Harlequin Out of School Clubs - Coxheath

Harlequin Out Of School Club Limited

Inspection report for early years provision

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Harlequin Out Of School Club Limited

EY333465 Unique Reference Number 23 November 2006 Inspection date Jackie Liffen Inspector

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Harlequin Out Of School Club Limited

Stockett Lane, Coxheath, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 4PS Setting Address

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E-mail

Harlequin 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 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?

Harlequin Out Of School Club opened in 2006 and operates from its own premises in the grounds of the primary school in Coxheath, Kent. A maximum of 30 children may attend the out of school club at any one time. It is open each weekday for breakfast club from 8.00 to 09.00 and after school until 18.00. During the school holidays it is open from 08.00 until 18.00. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 50 children aged from four to under eight years on roll. The club also cares for children up to the age of 11 years. Children come from a large catchment area and transport is provided for children who attend from other schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The out of school club employs eight members of staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications and one is working towards a qualification. They receive help from Kent Early Years advisers.

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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's health is paramount within the group as staff use anti-bacterial cleanser to wipe surfaces and separate cloths for different purposes. Generally children promote their physical abilities by playing on the apparatus in the school grounds. However, if the weather is not suitable, the provider ensures that they have room to exercise within the building. Staff contribute to children's good health by using effective medication procedures to make sure that parents have the ultimate responsibility for their children. Children rest according to their needs when they sit comfortably on the carpeted floor or relax on the sofa. They are becoming familiar with good health and hygiene practices and see to their own needs in the purpose-built, clean toilets where they use anti-bacterial soap. Although children are generally protected from infection, they tend to dry their hands on the same towel which quickly becomes wet and

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Helping children to be healthy

unsuitable. Children are well nourished because the group provide sustaining food for breakfast and tea. Children are involved in planning their meals and staff take the opportunity of enlightening them about the nutritional value of food. Children are encouraged to eat at least one piece of vegetable or fruit at each session and often, if requested by parents, staff help camouflage it so that all children enjoy the taste.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safely transported to the out of school club on mini-buses, from a number of feeder schools in the area. They quickly settle in the welcoming, child-friendly, purpose-built premises where they take of their shoes and enjoy the home from home feel of the setting. In the main playroom children seek out a number of activities which help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They play on the cushioned, washable floor or gravitate towards the more comfortable carpeted area. Staff keep the premises at a suitable temperature so that children relax or engage in activities in ideal surroundings. They also ensure that the water in the taps are of a moderate temperature so that children do not burn their hands. Children use age-appropriate, safe, attractive furniture, most of which is new; they sit comfortably at the tables or on the sofa. Staff take every precaution to ensure that children do not exit the premises

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

unaided and the school help their security by making sure that unexpected visitors do not access the building. Children are prevented from entering the kitchen and staff ensure that sockets are covered. They undertake regular fire practises to raise awareness whilst staff monitor children's speed and progress. Children's welfare is safeguarded by staff who have an effective child protection policy and are competent in putting the procedures into practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children very quickly become involved and happy in the setting as they confidently move into the playroom to search out an interesting game or project. They easily investigate the very wide selection of toys on offer. Staff interact with children at their level to help all of them

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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 join in the broad range of planned activities and spontaneous events which support their development and learning. Children are challenged effectively by staff so that they expand their experiences and understand the expectations of the setting. Some play alone, expanding their imaginations, whilst others eagerly join in the projects on offer. For example, a group of children enjoy creating a Christmas frieze. Children are interested, excited and motivated to try new things. Some relax, chatting in a group, whilst others play games together. They always respond appropriately to staff and sometimes hold in-depth conversations about their experiences. Children's physical skills are promoted well when they play outside and staff offer many opportunities for them to develop their fine manipulative and writing skills. They play

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

co-operatively with a number of games involving maths.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued, respected and included by staff who have a good knowledge of all their backgrounds and meet their individual needs well. Children benefit from some activities and resources to help them value diversity, although staff display few relevant posters and pictures. Children have their specific needs met by staff who work in close partnership with parents and professionals in order to accommodate them effectively. Children behave well. They understand the boundaries of the group and play harmoniously and co-operatively. If children act inappropriately then they are encouraged to consider the consequences of their words and actions in relation to the impact on others. Children's continuity of care is enhanced because the group build up good relationships with parents and carers so that all adults have the peace of mind of knowing that the group work appropriately with their children. Parents are very

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Helping children make a positive contribution

pleased with the care and attention that their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's development progresses well because staff have a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to continual improvement. Children's intellect and happiness is enhanced because the manager and deputy use their qualifications and experience to organise the provision appropriately. Children's well being is extended because staff give high regard to ensuring that they have plenty of activities and projects to undertake. They are secure because the systems for appointing and checking staff are robust. Staff organise and prepare the dedicated building before children arrive so that children rapidly search out activities and become involved in specific games. Children's records are up-to-date and complete. They are kept confidentially in a locked filing cabinet. All the paperwork is neatly filed and used appropriately to promote children's health and welfare. Children benefit from the staff's in-depth knowledge of their

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Organisation

needs because all necessary documentation is comprehensive and easily accessed.

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Organisation

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

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • ensure germs are not spread when children dry their hands • extend the range of positive images to further promote an awareness of the diversity of society.

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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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