Kidspace Clubs

Norbreck Out of School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Norbreck Out of School Club

Unique Reference Number EY334662 Inspection date 05 July 2006 Inspector Margaret Baines

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Norbreck Out of School Club

Setting Address Norbreck Road, Norbreck, Blackpool, FY5 1PD

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E-mail

Registered person Happy Days Lancashire Ltd 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?

Norbreck Out of School and Holiday Club has been in existence since 1994. Happy Days Lancashire Limited assumed ownership of the club in April 2006. The club is operated from a pre-fabricated building behind Norbreck Primary School, located in a residential area of Thornton Cleveleys. The facility has sole use of the premises. Children aged between two years and under eight years attend, with older children up to 11 years also on roll. All children are accommodated in one large room with different activity areas laid out. Kitchen and toilet facilities are accessed off the main room and there are disabled facilities available. An outdoor grassed area is adjacent which can be enclosed when children play there.

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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 club operates Monday to Friday during term times, both before and after school, with opening times being between 08.00 and 08.50 and later between 15.15 and 17.30. During the summer school holiday period the club offers a playscheme open between 08.00 and 13.00, Monday to Friday, for four weeks. Breakfast and afternoon snacks are provided and water is available throughout the sessions plus lunches during playschemes. Happy Days Lancashire Limited employs a staff team of seven. All but one of these staff are qualified or trained in childcare or play work and all are experienced. There is an experienced manager and deputy present at each session who are included in the overall staff team numbers. Children attend the club who have identified special needs. The facility receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children access outdoor activities daily, weather permitting, which contribute to their good health. They run and play in the fresh air and practise physical skills, such as football and team games. They also enjoy quieter activities, such as art work, role play, crafts and construction. They enjoy the outdoor play on the day of the inspection, however, several children did not have sun hats on when the weather was particularly warm. Children are sufficiently protected from infection through adequate hygiene routines which include wiping tables before snack times. The staff's knowledge of food hygiene practices contributes to the prevention of infection. Several members of the staff team hold a food hygiene certificate. Children are reminded of the importance of personal hygiene at appropriate times of the day. For example, they are reminded to wash their hands following outdoor play

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Helping children to be healthy

and before snack time. They are protected from cross infection as the setting has a detailed sick child policy which is shared with both staff and parents. Children's health is fostered through the provision of a good choice of healthy snacks, for example, fruit and bread. There is also a tuck shop which provides children with additional choices of snacks to purchase. Their dietary requirements are adequately catered for; children enjoy a healthy snack each evening and a drink of milk or juice, plus water whenever they feel thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in premises that are suitably maintained and provide sufficient space to allow children freedom of movement from one area to the other in safety. The setting operates in a large hall in the school field. Risk assessments are in place to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment. On the day of the

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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 inspection some essential repair work was taking place. The children were happily playing out of doors in the warm evening sun. Staff ensured that the building was made safe so children could access the toilets and seek a drink from the water fountain. Children enjoy sufficient space and suitable facilities indoors and out of doors. Effective procedures are in place to protect children from harm, for example, the exit is monitored and no unauthorised persons are allowed access. Toys and equipment in the main conform to required safety standards and are checked for their suitability. This ensures that children have a safe selection of resources to choose from, which they find enjoyable. For example, they enjoyed the outdoor games and the crafts. On days when they cannot go out of doors children enjoy a range of activities planned to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

interest them. Children are learning about personal safety, such as walking not running, clearing away toys to prevent accidents and they show a respect for property. Staff have detailed documents in place should there be an accident, although these require some amendment. The protection of the children is maintained through the staff knowledge of the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance. Staff demonstrated a good understanding of child protection issues and how to safeguard the children in this area. There is a child protection coordinator in place who is very aware of her role and responsibility with regard to the protection of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of toys and equipment, which contributes to their enjoyment within the setting both before and after school and in the school holidays. They have good opportunities to be involved in a variety of activities, which include painting, modelling, role play and physical activities. Children particularly enjoy the outdoors where they play ball games and enjoy the creative planned activity or just chat with friends. They also enjoy games indoors when the weather prevents the outdoor play. The selection of resources available to children is at present is limited due to the repair work ongoing in the setting, therefore limiting children's choice and independence. Children spoken to were happy with the activities planned and the toys available. They told the inspector that they enjoy the outdoor play on warm evenings. They develop in their play as staff promote children's independence effectively. The staff

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

ensure a good range of toys and activities are available for the children to access. Staff plan a wide range of play opportunities throughout the week, based on children's ideas and suggestions. Areas are well defined and the children choose where they would like to play. For example, they may sit in the quiet area, play out of doors, choose a board game or a construction challenge, or simply sit and chat with friends. They also enjoy the role play area where they care for the dolls and dress up. Children told the inspector they

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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 enjoy the after school club very much and parents confirmed that it is difficult to persuade the children to leave. There is an area for rest and relaxation and this contributes to the enjoyment of those children who prefer to spend some quiet time reading and talking. Children are valued and are listened to by the staff and they confidently make their needs known. Staff engage in conversation with the children freely and interact with them on their level, which promotes the children's self-esteem and confidence very well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are actively encouraged to make choices about the toys and games they wish to play with. Their experience of the wider world is promoted through planned activities, for example, they enjoy food tasting and celebrate Chinese New Year. However, there are few resources readily available which reflect our wider world and diversity in a positive manner. Christian festivals are also celebrated, for example, Christmas and Easter, where cards and gifts are made as activities. Children develop a positive attitude to race, culture and disability because staff are skilled at promoting this aspect of care. Respecting each child's individuality is fundamental to the setting's ethos. Children with special needs are welcomed into the setting and encouraged to play an active role in all aspects. Children are well behaved. They know what is expected of them through close relationships fostered with the staff. Staff are very good role models. There is a clear

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and fair policy of dealing with behaviour and bullying issues which helps to promote children's self-esteem. Children know that they can discuss any concerns with staff and this helps them to feel secure in the setting. For example, if a child has not had a turn with a game they inform the staff who encourage negotiation. Staff know children's names and take the time to get to know them individually to ensure that each child feels valued. Children benefit from continuity of care as the setting has an established staff group who know the children well. Parents know that they can talk to staff at any time and discuss issues in relation to their child's well-being. The information parents receive about the setting has recently been reviewed as a new provider is now registered to provide the care in this setting. There is always a verbal exchange of information at the end of each session. Parents value the service and appreciate the enjoyment that their children experience when

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the smooth running of the setting and the clear routines which make them feel secure. The manager ensures that effective team work is in place and that staff are appropriately vetted and qualified. There is in place an induction

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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 procedure followed by appraisals for all staff. Staff are encouraged to further their professional development through additional training to compliment their existing childcare experience. Staff are aware of their role within the group and they work well together to promote the effective running of the provision. Records are in place and detail the individual requirements of each child and relevant consents and contacts. Policies and procedures are in place to promote the safety and well-being of the children present in the group. However, the accident book at present does not record individual entries to ensure confidentiality of information. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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 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 children have appropriate clothing when playing in the outdoors on hot days • ensure children have access to a good selection of resources that are suitable and meet their varying ages and stages of development, and also include resources which reflect diversity • review the accident book to ensure all entries are individual to promote confidentiality.

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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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