St Bernadette's Out Of School Club

St Bernadettes Out Of School Care Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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St Bernadettes Out Of School Care Club

309718 Unique Reference Number 06 December 2006 Inspection date Lesley Sharples Inspector

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St Bernadettes Out Of School Care Club

St Bernadettes RC Primary School, Bowerham Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 4HT

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E-mail

St Bernadettes Out Of School Care 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?

St Bernadettes Out of School Care Club operates within St Bernadettes Roman Catholic Primary School in Lancaster. The registered provider is the committee. Children attending the out of school are from the school itself. Children have use of the school hall, computer suite, library areas and an adjacent outdoor area with both hard and soft surfaces.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Registration is for a total of 35 children age four to eight years. Provision for the breakfast club is offered from 08.00 to 08.45 and the after school club runs from 15.15 to 18.00. There are a total of 12 children in the breakfast club and 34 in the after school club on roll, all of whom attend on a part time basis throughout the week, during term time only. Older children also attend the clubs. The setting supports a number of children with learning disabilities and difficulties.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is a staff team of two in the breakfast club and a team of three permanent staff within the after school club. There are qualified members of staff in both clubs to level 3 and a member

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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 of staff in the after school club is currently undertaking training to level 2. The setting is a member of 4Children, the national network for out of school clubs. Advice, training and support is also gained from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally learning about being healthy through their routine because they understand the importance of regular hand washing during significant times of the day, such as after visiting the toilet and before eating. However, children do not wash their hands before their snack. The out of school procedures minimise the risk of infection to children as the sick child policy is shared with parents and the environment is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is protected because staff hold first aid certificates and basic food hygiene in line with current guidance. This means that they can prepare food hygienically and offer advice and support in case of accidents or illness. They are further protected by the secure systems and documentation in place to protect them regarding the administration of medication and accident recording.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff do not provide a sufficient range of nutritious snacks and breakfast for children because there is little choice and change. Although fruit is offered during breakfast club, they receive toast each morning. For their afternoon snack, it is always a biscuit. This therefore, does not provide a healthy balance of foods for children and does not fully promote children’s good health and aid the development of both physical and mental growth. Parents express their wishes for warm drinks to be offered. Children do undertake activities in relation to healthy eating, so they are learning about foods that are good for them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged and enjoy outdoor activities as part of their everyday play. This means that they benefit from regular vigorous exercise and fresh air. Children are eager to go out to play football and make the most of remaining daylight.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The setting is bright, warm and welcoming to children. Staff prepare the environment in readiness for children and organise space extremely well to maximise a free flow of movement between activities. The out of school club has a clear identity within the school with its own wall space and free standing display boards which attractively displays children's art work, rules and themed activities. Resources are plentiful and provide for the needs of children. These are well maintained, organised and stored safely with easy access. Outdoor resources are stored in a shed and provide for a wide range of fun activities to support enjoyment outdoors, such as the 'huff and puff stuff'.

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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 Premises are kept secure and access is only gained by the school entrance. Visitors sign in and everyone is accounted for on the premises at all times. The collection of children is fully monitored by only allowing children to leave with those persons known to staff and authorised by parents. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe when outside the setting. They are well informed by staff, who are competent in ensuring boundaries are fully understood and ensure total supervision is in place. This means outdoor experiences enhance children's play opportunities safely. When children come in from playing outdoors, they are kept secure as the outside door is locked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff undertake regular risk assessments of the setting in order to keep children safe. As a consequence, children play safely within their environment. There is, however, an omission in relation to including the outdoor area within the assessment. Staff are vigilant in carrying out emergency evacuation practises and safety aspects are fully implemented within the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety and welfare is further protected because staff understand the procedures for recording and reporting any concerns relating to child protection. The supervisor has undertaken training and demonstrates knowledge and awareness of a range of types of abuse and neglect. The child protection statement does not include relevant telephone numbers, nor reference to the government document 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused-Summary'. There are procedures if an allegation is made against a member of staff and up to date information regarding Local Safeguarding Children Boards.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from practitioners thorough planning and the provision of activities and play opportunities to support and develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. Planning indicates innovative ideas for children to engage in a wide range of fun activities with plenty of choice to suit the needs of the children attending. For example, different people are invited into the setting, such as a soft drinks company who demonstrate what they do by showing a video and children then have a go at making their own drinks. Others have also contributed to extensive activities including fire officers and road safety officers. This means that children are offered exceptional opportunities for developing safety awareness in a fun environment. Children express the fact that they like everything about their club.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff take the time to evaluate how well the implementation of activities have been achieved and what the children have gained from them. This ensures continuous reflection and leads to improvements in practice. Children have free choice during their time in the out of school club as they do in the breakfast club. In the morning children are able to engage in activities they would choose to do at home, for instance watching television or request a game. Staff are fully aware of the needs of individual children who are present at both ends of their school day and provide suitable and varied opportunities for everyone, which also includes relaxing activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are looked after by staff who are very approachable and friendly. They initiate their own play ideas as well as enjoying focused activities with a member of staff, such as in the craft area. Children are fully absorbed in their chosen activities, play cooperatively together and have fun. Others enjoy the computer suite, role play, art and craft activities in readiness for Christmas,

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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 as well as there being various games and construction available. Some children sit together having circle time with staff. They spend some time in saying positive things about each other in this small group that they choose to join. This helps with their confidence, self-esteem and supports building strong relationships with each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. There are good procedures in place which help children to gain a sense of belonging, and as a result, they settle in well. An example of this is the manner in which everyone is acknowledged by name during registration and greeted with 'good afternoon'. The group are committed to helping to provide equality of opportunity for all children and their families. The policy reflects this in practice because staff understand the importance of equal chances and children are encouraged to participate in all activities. For example, both boys and girls go outside to play football. Children gain a positive view and understanding of diversity as staff provide a selection of meaningful activities and resources. Children have access to appropriate dressing up clothes, books and musical instruments. The home corner is also set up to correspond with themes such as a Chinese restaurant when celebrating Chinese New Year. Staff invite visitors, who come

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Helping children make a positive contribution

into the club to talk about other countries and compliment this with associated activities. This provides children with wonderful opportunities to learn about the wider world and others. For example, they have the chance to learn about many aspects concerning a way of life, including their music. A beautiful display depicting family life in Nigeria reinforces the experiences they have had.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Support for children with learning disabilities and difficulties is successfully focussed on the settings policy. Designated staff have had training on the revised Code of Practice and they know how to signpost parents to appropriate professional advice if necessary. The staff team work closely with the headteacher, who is the special education needs coordinator and inclusion is actively implemented for all children. As a result, children’s learning disabilities and difficulties are effectively met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive interactions from staff promote children's self-esteem. Children receive ongoing praise and encouragement for their efforts to support positive behaviour. As a result, children learn right from wrong and behave very well. There is a comprehensive policy in place. Good behaviour is promoted and children are encouraged to share and take turns. Children are fully involved in designing their rules and children's explanations of a rule are displayed, so that all children understand the reason for it. For example, 'we all wear pumps because' and the child's reason is given. There is an excellent understanding and recording of information in relation to incidents and physical restraint which fully indicates staff understand procedures completely. Preventing and tackling bullying is a significant part of school practice and the out of school continues this. The policy also reflects this in their written documentation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from continuity of care between home and the setting because staff work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children. Parents are kept informed about their children because staff share ongoing information with them through daily discussion and notices. The staff communicate regularly with parents at collection time. Conversations are focussed upon the children’s needs, preferences and experiences. The complaints procedures

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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 are compliant with requirements because they have been updated to reflect changes in the guidance. Parents spoken with state how happy they and their children are with the provision. Children themselves state that they enjoy the crafts and like coming to their club. Parents are invited to comment and a questionnaire completed in November 2005 indicated excellent in all responses.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are looked after by staff who are suitable to do so. Recruitment and vetting procedures are sound and this ensures children are well protected and cared for by staff who have the knowledge and understanding to promote children’s development in all areas. Staff are well qualified and meet the ratios required. The adult-child ratio positively supports children’s care, learning and play. Space is extremely well organised to maximise opportunities for all-round development. Staff are deployed effectively and children grouped to contribute to promote their health, safety, enjoyment and ability to take an active part in the setting.

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Organisation

Registration is extremely well organised. Children enter the setting from within the school and sit down collectively. Times are recorded and staff attendances are also maintained. The staff team, many of whom hold relevant early years qualifications, work well together as a team. They are fully aware of their role and responsibilities and this means that children are safe, well cared for and involved in meaningful activities. Future training needs are identified and planned for, such as updating first aid training. Induction for new staff has a check list which the member of staff signs to confirm completed, so they are fully aware of the settings practice and procedures.

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Organisation

Established policies are currently being revised. They work effectively in practice to promote the safe and efficient management of the setting and promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Especially notable is the understanding and implementation of the incident record procedures. The required documentation is effectively organised, maintained up to date and stored to ensure confidentiality. For example, children’s records hold relevant information so that staff can meet individual needs. This contributes to the efficient operation of the setting and meets regulatory requirements.

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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 the setting was required to ensure the recording of medication included parental written acknowledgement of the dosage given.

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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 This has been fully implemented. The forms have been designed to include space for parents signatures. This means that parents are required to sign when medication has been administered at their request.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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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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 healthier options for children in both the breakfast and after school clubs • include relevant telephone numbers and refer to the government guidance 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused-Summary' within the child protection statement • include the outdoor area within the risk assessment

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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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