Dobcroft After School Hours (DASH)

DASH (Dobcroft After School Hours Care).

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Inspection report for early years provision

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300782 Unique Reference Number 13 December 2006 Inspection date Susan Kathleen Wormald Inspector

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Pingle Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S7 2LN Setting Address

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0114 2621739 Telephone number kb@dashclub.co.uk E-mail Dobcroft After School Hours Care (DASH) Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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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?

Dobcroft After School Hours Care (Dash) was registered in 1995 to provide out of school care for a maximum of 88 children aged between four and 11 years. The provision is located in Dobcroft Primary School. It caters for children attending the school and is run by a voluntary management committee.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The after school care and the morning club are open five days a week from 08:00 until the start of school and from 15.30 to 18.00 during term time. The holiday playcare is open five days a week from 08.30 to 17.30 during school holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The facility is located on two sites. Up to 40 of the younger children are accommodated in the hall and library in the infant school, and up to 48 of the older children are accommodated in a large mobile in the school grounds for after school care. Up to 32 children of mixed ages are in the mobile before school and during school holidays. Children have access to outdoor play space.

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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 provision employs a total of 14 staff, five of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications and one of whom is working towards this.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy within the setting as they are cared for in suitably clean and maintained premises. They are supported by staff who follow appropriate procedures and who encourage them to manage personal hygiene independently, for example, reminding them to wash their hands after a craft activity and before they eat food. There are suitable arrangements for the administration of medicines and the recording of accidents and staff hold appropriate first aid qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities for active physical play where they can enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise. They have access to an attractive outdoor area and ample space in the school hall where they enjoy team games and play softball.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual health and dietary needs are met as appropriate information is obtained from parents and taken into account. At snack time children sit on the floor and are offered a biscuit and orange drink. The food provided is lacking in nutritional balance and there are limited opportunities for children to socialise during this time or become involved in the preparation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Generally, children are cared for in a secure environment which allows them to play safely. They have the use of a range of suitable, safe resources both indoors and outside. Staff are aware of their responsibilities to keep children safe and supervise them well and all required safety policies are in place. Children are protected by some effective procedures implemented by staff, such as ensuring children inform them when they visit the toilet and practicing regular fire drills. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as staff encourage safe practice and raise children's awareness of safety issues. For example, they are reminded that they could slip when playing without shoes. However, access to the infant site is not sufficiently well managed to ensure children's safety is fully protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded well. All staff have attended recent child protection training and understand their responsibilities with regard to child protection and are familiar with the signs of abuse. Appropriate child protection procedures are in place and staff know what to do if they have concerns about a child.

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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 enjoy coming to the club and settle quickly. They are able to get involved in activities of their own choice, depending on their own individual needs and interests. They have good relationships with staff who are friendly and approachable, and show children they value them by listening to what they have to say. Staff interact well with the children and help them participate and become involved in the activities offered. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with staff and children chatting about the days events and their interests. Staff give children encouragement and praise, promoting their self-esteem. They have opportunities to play independently, with staff offering support and encouragement appropriately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered the choice of some suitable activities which sustain their interest. For example, groups of children enjoy craft activities; making cards and Christmas trees using glitter and glue. They spend their time concentrating on their designs and comment that their favourite activity is making things. Staff and children are engaged in conversation as they play together. Opportunities for all children to participate in a wide range of play experiences are restricted. For example, the availability of more active play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are helped to feel at home as they are greeted cheerfully on arrival, and welcomed into the setting. They have a sense of belonging because they are familiar with the staff and are comfortable with the routines of the club. They chat and play with their friends throughout the session. All children are helped to feel good about themselves and feel included as staff give appropriate praise, acknowledge their achievements and provide additional support when necessary. Children's sense of self-esteem and confidence is promoted as staff show they value what they say as they listen to them and they talk together during games and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play well together most of the time and are responsive and helpful. Minor disagreements are dealt with calmly and sensitively by staff, and are quickly resolved by them in a sympathetic manner. Children are encouraged to share and take turns and to show consideration towards others. They benefit from staff who set good examples, make their expectations clear and apply consistent boundaries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents have friendly relationships with staff and receive verbal information from them about how their children spend time at the club. Parents have some written information about the provision, however, the complaints procedure has not been updated to reflect current guidance and contact details for Ofsted are not clear.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time at the setting because staff are friendly and caring. They benefit from good levels of support as staff spend most of their time interacting in children's play. Staff know the children well. This helps build children's confidence, enables them to feel secure and

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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 to enjoy and participate in the activities offered. Generally, staff ensure that the premises and play resources are organised to support children's care, learning and play. However, not enough consideration is given to the planning of activities and the use of facilities available to ensure that all children are offered a broad range of play experiences.

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Organisation

All required documentation that contributes to children's health, safety and wellbeing is in place and there are suitable policies and procedures which support the day to day running of the setting. Staff work well together, have an acceptable understanding of their roles and responsibilities and so take care of children successfully. There are suitable recruitment procedures in place ensuring that staff are vetted and have the skills and experience to work with children. However, not all required staff details are available for inspection and Ofsted has not been informed of changes regarding the nominated person, preventing necessary checks to be completed. This lack of robust procedures exposes children to potential risk and is a breach of regulations.

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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

Since the last inspection the group have introduced mandatory child protection training for all staff who now demonstrate a clear understanding and awareness of these issues ensuring that children are well safeguarded. Recommendations made by the fire officer have been implemented and regular fire drills take place. Safety issues regarding the junior site have been addressed however, security of children at the infant site remains an issue. Staff demonstrate a positive attitude towards inclusion and have worked with parents and outside agencies to support children. Children are offered the choice of some suitable activities, however, the breadth and range of play experiences offered remains an area for improvement.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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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Complaints 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

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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 the premises are secure, that children are not able to leave them unsupervised and that there is an effective system for managing access • ensure that all children are offered ongoing opportunities to enjoy a broad range of suitable activities and that effective use is made of all facilities available • ensure that accessible individual records are kept on the premises containing required details of staff and the management committee and information about staff's recruitment, training and qualifications • ensure that Ofsted is informed about any changes to the nominated person or about any matter that might affect their suitability.

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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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