Loxley After School Club

Loxley After School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Loxley After School Club

EY284361 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2007 Inspection date Karen Cockings Inspector

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Loxley After School Club

Loxley Primary School, Rodney Hill, Loxley, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S6 6SG

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E-mail

Sheila Kay 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?

Loxley After School Club was registered in April 2004. It is a privately owned setting. The club operates from a detached, prefabricated building in the grounds of Loxley Primary School, in the Loxley area of Sheffield. All children attending are pupils at the school. A maximum of 32 children may attend at any one time. The club is currently open every weekday except Friday during term time, but consideration is being given to the possibility of opening on Fridays in the near future. There are currently 94 children on roll, of whom 47 are under eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are three rooms available for play within the building. The school's yards, playing fields and adventure playground are used for outdoor activities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A team of three staff work with the children, one of whom has an appropriate qualification and one is working towards this. The club is supported by the school but is owned and managed separately.

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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 very much enjoy opportunities for active play in the interesting outdoor area. They use the school's yards, playing fields and adventure playground with enthusiasm. They organise games of football, run about and chase each other, and practise balancing and climbing skills on the fixed equipment. There are picnic tables and shaded areas for use during the summer months. Indoors, there is sufficient space for children to move around freely as well as opportunities for rest and relaxation.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff work hard within the constraints of the old building to maintain good standards of hygiene. Regular cleaning is undertaken by the school's caretaker and staff make sure that kitchen areas and toilets are suitably clean before each session. They ensure that good hygiene practice is observed, such as using separate cleaning cloths for different areas. The premises are in need of refurbishment, which makes cleaning difficult, although there are plans in place for further improvements. Staff raise children's awareness of healthy practice by reminding them to wash their hands before they have snack and after using the toilet. Children are protected from the risk of infection because there is a clear policy with regard to the care of sick children and information is available about communicable illnesses. Accident records are well maintained and shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Snack time is a social occasion where children sit together and chat. Staff prepare a variety of foods, including sandwiches, toast and jacket potatoes. A selection of fresh fruit is also offered, together with a drink of dilute juice. Children like to help by passing around the tray of food and are sometimes more actively involved in food preparation, such as making their own pitta bread sandwiches and choosing different fillings. Staff ensure that they are well informed about any special dietary requirements, so that appropriate foods are offered.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. There is sufficient space, indoors and outside, for children to enjoy a variety of activities and resources. Staff are careful to ensure that children are kept secure within the building and that it cannot be accessed by others during school collections and outdoor play. The old door has been replaced and is kept locked during the session. Collection arrangements are organised well and with regard to children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff supervise children carefully and make sure that children understand where they can safely play. For example, they remind children before going outside, that they should not run down the side of the school building to retrieve lost footballs. Staff position themselves appropriately outside so that they can oversee all parts of the playground. Children learn how to use equipment safely and help each other. For example, one of the older children shows another younger child how to climb safely on and off a piece of equipment in the adventure playground. Fire drills are held regularly, although evacuation procedures are not currently displayed other than in the kitchen.

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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 have access to a suitable range of resources. Some, such as table football and a snooker table are set out for them. Others can be easily selected from cupboards and low-level drawers. Staff routinely check resources to make sure they are undamaged and fit for children's use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues and responsibilities. There are guidance materials available and staff know what they should do if they have concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time in the club and many are reluctant to leave at the end of the session. They are familiar with collection routines and know how they should behave while they are waiting to go over to the club building. Staff sensibly prepare children for changes by giving them advance warnings so that they can finish their games. For example, they explain that in five minutes they will be going back indoors for snack.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children choose from a range of activities to suit different interests. Some particularly enjoy dressing up and imaginative play, while others like to settle down to a creative activity. They make dough models, try out glass painting and make designs with hot beads and collage materials. They also have access to electronic toys, books and board games. After they have been active outdoors they enjoy a period of quieter activity, such as watching a favourite video. At each session, children have opportunities to share their news. They are confident to talk about events in school or at home, and children listen patiently and with interest. For example, two children describe a visit they have made to the National Coal Mining Museum with their families and they show their friends leaflets and postcards.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Relationships are warm and positive and children enjoy each other's company. They interact in a friendly, relaxed way with staff, who give support and encouragement as they play. Staff are alert to any signs that children may be upset and find ways of engaging their interest and involvement. Children's views are sought when planning activities and staff bring new ideas into the club from other settings. This ensures that there is always a good variety of activities to keep children occupied and challenged.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's behaviour is good. Generally, they play cooperatively together and are considerate towards each other. Staff deal appropriately with any negative comments or inappropriate behaviour. They take children to one side and explain why remarks are not acceptable. Older children show care and concern for younger ones and offer their help, such as giving assistance to a child who is less confident on the climbing equipment. Children are pleased and proud when they receive stickers for their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are able to make choices about their play and have free access to toys and play materials. Staff make use of opportunities as they arise to discuss issues and raise children's awareness of diversity. There are some resources available that reflect positive images although staff identify that this is an important area for further development, as the area in which children

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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 live is not culturally diverse. Staff encourage all to participate and aim to make activities accessible to every child in the group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff build positive relationships with parents who express satisfaction with the service provided. A notice board in the playroom is used to display important information, such as registration and insurance details, the complaints poster and procedures. A helpful introductory leaflet advises new parents about issues, such as collection and booking arrangements and about the range of activities offered. Daily verbal communication ensures that staff and parents are kept up to date and clear arrangements are made for collection.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space and resources are used appropriately to meet the needs of the children attending and to provide them with opportunities for play and relaxation. There are plans to make necessary improvements to the premises, which should significantly enhance the environment for children. Staffing ratios are satisfactorily maintained and at times exceed requirements. The person in charge has a level three qualification in play work and another member of staff is working towards this, which means that the requirement for half of the staff to have a relevant qualification is not at present fully met. This is a breach in regulations. However, staff complement each other well and have a range of relevant experience. They know the children and the school well, which provides continuity and helps to promote good relationships between the school and club.

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Organisation

Record keeping systems are in place and maintained well generally. Some documents, such as up-to-date staffing details, are not organised sufficiently well to ensure that they are readily accessible at all times.

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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 a number of recommendations were made. The provider agreed to ensure that the premises were secured and access monitored to keep children safe. A new door has been fitted and this is kept locked when staff leave the building to collect children from school. This means that there is no possibility of access by unauthorised persons while the building is empty. The door is also locked when children are playing inside. These measures help to maintain children's security while the club is in operation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider also agreed to ensure that child protection procedures include measures to be taken if an allegation is made against a member of staff. There are now clear written procedures to be followed in the event of such an allegation being made. This ensures that appropriate action would be taken to safeguard children's welfare.

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Improvements since the last inspection

It was also recommended that the provider maintain a clear record of accidents and ensure that good hygiene practice is observed. Accidents are now recorded on separate sheets, all required

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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 detail is included and the forms are countersigned by parents. Kitchen and toilet areas are cleaned each day by the school caretaker and staff in the club follow safe hygiene practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

In addition, it was recommended that the provider make sure staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities regarding daily work practices. As part of the induction process managers go through all policies and procedures with new staff and there are ongoing opportunities before each session for discussion of any issues. These measures help to ensure that staff are clear about their responsibilities with regard to the safety and welfare of children.

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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 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 emergency evacuation procedures are displayed in each of the rooms used • review the organisation of records to ensure that they are all easily accessible • develop an action plan to show how qualification requirements will be met • continue to develop the range of resources and activities to further promote children's awareness of diversity.

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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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