Grove Community project at James Watt School

Watt School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Watt School

Unique Reference Number EY316222 Inspection date 07 March 2006 Inspector Jennifer Turner

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Watt School

Setting Address James Watt School, Boulton Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B21 0RE Telephone number 0121 4644736

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E-mail

Registered person Grove Community Project 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?

Grove Community Project at James Watt School opened in 2005. The club provides before and after school care for children who attend James Watt Primary School and is located in the Handsworth area of Birmingham. The club operates from the community room in the self contained mobile block on the school grounds. Children have access to the school's playground for outdoor play. There are currently 16 children on roll. The club is registered to provide 19 places for children aged 3 to 8 years. It is the policy of the club to offer places to children up to the age of 11 years. Children attend a variety of sessions each week. The group

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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 children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. Sessions are from 08:00 until 09:00 and 15:20 until 18:00 Monday to Friday during school term times. There are three members of staff who work with the children all of whom hold an appropriate childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop their independence as they attend to their own personal care and hygiene. They understand the importance of hand washing in reducing the spread of infection. Staff generally ensure that the procedures and routines are consistently applied when dealing with accidents resulting in children's health and care needs being effectively met, although the records lack sufficient details and parents have not always signed the records to acknowledge the treatments given. They wipe down tables before children are offered snacks and maintain good food handling practices. Children enjoy a healthy and nutritious diet, because staff offer them opportunities to choose healthy snacks and organise sessions where they look at the effects certain food have on their bodies. They are able to help themselves to water throughout the session and particularly when they engage in physically active sports sessions.

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Helping children to be healthy

Details of children's dietary needs are recorded and they are consulted about the snacks that are offered at the club. Children explore, test and develop physical control in stimulating daily indoor and outdoor experiences. For example they enjoy playing football, tennis and other sporting activities, which contribute to their development. All children are able to relax, rest or let off steam following the rigours of the school day according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected from the risks of accidental injury, because staff are diligent and proactive in ensuring they are safe and secure in their care. Children are cared for in an environment which is suitable, ideal and where they have sole use. Children are reminded about simple rules, such as why they should walk in the building, staff know this helps children learn the importance of safety in their daily routines. Children are supervised well as they move around the building, and outdoors staff position themselves to keep a watchful eye on them as they play. Children have access to a good range of toys, furniture and equipment suitable to their age and stage of development. These are well organised at child height to encourage independence. Staff include the checking of equipment in their daily risk assessments, however, these are not recorded or reviewed sufficiently to ensure they

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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 are effective. Children are kept safe on outings through the rigorous safety procedures used by staff. They keep a record of all children and staff that are out of the building and have detailed policies in the event that a child is lost or not collected. Children are very well protected by staff who have a good understanding about child protection, know how to recognise the possible signs and symptoms and when to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary. They ensure that parents are aware that the children are their first priority and they make the policy available to them. Children are cared for by staff who have been vetted appropriately, enjoy their roles and have the relevant experiences and skills to care for them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time in the out of school club and are making good progress in their learning, leisure and personal development. They arrive eager and ready to participate in a good range of exciting activities in accordance with their needs and interests. Many children take an active part in the various outdoor activities while others select quieter activities, such as imaginative play, art and craft or board games. They are well supported by staff who are skilled at encouraging children to develop their creative skills as they make models and figures from different materials. Through the development of a club committee, children are very involved in what happens in the setting. They are able to plan themes, events and decide what the club needs in relation to snacks. Children value this approach which has created a close and caring relationship between them and the staff as well as a strong sense of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

trust. Children are confident in knowing that the staff value and respect their ideas. Children share their achievements with the staff and each other, taking pride in their efforts such as showing off their art work. They talk proudly of the club and how they look forward to going each day. Both children and staff regularly evaluate the activities provided to ensure all children are occupied, suitably challenged and to promote their well-being and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the out of school club where they play a full part in the life of the provision, because staff value and respect their individuality. They have good opportunities to learn about themselves and others through planned and spontaneous activities. This contributes to the development of their awareness of the wider world and the diversity of society as they engage in various activities or go on outings to places of interest. This positive approach fosters their self-esteem and confidence as they are able to voice their opinions through the children's committee, or the suggestions box, and they make choices and decisions about how the club is organised.

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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 Children's behaviour is exemplary and they know what is expected of them, because they discussed and helped to write the club behaviour rules. Staff have high expectations and set consistent boundaries and older children in particular are encouraged by staff to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children's understanding of right and wrong is increased as they respond to gentle reminders to care for their environment, the club resources and each other. A good partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being in the out of school club. Parents view about their children's needs and interests are actively sought before they start the group. Staff ensure that all parents know how their children are getting on through daily discussions with them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The registered person uses effective recruitment procedures which ensures that staff are appropriately vetted and qualified. Children's health, enjoyment and achievements are very well promoted because of the effective staff induction programme and good teamwork which ensures all staff work together. Space, activities and resources are organised to enable children to enjoy and participate fully in the activities offered. Children are confident to initiate their own activities and because they are at ease with staff they are able to ask for help. Children's health, safety and welfare are promoted through written policies and procedures held by the group although, recording of accidents and risk assessments are not always maintained in line with current guidance. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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 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

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): • ensure that the accident records include the full names of the children and that the records are signed by parents to acknowledge the entries • ensure that risk assessments are carried out and the details of these are 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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