Worting Infant School

Beavers After School Hours (B.A.S.H.)

Inspection report for early years provision

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Beavers After School Hours (B.A.S.H.)

116238 Unique Reference Number 29 November 2006 Inspection date Christine Bonnett Inspector

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Beavers After School Hours (B.A.S.H.)

Beavers Community Primary School, Arundel Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 6HR

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E-mail

Beavers Community Primary School 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?

Beavers After School Hours club, known as BASH, is run by a parent management committee. It opened in 1993, and operates from a dining hall within Beavers Community Primary School, in Hounslow, in the London Borough of Hounslow.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 30 children may attend the after school club at any one time. It is open each weekday from 15:15 to 17:45 during term time. Children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 13 children aged from four years to under eight years on roll. Children up to 11 years may also attend. Most children at the club attend Beavers School, however some places are available for other children from other local schools. The club supports children with learning difficulties, and those who speak English as an additional language.

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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 club employs four staff including the manager, all of whom hold an appropriate early years qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of freshly cooked meals. Although some traditional dishes, such as fish fingers and chips are served, menus have recently been reviewed to include more healthy items. Children understand the importance of including healthy options in their diet to sustain good health, such as vegetables and fruit. Children particularly enjoy making their own pizzas; they describe with pleasure how they choose their toppings. Meals are taken together around dining tables which creates a relaxed and social occasion.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is protected as the hall and cloakrooms are maintained to a good standard of cleanliness. The well equipped cloakrooms allow children to practice good personal hygiene. Children understand why hand washing is necessary at appropriate times, and relate that "germs can make you sick". However, hygiene standards need to improve at meal times to prevent the risk of cross-infection. At this time, children wash their hands in the hall, and one towel is shared by them all. Effective policies and procedures are in place for managing accidents and administering medication, but the accident book does not include the surnames of the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is further promoted as they benefit from good opportunities for physical exercise. They are able to choose whether to play indoors, or outside in the school playground. Many children benefit from the chance to run around in the fresh air after a school day. Balls, bats and skipping ropes are available for use, and staff often organise games, such as cricket.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children make good use of the hall as it provides ample space to play unhindered. A range of play equipment is set out each afternoon by the staff to ensure the environment is appealing for children as they arrive. However, children may request a specific item to play with, or an additional activity be provided. Children sit comfortably around tables while engaging in their chosen play. In addition, a separate area is available for imaginative play, or watching videos.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is important to staff, they ensure children do not have access to the kitchen area of the hall while the main meal is being cooked. Although there are no obvious safety hazards in the hall or garden, routine safety checks are not carried out before the children arrive each day to ensure they are not exposed to harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a sound understanding of child protection matters. They understand the procedure to follow to report any concerns they have about the welfare of a child attending the club. However, the child protection policy does not include how allegations of abuse made against members of staff are addressed.

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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 good. Children enjoy their time at the club, and say that "It's the best part of the day!" They arrive happy and content and quickly settle into the routine. Children benefit from the close relationship they have with staff. The interaction is warm and friendly. Staff laugh and have fun with them as well as giving support and encouragement when needed. For example, giving praise for a good collage picture or for helping to tidy-up. Consequently, children are confident to approach them and express their needs. In addition, children play cooperatively together with their friends, all of which makes a harmonious environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have the opportunity to explore a good range of play equipment and resources. A balance of quiet and physical activities is available to suit the immediate needs of the children after a school day. All activities are fun and stimulating. Boys and girls enjoy indulging their imaginations through a variety of art and craft activities, or playing football in the playground. Children demonstrate a sense of pride as they show their creative work to their friends and staff. As a result, children concentrate and are interested in their chosen activities. Overall, children spend their time purposefully as they are able to engage in activities that interest them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respectful towards each other because staff act as good role models. Their calm manner with the children encourages them to listen to instructions, such as coming in for tea, and respond appropriately. Vulnerable children, such as those who have hurt themselves playing, are given care and kindness to support them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with special needs are welcome in the playscheme. Staff have a positive attitude towards this area of childcare, and experience. The manager has a sound knowledge and understanding of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and her responsibilities as a service provider.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's enjoyment of the club is enhanced because parents are happy with the care provided, and their children's safety. Information about the scheme is available for parents to consult to ensure that they are aware of how their child is spending their time. Parents are greeted warmly by staff, and have the opportunity to share any relevant information about their child with them to ensure their needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to a satisfactory range of resources that reinforces their understanding of diversity within society, and respect for others. For example, books and puzzles reflect positive images of different cultures and abilities. In addition, the children enjoy acknowledging, through parties and craft work, a range of world faith festivals throughout the year, such as Diwali, Eid and Christmas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is generally good as there is a wide variety of play to keep them interested. However, if necessary, the club adopts the same method of behaviour management as that

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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 used in the school. The "project achieve" system encourages children to question the consequences of any action they may take and ensure that it is a "good choice". This consistent approach ensures the concept of right and wrong is being reinforced in ways that the children understand.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's well-being is promoted because of the high ratio of suitably qualified staff working in the club. Staff apply their experience and knowledge to their work, which helps to give the children a positive experience. Written policies and procedures are put into practice to ensure children are well cared for in a warm and secure environment. In addition, the evening is organised well to include quiet activities indoors and physical play outdoors. This means that an individual child would usually be able to find something to interest him or her throughout the session.

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Organisation

Children's health, safety and well-being are also fostered as accurate and up-to-date records are maintained. However, the attendance register lacks the necessary detail, and a book in which to record complaints made by parents is not available. Staff are deployed appropriately throughout the hall and playground to ensure children do not endanger themselves or others. The valuable partnership the club enjoys with parents also helps to promote positive outcomes for children.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the club was required to ensure written permission is obtained from parents to administer medication, and that a record of it being given and of all accidents occurring is maintained. This is now done. In addition, a record of children’s individual dietary needs is now easily accessible to all staff. These requirements have been met to promote children's health.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Systems for conducting risk assessments have also been devised since the last inspection. Forms are now used or phone calls made to ensure staff are aware if a child will be collected by another person. Fire drills are held regularly, and dates recorded. The children are familiar with drills, and know what is expected of them. These measures all help to safeguard children's safety.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the club was asked to include in the behaviour management policy how any instances of bullying would be managed. This information has now been added to the policy. Additional resources have also been obtained that reflect positive images of gender, disability and ethnicity. These help to promote positive experiences for children.

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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

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 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 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 children's surnames are recorded in the accident book • improve hygiene standards for hand washing before meals to prevent the risk of cross-infection • conduct regular safety checks on the hall and playground • amend the child protection policy to include how allegations of abuse made against staff are addressed • ensure a record of all complaints made by parents is maintained • ensure children's surnames are recorded in the attendance register

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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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