Alma Park Kids ClubOfsted inspection, 7 Jun 2006

Alma Park Kids Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Alma Park Kids Club

Unique Reference Number 500004 Inspection date 07 June 2006 Inspector Barbara Law

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Alma Park Kids Club

Setting Address Alma Park Primary School, Errwood Road, Manchester, Lancashire, M19 2PF Telephone number 07939 350059

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E-mail

Registered person Corrina Cottrell 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?

Alma Park Kids Club has been registered since 1999. The club is located in the Levenshulme area of Manchester. The club operates from a detached building in the grounds of Alma Park Primary School and serves the local community. There are two rooms available for the out of school activities. Kitchen and toilet facilities are integral. Outdoor play is available on the grassed and hard surface areas adjacent to the building. The club is open from 15.15 to 18.00 Monday to Friday, term time only. Currently, there are 40 children on roll. The club supports children who speak English as an

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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 additional language.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is supported through good hygiene practices, such as washing hands before food and after toileting. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment and are well protected from infection through an exclusion policy being in place. They stay healthy through enjoying physical activities both indoors and out, such as the ball pool, football, cricket, hula hoops, tree climbing and skipping. Children learn about healthy living through discussions with staff about responsible behaviour when out in the sun. They rest according to their individual needs by using the seating areas under the trees or indoors in the book area. Children's health and dietary needs are generally met through the staff working with parents to identify and record allergies, intolerances and special diets. Children are adequately nourished through some healthy snacks, however, fresh fruit

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Helping children to be healthy

and vegetables are not always available or water freely accessible, to keep their bodies healthy and hydrated.

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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 bright and welcoming environment. They are able to move around safely and confidently due to the good organisation of furniture and resources. Children have access to a wide range of safe, well maintained equipment and a well supervised outdoor area. Resources are all good quality and plentiful in quantity to meet the children's needs. They are well organised to allow children to make choices about their play which improves their confidence and independence skills. They are cared for in a safe and secure environment through good safety precautions being in place. Access to the premises is controlled and monitored. Children are well protected from harm through risk assessments carried out to the premises to minimise hazards. Staff have undertaken training in child protection and have a clear understanding of their responsibilities under the Local Safeguarding

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's Board. They are aware of the types of abuse and signs to look for and the children's welfare is paramount. Children's safety is enhanced due to staff having a good awareness of fire prevention. Children develop an understanding of fire precautions through being made aware of and practising the emergency evacuation plan.

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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 good. Children are comfortable and relaxed on arrival and staff greet them by name. They explore the environment making choices about their play. They relax or are active in accordance with their needs and interests. Children are comfortable and secure. They enjoy each other's company, chatting about their day at school and planning activities together. Children are eager and happily involved in a wide range of interesting activities which are fun and provide sufficient challenge. Other children are happy to sit and colour, read a book, play team games or chat together. The children and staff share good relationships. They chat and laugh together as they play ball games or take part in colouring activities. Children show care and concern for each other, the younger children are encouraged by the older ones to join in activities. Children show high levels of concentration and perseverance skills

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as they complete a game of football. They express that they enjoy coming to the club. They state they like everything about the club, such as seeing their friends and playing games. Their confidence is promoted by positive relationships with staff and the staffs' understanding of children's individual needs. Children are given good attention and staff ask questions and initiate discussion extending their independence and language skills. Children are happy and settled in their play. Their independence skills and self-sufficiency are developed through easily accessible resources and equipment. Children experience a variety of play activities including opportunities for more physical activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a strong sense of respect for themselves and others. They have a good understanding about diversity and the wider world through resources and activities which reflect positive images. They have high levels of confidence and self-esteem as they make choices and decisions. Children are very well behaved. They know the rules and boundaries so they have a clear understanding of what is expected regarding their behaviour. They state, 'we share and are kind to each other'. They are well mannered and very sociable, they use please and thank you to each other and to adults. Children enjoy mutually respectful relationships with the staff who are kind, fair and listen to them. They demonstrate a positive and mature attitude towards each other as they recognise and respect the needs of younger children and those with additional needs. Staff ensure all children are fully involved in the life of the setting through changing or

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Helping children make a positive contribution

adapting play activities. This contributes to a happy and harmonious environment for all children attending the club. Effective relationships with parents contribute to children's well-being at the club. Regular exchange of information ensures children's needs are well met. Parents are

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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 confident that their children are safe and are happy with the care, activities and friendly staff who are interested in their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from an enthusiastic, well organised staff team who are well informed and work well together. This contributes to children feeling happy and confident in the club. Children's play, learning and development is enhanced by the warm and friendly relationships between staff and children. The individual needs of children are well catered for because staff spend time getting to know the children and families. All required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and kept in good order. The good staffing ratios ensure all children receive good levels of support and attention, including children with additional needs. Space and resources are organised to promote children's safety, care and learning. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

In the main, recommendations made at the last inspection have been addressed. There is one exception which has been carried forward. Systems are now in place to ensure the daily register contains all necessary detail. All accident and medication records have now been completed and are kept up to date and any medication kept on the premises clearly labelled. All recommendations made by the fire safety officer have now been completed, fire drills are now undertaken on a regular basis and are now recorded in the fire log book. Current Public Liability insurance cover is now in place. This ensures that children are cared for in a safer environment. Fresh drinking water, accessible to children, remains outstanding.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 fresh drinking water is available to children at all times • ensure snacks are healthy and nutritious.

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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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