Lamesley childcare@ Oakfield Jnr School

Oakfield Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Oakfield Junior School

Unique Reference Number EY331741 Inspection date 19 July 2006 Inspector Janet Fairhurst

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Oakfield Junior School

Setting Address Chowdene Bank, Low Fell, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE9 6JH Telephone number 0191 4333000 E-mail oakfieldjuniorschool@gateshead.gov.uk Registered person Lamesley Childcare Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

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Oakfield Junior School

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?

Oakfield Junior School Out of School Club has been registered since 2006. It is located in the grounds of the school in Low Fell, Gateshead. The areas used are the dining hall, hall, nearby classroom, toilets and kitchen. There is an enclosed outdoor area for outdoor play and the school playground. A maximum of 42 children may attend the club at any one time. The club is open each weekday from 15.15 until 18.00 during the school term only. There are currently 23 children aged from three to eight years on roll.

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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 club employs six members of staff, five of whom have an appropriate qualification. The group receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from the risk of cross-infection by staff's sound routines of cleaning and by a clear policy to exclude children who are infectious. Children learn about personal hygiene by being taught to wash their hands independently before eating and after using the toilet. Their health is supported through the use of appropriate records. Any accidents are recorded but these records are not always signed by parents. There are systems in place to record any medication administered to children. Most staff hold a first aid certificate ensuring the physical safety of children. Children exercise and play physically everyday. They play outside and in the school hall, giving them opportunities to develop their physical skills and stamina. Children's health and dietary needs are effectively met because staff work well with parents to ensure all children's details are correct and well posted for persons organising the

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Helping children to be healthy

snacks. All staff, who prepare the snacks, have a food hygiene certificate. Children have access to drinking water at all times so they do not become dehydrated, and most understand the importance of this after physical exercise. The children eat together so they have time to finish their food and to socialise with their friends.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's risk of accidental injury, when taking part in activities, is minimised as staff assess and take appropriate action to ensure activities are safe and suitable for those accessing them. Children are supervised well during these times again promoting their safety. They learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe as staff remind and guide them when using equipment. For example, children understand the importance of following rules during physical play to prevent accidents. The security of the premises is not always effectively monitored as the main entrance is occasionally left open, which compromises children's overall safety. Children can easily access the toys and activities that are set out so they can choose what they want to play with. The variety of resources are suitable and well maintained so children can play with them safely. Good organisation of space enables all

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children the freedom to choose to play indoors or outdoors. The well organised child-height furniture enables children to play and eat in comfort. Staff have a satisfactory understanding of child protection and most have completed relevant training, to help safeguard children.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled and comfortable in the setting. They chat easily and freely with each other while they are playing, demonstrating that they feel secure in the environment and in the care given to them by staff. Children have positive relationships with staff and with each other. Children show interest in what they do. They are occupied with the good variety of resources available for them to choose from. They move freely about and involve themselves with interest, show initiative and develop their own games. Activities are planned carefully to ensure there is a balance between free play, physical play and organised games and activities. Children are consulted about the plans so their individual interests and needs are met. Staff listen to the children and take their ideas seriously which helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Staff support children sensitively so they can learn new skills while still developing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

independence. Children enjoy their play and become purposefully absorbed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are warmly greeted on arrival making them feel welcome. Staff know the children well and value them as individuals. There is a reasonable range of resources available to children that include positive images of diversity. Children develop a sense of belonging through some involvement in the planning and through their positive relationships with staff and with each other. Children develop their personal independence and take responsibility, as they help to tidy and clear away activities. Children learn to understand responsible behaviour through clear guidelines set by the staff. Children's self-esteem and confidence is boosted through praise and encouragement. Staff use appropriate strategies to manage unacceptable behaviour and give children clear explanations. Children therefore learn what is expected of them and how to behave better. The staff have built up sound relationships with the parents and strive to work in

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Helping children make a positive contribution

partnership with them. There is a good exchange of information between parents and staff in order to provide continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The provision is organised to enable children of all ages to feel welcomed and settle easily. Staff are clear with regards to their designated roles and responsibilities. Children are protected from unvetted persons and correct staffing ratios are maintained at all times. Children's records include all required information and staff use this to learn about their needs. All are stored securely, and confidentiality is maintained. However, the record which is kept of children's attendance does not

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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 always include times of departure. This has the potential to impact on children's safety. Children are valued and well cared for as staff follow a good induction process. Staff are effectively deployed both indoors and outside, so that children are well supported and can take an active part in the setting. Staff offer appropriate suggestions and ideas to the children to help them with activities. They know when to intervene and when to hold back to allow children to use their initiative and to discover things for themselves. Suitable policies and procedures are in place and underpin staff's practice in promoting children's health, safety and enjoyment. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • ensure parents sign the accident record • ensure the premises are secure at all times • ensure the system to record children's attendance includes departure times.

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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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