Cherry Kid's Club

Cherry Kid's Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Cherry Kid's Club

221644 Unique Reference Number 31 October 2006 Inspection date Emma Bright Inspector

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Cherry Kid's Club

Fulbourn Old Drift, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 9ND Setting Address

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Cherry Kid's Club

07778 300323 01223 506482 Telephone number

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E-mail

Cherry Kids Club Committee 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?

Cherry Kid's Club is managed by a voluntary management committee, made up of parents of children at the club. It opened in 1993 and operates from the community wing of the Cherry Hinton Community Junior School in Cherry Hinton, close to Cambridge. A maximum of 32 children may attend the club at any one time. The club is open five days a week from 15:00 to 18:00 during school term times. All children have access to an enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 56 children aged from four to 11 years on roll. Children come from the local area. The club currently supports a small number of children with disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club employs six staff, four of whom hold appropriate qualifications and two are currently working towards a qualification. Two additional staff are employed to escort some of the children from other local schools.

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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 enjoy a good range of physical activities, and make good use of the outdoor area and school playing field to participate in active games. They access a good range of resources such as skipping ropes, stilts and balls to develop their physical skills. Children develop manipulative dexterity when they expertly use small hammers and nails to carefully create pictures made of shapes, and they confidently use a wide range of tools during the session, such as scissors and staplers. In addition, they thoroughly enjoy playing table football, which helps to develop their coordination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's good health is promoted and they are protected from cross-infection. They understand about the importance of personal hygiene and competently wash their hands before snack times and after using the toilet. Staff act as good role models, wiping down surfaces before serving food to help children to stay healthy. Children's medical needs are met as parental consents for first aid or the administration of medication are obtained and all staff hold current first aid certificates. If the children become unwell whilst they are in the care of the provision, clear records and procedures are in place to make sure that they are well cared for.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and they learn about making healthy choices from the good selection of snacks on offer. For example, they readily tuck into carrot sticks and pieces of apple, and competently make their own sandwiches, selecting from a wide range of fillings. They help themselves to regular drinks throughout the session so that they remain well-hydrated. Children enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of snack time; they happily discuss food that is good for you and they know that cheese makes your bones and teeth strong. Children's individual dietary needs are met as clear information is gathered from parents about allergies or special dietary requirements and this ensures children can eat safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's overall welfare is protected by clear procedures and documents that promote their safety. For example, all staff attend regular child protection training to ensure their knowledge is up-to-date. Staff have a secure understanding of child protection procedures, which are in line with those set out by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. They are confident to act in children's best interests in the event of concerns for their welfare, which means that children are well protected and kept safe from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe, well-maintained environment where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely and independently under the constant supervision of the staff. A daily check of the premises is carried out at the beginning of each session to ensure all areas used by the children are safe. Children learn to keep themselves safe as staff explain the dangers to them, which help children to develop their understanding of hazards and to take responsibility for themselves. A clear written emergency

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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 escape plan is in place and children regularly practise the fire drill so that they know what to do in an emergency and are familiar with the routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a welcoming and homely environment, where their artwork is valued and attractively displayed for others to see and enjoy. This promotes their confidence and self-esteem, whilst contributing to their sense of belonging. Children confidently select a good range of activities and resources, which have been well chosen to support their play and this means they can follow their own interests. All resources and equipment are regularly checked by staff to ensure they are in good condition and safe for children to use.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the club; they arrive and enter with confidence, and are warmly welcomed by the staff. They benefit from staff’s good knowledge and understanding of child development because staff plan and provide a varied range of stimulating activities and resources, which reflect children’s abilities and interests. This means children readily pursue their own interests and become busy and involved in their chosen activity. Children show great enthusiasm in what they do and enjoy the activities on offer, particularly art and craft. They make spiders for Halloween and chat happily about what they are going to dress up as when they go out ‘trick or treating’. Children enjoy each others company and play happily together, sharing resources and taking turns. They eagerly play table football; they excitedly shout ‘goal’ and competently tally the number of goals scored with markers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled, and they form positive relationships with the staff who are caring and sensitive to their needs. Staff respond positively to children’s ideas and opinions, treating what they say with respect, which contributes to children’s sense of belonging and promotes their self-esteem. Children develop their imagination as they use a range of materials to make their own creations, some of which are complex structures. They demonstrate pride in their achievements and eagerly display their creations for others to admire. Children can relax and play in the quiet area, or they can join in the busier atmosphere of the main room, and this ensures they can make their own choices about what they want to do and their individual needs are met. Staff work very well together as a team to support children's play and provide plenty of opportunities for fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children behave well and demonstrate a clear understanding of what is expected of them as a result of familiar routines and consistent expectations. For example, they help to wash up after snack and negotiate for popular resources, readily taking turns. Children play well together and learn to develop positive relationships; for example, new children are introduced to the group and are warmly welcomed by others, who help them to settle in and this ensures that everyone enjoys their time at the setting.

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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 Children benefit from the good relationships between the staff and their parents. Clear and detailed information is gathered from parents, which enables staff to provide appropriate care and this ensures that children feel secure and settled. All policies and procedures are in place to share information with parents and carers; however the complaints procedure is in need of updating to ensure that parents are informed of the changes. Parents receive good information through the club’s brochure and regular newsletters, which keeps them informed about the setting and activities. Parents also have opportunities to present their views through the use of questionnaires and written feedback demonstrates their high regard for the setting and the staff. Staff ensure parents have daily opportunities to discuss their child with staff.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are clearly understood by staff as the setting gathers good information from parents to ensure these needs are well met and this contributes to children's well-being. Children access a range of appropriate resources and activities, which help them to develop positive attitudes towards diversity. Children with learning difficulties and disabilities benefit from staff’s experience and caring support, which enables them to participate at their own pace. Staff actively work with parents, carers and other agencies to support the children's needs and this ensures that they are fully included in the life of the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well prepared environment that promotes positive outcomes for all children and enables them to make decisions and pursue their own interests. This contributes to their enjoyment at the setting. Children are happy and confident because staff develop warm and affectionate relationships with them. Rigorous recruitment and vetting procedures ensure that adults are suitable and have appropriate skills and knowledge to work with children. The induction procedure and detailed operational plan, with up-to-date information for staff, makes sure that all members of the team are secure in their knowledge of their roles and responsibilities. Over half of the staff team hold appropriate qualifications and they attend a range of training opportunities, which means that children benefit from practices which are in line with current ideas and legislation.

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Organisation

Children's needs are met by very good adult :child ratios and they benefit from the care and attention offered by the staff. All required documentation, which ensures children's welfare, is in place. For example, parental consents and details of any medical needs are obtained and stored with appropriate regard for confidentiality. Staff work well together and demonstrate great enthusiasm for creating a stimulating and interesting environment for all children. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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

At the last inspection, the provider agreed to obtain written permission to transport children in a vehicle. This parental consent is now in place, which means parents are clear about their child’s routines.

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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 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of the changes in regulations and ensure the complaints procedure is updated.

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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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