Peak Time Kids' Club

Peak Time Kids' Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Peak Time Kids' Club

206259 Unique Reference Number 13 December 2006 Inspection date Jennie Lenton Inspector

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Peak Time Kids' Club

St Michaels School, School Lane, Hathersage, Derbyshire, S32 1BZ Setting Address

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E-mail

Hope Valley Out of School Care Group 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 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 Peak Time Kids Club (Hope Valley Out of School Care Group) opened in 1995. It operates from St Michaels Primary School in Hathersage. The group uses the self-contained porta cabin in the grounds of the school. The Peak Time Kids Club serves the local rural villages throughout the Hope Valley.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The provision is registered to provide care for 30 children aged between three and eight years. There are currently 75 children on roll. The children aged over eight years who attend the club are included within the thirty places.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Peak Time Kids Club opens five days a week during the school term and during the school holidays. During the school term the sessions are Monday to Friday 07:30 until 08:45 and 15:15 until 18:00. With special arrangements care may be provided until 18:30. During the school holidays full day sessions are provided Monday to Friday 08:00 until 18:00 with a specific play scheme activities programme between 10:00 until 12:00 each day. Children attend a variety of

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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 sessions. Children attending the club come from several schools from throughout the Hope Valley. Provision is in place for the children to be collected from school buses in Hathersage, or to be collected from their school by an escort.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are eight members of staff who work with the children, three of which work regularly throughout the year. The others are involved at different times during the school holidays, as relief workers or as escorts collecting children from the surrounding schools. Two of the regular staff are qualified and three of the part-time staff are qualified. The provision receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are sufficiently protected from the risks of infection and cross contamination as staff have sound practices in regard to the cleanliness of the setting. Children demonstrate a growing awareness of the need for sensible hygiene routines, such as hand washing, as staff ensure that these practices are carried out on arrival at the setting and prior to snack time. Children's understanding of a healthy diet is also developing through discussion at snack time and through themed activities such as 'healthy or unhealthy foods'. The setting provides a filling snack, for example, crackers and bread with a selection of toppings followed by spaghetti bolognese, and a choice of fruit. Food is prepared on the premises and children have independent access to fresh water throughout the session, which reduces the potential for dehydration. They also have access to a 'quiet' room where they can rest and relax on the sofa or large floor cushions.

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Helping children to be healthy

The setting collates basic information regarding individual needs and allergies from the children's parents. Children's dietary and physical needs are therefore met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The setting has appropriate procedures in place for the administration of medicine and exclusion of sick children. Children who become ill at the setting are suitably cared for in a quiet area of the premises, until they can be collected by parents. This practice ensures that the health of all children who attend is maintained. There is a procedure for gaining consent from parents for emergency medical treatment but not all parents have given consent for this. This places children at risk of not receiving the appropriate medical care should an emergency occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

The setting has two staff members designated and qualified to administer first-aid. This protects children as staff are able to respond to minor accidents with the appropriate skill. All accidents are recorded appropriately and shared with parents.

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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 generally well organised and welcoming environment. Staff collect children as they arrive at the setting on school buses. This courier service, where children are issued with a reflective arm band to make them more visible, means that risks to the children from other road users are minimised. Inside the setting hazards are also appropriately minimised, as staff ensure that equipment is fit for purpose. Children are able to use a range of safe, age

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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 appropriate resources. They learn to keep themselves safe from accidental injury as staff remind them to play safely, for example not to climb on equipment. The kitchen area is made inaccessible to children which protects them from hazards. Regular risk assessments are carried out by the staff to maintain levels of safety and children are adequately supervised as they play. However, the main door to the setting is not secure. Although a buzzer sounds when it opens, this is not always heard by staff. This means that children's safety is compromised as people can access the premises without invitation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is no written policy for lost or uncollected children. This potentially places children who become lost or are uncollected at greater risk. However, staff are able to explain the actions that would be taken should this occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

In the event of an emergency children are aware of the fire drill procedure and are able to articulate how this should be followed. There are sufficient emergency exits from the building which staff ensure are kept clear. Staff further promote child safety by their understanding of child protection issues. The policy and procedures comply with that of the Local Safeguarding Children Board and these are shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are broadly happy and content at the setting. They independently choose from the good range of age appropriate activities and on occasions, share responsibility for decisions about the provision. For example they are involved with the staff in drawing up agreed standards of behaviour. Children are able to meet their own care needs through access to both quiet and more social activities. They enjoy relaxing on the large floor cushions or settle to play on computers, or at craft activities, either alone or in groups. The relaxed atmosphere encourages the children to feel comfortable and they value their time at the setting, feeling 'sad if they don't come'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Relationships with staff are generally positive. Children are invited to talk about their day and most communicate confidently as staff move between the children's activities giving assistance or encouragement. Children's play is valued by staff who plan activities with children's interests in mind. For example staff evaluate the sessions on a daily basis and note which activities children enjoy, such as making flour filled balloons to decorate. Children benefit from this as their preferences are responded to positively by being repeated. Some staff are taken away from direct work with the children as they prepare for snack time, in which children are not routinely involved. As a result, children miss an opportunity to further develop their sense of responsibility for the running of the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

For most of the year, children also have access to an outdoor area where they can enjoy periods of physical play. At these times, staff supervise both indoor and outdoor play at the same time. Children gain from this as they can then alternate between activities.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected. They display a sense of belonging as they enjoy positive relationships with the staff and each other, in an environment that is warm and friendly. Their views about how the provision runs and preferences for activities contribute positively to the setting, which helps them develop their self esteem. Children behave well and are polite and well mannered. They are learning to care for others as they are reminded by staff to consider how their behaviour impacts on those around them. For instance to be aware of the needs of children who are engaged in quiet activities. Children's awareness about the wider community is also promoted through making 'pen-pals' with another after school club. Behaviour is managed well by staff who use age appropriate reasoning to promote harmony in the setting. Positive praise and explanation are used to encourage good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are appropriately met as the staff make efforts to work closely with parents and carers. Parents are provided with sufficient information regarding the activities and routines of the setting. They are also invited through meetings and questionnaires to contribute to the running of the provision. For instance a recent questionnaire highlighted that parents felt the children required a more filling snack. Exchange of verbal information on a daily basis also keeps parents informed of their child's well being. There are some omissions in the information provided for and gathered from parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The setting has a positive approach to children with special needs. There are appropriate procedures in place to welcome children with special needs and the setting promotes inclusion and equal opportunities for all children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children receive appropriate levels of support from qualified staff, which makes children feel safe and secure. There are sound recruitment and vetting procedures in place which ensures that they are only cared for by suitable adults. The setting has in place most policies and procedures, which seek to safeguard the children who attend. For example there is a robust child protection policy, well understood by staff, and clear procedures for gathering parental consent for outings. However there are some inconsistencies in the way information is gathered which potentially places some children at risk. Similarly, there are some gaps in written policy.

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Organisation

Children's records and staff details are stored securely and are available for inspection. There are clear systems in place for recording accidents, medication and attendance which promotes children's welfare. There is a positive attitude towards training, which allows staff to continually increase their knowledge and experience to provide activities and care for children. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provision was asked to conduct regular risk assessments on the premises identifying actions to be taken to minimize identified hazards; display complete

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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 registration certificates; ensure that the procedures for sun safety are implemented appropriately; review and update written information held, regarding the children's details with parents; and ensure that there are effective procedures in place for the vetting of staff, to include Criminal Record Bureau checks.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Risk assessments are now made regularly and shared at committee meetings, where staff and committee members work together to reduce the potential for harm. This ensures that concerns are effectively communicated and action taken to safeguard the children at the setting. Registration certificates are clearly on display and the manager has procedures in place to ensure that children can be protected from the sun, by obtaining consent for sun cream to be applied in hot weather.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The children's records have been updated and all basic information regarding contact details is in place. However, there are some inconsistencies in regards to obtaining consent for the administration of emergency treatment. This is raised as a recommendation in this inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The setting has developed comprehensive job descriptions and recruitment procedures which explicitly inform applicants of the practice of obtaining criminal record bureau checks. Staff are clear of the need for robust vetting procedures. This helps to safeguard children by ensuring that they are cared for by appropriate individuals. These measures have, therefore, had a positive impact on the quality of care provided for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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 premises are secure • devise and implement a policy with clearly defined procedures to be followed in the event of a child being lost or not collected

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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 • ensure all parents provide written consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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