John Paxton Junior School

Crocodile Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Crocodile Club

Unique Reference Number 110667 Inspection date 29 June 2006 Inspector Jenny Scarlett

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Crocodile Club

Setting Address Stockcross Primary School, Chapel Road, Stockcross, Berkshire, RG20 8LD Telephone number 0774 784 8523

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E-mail

Registered person Crocodile Club 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 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?

The Crocodile Club opened in 1999. The out of school club operates from the school hall of Stockcross Primary School. A maximum of 24 children may attend the Crocodile Club at any one time. There are currently 37 children on roll. The Crocodile Club is open three days a week, Tuesday to Thursday from 15:15 to 17:15 term time only. All children share access to a secure, enclosed outdoor play area. Children come from the local school catchment area and all children attending the Crocodile club attend the Stockcross Primary School. The after school supports a small number of children with learning difficulties.

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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 Crocodile Club employs 5 staff. Of these 2 staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. Of these 1 member of staff is working towards a recognised early years qualification. In addition 1 staff member is further developing the childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are independent and confidently attend to their own needs as they are familiar with the school environment. They benefit from consistent routines such as hand washing before tea and in discussion amongst the children, they are aware of the need to wash their hands. The high ratio of staff with a first aid certificate means bumps and minor accidents are dealt with quickly and efficiently. Staff are quick to respond and record any accidents that happen. However, on some occasions parents although are informed, do not countersign the accident record when they collect their child. This does not consistently safeguard children's well-being. Children enjoy a substantial tea to sustain them until they go home. They develop good independence skills through their involvement in passing food around, choosing spreads for their toast and helping to clear up after tea. Children negotiate with staff

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Helping children to be healthy

the additional responsibilities of being part of the 'biscuit and drying up rota' but state they don't enjoy the drying up because they are used to dishwashers in their home environments. Children have room to manoeuvre round the large hall for varied floor and table top activities. In addition they have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. These provide good opportunities to extend their physical skills. Children make full use of the climbing apparatus outside and play games such as tag and hockey. Some children choose to have some reflection time with a staff member and explore the quiet garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in the spacious school hall. Staff plan the hall and the activities carefully to provide children with a variety of choice in resources and space to move. There is a wealth of activities for the children. They access age appropriate, safe resources which are well organised to develop their independence skills. This allows children to initiate their own activities such as drawing or creative play and building models with Lego. Children are secure in the Crocodile Club which they know well because they all attend the school. They play in a safe environment because staff conduct regular risk assessments of the play areas, equipment and the activities. This demonstrates how staff have a good awareness of hazards and how to minimise them. Staff have a good understanding of how to achieve the balance between allowing 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 freedom to play independently and setting safe limits. This encourages children to learn about some sense of danger and manage their own safety. For example, children are aware they need to ask a member of staff before they enter the quiet garden because of the risk of the pond. The safe collection of children at the end of the day is well managed. Staff know who is collecting the children and the effective checking out system works well. Staff record all adults, including visitors to the setting whilst the Crocodile Club is open and parents sign their children out at the end of the session. Children's safety in relation to child protection is given due consideration. Staff have clear policies in place for the protection of children. As a result, they know what to do if they have any concerns

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely happy at this after school club. They arrive happily and quickly become engrossed in activities of their choice. Some are buzzing with excitement and eager to tell staff and their friends about the inter-schools sports day they have been involved in and the races they won. Staff interact with children in a friendly way and are interested in what the children have to say. Children draw pictures or make models with Lego. They confidently make suggestions for activities, for example, request a new colouring book when theirs is full. Children direct their own play and use their imagination well. They use a range of toys and equipment appropriate to their age and interests. Staff ensure there are varied resources available for the children on arrival which makes the room look welcoming. In addition, they consult with children about the resources they would like

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

for outside play, for example water pistols.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy good relationships with staff and each other. They behaviour is good. They are polite, respectful and acknowledge the teaching staff as they walk through the hall. The children are cheerful and understand the rules of the Crocodile Club because they have been involved in the decision behind the settings' expectations and all have signed up to them. Staff support all children appropriately according to their individual needs. Children with special needs receive help and support and are fully included in activities. Relationships with parents are open, friendly and positive because staff know the parents well. The daily contact and information sharing with parents enables positive relationships to develop for the children's benefit. Staff are available to share informal conversations with parents at the end of the day. Parents and carers have access to the polices and procedures via the notice board. Staff also display useful information

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Helping children make a positive contribution

concerning conditions of registration including the contact details of the regulatory

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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 body. This ensures that they all work together to provide appropriate care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by the setting's satisfactory organisation. The indoor and outdoor space is well prepared to maximise play opportunities for the children. Staff plan a good range of activities to meet the individual needs and the ages of the children attending. There are appropriate procedures in place for recruiting staff and checks ensure adults are suitable to work with children. An effective action plan has been devised and being followed to increase staff qualifications. As a result, staff are working towards being appropriately qualified and attending additional suitable training courses. Staff's informal induction training and relevant policies and procedures work in practice to keep the children healthy and generally safeguard their welfare. As a result, the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Documentation relating to the efficient and safe management of the provision is

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Organisation

generally well maintained and accessible. Parents and staff have access to the current policies and procedures which are displayed. This promotes a mutual understanding of the organisation of the setting. However, staff do not have access to the revisions to certain criteria of the Day Care and Childminding; guidance to the national standards dated October 2005. This results in them having limited knowledge of the new laws and the procedures such as the complaints procedure being out of date.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was asked to develop an action plan that sets out how staff training and qualification requirements will be met and to maintain a written record of any accidents that occur within the setting. An effective action plan has been devised and is being followed to increase staff qualifications. As a result, staff are working towards being appropriately qualified and attending additional suitable training courses. All regulatory documents relating to maintaining accident records are now in place to ensure they meet the requirements. This means staff are in a more secure position to understand the required procedures and provide a better level of care for the children. However, it is noted that on some occasions parents although are verbally informed, do not countersign the accident record when they collect their child.

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Complaints 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. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Complaints 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

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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 all parents sign to acknowledge the accident records • obtain the Day Care and Childminding guidance to the national standards revisions to certain criteria October 2005 and develop the complaints procedure to include a provider complaints record.

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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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