Earby Springfield Nursery and Extended Childcare Services

Earby Springfield Out of Hours Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Earby Springfield Out of Hours Club

Unique Reference Number EY273971 Inspection date 01 August 2006 Inspector Dawn Bonica Brown

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Earby Springfield Out of Hours Club

Setting Address Earby Springfield Primary School, Bailey Street, Earby, Barnoldswick, Lancashire, BB18 6SJ Telephone number 01282 843598 E-mail head@springfield. lansngfi.ac.uk Registered person Earby Springfield Out of Hours Club Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

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Earby Springfield Out of Hours 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?

Earby Springfield After School Club and Holiday Play Scheme is managed by the school committee. It opened in 2003 and operates from two rooms and the hall of Earby Springfield Primary School in Earby. A maximum of 24 children may attend the after school club or holiday play scheme at any one time. The after school club is open each weekday from 15.30 to 18.00 term time only. The holiday play scheme is open during school holidays from 08.45 to 17.45. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 45 children aged from four to 11 years on roll. The club and play

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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 scheme currently support children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The setting employs nine members of staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications and one is working towards a qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have a good awareness of healthy hygiene practice and are knowledgeable about why they must wash their hands. They remain healthy through staff vigilance in promoting children's awareness of good hygiene, and consistent maintenance of proper hygiene routines. Their health is well maintained because most documentation to promote their good health is managed well. However, the setting does not inform all parents about the sickness procedures, as parents of children attending the holiday play scheme from other schools are not made aware of the policy. Children's welfare and well-being are closely protected because sufficient numbers of staff hold a current and appropriate first aid certificate. This means that they have the relevant knowledge to promptly administer first aid in the event of an accident. Children are well nourished. They receive a balanced diet that includes a substantial

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Helping children to be healthy

breakfast and lunch, as well as snacks. Children's awareness of healthy eating is promoted well through planned menus that cover the duration of the play scheme. This ensures that a wide range of food is included. They participate in the preparation of their own meals and discuss the value of certain foods as they do so. For example, children preparing lunch discuss the merits of eating wholemeal bread as they make their sandwiches. They develop positive attitudes to mealtimes through creating their own menus which include their individual preferences. They also conduct food tasting surveys which help them to become familiar with new types of food, such as blood oranges and pomegranates. Children enjoy a variety of physical activities on a daily basis which encourages them to be active.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's independence is well promoted as they enjoy a wide range of stimulating activities in a safe environment that is well maintained. They use resources and equipment that are safe and suitable for their purpose. For example, specialist activities are risk assessed to ensure that they are suitable for the age groups participating. Alternative, but similar, activities are provided to ensure that all children have the opportunity to join in. Children are well protected from harm through good supervision and vigilance. Staff

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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 ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to identify and minimise risks. Children are gaining a good awareness of how to keep themselves safe through regular safety drills, which include fire evacuation and safety rules for the scheme. Children's welfare is well promoted by staff who have a good understanding of how to protect them from abuse. They are knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms and the reporting procedures. The correct contact details are maintained on the premises. This means that they can act quickly in the child's best interest to safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy in the setting and highly involved in the activities provided. They have made friends and engage in team games which promote cooperation. They explore the setting independently through well placed resources that are easily accessible. They pursue their own interests and choose freely from a wide variety of activities. For example, in addition to an excellent range of resources and routine activities, there are many specialist activities provided each day of the scheme, a sample of which includes: creative designs using art plaster; football organised by the local football club; activities looking at wild life, organised by the Wildlife Trust; dance routines with a specialist street dancer; music activity provided by a 'Rhythm House' instructor, and many more. Children's interest in the range of provision, in particular the specialist activities, is

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

well maintained. Their concentration is extremely well fostered. This is promoted well through allowing children the opportunity to re-visit activities whenever they want, as these are continued throughout the morning or afternoon sessions. As a result, children are friendly, confident and make informed decisions about their choice of activities. They are extremely positive and enthusiastic about the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well settled. They feel secure in the knowledge that bullying will be challenged through a good understanding of the anti-bullying policy. They have a sense of belonging because they share responsibility for decisions about the setting and actively contribute to their own welfare. As a result, they are very well behaved. For example, children help in setting the rules for behaviour and safety in the club. They are developing an awareness of how to take responsibility for their own health, through involvement in organising the menus and helping to prepare their own meals. Children follow good models of courtesy and politeness because they are treated with respect. They are learning to value and respect others through productive encouragement from staff. For example, children are praised for being helpful and positive to new children and for including them in their games. As a consequence,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children who are new to the scheme, or who are from different schools, settle in very

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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 quickly. Parents are happy with the provision. They feel that the club is safe and that staff are interested in their children and are doing a good job. Furthermore, they feel that staff go out of their way to support parents. For example, parents are, on occasion, visited at home to make sure that they are fully aware of the facilities on offer. Parents are provided with good information about the club and find that their children are enthusiastic and eager to attend. Children with special needs are acknowledged and valued so that their self-esteem and confidence is nurtured. This gives them encouragement and confidence to participate fully in the range of activities offered. Children benefit from a wide range of activities which help them to value diversity. They learn to value the differences in society through using resources that reflect

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Helping children make a positive contribution

positive images of cultural diversity, disability and gender.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected because the adults who care for them are suitable to do so. They feel secure and confident because their opinions are valued. They receive focused attention from well trained staff who understand their differing needs and support their special interests. Children's welfare is well promoted through documentation which ensures their safety. This is efficiently maintained in almost all areas. However, the daily registers do not include the hours of attendance for the holiday play scheme. Children enjoy good access to a wide range of resources in a warm, welcoming environment. They benefit from good organisation of their day which takes account of their individual preferences, whilst putting their well-being first. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was recommended to maintain confidentiality of children's accident records and to improve communication with parents through an information board to ensure they are aware of all organisational procedures. They were further recommended to ensure that parents are fully aware of child protection procedures and ensure that all documentation is reviewed and re-organised. Children's welfare has improved with greater emphasis being placed on maintaining the confidentiality of accident records. Improved communication with parents has been achieved through an informative parents' notice board. Continuity of care for children is maintained through the improved distribution of documentation to ensure that all parents receive a copy of the child protection policy. Children's well-being has been further promoted with a review and annual update of all records, policies and

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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 procedures which are required for the safe management of the provision.

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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 are no complaints to report.

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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): • ensure that all parents are made aware of the sickness procedures for the holiday play scheme • ensure that the daily attendance records for the holiday play scheme show hours of attendance.

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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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