326 Club

326 Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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326 Club

EY248906 Unique Reference Number 14 November 2006 Inspection date Patricia Jane Daniels Inspector

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326 Club

Stepgates School, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8HT Setting Address

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326 Club

01932 563022 Telephone number club326@ntlworld.com E-mail Wendy Roydhouse Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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326 Club

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?

326 Club provides after school and holiday care for children from four to 11 years of age. There are currently 16 children under eight years of age on roll. The group supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Four staff work with the children. Three staff have childcare qualifications and current first aid certificates.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club operates from a building in the grounds of Stepgates School, Chertsey. Children from Stepgates and other local schools attend. The after school club arranges a collection from local schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The building is divided into activity areas. Children also have use of the school playground for outdoor play. During the school holidays, children visit local parks.

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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 The after school group is open from 15:00 - 17:45 Monday to Friday during term time and is open during inset days. The holiday play scheme operates from 08:30 - 18:00 throughout the school holidays.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are maintained in a clean condition and the good hygiene practices followed by staff promote the children's health. Two staff have food hygiene certificates, so that they are aware of regulations relating to safety when preparing meals for children. Three staff are trained to administer first aid to children if there is an accident. Written parental consent to give medicines is in place, but staff have not received adequate training to administer invasive medication. The policy for excluding sick children ensures that they are not a source of infection for others.

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Helping children to be healthy

A healthy menu is offered to the children at the after school club, which includes portions of fresh vegetables and fruit. The children enjoy their meals and can have more if they are hungry. Fresh drinking water is available from a water fountain, so that children can help themselves whenever they are thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play outdoors every day when the weather permits. They ride on scooters, kick the footballs and use the school's adventure playground facilities. In this way, the children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The building used by children is made bright and inviting by displays of children's artwork, toys and posters. The activity areas include a quiet area with books and cushions so that children can relax, a homework area, a messy play/snack area and a main play area. Children have plenty of space and move around the building freely. The club has its own decked outside area for children's use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The club is very well resourced and children have access to a wide variety of equipment and toys that are maintained in a good condition. A risk assessment is in place and steps taken to minimise identified hazards. For example, the front door has a high bolt to prevent children opening it and all electrical items are regularly checked for safety. Staff are always in the rooms and areas used by children, but sometimes they do not immediately notice when children do not observe the safety rules. Children are given explanations about safety issues, so that they develop awareness. A fire drill is held regularly, but not often enough for all the children to experience.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff understand their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding children and the procedures to take if concerned. This promotes the welfare of the children in the setting.

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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 satisfactory. Children are very confident in the group and approach the staff freely, indicating that trusting relationships have developed. The staff are friendly and enthusiastic, and involve themselves in the children's play. Sometimes the staff become very focused on a specific activity. They do not immediately notice the impact of some children's inappropriate behaviour on other children's enjoyment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to develop independence. For example, they can choose what they want to play with from the wide variety of interesting activities offered. This is limited to some degree during the outdoor session, when choices are based around physical play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff offer suggestions that encourage the children to investigate other activities and remain interested in their play. The children generally enjoy themselves and play in groups with other children, individually and with staff support. They spend their time playing and relaxing, exploring the toys and activities provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have opportunities to learn about the diversity within our society through the resources and themed activities provided by the club. Staff promote consideration and respect for others because they are positive role models. They praise children for having good manners, so that their self-esteem is promoted and other children learn by example. All children have access to all activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Most children generally behave well. However, some children behave inappropriately and staff do not always notice this or respond in a consistent manner. Noise levels in the dining room become high, with children shouting at times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive basic information about the club in a brochure and the policy file is displayed for them to view. Staff and parents have opportunities to talk when children are collected, and generally, parents are happy with the service provided. The exchange of information and positive relationships promote continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. On the day of inspection, the holiday play scheme was not in operation.

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Organisation

All required checks on staff are in place, but the organisation of these and other records mean that they are not easily accessible for reference. The registered person is suitably qualified for her role and two other staff members hold relevant early years' qualifications. One member of staff is currently taking additional training in play work and all staff have opportunities to attend workshops. This helps staff to have understanding of relevant practice, which benefits the children in their care.

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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 Regulatory requirements are met and documentation relating to the safety, health and welfare of the children is in place. However, in some cases the records are not well maintained or organised to be easily accessible in case of need. The registered person has a positive attitude towards implementing systems to amend this situation.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, Ofsted requested that the registered person should take several actions to improve the quality of care for children. Written parental consent to administer medication is now in place, so that children receive medication in line with parents' wishes. Boundaries are set in the outdoor play area to limit the areas used by children, so that staff are able to monitor children's safety. The registered person carries out an appropriate recruitment and induction procedure. This ensures that staff are suitable to work with children and that they understand the procedures that support the children's welfare. The register of attendance is not always accurately maintained to show the hours of children's attendance as requested. However, the registered person implemented a system to ensure its accuracy at the time of inspection. Relevant information is now reported to Ofsted, so that appropriate checks can be

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Improvements since the last inspection

made if needed. The actions taken have improved the quality of care for children at the setting.

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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 staff have relevant training to administer invasive medication • conduct regular fire drills, so that staff and children know how to evacuate the building quickly and safely

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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 that staff effectively monitor and manage children's behaviour • ensure that all records for children and staff are well maintained and easily accessible.

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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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