Brocks Before/After School Club & Holiday Playscheme

Brocks Before/After School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342930 Unique Reference Number 14 March 2007 Inspection date Karen Cockings Inspector

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Brockholes Village Hall, Brockholes Lane, Brockholes, Huddersfield, HD9 7EB

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E-mail

Brocks Before/After School 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 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?

Brocks Before and After School Club was registered in 2006. It is a privately owned setting, which operates from Brockholes Village Hall, on the outskirts of Huddersfield. Children attending the club during term time are all pupils at Brockholes Infant and Junior School, which is within walking distance. During the holidays the provision is open to other children in the surrounding area. There are two rooms available for children's use. At present the club is not able to offer outdoor play at the premises although there are plans to develop this. In the meantime, children are taken to the nearby park for outdoor activities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club is open every weekday during term time between 07.00 and 09.00 and between 15.15 and 18.00. The holiday play scheme operates between 07.00 and 18.00, subject to demand, except for bank holidays and for two weeks at Christmas. The club is registered to provide care for a maximum of 40 children at any one time. There are currently 40 children on roll, attending for a variety of sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A team of four staff and a volunteer works with the children. All the staff have a relevant qualification. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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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 good. Children enjoy a good variety of healthy foods at the setting. The menu includes hot dishes, such as beans on toast followed by a large platter of attractively displayed fresh fruit for dessert. The club is firmly committed to the promotion of good eating habits and is working towards achieving the Kirklees Healthy Eating Award. The menu and posters about healthy foods are on display and children enjoy looking through recipe books together. They help to prepare foods for special events, such as a Mexican and a curry evening, recalling afterwards their favourite dishes. Children are encouraged to have regular drinks during the session. A jug of water and cups are set out for them so that they can help themselves and drinks are also taken to the park in case children are thirsty after their active games.

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Helping children to be healthy

There is currently no outdoor space at the setting, although funding has been sought to enable the club to provide this in the future. As an alternative, children are taken to the park nearby, where they enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise. They organise ball games and enjoy using the swings and slides. Nature treasure hunts are organised for those children who prefer quieter activities. During the holidays, children choose where they would like to go on outings, which may include a visit to the bowling alley. Indoors, the hall is divided into two areas so that there is open floor space for active play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment, where staff maintain good standards of hygiene to protect children from the risk of infection. They are careful to follow safe hygiene practice when preparing foods, using colour-coded cloths and antibacterial spray for chopping boards and work surfaces. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before snacks or baking activities and notices are displayed as reminders in toilet areas. There is always at least one member of staff with a current first aid certificate and the first aid kit is taken on outings. Appropriate records are kept of any accidents and these records are shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in secure and well-maintained premises, where staff work hard to create a welcoming environment, despite the constraints of shared use. They set out a varied range of resources and ensure that important information is displayed for parents. There are clear arrangements in place for the collection and escorting of children from school to the club. Outer doors are secured once children have arrived and staff carefully supervise children as they cross the road to the park for outdoor activities. Staff are aware of hazards in and around the park area and do their best to minimise risks. For example, they ensure that children do not step straight through the gate onto the road and are alert to oncoming traffic. Most aspects of children's safety within the building have been addressed well. However, there remain some potential hazards, such as the uncovered tubular lighting in the area of the hall where children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

play active games and the storage of unsecured trestle tables in the hall.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn how to use the environment and equipment safely. They know that they need to be visible to staff when playing in the park and should not go into shrubbery areas. Staff remind them not to walk in front of the swings when they are in use. Emergency evacuation plans are displayed and practised regularly with children so that they are familiar with the procedures to follow. These measures help to raise children's awareness of how to keep

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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 themselves safe. They have access to a varied range of toys and play materials which are checked routinely to ensure that they are undamaged and suitable for children's use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff understand their responsibilities with regard to child protection and would report any concerns immediately to their managers. There is information available about local procedures although the setting's policy is in need of updating to ensure that it reflects recent changes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed at the setting, where they enjoy the activities provided and build friendly relationships. They quickly settle down to play on arrival and are becoming familiar with routines, such as snack time, when they sit sociably together, chatting with each other and with staff. The atmosphere is lively with plenty of conversation and laughter. Staff are keen to seek children's ideas for activities and events. They talk together before the holidays to agree and plan special outings, such as a visit to the cinema or to the bowling alley.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a varied range of toys and play materials, which they use with interest and enjoyment. Some prefer active play and like to organise ball games, while others spend time playing on an electronic toy or making and painting plaster models. They like to bake and have very much enjoyed the themed evenings when they have been involved in all the preparations and in tasting the different foods. Children are able to learn new skills and develop their own interests. Plans are linked to the outcomes for children and provide a framework which helps to ensure that staff know who will take overall responsibility for an activity and what resources will be needed. However, staff want children to feel that it is their club and they welcome children's suggestions for new resources and activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to play cooperatively together and to consider the feelings of others. They have been involved in agreeing the ground rules for the club, which emphasise the need to be kind and to behave well. Staff help children to negotiate difficulties and encourage them to say sorry if they have been hurtful.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have opportunities to contribute their ideas, which helps them to develop a sense of belonging. For example, staff are listening to children's suggestions for the development of the outdoor area, having been successful in securing funding for this. They find out about children's interests and seek their opinions on outings and events. Children's awareness of different cultures and lifestyles is raised through planned activities, such as the themed evenings, and through access to books and other resources. Staff know how they can access additional toys and equipment through local loan schemes. The club is welcoming to all and is developing good links with the school and with parents to enable staff to support children who have learning difficulties or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff give support and encouragement to all children as they play, which helps to build confidence and self-esteem. They remind children of the agreed ground rules when necessary and make sure that they discuss together any behaviour which is not acceptable. Children generally play well together and enjoy each other's company.

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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 Information is shared effectively with parents about the service provided. There is a helpful welcome leaflet and policies and procedures are either on display or otherwise accessible. Newsletters are also distributed to advise parents about forthcoming events and other important information. Staff recognise the importance of building positive relationships with parents to ensure that the service meets everyone's needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The setting is suitably organised to enable children to play and relax in a secure and comfortable environment. Space and resources are set out so that children can enjoy a variety of play experiences. An established rota system ensures that staff are deployed effectively and are clear about their roles at each session. Children are cared for by suitably qualified and experienced staff who support and interact well with them.

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Organisation

Records are maintained appropriately, although written parental consents for general day-to-day outings, such as visits to the park, are not clearly obtained. However, staff ensure that they have written agreements for special trips and outings during the holidays. A collection of policies and procedures help the setting to run smoothly and these are made easily accessible to parents. This ensures that they are well informed about the service. Some procedures, such as complaints and child protection, lack some up-to-date information.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • conduct risk assessments with regard to the tubular lighting in the hall and the storage of trestle tables, to ensure that appropriate action is taken to keep children safe

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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 • review and update policies and procedures, with particular regard to child protection and complaints • ensure that written parental consents are secured for daily outings.

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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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