Cherry Tree Out of School Club

Cherry Tree Out Of School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Cherry Tree Out Of School Club

Unique Reference Number 315265 Inspection date 14 June 2006 Inspector Susan Patricia Birkenhead

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Cherry Tree Out Of School Club

Setting Address Cherry Tree C.P. School, Hardy Road, Lymm, Warrington, Cheshire, WA13 0NX Telephone number 01925 755885

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E-mail

Registered person Cherry Tree Out Of School Club Committee 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Cherry Tree Out Of School Club opened in 1996 and operates from Cherry Tree Primary School. It is situated in the Lymm area of Cheshire. A maximum of 32 children may attend the out of school club at any one time. The club is open each weekday from 15:15 to 17:30 during term time only. Children are cared for in the school hall and have access to the secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 42 children aged from four to eight years on roll. Children come from the local community and attend Cherry Tree County Primary School.

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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 management committee, who are independent to the school, employ seven staff which include two managers and five members of staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications and one of the managers is working towards an early years qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because suitable procedures are followed. For example, the terms and conditions outline the procedures followed if a child is taken ill at the club. Guide lines are in place which reflect exclusion periods for infectious illnesses. Children are reminded by staff to wash their hands before snack and after using the toilet. Therefore, children are protected from the risk of infection. Children have access to a wide range of outdoor equipment to promote their physical skills. They choose from the resources which include footballs, a cricket set, hoola hoops, bats and balls and skipping ropes. They access the structures in the outdoor play area to promote skills for climbing and balancing. Children share previous experiences as they talk about the obstacle courses created for them to negotiate. They take part in group games such as 'the parachute game'. Therefore, children's

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Helping children to be healthy

physical skills are promoted well and include many worthwhile opportunities. They continue to develop a good level of control and coordination over their bodies and children recognise the positive effects that exercise has on their overall well being as the staff discuss these aspects with them. Children are provided with substantial snacks during their stay. Snack time is a well organised, social time for children as they sit at the tables together. They select for themselves from the wide range available which is varied daily and incorporates fresh fruit. Staff encourage children to eat healthily as they discuss the impact healthy foods have on their overall well being. However, alternatives are available to suit all children's tastes, such as biscuits and crisps. Children have access to drinking water during their attendance. For example, children have a drink with their snack and the jugs of water are accessible within the room for the children to help themselves to.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children know the procedure to follow when they require a drink as they explain the practices followed. For example, "when they have used a beaker you place it in the bowl for the staff to wash". As a result children's independence is promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a familiar environment within the school they attend. For example, the school hall and play areas are designated to the club at the end of the school day. Familiar staff collect the infant children from their classrooms and escort them to the club room, older children make their own way, whilst other staff set out the room. Children are familiar with the routine and confidently move to the tables for

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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 snack on arrival or engage in play of their choice. Different areas of interest are established for the children to move between during their stay, which include a creative table, 'the art club' table, a floor space for group games such as, chess and snakes and ladders, imaginary play, the book corner and table soccer. Therefore, space available is well organised to enable children to relax, play and eat in comfort. A wide range of stimulating play materials and activities are accessible to the children within the club room. Additional items can be requested by children which are easily accessible within the organised storage available. The provision of play materials and activities set out daily varies to encourage children's enjoyment and play following their school day. Resources are rotated to further extend children's stimulation and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

provide a greater variety. The safety of the play materials is checked as resources are set out and tidied away and damaged items are disposed of therefore, protecting children at all times. The availability of the suggestions box allows children to select additional play materials they would like. Suggestions received are respected and some are acted upon. Therefore, contributing to their sense of belonging. Children stay safe because the staff are vigilant in completing risk assessments of the areas and play materials therefore, minimising the risks to children. For example, risk assessments are completed as staff share the responsibility for completing and recording against the 'health and safety audits' followed. Staff discuss relevant hazards to children before going out to play. Access to the premises is secured and the outdoor area is fully enclosed. Children learn to keep themselves safe as staff

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

establish boundaries with them. For example, children know to inform the staff as they leave the room to visit the toilet and staff oversee their return. Staff are efficient in making children aware of potential hazards and explaining the consequences of their actions. Children take part in fire evacuation drills, which are carried out termly following the efficient fire evacuation procedures displayed on the notice board. Therefore, as reflected in the health and safety policy children's safety is the staff's first priority. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the managers and staff have a good understanding of the signs to look for and the child protection procedures to follow should they have concerns about a child. Some staff have acquired knowledge of child protection within their NVQ training and are committed to attending additional training in the near future. Reference materials to reflect the Area Child Protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Committee (ACPC) procedures are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have access to an extensive range of experiences and play opportunities and show interest in all they do. The well organised activity planning is rotated to ensure children receive considerable variation to activities and play provided. In addition staff complete detailed 'activity plans' which outline the individual activities, the equipment and resources needed, the learning opportunity and elements of risk. These are then evaluated to reflect how successful the activity was involving the children and whether adaptations are necessary in the future. Photographic evidence

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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 outlines some activity plans completed such as, Halloween masks, the puppet show, sewing fish shapes, clay modelling and many worthwhile creative activities. Children experience a considerable amount of choice in all they do. The room is extremely well organised to enable children to see what is available. They make decisions for themselves and choose from the extensive range of resources that capture their interest. For example, children set up their own art club and invite other members of the group to join them in expressing themselves using their creative skills and materials available. They play traditional games together such as Chess and snakes and ladders on the floor using larger pieces. They relax in the book corner discussing and sharing books of their choice with their friends. They have fun

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and show excitement as they refer to the images in the books. Boys and girls compete when playing table soccer. They call on assistance from the staff as required for instance, when playing games indoors and outdoors. For example, the staff bowl the ball when playing cricket, they become involve in bat and ball games with children and demonstrate their skills at manoeuvring the hoola hoops for children to copy. Children are led well by the staff as they contribute to the collage they make in support of the local 'Food Fest' within the village using dried foods. This means that children have a considerable amount of fun, share laughter and enjoy the company of their peers and committed staff in a very relaxed and friendly environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met because staff request detailed information from parents as they are requested to complete the 'information sheet' when joining the club. This format is consistently completed for all children attending and includes, known medical issues, what name the child is known by, emergency contacts, persons authorised to collect the child and other relevant information. Details held are effectively reviewed throughout the year. As a result staff know the children well, enabling them to provide a good level of care to meet the needs of the children. In addition children's allergies to different foods are displayed for staff to take account of when preparing snacks and their religious grounds are respected and reinforced in the policy in place. Children extend their learning of the wider world as they celebrate different times of the year. For example, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Easter and Halloween. They

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Helping children make a positive contribution

have access to a range of resources which promote positive images of race, culture and disability during play. Children with special needs are not currently cared for. However, the club promotes a positive inclusion policy for children and the supervisors have completed appropriate training in this area. All children are included in activities and play without stereotyping therefore, reinforcing positive inclusion within the club. This means children are developing respect for others and learning to value peoples differences within our society. Children are responsive to the positive methods in place for managing their behaviour. The detailed behaviour management policy and separate bullying policy in

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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 place reflect the procedures staff follow. Children are made aware and discussion takes place when their behaviour is considered unacceptable. They are re-directed onto another activity if necessary. Children have been positively involved in the development of the 'golden rules' which are displayed on the notice board for them to read and agreed at the beginning of each year. Children's positive behaviour and achievements are recognised through the regular praise they receive from staff. Children show respect for others because they play cooperatively, share resources and take turns during group games. As a result children are polite, responsive to the staff intervention and extremely well behaved. Good relationships are developed with parents as they are welcomed into the club at

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the end of the day when collecting their child. Parent's views are respected as a system is in place which allows parents to make suggestions regarding practices followed. They initially receive information about the setting, including the document 'information for parents', which outlines the contacts for the supervisors and committee members, information about activities snacks, fees and the availability of the more detailed policies. They enter into a contract and receive the terms and conditions developed. This includes reference to some club procedures and makes them aware of how to access Ofsted reports including contact details of the Regional Centre for reporting complaints. However, a system for the recording of complaints following the recent changes in regulation has yet to be developed. Staff engage in verbal feedback to parents as they collect their child and send out newsletters periodically. Therefore, parents are made aware of the procedures followed and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

provide staff with information regarding their child, which ensures their welfare is safeguarded. Parents are positive about the care and activities their children receive whilst attending the club.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The efficient recruitment procedures for the appointment of staff ensure they complete relevant clearance, induction and enter into contracts of employment. The committee and the supervisors have recently implemented new systems following the recent changes to the regulations. This ensures that children are protected from persons not vetted. Staff take part in monthly meetings, where they discuss care issues arising and the planning of activities and play. Therefore, all staff actively contribute to the running of the club. One of the managers employed holds an early years qualification and the second is currently in the process of completing early years training. Staff have attended numerous courses and show commitment to attending additional training to update and further extend their knowledge. For example, child protection and paediatric first aid training is planned for the near future. Evidence of training attended by staff is

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Organisation

available within their individual records on site. The manager's approach to record keeping in the main ensures that appropriate records are held on site and available for inspection. For example, the children's register reflects the times of arrival and departure and information is accurately

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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 recorded daily however, the staff register is not kept up to date and details of the times of arrival and departure are not recorded. Systems are in place for the recording of accidents and medication administered and parents acknowledge entries made by signing against them. Fire evacuation procedures are displayed within the club room and detailed records of previous fire drills practised are maintained. The public liability insurance and the certificate of registration is displayed within the room for parents to see. 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

During the last inspection the manager agreed to take action to make the written behaviour management policy and the Ofsted contact details available to parents using the club. Since the last inspection the club have responded to this recommendation by including reference to the procedures for managing behaviour in the terms and conditions parents receive. Within the same document the contact details for Ofsted Early Years is included. Therefore making parents aware of the procedures followed.

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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 good. 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): • ensure there is a system for registering the staff attendance on a daily basis showing their hours of attendance • develop a system for the recording of complaints.

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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 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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