate is displayed, however, it has recently expired and the new certificate was not available for inspection. Children generally understand how and why to keep themselves safe. They explain that they must not open the wooden gate in the playground to get the ball and patiently wait for the staff member to get it. Children help tidy away equipment at the end of their time outdoors. Most children are aware of what to do if there was an

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

emergency. The fire fighting equipment is in place and the evacuation procedure is practised and displayed. Children are generally protected by staff who have a satisfactory understanding of the child protection policies and procedures. The child protection statement is in place, however, it still requires updating with recent changes and required legislation. The procedure to follow in the event of an allegation made against staff or volunteers and the contact details of the police and social services department are still not maintained. Children are generally kept safe by the use of suitable collection procedures and the attendance of children, staff and visitors is recorded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, contented and enthusiastic in their play. They confidently help themselves to the resources available, which are age-appropriate and fully support their development and learning. Planning is in place to ensure that children are provided with a full range of activities and play opportunities that encourage their development and maintain their stimulation and interest. Children are self assured in their play. They are eager to take part and confident to help themselves to the outdoor play equipment. They play tennis and basket ball together and enjoy a game of football in the playground. Children enjoy the craft activity as they draw round their hands and cut out the shapes together. Photographic evidence shows children at play and completing interesting and stimulating craft activities. Children access a range of indoor activities. They enjoy the table soccer and play skittles and a hoop-la

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

game. Children develop self-esteem and respect for others. They become aware of their own needs and the needs of others as they learn to share and take turns. Children benefit from the close and caring relationship developed with staff, which increases children’s sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self. Children are well supported as the adult-child ratios facilitate this. Children are engaged in conversation with adults and other children and interactions are supportive of communication skills and extend experiences. Children show interest in what they do and they eagerly describe activities and experiences that they have enjoyed in past sessions. Children relate well to each other and build good relationships with staff members who join in the activities provided. Children make

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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 choices and decisions about their play from the range of activities available. They take turns wearing ‘moon shoes’ and gingerly walk around the playground holding on to the staff member. They gain confidence and self-esteem through the constant praise that they receive from staff.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children and parents are made welcome. Children’s individual needs are known and met by staff in discussion with their parents. An all inclusive environment is promoted as all children are encouraged to take part in activities. Children’s awareness of diversity is encouraged as they explore their own and others' cultures and traditions. Children explain how they enjoyed writing in Chinese during the celebrations for Chinese New Year. They feel a sense of belonging. Their work is creatively displayed on shelves and photos of past achievements are mounted on the wall. Children’s understanding of equality is promoted by staff encouraging and supporting older and younger children as they play together and support each other. Children behave reasonably well. They generally respond well to the staff's behaviour management strategies. Staff continually praise achievements and provide individual

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Helping children make a positive contribution

support and comfort as required. Children learn to distinguish between right and wrong and begin to understand responsible behaviour. The incident book is available to record any behavioural issues, however, the recording methods used do not maintain confidentiality. Children enjoy mutually respectful relationships with the staff and each other. Children develop self-esteem and confidence as they make choices and decisions. Equipment and resources are adapted to ensure that all children are able to participate. Children benefit from the sound relationships formed between staff and parents. However, limited information is displayed on a notice-board. Staff share information verbally on a daily basis ensuring that continuity of care is maintained. Policies and procedures are not readily available for parents. The complaints procedure is in place, however, it requires updating in line with recent legislation and it is not

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Helping children make a positive contribution

displayed for parents. A complaints register is not maintained. Parents are happy with the care their children receive and the friendliness of the staff. General information is provided when registering at the club and parents are provided with newsletters.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The registered person has not followed the regulatory requirements and procedures to inform Ofsted of any changes to the registered person and the person in charge. The leader in charge has not completed Ofsted’s suitable person interview and the required suitability checks for this position have not been made. Not all committee members are known to Ofsted and therefore, they also have not undergone suitability checks. The staff recruitment policy is in place. Staff records show the registered person has a robust recruitment and vetting procedure in place to ensure that

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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 children are protected. Staff have a sound understanding of child development and work well as a team. Group sizes and staff deployment contribute to children’s health, safety, enjoyment and achievement, and ability to take an active part in the setting. Children are cared for in a well organised environment. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for all children. Children access suitable play opportunities and activities. They settle easily and feel at home in the environment. Staff organise their time satisfactorily to meet children’s individual needs and all children are included. Children are generally kept safe whilst attending. Attendance registers are maintained and children are signed in and out in to ensure their safety. Most documentation, policies and procedures, which enable the smooth running of

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Organisation

after school club, are in place. Information is shared daily. Policies and procedures are not readily accessible or displayed for parents, and many require updating with recent changes in legislation. 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

At the last inspection the registered person agreed to improve documentation and record keeping with regard to maintaining children’s records; update and maintain a number of policies and procedures; obtain written parental permission from parents and ensure that records are always available for inspection. The registered person also agreed to improve the safety of children on the premises. Since the last inspection documentation and record keeping has generally improved. Children’s individual details are clearly recorded including parents details; attendance registers clearly show when staff attend; written parental permission has been obtained for emergency treatment or advice; and written policies have been completed for medication, and lost and uncollected children. Since the last inspection children's safety on the premises has improved. The school gate is kept secure and the fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed and

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Improvements since the last inspection

practised regularly with the children. The registered person agreed to improve two further policies and procedures which have not been completed since the last inspection. Therefore actions have been raised at this inspection in relation to the child protection policy and the complaints procedure.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are 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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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

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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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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure that there are effective procedures in place to notify Ofsted of any changes to the registered person or person in charge. • ensure the complaints procedure is clearly displayed, that it is updated with recent legislative changes and maintain a complaints register. • update the child protection procedure in line with recent legislative changes including the procedure to follow in the event of an allegation being made against a staff member or volunteer, and the contact details of the local authorities. 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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