Explore Learning Camberley

Explore Learning

Inspection report for early years provision

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Explore Learning

Unique Reference Number EY299987 Inspection date 05 July 2005 Inspector Deborah Jaqueline Newbury

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Explore Learning

Setting Address J Sainsbury Plc, Blackwater Valley Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3YN Telephone number 01276 406868

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E-mail

Registered person Explore Learning Ltd Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School 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 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?

Explore Learning, Camberley opened in 2004 and is part of the 'Explore Learning' chain which offers children computer based tutoring in out of school sessions. It operates from a purpose-built area at Sainsburys in Camberley, Surrey. The centre serves the local area. A maximum of 26 children from five to under eight years of age may attend the centre at any one time. There are currently 134 children from five to fifteen years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The centre welcomes children with special needs 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 centre opens seven days a week. Sessions are from 15.00 – 20.00 Monday to Friday, 10.00 – 18.00 on Saturdays and 10.00 – 16.00 on Sundays. Children attend for a maximum of 1 hour 15 minutes. There are 13 members of staff who work with the children. They are qualified within the tutoring aspect provided by the setting. The company is undergoing accreditation to certify its training as equivalent to appropriate childcare qualifications. .

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have easy access to drinking water within the room, which means that they can help themselves as and when they wish. Staff encourage them to drink regularly to ensure that they do not go thirsty or become dehydrated. Children do not have anything to eat whilst they are at the centre but, because they are only present for a short time, this does not impact adversely on them. Staff ensure that parents are aware of this policy. Children are independent in their self-care skills. Staff remind children about washing their hands after using the toilet. They ensure that children have easy access to soap and paper towels to enable them to follow good personal hygiene procedures. Such practices help reduce the potential for cross infection. The premises are very clean and well organised. There are suitable policies in place to preclude the attendance of sick or infectious

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Helping children to be healthy

children, and thus, minimise the spread of infection for everyone. There is always at least one person qualified in first aid on site at all times. Children attending the centre do not engage in any form of physical activity which contributes to their good health and development of their gross motor skills. The impact of this on children's health is, however, minimal because of the length of time they are present.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children stay safe because staff are secure in their understanding of safety related issues and are aware of their responsibility to safeguard children at all times. They are vigilant of them and talk to children about safe practices, such as not running inside and the need to sit on chairs properly. This helps children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe. The use of risk assessment and appropriate safety precautions minimises potential hazards. Staff are aware of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect and the procedures to follow if they have any concerns. All staff cover child protection as part of induction and the company offers further training in this. The setting informs

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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 parents of its responsibility with regard to child protection. There are suitable procedures in place to ensure the regular checking of the computer equipment that the children use. Staff check the range of play materials in the “surf club” area of the centre to ensure there are no broken pieces that could harm children. Suitable security precautions contribute to children's safety. Staff are very aware of fire safety precautions and their responsibilities in the event of there being a fire. However, they do not regularly conduct fire drills when children are present and they do not, as a matter of course, inform children in advance of what they need to do should they have to evacuate the premises.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. There is a lively, happy atmosphere evident with children and staff enjoying friendly, relaxed relationships. Children are keen to talk about their day at school and other things that may have happened. They are secure in the knowledge that staff will show interest in what they have to say. Staff are friendly and chat freely with children. They make a point of greeting them and have a welcoming, open approach. This helps children to feel at ease and contributes to their sense of belonging. Children are enthusiastic about the centre and enjoy their time there. They enter well and settle quickly. They are familiar with the routine and follow this easily. They exhibit good concentration skills, whilst they work through the programs that are matched to their individual needs. They have the confidence to ask for help where necessary. Good levels of interaction ensure that children receive clear support and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encouragement. On completion of their work, children move freely into the “surf club” where they explore a range of easily accessible play materials. Staff continue to provide support as they spend time playing alongside children, for example as they play games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well. They are familiar with the expectations for behaviour and respond accordingly. Staff act as positive role models. They are kind and caring and their sensitivity and good use of praise fosters children’s developing self-esteem and confidence well. There is a strong sense of sharing and celebrating in the achievements of all children. For example, everybody in the centre stops what they are doing when a child completes a challenge and applauds as a member of staff awards a certificate. This helps children to feel good about themselves and builds on their developing self assurance. It also encourages them to value the efforts of others. Staff are aware of issues relating to equal opportunities. They value children as

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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 individuals and treat them with equal concern. Children have the opportunity to learn about the wider world in which we live as they work through computer programs which introduce them to different countries and cultures. The range of play materials that children explore in “surf club” do not however, include items that reflect different aspects of diversity. Staff display children's artwork, which helps to create a pleasant environment to relax in. They encourage children to contribute to the weekly themed craft activity. For example, the wall display of “Under the Sea” is very much the children's own work, and helps them gain awareness that others value their efforts and adds to their sense of belonging. Children benefit from the strong relationships staff form with their parents. There is a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

good exchange of information both informally and formally. Staff speak with parents as they collect their children at the end of the session. They also invite them to attend regular meetings where they discuss children's progress and achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Required documentation and other records which contribute to the efficient and safe management of the provision and promote the health, welfare, and safety of children are mostly in place. Staff speak with confidence about how they manage any accidents involving children and share information with parents. Parents receive a copy of the accident report but they do not sign the setting’s copy of this to further consolidate the health care records of the children in the setting. Staff working with children have relevant experience but do not hold appropriate childcare qualifications in line with Ofsted's expectations. However, Explore Learning is aware of qualification requirements and the company has an action plan in place to demonstrate how it intends to achieve these. Staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Their effective deployment means that children receive good quality

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Organisation

support during their time at the centre.

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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

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 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): • conduct more regular fire drills when children are present and develop existing fire safety precautions to ensure all children are aware of what they need to do should they have to evacuate the premises. • expand the range of available resources to include items that reflect different aspects of diversity and positive images to help children gain awareness of the wider world in which we live. • obtain parents' signatures on the accident record in accordance with the requirements set out in regulations and to further consolidate the health care records of the children in the setting.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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