Funfishers Out of School Club

Funfishers Out of School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Funfishers Out of School Club

321571 Unique Reference Number 31 August 2006 Inspection date Jane Elizabeth O'Callaghan Inspector

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Funfishers Out of School Club

Fishergate, York, North Yorkshire, YO10 4AP Setting Address

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E-mail

Funfishers Out of 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?

Funfishers Out of School Club is a registered charity managed by a committee. It opened in 1996 and operates from an outbuilding in the playground of Fishergate School, situated within walking distance of the town centre of York. A maximum of 30 children may attend at any one time. They are open each weekday 07.45 to 08.45 and 15.00 to 18.00 term time and 07.45 to 18.00 school holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 216 children from four years old and attending full time school to 11 years old on roll. Children attend from the local and wider communities. The group supports children with special needs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group employ 13 staff. Of these, over half hold appropriate play work or early years qualifications. Ongoing training is accessed with staff working to gain play work qualifications.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health within the setting is supported well by staff who have a very secure knowledge and understanding of the group's health and hygiene procedures. For example, those preparing food undertake training in food hygiene and follow correct procedures when preparing meals. Tables are thoroughly cleaned before food is served and there is a clear policy for the care of children who are ill so parents know when they should not attend. All accident and medication records are kept in a confidential manner. However, some accident records are not completed fully.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very independent in their self-care. They have a good understanding of why they need to wash their hands before eating, preparing food and after toileting and readily do so at all times. They have a positive attitude towards physical exercise and thoroughly enjoy activities, such as ball games, when they proudly demonstrate their skills. They understand the effect that exercise has on their bodies and they are able to sit quietly and rest according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children gain a good understanding of healthy eating and the value of good nutrition. For example, they learn about what food is good for them as they discuss the menu for snack and prepare food. In addition to snacks, children bring their own lunch at play scheme. The food is all stored appropriately in the fridge if required. Some of the staff have attended food hygiene courses. The children are also offered breakfast, which consists of cereal, toast and mid morning snacks of crumpets, pancakes and fruit. Staff are vigilant in ensuring that any food that is offered complies with the children's individual dietary needs so they remain healthy. The children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They have a choice of drink at snack and help themselves to water throughout the session when they become thirsty. Snack and meal time is very well organised. It is a pleasant occasion when the children demonstrate good

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Helping children to be healthy

manners and social skills and clearly enjoy eating the food they have helped to prepare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well maintained and organised environment which is bright and welcoming. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised effectively because staff are vigilant and use thorough risk assessments to reduce potential hazards. The children use equipment sensibly and with care when they help to prepare snacks and meals. Fire drills are regularly practiced and the group's emergency evacuation procedures are displayed, so children know what to do in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. These are well presented and maintained in a safe condition to ensure the children are able to use them effectively to support their play.

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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 Children are well protected by staff who have a clear understanding of the group's child protection policy. They all attend training to help them identify possible signs and symptoms, have a good understanding of their responsibilities and know what to do if they have concerns. Useful information is prominently available for both parents and children, including details of associated agencies and their contact numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are enthusiastic and extremely self-assured in the group's welcoming environment. They relish this time at the end of the school day when they can relax or be active in accordance with their needs and interests. They are offered an excellent range of activities that maintain their interest and develop their learning. Many take part in activities, such as construction and craft with enthusiasm. Some children help to prepare snacks whilst others are involved with the 'end of holiday party'. They also have access to a good selection of books, cars, computers and small world toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are extremely well supported by the staff who are skilled at encouraging them to extend their experiences. They listen with interest to what the children have to say and develop very close relationships with them. The children clearly value the staff's interaction. For example, the children delight in including the staff in making the beads and showing adults what they have been making during the holidays. Staff discuss the programme of activities regularly with the children and encourage and value their opinions as to what should be included. Children readily help each other regardless of children's individual abilities to understand the rules for the group and show them where they can access particular equipment. An extremely harmonious atmosphere is evident. The children are extremely happy, settled and well behaved. They talk with great enthusiasm about their time at the group and places they have visited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed into the group and are valued and respected as individuals. Staff discuss their individual needs with their parents and meet these very well. The children enjoy very good relationships with the staff and each other, which are mutually respectful. They show concern for the welfare of others and have excellent opportunities to develop their self-esteem and confidence. They are able to voice their opinions and make choices and decisions. For example, they have excellent opportunities to be involved in decision making about how the group should operate, what activities are provided and what food is offered at snack, which they then help to prepare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the wider world through a range of exciting activities. For example, they learn about other faiths, festivals and customs. They show a willingness to help others regardless of their own abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. They know what is expected of them because they discuss and help to draw up the behaviour rules for the group. Staff talk to the younger children

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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 regularly to ensure they understand and follow these. For example, they remind them to tidy away the resources they have been using and clearly explain why they need to do so. The older children demonstrate a very responsible and mature attitude. For example, they encourage the younger children to take part in activities and have a courteous approach to visitors. They are all very polite and demonstrate good manners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A very effective partnership with the parents contributes significantly to the children's well-being in the group. Parents are made very welcome and they are kept fully informed of their child's care and activities. Most of the group's policies and procedures are available for parents. However, the complaints available to parents is not in line with new regulations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is good communication evident with parents and they are very keen to praise both the provision and the staff. The group's relationship with parents is valued and shown through parents being given newsletters, an informative notice board and also evaluation sheets.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for in a well organised environment. Staff have excellent awareness of their responsibilities and work very well together as a team. There are sufficient, suitably qualified members of staff and they all show a commitment to improving their knowledge and developing their practice. For example, they are all attending on-going training in child care and they all have attended relevant and extensive training. For example they are all first aid qualified, have attended child protection and foundation stage training. The staff, including volunteers are very enthusiastic to continue to access any training available.

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Organisation

The indoor space is organised very well to maximise play opportunities for the children. Activities are extensively planned and policies and procedures are clear and used effectively to promote the care and welfare of the children. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place. It is kept up to date and stored securely to maintain confidentiality.

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Organisation

The group have an extensive range of policies and these are clearly available for parents in a pamphlet and are also given to all staff on commencing work. The staff are given an in depth induction, where all daily procedures are gone through, they are asked to read and sign all policies and these are renewed annually. All staff including volunteers are given quarterly and annually appraisals. This ensures that all staff are fully aware of the day to day running of the group and the children are cared for in a safe and happy environment, where all their needs are met.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At last inspection the group was asked to ensure parents sign to acknowledge medication given to children by staff.

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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 The group has an in depth medication procedure and all parents sign in a separate book for permission and also staff sign when they have given any medication and this is signed by a second member of staff. This ensures that children are cared for in a safe environment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The group were also asked to ensure the child protection policy includes procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer. The child protection policy and procedure has been re written to include a procedure to be taken if any member of staff or volunteer have an allegation made against them. This ensures that children and adults are in a safe environment.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, Ofsted has received one complaint relating to National Standard 13: Child Protection. This involved an allegation made about the actions of a child against another child at the group in March 2006.The provider responded to the allegation immediately, taking appropriate action. An investigation was initiated by Ofsted and Social Services and all parties cooperated. Ofsted was satisfied, that by taking these steps the provider remained qualified for registration at the time the investigation was closed.

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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.

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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 accident forms are completed • ensure the complaint procedure is in line with new regulations.

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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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