Schools Out Club

Schools Out Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Schools Out Club

EY267502 Unique Reference Number 21 November 2006 Inspection date Judith Mary Scott Inspector

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Schools Out Club

Oldridge Road, London, SW12 8PP Setting Address

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Schools Out Club

0208 675 4800 mob 07976094062 Telephone number

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E-mail

Balham Community Centre 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 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?

The Schools Out Club opened in October 2003 and is part of the Balham Community Centre Schools Out Clubs. The provision is located in Alderbrook Primary School in Balham, London. It operates from a hall, a community room with a kitchen area, storage and toilet facilities, plus a secure enclosed playground. It mainly serves the children who attend the school, plus staff pick up from Honeywell and Holy Ghost Primary Schools. Schools Out Club Honeywell is due to open in January 2007.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 56 children in total on roll which includes 22 children under eight. Children attend a variety of sessions. Currently, there are two children who speak English as an additional language and seven children with learning difficulties or disabilities. The Schools Out Club is open from 15:15 - 18:30, from Monday to Friday, term time only.

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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 Five staff work with the children on the out of school care scheme, plus one cover staff. Three have NVQ 3 and NVQ 2 play work or childcare and education qualifications. Two staff are unqualified but experienced.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The setting receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and reasonably clean environment that is familiar and friendly to them and their families. Children’s physical and emotional care is sufficiently supported by staff, they are given attention and reassurance. Their needs are met by staff through the daily routine and positive interaction and children are able to freely express their feelings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a hot or cold snack prepared in the community room by the staff. Sometimes children participate, for example, buttering crackers, slicing cheese and pouring their own drinks. Older children assist the younger ones. Snack time is regarded as a social occasion and children eat eight at a time with staff supervision. Menus are varied and balanced, supplemented with fresh fruit and comply with any specific dietary requirements. Children are provided with drinks and water is available at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children find out about healthy eating through discussion, role-play and cooking activities. They also learn about the importance of physical activity in maintaining a healthy life style and display a positive attitude towards exercise with plenty of opportunities for physical play, plus chances to relax and experience quiet activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is adequately protected by staff’s knowledge of first aid, health and safety, appropriate documentation and general good hygiene practice. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines, they know for example, that it is important to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from physical activity and exercise to help them develop control of their bodies. The outdoor play area with fixed equipment is used regularly under constant supervision with a satisfactory range of activities, sport and games. Children have opportunities to let off steam, improve physical skills, make choices and interact with others.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children’s individual needs are met and information is shared with parents. The scheme maintains adequate accident records, however, the systems for recording incidents and administration of medication lacks the required details.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a child friendly environment that is safe and reasonably secure. Children can move around the rooms because staff take appropriate measures to reduce potential

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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 hazards. They are aware of the importance of risk assessment and adequate safety measures are in place. However, there is no copy of the current risk assessment on site, no fire blanket in the kitchen and fire drills are done infrequently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are made aware of the importance of using toys and play equipment safely through discussion and guidance from the staff and anticipation for younger children. They are supervised and staff act as positive role models encouraging children to develop self awareness and extend their play. Children are given clear boundaries of behaviour and staff ensure children move around school safely and behave appropriately when walking or being transported to school. Suitable systems are in place, children are identified by their school uniforms and they are supervised closely with an emphasis on staying together. The Wandsworth Community Transport minibus is used with appropriate safety restraints. There are written parental consents for outings but no specific mention of children being transported by the minibus.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a satisfactory range of toys, books and play materials that are stored and presented appropriately. This includes arts and crafts materials, puzzles, imaginary and role-play, books, construction, games and covers the whole age range. Children can choose and independently select some activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is paramount and they are adequately safe and protected as staff are aware of child protection issues and procedures. However, there is no updated child protection statement and policy in place and no confidential incident recording system available on site.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children experience a regular routine after school. This includes registration, free and planned play activities, afternoon snack time, indoor and outdoor physical activities, plus quiet times with opportunities for homework and reading books. Children are able to have fun, relax and play with friends.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children participate in a variety of suitable and age appropriate play and learning activities. They enjoy creative activities such as arts and crafts, cutting and sticking, drawing, making jewellery, sewing and cooking. They experience physical activities with organised games and sport such as football and unihoc, use of the outdoor fixed equipment, plus parachute games, bats, balls, hoops and ropes. Children also enjoy snooker, table football, Playstation, dancing, music, drama, bingo and quizzes. They like to play board games, get involved with table top and floor activities, do puzzles, join in construction activities and take part in imaginary and role-play with dressing up and small world activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are generally confident in their relationships with staff and are happy, comfortable and settled. They are chatty, friendly and curious and like to share their thoughts and ideas. Children are encouraged to talk and express themselves by staff by extending conversations, using open questions, talking and listening. Children can use their own initiative to expand a play activity and this is utilised to develop their confidence and develop their vocabulary.

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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 Children play together and with adults enjoying resources such as table top and floor games, puzzles and a tracing activity. Children are involved and engaged in their play as they select and carry out activities. They speak confidently about what they are doing such as tracing flowers and butterflies to make stained glass windows.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Most children attend the scheme on a regular basis so staff have a satisfactory understanding of their individual needs. The children’s enjoyment enables staff to evaluate the success of the activities and children’s ideas are welcomed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. New children are settled in appropriately, introduced to the staff and other children and given reassurance. Children are valued as individuals and benefit from positive partnerships that staff have developed with parents. There is a feedback book in use for three way communication between the club, school and parents, plus a regular verbal exchange of information, occasional letters sent home and limited display notice board facilities. Parents are given a small hand book of the club's policies and procedures. Children’s welfare and achievements are discussed with parents and supported by suitable documentation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children and parents are made aware of the club's expectations with clear boundaries of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. These are discussed with the children and the club rules are agreed, for example, to have fun, to be nice to one another, to look after toys. Children are encouraged to share, help tidy up and play together co-operatively. Staff are consistent and use appropriate behaviour management strategies. Children generally behave well and respond to staff’s requests and guidance, however, while the club was temporarily understaffed they became a little unruly and over excited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to develop a positive view of others and have access to the range of activities offered. All children are treated as individuals and with equal concern. They are encouraged to respect and value others through discussion and example. Gender discrimination and stereotyping are discouraged. Staff are aware of the importance of positive images, attitudes, role models and how this is reflected in recruitment, care and play provision. Children have access to sufficient resources that promotes positive views of the wider community and increases their understanding of diversity. They are introduced to a variety of food and music from around the world. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities benefit from the staff’s positive attitudes and the aim of the scheme is to be inclusive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are generally settled, happy and occupied within safe and friendly surroundings. They benefit from a regular routine of indoor and outdoor play activities, snacks and quiet times after school. Children’s individual needs are supported and the environment is satisfactory with appropriate resources.

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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 However, there are no committee members' details and only minimal staff details are maintained on site with no evidence of a vetting criteria. During the inspection for a short period of time, the provider was not complying with National Standard 2 as the required adult/child ratios were not consistently met due to the unexpected absence of a member of staff.

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Organisation

The club keeps the required records that contribute to children’s health, safety and well being although some systems lack the necessary details and some policies and procedures on site are out of date. There is a complaints procedure but no suitable complaints record log in place. The provider displays positive attitudes towards implementing additional documentation to promote further good practice. Overall, the provision meets the range of needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the provision has increased toys and play materials to include positive images of disability.

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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. 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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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): • maintain a copy of the current risk assessment on site, reinstate the fire blanket in the kitchen and ensure fire drills are carried out on a regular basis • ensure the required adult/child ratios are consistently met and improve the system on site for maintenance and details of committee members and staff’s Criminal Record Bureau status and qualifications • ensure that suitable systems are in place for recording any complaints, in line with regulatory requirements

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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 • extend the system for recording incidents and medication and maintain a confidential incident recording system on site.

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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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