St. Michael's Out of School Club

St. Michael's Out of School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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St. Michael's Out of School Club

501971 Unique Reference Number 20 November 2006 Inspection date Barbara Law Inspector

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St. Michael's Out of School Club

Ribble Drive, Whitefield, Manchester, Lancashire, M45 8NJ Setting Address

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E-mail

St. Michael's 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 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?

St. Michael's Out of School Club opened in September 2001. It operates from the school hall and two adjacent rooms within St. Michael's Primary School, Whitefield. The adjacent outdoor area is available for outdoor play. The manager and staff are appropriately qualified and experienced.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club provides a before and after school service each weekday morning and afternoon, during the school term times. Currently, there are 40 children on roll. Children with additional needs are welcomed and supported.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, bright, well maintained environment where they learn about taking care of themselves. They understand the importance of washing their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. Children are protected from cross contamination and infection after washing their hands through the provision of disposable towels. A suitable sick children and exclusion policy is in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy and nutritious snacks which promote their growth and development. They make choices about their snack and have their appetites satisfied when they ask for more. Children's individual dietary needs are well met because staff use information from parents and the children themselves when planning the menus. They have free access to fresh drinking water throughout the session.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to enjoy daily physical activities, such as volley ball, hula hoops, running and jumping, which contribute to their good health and develops their strength. However, children are not able to rest or relax according to their individual needs because there is no comfortable seating available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have ample space to move around freely and play comfortably in the bright, welcoming environment. They are protected by good safety procedures both inside and outside the building. Access to the premises is controlled and monitored. Fire evacuation procedures have been practised to help children learn about fire safety and how to respond in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of safe, well maintained equipment and a secure outdoor area. Resources are all good quality and plentiful in quantity to meet the children's needs. They are well organised to allow children to make choices about their play, which improves their confidence and independence skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected through staff vigilance and supervision. However, staff are reliant on the support of school staff to implement the procedures. Staff have an understanding of their responsibilities under the Local Safeguarding Children Board. They are aware of the types of abuse and signs to look for and the children's welfare is paramount.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and confident at the club, staff greet them by name. They explore the environment making choices about their play. Children play happily and cooperate well together in their self chosen activity. They enjoy each other's company, chatting about their day at school and planning activities together. Children are involved in a range of 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 which are fun and provide sufficient challenge. They use their imaginative skills as they play in the office area. Other children are happy to build with the construction equipment, take part in a craft activity, play team games or chat together. However, children are not able to enjoy reading or looking at books as there are no books available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children and staff have good relationships. They chat and laugh together as they play team games or take part in craft activities. Children show care and concern for each other, the younger children are encouraged by the older children to join in activities. Children show high levels of concentration and perseverance skills as they complete a game of dominoes. They express that they enjoy coming to the club. They state they like everything about the club, such as seeing their friends and playing games. Their confidence is promoted by positive relationships with staff and their understanding of children's individual needs. Children are given good attention and staff ask questions and initiate discussion, extending their independence and language skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled in their play. Their independence skills and self-sufficiency are developed through easily accessible resources and equipment. Children experience a variety of play activities including opportunities for more physical activity. Outdoor play is available in good weather. They have opportunities to do their homework and are well supported by staff who understand their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a strong sense of respect for themselves and others. They have a good understanding about diversity and the wider world through resources and activities which reflect positive images. They have high levels of confidence and self-esteem as they make choices and decisions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved. They know the rules and boundaries so they have a clear understanding of what is expected regarding their behaviour. They state, 'We share and are kind to each other'. They are well mannered and very sociable, they use please and thank you to each other and to adults. Children enjoy mutually respectful relationships with the staff who are kind, fair and listen to them. They demonstrate a positive and mature attitude towards each other as they recognise and respect the needs of younger children and those with additional needs. Staff ensure all children are fully involved in the life of the setting through changing or adapting play activities. This contributes to a happy and harmonious environment for all children attending the club.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective relationships with parents contribute to children's well-being at the club. Children benefit from daily communication between the staff and parents, which promotes continuity of care. However, a complaints procedure has not yet been established in line with recent changes. This is a breach of regulations. Parents are complimentary about the service they and their children receive. They state they are happy with the care, activities and friendly staff who are interested in their 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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by staff with knowledge and understanding of child development. Children are protected through the recruitment and vetting procedures which are in place. However, these procedures are carried out and the results retained by the school. There are systems in place to ensure appropriate adult-child ratios are met. In order to maintain children's safety and well being these systems, such as the daily recording of attendance, must include staff . Appropriate group sizes and effective deployment of staff contribute to children's enjoyment and achievement. In addition, effective organisation of play areas and resources allows children to be independent and confident learners.

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Organisation

Most records are maintained to a good standard which adequately support children's well-being. The exception to this is the staff register and a policy on uncollected children. This is a breach of regulations.

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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

Children are now cared for in a safer environment because child safe electrical sockets are in place. The more detailed equal opportunities policy ensures all children are cared for with regard and respect.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet 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 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): • provide comfortable seating to enable children to rest or relax

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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 a range of books is made available for the children to enjoy • improve knowledge and develop systems for recording complaints in line with regulations • maintain a daily record of staff attendance and ensure that all records relating to day care activities are readily accessible and available for inspection at all times, for example the uncollected child policy.

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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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