WASP Guild Hall

Holidays

Inspection report for early years provision

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Holidays

Unique Reference Number 511463 Inspection date 08 September 2006 Inspector Julie Firth

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Holidays

Setting Address Guild Avenue, Worsley, Manchester, Lancashire, M28 3AS

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E-mail

Registered person Jane Dalton 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 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?

Walkden after school scheme was registered in 1995. It operates in the premises of Walkden community centre in an area of Salford. Children have access to the large hall and two other side rooms. There is a large outside enclosed play area. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The scheme is open from 08.00 to 09.00 and 15.30 to 18.00 Monday to Friday term time only. The holiday scheme is open from 08.00 to 17.30 Monday to Friday during all school holidays, except for bank holidays and Christmas. The scheme serves the local community and picks children up from schools in the area. A maximum of 52 children may attend the club at any

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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 one time and there are currently 73 children aged from three to under 11 years on roll. The scheme supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language There is a total of 16 staff including the provider. The staff work part time hours on a rota system. Over half of the staff hold relevant childcare qualifications and the others are working towards a recognised qualification. The provision receives support from the local Sure Start and is being assessed for the Aiming High quality assurance scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from illness and infection because the staff conscientiously follow current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines. There are good routines in place for the cleaning of the premises. Children clearly understand simple good health and hygiene practices and they all wash their hands before handling food and after using the bathroom. Staff are suitably qualified in first aid to enable them to appropriately treat children with minor injuries. Daily indoor routines include activities to help children develop physical skills and promote a healthy lifestyle. They make good use of the outdoor area riding bikes and using the large equipment. Individual children gain confidence, test out their coordination and organisation skills in team games, such as football, bull dog, cricket, parachute games and pitch and put. Children understand the importance of having regular drinks to stay hydrated, as they

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Helping children to be healthy

help themselves to the jugs of water available at each session. They enjoy nutritious snacks and are given a variety of fruits and sandwiches. Snack time enhances their social skills and children become involved in tidying up after their food. Their dietary requirements are met well as staff work with parents in finding out their child's requirements and respectfully follow these.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children and their parents feel very welcome and comfortable in premises which are maintained to an extremely high standard. The superb use of the large halls contributes towards the well-being of the children and ensure they experience a balanced range of resources. Excellent outdoor space and indoor storage contribute to the smooth running of the premises and the high quality care of the children. Children have access to a wealth of indoor and outdoor equipment. Toys and materials are extremely well-organised and very accessible to the children. They are

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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 clearly labelled helping the children to identify resources and associate print with meaning. There are highly effective systems in place for checking resources, thereby ensuring they are safe and suitable for the children’s use. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because staff are extremely vigilant in reducing potential hazards. No safety issues have been identified. Staff complete thorough daily risk assessments to monitor the safety of the premises and are extremely vigilant when out on trips. Trips are evaluated to ensure that children are safe when off the premises and they are all encouraged to wear the 'Wasp' shirt to enable the staff to easily identify them. Children are cared for by adults who are vetted, experienced, extremely knowledgeable and skilful.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected because staff have an expert knowledge in child protection. The child protection designated person skilfully puts procedures into practice and staff work effectively with other professionals to ensure priority is given to the children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children talk positively about their experiences in the club and have fun mixing with children from different schools calling themselves the 'wasp gang'. There are good relationships throughout the setting producing a harmonious and happy environment. This increases the children’s sense of trust and friendships. Older children take delight in looking after younger children, helping them to settle and become confident. Staff support children and skilfully adapt activities and introduce new ideas, such as organising a quiz for them. They encourage children to read for pleasure and choose from a good range of books in the quiet area. Activities in the club follow a weekly programme with regular new themes introduced. Children's interest in animals is extended when they visit a farm and Knowsley's safari park. They enjoy stimulating activities, such as nature trails in their own grounds, planting

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

seeds, playing bingo, attending the Wacky Warehouse and the Maze. They work with paints, different textures and collage materials when making masks and coat hangers as gifts. They are eager to engage in beauty sessions and have their nails painted. They speak of dancing at their disco and participating in prize giving at the end of the holiday club. Children sit playing board games, such as monopoly helping them achieve better levels of concentration and enhance their language and listening skills Planning is in place in the holiday club which involves the children's contributions. There is a balance of adult and child led play and children have choice if they do not want to take part in the planned session. However, planning for children attending the after school has to be further developed to ensure that all children have access to a range of stimulating activities.

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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 All staff appreciate the uniqueness of each child and work well together to make sure that their needs are exceptionally well met, ensuring that they are fully included in the life of the setting. Cultural diversity is extremely well promoted within the nursery. Children celebrate a wide range of cultural festivals, taste a range of foods from other countries and access a good selection of resources that reflect equality of opportunity. Staff skilfully raise children's awareness of similarities and differences with their society as they openly discuss how children of all gender can join in the activities. The setting demonstrates the highest regard towards the care of children with special needs recognising the importance of caring for them in a sharing and inclusive environment and working closely with parents and outside agencies to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

ensure their needs are totally met. Children work harmoniously with each other as they learn to share and take turns as they play. They are developing a wonderful caring attitude towards others as the older children help the younger aged children and their siblings to settle in the club. Children are delightful and extremely well behaved. They respond well to the positive behaviour management strategies and by staff who remain calm and consistent at all times. Minor altercations are dealt with in a sensitive manner. Children's contributions are valued and their achievements are constantly celebrated. They speak about their new star reward system and how effective it will be. Parents receive high quality and detailed levels of information about the club through evenings of interest, displays, newsletters and notice boards. They are kept fully informed of their children's activities as they are invited into the club at all times. Staff

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Helping children make a positive contribution

make excellent use of the information requested on admission to meet children's care needs. The high quality of the partnership is further reinforced as parents and children are given questionnaires to evaluate the scheme. Discussions with parents indicate that they have the highest regard for the service provided. Parents comment on the 'great dedication of the approachable staff'. Close links are developed with local schools to ensure a smooth transition from school to the out of school provision.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The manager is committed to improving the quality of care she provides for the children. She meets regularly with the staff, who work well as a team and are all aware of the children's individual needs and any recent developments. Effective recruitment and vetting procedures ensure children are well protected and cared for by staff. Children are happy and settled in a calm environment and enjoy choosing activities on and off the premises. The accommodation is divided into areas to ensure the children experience a range of different types of activities. They follow a structured routine and there is a comprehensive operational plan in place, demonstrating that staff regard the well-being of all children. Comprehensive policies are in place, which contributes to the safety and well-being of children being cared for. These are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. Overall, the provision meets the

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Organisation

needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

On the last inspection the club were asked to ensure that records are readily available for use and that the staff have knowledge of equal opportunities. The records are now on the premises and are accurate and up to date. The staff have further developed their knowledge of equal opportunity. They effectively plan activities and resources to ensure children have an awareness of diversity.

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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 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): • further develop planning of activities during term time to ensure that children have access to stimulating activities at all times.

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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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