City Kids Playcentre

City Kids Playcentre

Inspection report for early years provision

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City Kids Playcentre

221713 Unique Reference Number 09 October 2006 Inspection date Emma Bright Inspector

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City Kids Playcentre

25 Union Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1HE Setting Address

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E-mail

City Kids Playcentre 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?

City Kids Playcentre is managed by a voluntary management committee, made up of parents of children attending the out of school club. It opened in 1995 and operates from the parish hall, adjacent to St Alban's Roman Catholic Primary School in Cambridge city centre. All children have access to an enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 35 children may attend the club at any one time. The club is open five days a week from 07:30 to 09:00 for the breakfast club and from 15:15 to 18:00 after school during school term times. There are currently 50 children aged from four to 11 years on roll. Children come from the local and surrounding areas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club employs five staff. Of these, one holds appropriate qualifications and two are currently working towards a qualification.

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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 are suitably nourished and they learn about making healthy choices from the selection of snacks on offer. For example, they readily tuck into raisins and apples and competently help themselves to regular drinks throughout the session. In addition, children take part in regular cooking activities, which offers further opportunities for them to understand about making healthy choices. 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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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities, and make good use of the school playground to participate in active games. They confidently use a range of resources such as skipping ropes, skate boards and balls to develop their skills. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise as they can choose to play outdoors throughout the session. They develop their manipulative skills by using a range of tools in a variety of creative activities. Children have the space to relax in the ‘comfy’ corner with their friends. This ensures that all children benefit from physical activity and quiet time so they are happy and content.

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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 most staff hold current first aid certificates. If the children become unwell whilst they are in the care of the provision, records are in place to make sure that appropriate care is given.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children use a good range of safe equipment and resources that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. They readily access the wide range of well-chosen resources and activities, which means they follow their own interests and direct their own play. Children's safety is promoted as equipment and resources are checked regularly by the staff to ensure it is in good condition and safe.

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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 minimised, so that 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 day to ensure all areas used by the children are safe. Children learn to keep themselves safe as staff explain the dangers to them, which helps children to develop their understanding of hazards and to take responsibility for themselves. Children's safety in case of fire is priority. For example, a written emergency escape plan is in place and children practise the fire drill regularly so that they know what to do in an 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 Children's overall welfare is protected by good procedures, such as up-to-date documents that promote their safety. Staff have a secure understanding of child protection procedures, which are in line with those set out by the Local Safeguarding Children Board and are confident to act in children's best interests in the event of concerns for their welfare. This means that children are protected and kept safe from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the club and benefit from a range of activities that reflect their abilities and interests. They arrive and enter with confidence, greeting staff and each other. Children show great interest in what they do and are involved in the activities on offer; they particularly enjoy art and craft and the good range of table top games. Children enjoy each other's company and play well together, sharing resources and taking turns. They play with their chosen activity together or alongside staff, who listen to them and take time to engage them in conversation. For example, they discuss with staff how to set up the snooker table and the rules of the game.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have time and space to relax in a calm atmosphere and can move around freely to play and investigate, both indoors and outdoors. They are supported by caring and responsive staff who work well as a team to support children's play and provide plenty of opportunities for fun. Staff plan a varied range of interesting activities, which means children pursue their own interests and choose what they want to play with. Children are happy and settled, and form positive relationships with the staff who offer them a warm welcome. Staff are sensitive to children's needs and this contributes to their sense of belonging and promotes their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the good relationships between the staff and their parents. Clear 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 and they receive good information, such as regular newsletters, which keeps them informed about the setting and activities. Parents also have opportunities to present their views through the use of questionnaires, a comments book and they have daily opportunities to discuss their child with staff.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 tidy away activities and negotiate for popular resources. Children work together and learn to develop positive relationships, which ensure that everyone enjoys their time at the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are 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. However, children do not yet have sufficient opportunities to present their views to ensure they are fully included in the life of the setting. Children access a range of suitable resources,

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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 which promote a positive view of the wider world and help them to understand about their differences and similarities. Systems are in place to care for children with learning difficulties and disabilities, which ensures they are supported appropriately and their needs are respected.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the good organisation of time, space and resources; they are happy and content in the well prepared environment, which contributes to their independence and enables them to develop their skills. Recruitment and vetting procedures ensure adults are suitable and have appropriate skills to work with children. Staff working with children under eight are currently working towards appropriate qualifications and they attend regular training opportunities, which enables them to meet children's needs. Staff work well together as a team and are enthusiastic about ensuring that positive outcomes for children are promoted.

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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. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to devise a statement of procedure to be followed in the event of a child being lost or uncollected, keep the contact details of committee members on the premises and revise the complaints procedure. The provider also agreed to improve the organisation of the play space, increasing the range of resources and activities, and to ensure the premises, including the toilets are suitable for children to use.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All documentation is in place and has been updated in line with the National Standards, which improves children's welfare and ensures that parents are kept informed. The play space is well organised with a range of activities to stimulate children and ensure they are active and involved. The premises have been redecorated and are regularly cleaned, and the toilets are safe for children to use. This means that children have access to suitable premises, which ensures their health and safety.

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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

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 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 improve opportunities for children to enable them to take a more active role in the life of the setting.

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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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