Extra Care Club

Putteridge Primaries Care Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Putteridge Primaries Care Club

Unique Reference Number EY310614 Inspection date 11 May 2006 Inspector Gyatri Rupal

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Putteridge Primaries Care Club

Setting Address Putteridge Infant School, Putteridge Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 8HJ Telephone number 01582 728262 E-mail putteridge.infants_admin@luton.gov.uk Registered person Putteridge Infant School Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

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Putteridge Primaries Care Club

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?

The Putteridge Primaries Care Club opened in 2005 and operates from Putteridge Infant and Junior school in Luton, Bedfordshire. The club use the school hall and two rooms within the school building. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area used for outdoor activities. The club is open each weekday from 7.45 to 9.00 and 15.30 to 18.00 during school terms only. A maximum of 50 children may attend the club at any one time. There are currently

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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 80 children under 8 years on roll. All of whom attend various sessions. The club is mainly used by the children who live within the catchment area of both Putteridge Infant and Junior schools. The club supports children with special educational needs, and also supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language. The club employs nine staff. Five staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. Some staff are working towards NVQ 2 and 3 qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop self confidence in their physical skills as they use a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities which contribute to their good health. For example, children use a good range of sports equipment such as the football table, swing ball, climbing frame, hoops, tennis and they play a good variety of team sports games such as, basket ball and football. Staff join in with the outdoor activities enhancing the experience for children. Children are well protected from infection because the practitioners have a good understanding of children's health care matters. They implement comprehensive policies and procedures which promote good health and children’s well-being. For example, the person in charge holds a basic food hygiene certificate which helps promote good hygiene practice within the daily routine and all staff hold a valid first-aid certificate so that they can treat minor accidents. Children are beginning to

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Helping children to be healthy

learn the importance of good personal hygiene as they wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating their afternoon snacks. However, they are not encouraged to wash their hands before eating their breakfast. This compromises the children's understanding of the importance of washing their hands before eating anything. Children benefit from a healthy diet as they are offered choices of healthy cereals and spreads with their morning toast for breakfast. They have a variety of fresh fruits for afternoon snacks. They also have a choice of drinks and can ask the staff for water when thirsty. Snack times are social, happy times where children discuss what they are eating and why these are their favourite snacks, which helps the children to gain a better understanding of a healthy diet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, well-maintained and secure environment. Space and resources are organised appropriately to ensure children can move freely and safely between the activities. All required safety measures are in place throughout the setting. Children are able to access a wide range of age-appropriate play resources and equipment which encourages them to play and have fun in a safe

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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 environment. Toys and equipment are well-maintained to ensure children's safety. Children learn to keep themselves safe through staff's appropriate guidance as they explain to children the safety rules such as no running in the hall and tidying up their toys after play. This increases children's awareness in keeping themselves safe. Children are aware of what to do in the event of a fire through regular emergency evacuation practice. Children remain protected as child protection procedures are understood by staff. Staff are confident in their knowledge of child protection and ensure required documents and policies are in place to promote the children's safety. A child protection policy is in place which is shared with staff and parents. However, this does not include contact names and telephone numbers for the local police and local

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

authority social services department. This compromises the children's welfare as the adults will not be able to take immediate action if they have any concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and well-settled as the club provides a stimulating environment for children. They enjoy taking part in a wide range of activities throughout the session. Children are confident in the setting and in their relationships with each other. They play happily with each other and are learning to take turns and respond to each other as they use the computer and games. Staff set out the different areas with a wide variety of activities. They are aware of the children’s preferences and endeavour to meet their individual needs. Children also enjoy taking part in various seasonal art and craft activities where they are encouraged to decide what to make for themselves. Children’s growing self-esteem and confidence is promoted. They benefit from the effective interaction from staff who skilfully maintain a good balance between allowing children to play without intervention and knowing when to step in to offer guidance,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

support and reassurance. Children receive plenty of praise for their efforts and achievements. Staff allocate time for a small group activity as this allows the less confident children to have additional support in order to achieve a completed item of work before the end of the session. Children are confident when talking to adults and are able to state why they like to attend the Putteridge Club. ‘I like to come here because it has lots of fun stuff. I make new friends in the club, I like to do the colouring and playing with football table’. Children have developed a strong sense of belonging in the group and are secure and confident. They have built a valuable rapport with the staff and are respectful of their input. Children’s personal development and self-esteem is promoted through appropriate support and encouragement from staff. They confidently take part in activities relating to their own interests. Some children enjoy the physical nature of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the activities while others enjoy being creative, using their imaginations or playing on the computer. They feel proud of completing their work. For example, some children had drawn a beautiful portrait of their teacher and felt very proud of their drawing and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 showed the staff and the child care inspector their pictures with pride. One child felt very proud telling the child care inspector that she had drawn the club’s name which was displayed on the front of the building. The staff encourage children to work together as they organise group activities. For example, an imagination play area is setup as a doctor’s surgery where children play together taking part in different roles, such as a doctor, nurse, receptionist and patients. Children learn new skills through their play such as during their imagination play when they learn to put on bandages. This helps children develop self-esteem and self-reliance. Their regular use of a wide range of creative materials, such as glitter and sequins, papers, glue, crayons, paint and pencils encourages them to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

express their experiences, feelings and ideas in a variety of ways.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are able to feel welcome and comfortable because staff value and respect their individuality. Staff know the children well as most of the staff working with the children also work within the schools during the day. Children who have special needs have their requirements identified and met as there is a clear policy relating to this. Staff ensure that this is implemented, working with individual children and parents to make sure that all are included in the activities and daily routines. Staff are skilled in ensuring that all children are able to participate at a level appropriate to them and are offered activities and opportunities which reflect their needs and abilities. Children are offered a wide range of play opportunities which promotes their understanding of a wider society and increase their awareness of other cultures and ways of life. Children are kind and considerate to each other and to staff. Their behaviour is very

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Helping children make a positive contribution

good throughout the sessions as they move from one activity to another. They play together in harmony, respond very well to staff and they help each other to learn new skills. For example, during the imagination play one child explained to her friend how to enter information in the computer. Children benefit from the positive partnership the club has established with the parents. Parents are welcomed and staff go through most of the policies and procedures with them to ensure that they are aware of these. However, parents are not made aware of the up to date complaints procedure. The parents are encouraged to join the committee and to become involved in improving the club services by giving feedback.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s play opportunities are greatly enhanced by the good organisation of space and play resources. Children are happy and well-settled in the welcoming setting as they have a good relationship with the staff. They feel comfortable approaching staff for help and support. The staff are very friendly and have a good understanding of the individual child’s needs. Children's welfare, care and safety are promoted through

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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 the staff's experience and practical knowledge of the club’s comprehensive policies and procedures. Most of the policies and procedures are reviewed and updated although child protection, complaint procedure and promoting children’s personal hygiene procedures need updating. Children are protected as the club has robust procedures in place for checking that all the staff are suitable to work with children. The manager and staff members are deployed in an organised and effective manner to meet the needs of the children and to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the group. The staff work well with each other and with the parents which helps build a trusting relationship with the children. The club is committed to improving the quality of services to children which also

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Organisation

meets parents' expectations. The club also has the full support of the school's head teachers and parents as they are actively involved in the club’s committee. The club regularly monitors and improves the quality of their care. Overall, all of the children’s needs are met.

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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 complaint made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaint 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): • update policies in line with the national standards for child protection and for complaints.

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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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