Elm Cottage Out of School at Didsbury Road

Elm Cottage, Didsbury Road Primary

Inspection report for early years provision

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Elm Cottage, Didsbury Road Primary

Unique Reference Number 501470 Inspection date 21 June 2006 Inspector Angela Cuffe

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Elm Cottage, Didsbury Road Primary

Setting Address Didsbury Road Primary School, Didsbury Road, Stockport, Cheshire, SK4 3HB Telephone number 0161 442 9946 and 07748 075 030

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E-mail

Registered person Yvonne Thomas 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?

Elm Cottage Out of School Club at Didsbury Road Primary School has been registered since 1991. It operates in the main hall of the school with further access to the canteen room. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area as well as access to a large playing field. The Out of School facility currently has approximately 92 children on roll aged from four to 11 years and the club serves the wider community. It operates every day during school term time from 15.00 until 17.45 and provides a full day holiday fun club during all school holidays except for Christmas when the club is closed for one

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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 week. The Club is part of the Elm Cottage group of day care facilities which includes both day nurseries and out of school clubs. The current staff either hold a suitable childcare qualification or they are working towards obtaining one. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and they are currently in the process of completing 'The Merits of Quality Play', which is Stockport's Accreditation Scheme for settings catering solely for children over eight years and Quality Assurance Scheme for Out Of School and Play scheme Providers. The club currently supports the care of children with special needs in conjunction with Stockport's Sharecare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They talk about the need to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating to prevent the spread of germs. The children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. They have use of the outside play area, including the large playing fields. They also go on trips in the school holidays to benefit from fresh air and exercise, socialise with other children and learn about the local community and the wider environment. The staff understand the issues surrounding the safe storage and administration of medication. However, children's well being is compromised because written parental permission to administer emergency medication or to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has not been sought. Children understand the benefit of a healthy diet from the choice of snacks available

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Helping children to be healthy

to them and the regular discussions and activities provided. Snacks are varied and nutritious and include fresh fruit, sandwiches and a choice of healthy drinks. The staff are aware of the need to consider parents' wishes when providing food for the children in their care. Children's individual needs are discussed on induction and the food provided is included in a menu. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They either help themselves from the drinks table or ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the welcoming environment. They benefit from the ability to move around and freely choose from the toys and activities available. There is a very good range of toys and equipment which are well organised and stored within easy reach of the children. The children have sufficient space to play comfortably indoors and access to a well organised playground and large playing fields for outdoor play. The risk of accidental injury is minimised by the regular

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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 checking of play materials and risk assessments of the play areas. Children enjoy outdoor play. They are collected from school and escorted safely to the after school club. Discussions about road safety, stranger danger and regular fire drills give the children a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Children understand their own needs and respect the needs of others, they often share responsibility for decisions about the provision. Knowledgeable staff fully understand and follow the setting's comprehensive policies and procedures to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities, which provide good levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. A stimulating environment and happy atmosphere, ensures that children have positive experiences and enjoy their leisure time. Children relate well to each other. The older children enjoy playing with the younger children to make them feel welcome. The staff have established warm, caring, relationships with the children and they spend time playing and talking to them. Staff listen attentively to what children are saying and respond positively to their questions. As a result the children are relaxed, happy and secure. Children are busy and occupied throughout the session. The staff allow children the space and freedom to make choices. Children initiate the play as they independently

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

help themselves to games and resources. They really enjoy the activities and play together harmoniously. The children express themselves with creative materials and show pride in their work and achievements. They enjoy the role play hairdressers, snooker and table top football with staff and have the opportunity to sit quietly reading books or watching TV. Staff plan and provide a broad range of activities for the children, which are appropriate to their ages and interest. As a result the children are independent, make confident choices in their play, are making friends and developing skills in negotiations as they play and enjoy themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children value each other as individuals. They learn about different cultures through the activities provided and the equipment available to them. Staff create an environment so that all children feel valued. As a result, children are accepting of difference and relate well to one another. They make their own decisions about whether they want to take part in an activity and confidently inform staff about their needs. Staff divide their attention well and treat the children with equal concern. This establishes a sense of security and trusting relationships are formed. The range of resources, which reflect diversity, celebrations of different festivals, and activities, promote children's understanding of the world around them.

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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 efforts and achievements are acknowledged, recognised and praised appropriately. They are well behaved as they know and understand the expectations of staff. Children are learning to act responsibly, for example, they tidy away the games they have been playing with without direction from the staff. Staff's use of praise and positive reinforcement promotes and supports good behaviour. Children's efforts and achievement are recognised and celebrated, which fosters their self-confidence. As a consequence children are happy, proud of their success and confident. Parents are made to feel welcome and staff establish friendly relationships. This helps the children to feel reassured and settled. Information is shared with parents verbally on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met through effective organisation. The daily routine offers a balance of adult led activities, free play and quiet times. The staff ensure children have sufficient space in order to play in comfort. Play materials are organised to promote children's independence and encourage choices about their play. Children are at home in the comfortable and welcoming surroundings and have settled in well. Records and documentation are mostly of a high standard. Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents, which promotes children's welfare by contributing to the continuity of their care. Staff are able to access in-house training and children benefit from the staff's commitment to their professional development. The staff work well together as a team, ensuring the children have access to a suitable range of play materials and their leisure time is

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Organisation

enjoyable. As a result children are relaxed, happy, occupied and are given choices in the activities they engage in. The majority of records and documentation are in place. This contributes to the continuity of care of the children. First aid and other relevant training is kept up to date. As a result children's safety, security and the partnership with parents is enhanced. 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

At the last inspection the provider agreed to further develop the hand drying facilities and ensure medication forms are always completed in full. The provider now has a hand dryer and paper towels in place. There are still some issues, however, regarding the medication forms and another recommendation has been raised.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 This means that the hygiene around washing hands is fully addressed, but children's well being is compromised because staff do not have written permission to administer emergency medication or to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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

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): • obtain written parental permission to administer medication and to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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