Middle Park After School Club and Holiday Playscheme

Holiday Playscheme

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Holiday Playscheme

Unique Reference Number 509632 Inspection date 23 November 2005 Inspector Beverly Hallett

p.1

Holiday Playscheme

Setting Address 150 Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, London, SE9 5SD

p.1

E-mail

Registered person The Committee of Middle Park Community Centre Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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 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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Middle Park Out of School Club has been registered since February 1998. It operates from Middle Park Community Centre. A maximum of 61 children may attend the setting at any one time. The after school club is open each weekday from 08.00 to 18.00 in school holidays and from 15.30 to 18.00 term time only. Children from Middle Park School mainly attend. All children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

p.2

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 There are currently 121 children on roll. The nursery currently supports a number of children with special educational needs, and a number of children who speak English as an additional language. The out of school club employs eight staff, seven of whom, including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children's good health is not protected by suitable hygiene routines, for example, not all children wash their hands before eating, and before participating in cooking activities such as making cakes. Children do not enjoy calm and social meal times and are not encouraged to have good eating habits or patterns as the organisation of snack time is very poor. Children do not sit down to eat, they eat whilst still walking around and playing and this results in some children dropping food on the floor. Children develop a positive attitude to physical exercise as they participate enthusiastically in well organised, energetic outside play. Children delight in the challenges of a versatile range of outdoor activities, such as races and obstacle courses, which they tackle enthusiastically. Staff play alongside children, encouraging good participation and extending children's large physical skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The premises are suitably secure and staff supervise children well to ensure they do not leave the premises unaccompanied. However, children's safety is not promoted within the setting, as steps are not taken to prevent accidents. For example, at snack times children wander around with food and drink in their hands, spilling it on the floor and creating slipping hazards. Children occasionally climb on the chairs stacked at the end of the hall and stand on chairs whilst using the Karaoke machine. Children roller skate indoors in a confined space and are in danger of falling and colliding with the furniture. Children are appropriately protected by staff in case of child protection concern, as staff have a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures and give top priority to children’s welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time at the setting. They arrive happy and eager to participate,

p.3

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 often showing reluctance to leave once the session ends. Children move purposefully from one activity to another, choosing to go inside or out, joining in with energetic group games, or completing quieter activities such as art and craft sessions. In school holidays, children benefit immensely from organised trips to outward bound centres. However, noise levels throughout the session are very high, and restrict children's opportunities to enjoy calm activities, and to participate in quieter social activities such as talking with friends. Children's involvement in activities is very well extended by experienced and enthusiastic staff who supervise activities well and join in to give high levels of support and encouragement to all children.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. Children's individuality is well supported and staff treat all children with equal concern, taking account of their individual needs. Children with special needs are very well supported and staff work closely with the local school, parents and other relevant agencies to ensure all children can experience a range of stimulating activities appropriate for their level of ability. Staff deal with unwanted behaviour well, and children are encouraged to share and take turns. However, children's behaviour overall is not managed in a way which promotes their welfare and development. The lack of a balanced and suitable routine results in a very chaotic atmosphere and high noise levels. Children spend much of their time shouting and running around, limiting their opportunities to enjoy positive social and emotional interactions with their peers.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and the local community is very good. Staff work closely with parents to provide consistency of care for children and parents receive good information about the setting and their children's progress on a regular basis.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The provision does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Children are cared for by well deployed, suitably qualified staff. All adults working in the setting have been appropriately vetted, due to effective recruitment procedures. Many staff have undertaken additional training to enhance their child care skills for example, sports coaching, supporting children with SEN and providing equality of opportunity. However, space, resources, and the routine are not organised to meet children's needs effectively. Children's welfare is promoted as essential documentation is in place.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the setting was given eight recommendations and ten actions to improve practice. These related to ensuring children's safety by developing and implementing appropriate policies procedures and practices, ensuring the premises are safe and secure, and ensuring that staff are suitably vetted and qualified to work with children. All required policies, procedures and documentation to keep children safe are now in place, including a behaviour management policy and the premises are now secure, free from litter, and offer a safe environment for children. However, space, resources, and the routine are not suitably organised to support children's safety and positive behaviour. Seven of the eight staff working at the setting are now qualified to level 2 and four staff are enrolled on appropriate level 3 qualifications and will achieve full qualification within the next few months. A rigorous recruitment process is also in

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

place and all staff are required to have CRB checks completed prior to being employed at the setting. This means children are now cared for by suitably trained, vetted and knowledgeable staff.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care, the registered person must take the following actions: • develop an appropriate daily routine which supports children's positive behaviour by providing a calm and consistent atmosphere in which children can experience a balanced range of activities

p.5

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 good hygiene practices are in place which promote children's good health and prevent the spread of infection • ensure the organisation of snack times supports children in developing good eating habits and promotes good hygiene practices • assess the risks to children's safety in relation to the way space, resources and the routine are organised and take action to minimise these These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures 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

p.6

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

p.6