Playzone at Christ the King

Playzone at Christ the King

Inspection report for early years provision

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Playzone at Christ the King

EY241032 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2007 Inspection date Elaine Murray Inspector

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Playzone at Christ the King

Allport Road, Bromborough, Wirral, Merseyside, CH62 6AE Setting Address

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Playzone at Christ the King

0151 3344345 Telephone number paulineloxham@yahoo.com E-mail Playzone (Wirral) Ltd Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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Playzone at Christ the King

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?

Playzone at Christ the King is a privately owned out of school club. It opened in 2002 and operates from rooms within Christ the King RC Primary School in Bromborough, Wirral. A maximum of 32 children may attend the group at any one time. There are currently 35 children aged from four to under eight years on roll. The club is open Monday to Friday from 07.45 to 08.50 and 15.00 to 17.45 during school term times. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club employs seven staff. Six staff, including the managers, hold appropriate early years qualifications. A further member of staff is working towards a qualification. The group is part of a quality assurance scheme.

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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 show an awareness of simple hygiene procedures as they explain that they need to wash their hands before snack and after using the toilet to get rid of the germs. Staff have received training in food hygiene, which helps to ensure that food is appropriately prepared and served, and children's health is protected. The club's clear sickness policy, which includes a list of communicable illnesses and incubation periods, is shared with parents and helps to protect children from the spread of infection. Children's physical development and enjoyment of exercise is promoted well though a variety of activities. They make regular use of the spacious school playground for outdoor play. The large indoor hall is also used for playing team games.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to enjoy a healthy diet as they are provided with varied and nutritious snacks, including fresh fruit. Their understanding of healthy eating is developed as they are involved in regular healthy eating weeks, where they focus on eating different types of fruit and other healthy items. Fresh drinking water is readily available for children at all times from the water dispenser in the main room. This helps to promote children's good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment, which helps them feel secure. Staff put out a range of toys and equipment for children before they arrive. The club's display board is attractive, with samples of children's art work and other items relating to their recent theme of Chinese New Year. This helps to foster children's sense of security and belonging. Space is appropriately used as areas are provided for different purposes, for example, for children to rest or be involved in activities. The range of toys and equipment are suitable for different ages and abilities, meeting children's needs appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Generally good safety procedures are in place to protect children from hazards and dangers. Staff produce a written risk assessment of the premises and outdoor area. A daily safety check of the premises is carried out. Children learn to protect themselves in the event of a fire or emergency through regularly practising the fire evacuation procedure. Children also learn to protect their own safety as they help to decide club rules, such as no running in the main hall.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as staff have a satisfactory knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse, and hold relevant contact numbers. The child protection policy does not include a statement of the procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a staff member or volunteer, which is a breach of regulations. However, the managers have a verbal policy in place, which means that children are appropriately protected.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arrive happily at the club. They are content and secure, and have positive relationships with staff. Children enjoy and are involved in the range of activities provided. They happily play table top games, make iced biscuits, take part in drawing and colouring activities, and enjoy exploring musical instruments. Staff interact well with children to sustain their interest, ensuring that children are occupied and involved. Children are confident to ask for resources and suggest ideas. Staff follow children's interests as they provide them with sheets with which to make dens. Children cooperate well to build the dens and then enjoy using them for imaginative play. Staff provide a varied range of experiences for children. They are involved in craft activities, such as mask and jewellery making. They also grow potatoes and daffodils in the outside garden area. Visitors to the club, such as a visually impaired person, are used to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

extend children's knowledge and experience.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Staff seek ways to ensure that all children are positively included in the activities of the club. Children's interests are followed to ensure that their needs are met, and that shy or reluctant children are included. A system is in place whereby new children are allocated an older child to act as a 'buddy' whilst they are settling in. These measures help to promote children's confidence and sense of belonging. The club has a policy about involving and consulting children. As a result, children are actively encouraged to contribute to the life of the club and to feel part of it, for example, children and staff have drawn up a charter of club rules. This promotes their good behaviour as they share responsibility for deciding the rules. Children are consulted about the activities and resources provided. They are encouraged to develop a responsible and caring attitude as they help raise money for charity by, for example, holding a 'pyjama party' with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

staff to raise funds for Children In Need. Children develop an awareness of different cultures and beliefs as they take part in activities relating to festivals, such as Chinese New Year. Children recently dressed up in Chinese clothing and ate Chinese food using chopsticks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff have established positive relationships with parents, who receive a helpful brochure about the club, giving details of many policies and procedures. Staff seek parents' views and opinions about the quality of the service they feel the club provides through a questionnaire. Information about children's progress is shared informally through talks at the end of the session. This communication between parents and staff helps to promote children's welfare, care and learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally well organised environment. Staff are deployed to meet ratios and support children’s well-being and development. Most staff hold relevant qualifications in childcare. This has a positive effect on the quality of care and children’s learning. There are clear procedures in place for the appointment of staff, which ensure that the required checks

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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 are carried out. The setting is committed to improvement and has recently achieved an award from a recognised quality assurance scheme.

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Organisation

The required records are in place, helping to ensure continuity of care for children. Most policies and procedures are appropriately in place, although the complaints policy has not been updated in line with changes to legislation.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the setting was required to develop staff awareness of child protection issues, to ensure that accident records are confidential and that children are aware of alternative activities available for their use. These recommendations have been met with positive effect on children’s safety, welfare and learning.

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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 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): • ensure that the child protection policy includes a statement of the procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a staff member or volunteer • update the complaints policy in line with changes to legislation.

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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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