The Phoenix Centre

The Phoenix Centre Inspection report for early years provision

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EY221563 Unique Reference Number 20 March 2007 Inspection date Barbara Law Inspector

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St Mary's Park, St Mary's Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 1GG Setting Address

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E-mail

Prestwich Methodist Youth Association 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?

The Phoenix Out of School Club, which is run by the Prestwich Methodist Youth Association, has been registered since 2003. The club operates from within the Phoenix Centre building which is located in the centre of St. Mary's park in Prestwich.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group is registered for 24 children altogether. A collection service is provided for children attending three local schools; St. Mary's, Park View and Our Lady of Grace.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group opens each week day between 07.30 and 09.00 and 15.30 to 18.00, term time only. Children have access to the main hall, a small lounge area and adjacent toilet facilities. The group use the local park grounds for outdoor play, although this is not an enclosed private area. More than half the staff hold appropriate qualifications. The group have links with the early years team.

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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 access outdoor activities which contribute to their good health. They run and play in the fresh air and practise physical skills when playing football on the field. They benefit from daily physical exercise, such as playing in the park, running, jumping and skipping and playing team circle games, such as 'Duck, Duck, Goose', or catch ball indoors.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are sufficiently protected from infection through some adequate hygiene routines which include wiping tables before snack time. The staff knowledge of food hygiene practices contributes to the prevention of infection. Most children are reminded of the importance of personal hygiene before snack time when they are asked to wash their hands. They understand the importance of washing their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. However, staff do not ensure that children are protected from cross contamination after washing their hands because individual towels or drying facilities are not provided. They are protected from cross infection as the provider has a good sick child policy which is shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is fostered through the provision of a good choice of healthy snacks like toast, crumpets, ham sandwiches, yogurt and fresh fruit. Children's preferences, likes and wants, are well catered for in the selection and children can enjoy the food until they are adequately full. The food provided takes into account their individual dietary requirements to ensure that they stay healthy. They have the benefit of continuous hydration as drinks are freely available at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in adequately maintained premises. They benefit from enough space and suitable facilities indoors and out of doors. The children are generally safeguarded within the setting as doors are kept locked with a doorbell entry system. However, fire evacuation drills are only carried out on an occasional basis and visitors to the premises are not recorded. These issues put children at risk. Staff vigilance keeps children safe when playing outdoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment conform to required safety standards and are checked for their suitability. This ensures that children have a safe selection of toys to choose from. The children choose from a variety of equipment that is suitable for a range of age groups ensuring selections are made that are developmentally appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The protection of the children is maintained through the staff knowledge of the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance. They have good understanding of their responsibilities and how to safeguard children from possible abuse. They are aware of the types of abuse and signs to look for and the children's welfare is paramount.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. A good range of resources and equipment, such as the role play corner and art and craft activities, keeps the children busily occupied and stimulated. There is a wide range of resources, such as construction, books, jigsaws, balls, skipping ropes, drawing and colouring which enable

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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 children to have a lot of choice. Children make free choices and can develop in their play as staff promote children's independence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Areas are well defined and the children choose where they would like to play. There is an area with soft seating for rest and relaxation. This contributes to the enjoyment of some children who prefer to spend some quiet time reading, completing homework or talking. Physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs are fostered through the range of activities on offer.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are valued and are listened to by the staff and they confidently make their needs known. Staff engage in conversation with the children freely and interact with them on their level which promotes the children's self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to gain an awareness of their local environment and other cultures through their activities. However, resources in this area are limited. Children are encouraged to value others as individuals. This ensures that children feel important and develop a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The staff speak positively to children at all times which builds children's self-esteem. Their social skills and respect for other people and property are developed through the use of good manners and sharing. Children are developing an understanding of responsible behaviour and their efforts are rewarded by praise and encouragement from the staff who recognise good behaviour. Children's individual needs are competently met by staff who value them as individuals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from positive relationships that staff have developed with them and their parents. Feedback from parents expressed satisfaction with the friendly, reliable service they and their children receive. Continuity of care and consistency for children is ensured through informal daily feedback to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are protected because adequate recruitment and vetting procedures are in place. They are cared for by staff with knowledge and understanding of child development. Satisfactory systems are in place to ensure appropriate ratios are met at all times, thus, maintaining children's safety and welfare. Effective deployment of staff contributes to children's enjoyment and achievement.

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Organisation

Most documentation is in place and kept confidential. This contributes to the safe and efficient management of the provision. Policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents. These contribute to keeping children safe and well cared for, for example, the collection of children from other schools and the booking-in procedure.

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Organisation

Satisfactory organisation of play areas and resources allow children to be independent and confident learners. Children benefit from staff's commitment to broadening their knowledge and skills in childcare practices through further training, for example, child protection and behaviour management.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 club was asked to extend the range of activities promoting children's independence and provide more resources portraying positive images of different lifestyles, including race, gender and disability. Resources and activities have been improved and now promote children's independence. Resources which reflect positive images of different lifestyles are limited. A recommendation has been made to make improvements in this area. The club was also asked to update the policies and procedures including the policy for allegations against staff in line with the current guidelines. This has now been done in accordance with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines, ensuring that children are cared for in a safer environment.

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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 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): • ensure that children are protected from cross contamination after washing their hands by providing adequate drying facilities • ensure that all visitors to the premises are recorded • ensure fire drills are carried out on a more regular basis, according to the club's stated timescales • increase the range of resources to reflect positive images of wider society.

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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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