Whalton Out Of School Club

Whalton Out Of School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Whalton Out Of School Club

EY224665 Unique Reference Number 28 September 2006 Inspection date Hilary, Jane Purvis Inspector

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Whalton Out Of School Club

Out of School Club Building, Whalton Church of England First School, Whalton, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 3XH

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E-mail

Whalton 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?

Whalton Out of School Club opened in 2001 and is situated in a new purpose built childcare building in the grounds of Whalton First School, Whalton, Northumberland. The room is divided into a variety of activity areas and the club has use of the adjoining school playground and a large field. The building is on one level and a ramp and wider doors are available for access.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Places are available for children from Whalton First School during term time and the wider community when it operates during school holidays. Currently, there are ten children aged three to eight years on the register, no more than 24 attend at any one time. All children are welcome, including children with English as an additional language or with special needs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club is open Monday to Friday 08.00-09.00 and 15.15-18.00 term time and Monday to Friday 10.00-16.00 for 2 weeks during the summer holiday and 10.00-16.00 partial weeks during half term holidays depending on demand. The club closes on Bank Holidays and for two weeks

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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 at Christmas and New Year apart from one or two days if needed. The club aims to make holiday opening times as flexible as possible to accommodate parent's needs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are four staff members, three hold a relevant childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. All children benefit from being in the group. Children are given excellent opportunities to learn about the importance of health and hygiene through staff providing appropriate information and support. Children's independence is supported by staff, who encourage them to undertake their own hygiene tasks, including ensuring that they wash their hands at appropriate times during the day. This is effectively implemented at certain times, such as before eating and during cooking activities. Children's individual health needs are effectively recorded. This includes relevant details that may have an impact on their care, for example, eczema or asthma. Staff ensure that they are fully aware of each child's health needs and of any specific care needed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff have undertaken appropriate first aid training. Suitable first aid boxes are easily available and well maintained by the manager, this ensure that the contents remain suitable. An effective and clear sick child policy is in place, which promotes the environment as a healthy one for all.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's understanding of healthy foods and a balanced diet is very well promoted by staff, who have skilfully and imaginatively incorporated fun activities into the programme. Children are provided with good opportunities to look at whole fruit and vegetables prior to there preparation. They discuss how they grow, why they are good for you and what needs to be done to it before they can be eaten.

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Helping children to be healthy

Free access to suitable drinks is available throughout each session, with children being able to serve themselves as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is actively promoted by the staff. A wide variety of fun and interesting activities are organised for the children to take part in. Regular use is made of the outdoor play area. Children are given the option of using the school field to play games, such as football or the school play ground, which provides opportunities for children to develop climbing and balancing skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from the good standard of safety within the premises. All aspects of safety have been considered. The effective use of risk assessments has allowed possible areas of danger or risk to be highlighted and suitable precautions put in place. The school building in which the club is situated, is maintained in a secure manner. Staff provide close supervision

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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 and monitor children's whereabouts well, this ensures they remain safe. Children are encouraged to behave in a safe manner.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff take effective measures to ensure that the play resources, equipment and furniture are maintained in a safe and suitable condition. Equipment is checked after each use to ensure it remains safe and suitable for children to use. Children's safety is well promoted through the appropriate fire safety equipment being in place, for example, a fire extinguisher and smoke alarms. The fire drill is practised and recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected through staff having a good understanding of the child protection procedure. All staff have undertaken additional training on child protection and the information gathered is effectively used, this ensures that safe procedures are in place to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Staff in the club provide children with a warm and caring environment, where all the children are happy and settled. Children have developed good positive relationships with each other and staff members, encouraging them to have a sense of belonging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy an environment where staff clearly show their enjoyment at being with them. Staff and children laugh and chat happily together, with children developing a strong sense of well-being and contentment. Staff provide children with good role models, they are respectful, kind and calm. The children receive specific praise, including receiving recognition when they are kind or helpful to each other. Children enjoy this praise and encouragement, this nurtures a happy, positive environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a strong daily routine. They are confident in the pattern of the day and have an understanding of the aspects that will be included, such as activities, snacks and playing outside. During each session, the children experience a wide variety of activities, some of which are chosen by them and others are planned activities. Good use is made of the outdoor area to enhance the variety of experiences provided. The children are able to move freely and are provided with a wide choice of physical experiences, including climbing, balancing and ball games. The club effectively provides opportunities for children to develop skills and abilities, such as sporting activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children develop a positive attitude towards each other. Staff support and encourage them to be aware of the needs of others and the effect that their behaviour may have on others. Children's kind and considerate actions towards each other are well recognised and praised by staff. Children gain a good understanding about the wider world, including having access to resources that positively reflect other cultures and religions, such as books and posters. The celebration of multi-cultural festivals is undertaken within the club. Children have a good understanding about the community they live in through being involved in local events, such as creating posters to advertise the jumble sale at the local church.

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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 Children benefit from the calm, kind attitude and behaviour of the staff. All staff members are good role models for the children. Staff give the children clear, consistent guidance on appropriate behaviour, such as no running and recognising kindness; this ensures that the environment is a safe and happy one. Parents are kept fully informed of any incidents or behavioural issues that may occur.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the sharing of information between staff and parents, which provides consistency of care between home and the club; however, parents view on the provision are not actively sought. Positive feedback is received from parents, they indicate that they feel happy and confident in the care that their children receive. Parents are updated daily by staff, including information on what their child has enjoyed, eaten and any issues that may have arisen. There is a complaints procedure in place, this is included within the policy document; however, the policies are not easily viewed by parents as they are retained in the filing cabinet which parents do not have access to.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Required policies and procedures are in place which supports the care of children. All records are accurate and up to date, this includes children's individual information sheets and register. The organisation of the premises is very good. Staff have skilfully organised the space available to provide a wide selection of activities and experiences to all children.

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Organisation

There is a strong daily routine in place that includes a good variety of interesting activities, which are fun and provide children with independent choice. Children are confident in the daily routine and are able to develop an understanding of, and a confidence in, the pattern of the day.

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Organisation

Staff have good access to relevant training, such as child protection, health and safety and first aid. Appropriate support is provided for all staff, for example, staff meetings and an appraisal system. Staff have a clear understanding of the clubs policies and procedures through an effective induction procedure. In practice, they work towards keeping children healthy, safe and promoting their well- being. There are strong links between the committee and the manager, regular meetings and annual staff appraisals ensure that the standard of care provided is good. Future developments are discussed between the committee and the staff, this promotes progression within the setting. The certificate of registration is clearly displayed. Staff maintain all information, both written and verbal, in a confidential manner.

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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, it was recommended that the attendance record accurately record the hours of attendance. Also that children be provided with an appropriate range of activities to promote equality of opportunity and anti - discriminatory practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 It was also highlighted that the child protection policy be expended to include the procedure to be followed in the event of a member of staff having an allegation made against them. The provision now completes a daily register that clearly indicates the hours of attendance of both children and staff.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The child protection policy has now been expanded to incorporate a procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation against a member of staff. Children are now provided with suitable and varied activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity.

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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 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. The provider has not recorded all complaints made to Ofsted by parents.

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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): • provide parents with access to the written policies and procedures • actively seek parents views on the running of the provision.

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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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