Whaley Bridge After School Club

Whaley Bridge After School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Whaley Bridge After School Club

EY224439 Unique Reference Number 28 September 2006 Inspection date Yvonne Layton Inspector

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Whaley Bridge After School Club

Buxton Road, Whaley Bridge, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK23 7HX Setting Address

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E-mail

Whaley Bridge After School Club Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of 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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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?

Whaley Bridge after School Club is a well established provision which re-registered in 2002. It operates from rooms within the school in Whaley Bridge in Derbyshire. A maximum of 30 children may attend the after school club and 20 children may attend the holiday club. The after school club opens five days a week in term time between 7:45 and 08:50 and 15:30 to 18:15, 18:00 on a Friday. The holiday club operates between 8:30 and 15:30 on selected weeks. All children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 88 children aged from 4 to 10 years on roll. The after school club serves children attending the primary and junior school. The holiday club is open to the local and surrounding communities. The provision currently supports a number of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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 employs five members of staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications and two are working towards a qualification. The club is run by voluntary committee and receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health within the setting is well supported by the staff's positive hygiene practices including working to a daily cleaning check list. The children are beginning to develop their personal hygiene and are well used to the established routines and procedures. They routinely wash their hands on entry to the setting and respond positively to staff's consistent reminders. Also, children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Staff wear aprons to prepare meals and tables are cleaned using anti-bacterial spray.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are starting to understand about food and what is good for them as they are provided with a varied range of nutritious food. There is a written menu for the breakfast and tea which includes a variety of meals such as wraps with tomatoes, cucumber, cheese and ham. The needs of the children are met as they are provided with a drink and a small snack on entry and water is freely available throughout the session. Themed food tasting activities are held. Tea is a social occasion, where children mainly serve themselves. Good hygiene is promoted and children's social skills enhanced by the routine of using a table cloth and setting the table. Children are protected as staff have records regarding special diet and allergies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunity to develop control of their bodies and keep fit. They eagerly access the outdoor area as part of the daily routine. Staff respond positively to requests to play football and go outside. Physical activities are further supported by indoor activities such as table football and planned access to a soft play area with a ball pool.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a welcoming, clean and well-maintained environment which is decorated with posters, photographs and creative work. They have access to a good range of toys and equipment that are fun and keep them purposefully occupied. The staff monitor and keep records of the maintenance of play materials, equipment and resources to ensure they are safe and clean for the children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a setting where risks are identified and minimised and all reasonable steps are taken to ensure they are cared for in a secure environment. They are protected by the effective security of the premises both indoors and outside. Safety policies, procedures and risk assessments, which staff adhere to well, ensure children remain safe. Staff are vigilant. Practical procedures are in place to ensure children who should be attending arrive, with follow-up if they do not. There is an established routine to ensure children’s safety when using the soft play area including nominated staff who record a rota for children to use the equipment. Only 3 children are allowed at any time and sessions are timed.

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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 Fire evacuation procedures, fire drill practices and subsequent evaluations ensure children develop an understanding of the need for fire safety and are kept safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected as staff have a sound knowledge and understanding of their responsibilities with regard to child protection. Staff have attended training. Parents are well informed as they sign a written statement relating to the child protection policy.

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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. Adults provide a varied mix of free choice and planned activities. Plans are flexible and readily adapted to meet children's ideas and requests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The focus of the provision is to enable children to make their own choices, enriching their personal development. Children are purposefully occupied as they freely select, request activities and develop their own games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunity to choose to be involved in themes and adult led activities. Themes are supported and developed from children's interests, for example; a mask making activity the day before was progressed at children's request. An African theme including, mask making, imaginative play with African dress and wooden masks. This resulted in productive discussion, including, the people of Africa and the children's ideas for future themes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A good partnership between the children and staff ensures they are happy and settled in a welcoming setting. Children’s self esteem, confidence and enjoyment is positively promoted as their views are actively sought and they are involved in planning and choosing activities. They benefit from a positive relationship with staff and their peers, helping to develop their confidence. Children are busy and enjoy their play. They play independently and in groups very well, supported sensitively by the staff. Staff are skilled in assessing when the children need their involvement and stepping back when they do not, for example, staff supported a younger child to enjoy a game of table football.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Staff have a good awareness of children's individual needs, they know the children well. Children are treated with equal concern, they are respected as individuals. Their ideas and choices are valued. A child asked to play with the sand just before she was due to go home. Staff opened up the sand tray without any hesitation or question. Children benefit from the staff's good understanding of the importance of building positive relationships, showing respect and concern for each other. Toys and resources reflect positive view of the wider world and all children are included and have equal opportunities to enhance their learning and play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are children currently attending the setting who have learning disabilities or difficulties. The staff provide care which includes them in the life of the setting and they are confident to

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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 judge how well individual children's needs can be met within existing routines. Ongoing discussion with parents and liaison with school and related services ensure their needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff are good role models and have strong relationships with the children resulting in children behaving well and taking responsibility for their own actions. They are skilled in encouraging, guiding and supporting children. Children are clear regarding boundaries and expected behaviour towards each other, staff and equipment. They grow in self esteem and feel pride as they positively contribute to the club and gain a sense of 'ownership'. Children are involved in the upholding of the club rules. Their opinions are actively sought, including ideas for activities and themes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's well-being is contributed to by the staff and parents working well together for example; parents have access to policies and procedures, receive written information regarding the club and informal discussions are held about their child’s progress and daily activities. Parents spoke positively about the care of the children and of being well informed about the provision. However, to further ensure children’s well-being and promote partnership with parents a record for complaints is to be devised.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the range of children’s needs are met. This is a strong provision, it is successful at making sure that the outcomes for children are positive. The child care practice is effective. Children are in the care of staff that support them well to ensure they are happy and settled in the provision. Training is promoted and children benefit from the courses that staff attend. Responsibilities are shared and contribute to the pleasant atmosphere, created by the staff team, in which the children learn and play.

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Organisation

The welfare. care and learning of the children is well promoted through the maintenance of records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision. However, procedures relating to ensuring staff suitability are not in place therefore potentially children are not fully protected.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provision agreed to review the extent to which positive images, reflecting culture, ethnicity, gender and disability form part of daily practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's awareness of the world around them is being enhanced as resources that reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability are readily available. Themes and discussion, often as a result of children's own ideas, are part of daily routine. Children's opinions are sought, their ideas are valued and acted upon and staff are skilled in encouraging children to think about the wider world, ask questions and develop their ideas.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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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 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): • devise a system to ensure a written record of all complaints is maintained • review written staff procedures to ensure suitability requirements are included.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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