Pandas Kids Club

Pandas Kids Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Pandas Kids Club

Unique Reference Number EY291673 Inspection date 18 May 2005 Inspector Susan Hoult

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Pandas Kids Club

Setting Address St Johns Primary School, Grantham Road,, Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln, LN4 2LD Telephone number 07944207076 / 07939390341

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E-mail

Registered person Pandas Kids 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?

Pandas Kids Club opened in 2004. It operates from the school hall and a classroom at St John's Primary School in Bracebridge Heath. The enclosed grounds of the school are available for outdoor play. The kids club serves the local area and offers care for children aged three to eleven years. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are 78 children on roll of whom 25 are under eight years of age. The kids club supports children who speak English as an additional language. There are currently no children attending who have special needs.

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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 The kids club opens Monday to Friday for fifty weeks of the year. Sessions are from 07.30 to 09.00 and from 15.15 to 18.00 during school terms. In the holidays the sessions are from 07.30 to 18.00. Four staff work with the children over a week. Three staff have early years qualifications to NVQ levels 2 or 3. The manager is currently attending further training relating to playwork. The kids club receives support from the Lincolnshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a positive attitude to exercise, enjoying both structured and free physical play in the school grounds whenever the weather is suitable. They have fun whilst developing their large muscle skills and hand eye co-ordination, for example using skipping ropes, playing football and chasing games. Children become increasingly aware of the way physical activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. Children are able to access drinks throughout session by using a water fountain or requesting drinks from staff, understanding that regular drinks helps maintain their health. However children gain less understanding of the value of good nutrition as they have snacks of biscuits after school with the healthy option of fruit usually only being offered during holidays. Parents provide their children's packed lunch. Children have some understanding of personal hygiene through daily routines,

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Helping children to be healthy

washing hands after visiting toilet and, when attending in the holidays, before meals. However children are not encouraged by staff to wash their hands before eating their snack and therefore receive inconsistent messages about the importance of personal care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel secure and confident in the club environment which is clean and well maintained. They benefit from using the spacious school hall and grounds which are available for most sessions. Although staff have identified the majority of risks they do not use socket covers in exposed electrical sockets to prevent accidental injury to children. Children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe through the staff giving clear explanations of why certain activities or actions may be dangerous, for example a child being asked not to run when carrying a piece of equipment in case they fall and hurt themselves. Staff accompany all children aged under 8 years to and from their classrooms ensuring their safety.

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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 A sufficient range of safe, clean resources are organised so that children are encouraged to make choices and have independent access. Children are well protected as suitable child protection procedures are in place and staff are aware of their responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy meeting with friends in a relaxed, welcoming environment. They are happy, enthusiastic and self-assured. Several children comment that although they are still in the school building the atmosphere is different and therefore they do not feel they are still in school. Children benefit from being able to decide whether they wish to be active or relax and to organise their own time. They are able to do homework in a quiet area if they wish. Activities are planned to capture children's interest and enable them to develop their skills and learning. Children often play a part in planning sessions, for example looking through books with staff to identify scientific activities to show how light can create shadows. Children bring CDs from home and practice dance routines with other children and staff. The staff support the children well encouraging them to extend their experiences and encouraging them to share their skills and interests, for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

example a child plays their guitar to a small group of children who listen attentively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children and staff relate well to each other, sharing a mutual respect. Staff enable children to make choices, decisions and voice their opinions which helps develop their self-esteem, confidence and sense of belonging. Outings, visitors from the local community and a variety of topics covering other cultures and countries help support children's increasing understanding of the wider world. Children who speak English as an additional language are fully involved in all aspects of the club. Behaviour is good. Children of all ages work and play co-operatively together with older children helping the younger children as needed. Staff are consistent in their positive approach to behaviour management and therefore children understand what is expected of them. Children benefit from the positive relationships staff have with parents. Parents are happy with the care their children receive with several saying how much their children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

enjoy attending the club both in term time and school holidays.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Effective recruitment procedures are in place which ensure that children are cared for

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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 by appropriately vetted staff. The staff are enthusiastic and are committed to improving standards of care for children through training and self development. There is always at least one member of staff present who holds a current first aid certificate in case of a child having an accident. Policies and procedures are generally used well to promote the welfare and care of the children. Although the manager and staff are clear who is present at any time, the attendance record does not clearly show this on a daily basis. Staff are deployed effectively to ensure children are supervised sufficiently both inside and outside when playing. Children therefore feel at ease within the club. Overall, the needs of all children who attend are met.

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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): • encourage children to wash their hands before eating • make sure that electric sockets in areas accessible to children are fitted with socket covers • ensure that the hours of attendance of staff, children and visitors are clearly recorded

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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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