Phillimore Community Primary School

Sands End Adventure Project Inspection report for early years provision

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143798 Unique Reference Number 18 April 2007 Inspection date Linda Close Inspector

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Marinefield Road, Fulham, SW6 2LL Setting Address

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E-mail

Sands End Adventure Project & 1 O'Clock Club Ass. 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?

Sands End Adventure Project was registered in 1996. It is an open access scheme that operates from single storey purpose built premises at the end of a cul-de-sac in a residential area of Fulham. The local authority is Hammersmith and Fulham. The setting is very near to a local school and a small housing estate.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is a playroom and an art room for children's activities and there are toilet facilities for boys and girls. There is a small tuck shop on site. A grassy area and two fenced ball courts are available for ball games and other outdoor activities. The centre serves the local community and caters for children from five years to 16 years of age. There are 231 children on roll at present.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The project is open between the hours of 10:30 and 17:00 on weekdays during holiday periods. During school term time the setting is open from 15:00 to 19:00 every weekday and from 12:30 to 17:00 on Saturdays. All staff are appropriately qualified in childcare and all staff have a current first aid qualification. Children have opportunities to go on outings from time to time. These include visits to the cinema, a bowling alley, theme parks, golf and swimming. At the time of this inspection 20 children attended the setting. The manager and three staff were present assisted by several volunteers.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is supported well in relation to accidents and first aid because all staff have attended relevant training. First aid kits are to hand in the setting and a kit is taken on outings. Children's parents are kept informed about any accidents. Children can be taken to hospital without delay because all parents give written permission for staff to seek medical treatment or advice in their absence. Children's health issues are shared with the staff at registration. Children learn about good personal hygiene from the staff who encourage them to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Staff ensure that the toilet facilities and playrooms are cleaned daily.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children can bring food from home for their midday meal. Parents are made aware that there is no refrigeration available. Fresh drinking water is available at all times. Staff have tried unsuccessfully to encourage the children to eat healthy snacks. Children bring pocket money to spend at the tuck shop but there are only sweets available for them to buy which does not promote healthy eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have ample space to enjoy energetic outdoor play on the grass area and in the fenced ball courts. They take part in lively games which include football, cricket and hockey. They respond well to the enthusiastic approach shown by the staff who participate in the games to teach the children rules and new skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The outdoor area is wholly appropriate for children to play safely. Newly refurbished ball courts and a level grassy area provide ample space for play and ball games. The indoor space is arranged thoughtfully so that children can engage in quieter art and craft activities or more lively games of pool and table tennis. Children's art work is on display which contributes to making the playrooms welcoming. Clean toilet and hand washing facilities are available for boys and girls. However, there are only two toilets for staff and children to use which is insufficient but the layout of the building has proved to be a serious obstacle to plans to increase the toilet facilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are suitable resources for outdoor sports and for some indoor games. However, the younger members of the group do not have access to a suitable range of toys and resources for imaginative play. Staff say they are limited in what they can provide for the children because of a lack of funds.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children and staff practise emergency evacuation of the building on a regular basis and careful notes are kept of the time taken and of any obstacles encountered. Fire exits are clearly marked and smoke alarms and extinguishers are all in place. These measures actively promote children's safety in an emergency situation. Staff ensure that children playing outside and inside are monitored so that none can leave unnoticed and strangers cannot enter the setting unobserved. Daily visual checks are made of both the indoor and outdoor areas so that children are welcomed into a safe environment.

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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 Children are safeguarded in relation to child protection issues because all staff have attended appropriate training recently. They are aware of the signs or symptoms that indicate ill-treatment and of what steps to take if they are concerned for the welfare of the children in their care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The staff team is very stable and over time they get to know the children well. They offer the children the opportunity to contribute their own ideas for forthcoming activities. Leaflets show that a good range of art work is offered including clay and plaster model making, string painting and papier mâché. Children arrive at different times throughout the day. They are eager to join the setting and confidently make choices about what they would like to play with. Children quickly settle to their chosen activity and staff support them sensitively to help them to learn the rules of play and to increase their skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children can choose to relax and talk to their friends, play quietly or join in energetic games. They enjoy their art and craft activities and become absorbed in tile painting. The younger children say they like gardening and they enjoy the company of the staff. They also say they like playing indoors and outside but they do not have enough toys and resources to play with particularly for imaginative play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children and staff fully represent the diversity of the local community. Children are instrumental in setting the rules of the club and they themselves say that each person is to be treated with respect and fairness. It is evident through observation that children get along together well regardless of race, age or gender. Staff gain sufficient information about individual children from their parents at registration. They ensure that children are cared for appropriately and their individual needs are met. The project provides an inclusive service and children with special needs are welcome to join the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children know what is expected of them. They respond well if staff need to remonstrate with them. Staff are direct and firm. They are not unkind and they do not shout but explain exactly what they want in terms of appropriate behaviour and the children accept their guidance well. During the inspection the relationships in the group were seen to be calm and very good natured. The children are currently involved in a 'Safer Neighbourhoods Challenge' which has led to the children finding out the needs of the local senior citizens and taking action to meet their needs. For example, the shrubs growing around the premises were cut back to give clearer sight of possible intruders. This activity is helping to develop children's understanding of the local community and what they can do to be good citizens.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children and their parents can see what is planned in advance from printed leaflets, a printed timetable on display and from notices displayed on a notice board in the setting which enables them to make informed choices. Staff welcome parents into the setting to discuss the activities, the children and future activity plans. Parents are encouraged to volunteer their assistance for outings. They are also made aware of training courses that they may wish to attend. Parents speak highly of the setting and the service that it offers.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Every member of staff is checked for their suitability to work with children at the time of their employment which helps to safeguard the children. The manager has a very positive approach to staff training. He strongly encourages all staff to keep abreast of developments in child protection, first aid, food hygiene and play work through attendance at relevant courses. All staff are suitably qualified. The staff team does not often change at this setting but suitable mechanisms are in place to induct and train new staff if there is a need. Mentoring is provided for volunteers by senior staff who are always present at the setting.

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Organisation

A list of suitable local volunteers is maintained to ensure that sufficient adults are on the premises at all times to keep the children safe. The manager has a clear understanding of what steps are to be taken if an allegation is made against a member of staff. However, the relevant documents were mislaid at the time of this inspection due to a re-organisation of files and documents. The manager is aware of the need to promote healthy eating for the children although this initiative has been unsuccessful up to now. The lack of resources for imaginative play for the younger children has not been clearly identified.

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Organisation

Necessary records are maintained at the setting and they are available for inspection at any time. Records and contact details for staff and children are stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality. The setting meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Two actions and four recommendations were made at the last inspection. Staff agreed to make a written statement for parents to follow if they have a complaint. This statement is now in place although the contact details for Ofsted are not current. Staff also agreed to put in place a child protection statement which complies with Local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. This document is now in place to promote children's safety although it lacks some detail.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Staff were asked to enhance the range of toys and resources to provide imaginative play opportunities. Resources have been purchased but staff report that they have become worn and have been discarded. Further resources are required to extend the range of play opportunities for the younger children in particular. Staff agreed to ensure that all records relating to day care activities are readily accessible on the premises. All necessary records are now available for inspection on the premises which complies with regulations and assists in the smooth running of the setting for the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Staff agreed to put in place a written statement of behaviour management. This statement is now in place and can be accessed by staff and parents. Staff agreed to provide resources that reflect diversity. There is now a poster on display showing greetings in many languages. The staff and children who use the setting are culturally diverse and they get along together very well. Staff effectively promote good relationships in the community by helping children to understand the needs and feelings of the people who live near the setting.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint relating to National Standard 1: Suitable Person; regarding alleged inappropriate behaviour management by a member of staff. Ofsted wrote to the provider and asked them to investigate the concerns raised. From the

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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 information received an action was set under National Standard 13: Child Protection; to 'ensure that the Child Protection Policy is updated to clearly show the procedures to follow when an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer, and that Ofsted are informed of all Child Protection concerns'. The provider responded to Ofsted to confirm that suitable measures had been taken to meet the action set. No further action was taken and the provider remained qualified for registration at the time the investigation was closed.

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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 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): • update the child protection procedure to include details of what steps will be taken in the event that an allegation is made against a member of staff and include current Ofsted contact details • update the complaints procedure with current contact details for Ofsted • place greater emphasis on promoting healthy eating for the children • provide a better range of toys, books and resources, for the younger children in particular, to support them in their desire for imaginative play.

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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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