Harpur Hill After School Club

Harpur Hill After School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Harpur Hill After School Club

EY319763 Unique Reference Number 23 February 2007 Inspection date Jennie Lenton Inspector

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Harpur Hill After School Club

Harpur Hill Primary School, Trent Avenue, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 9LP

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E-mail

Playdays Ltd 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 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?

Harper Hill After School Club has been registered since 2005. It operates from the main library in Harper Hill Primary School, Near Buxton. The club also has access to the main school hall and associated facilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club opens five days a week during school term time. A breakfast club runs from 07:30 until 09:00. After school sessions run from 15:30 to 18:30. Staff are willing to collect children from other local schools to attend the provision. There is no provision during school holidays. The setting is registered to care for a maximum of 30 children from the ages of five to eight. Children with learning difficulties and physical disabilities are welcomed.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are five members of staff, three are full time. Of these, two members are qualified to NVQ level three or above. The other is qualified to NVQ level two. All are first aid trained.

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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 are protected from cross infection as staff follow sensible procedures to maintain the health of all. For example, tables are wiped down with anti-bacterial spray prior to the start of the session and before and after snack time. There are robust policies in place to ensure that sick children do not attend the setting. This reduces children's exposure to infection. Any child who becomes ill at the setting is well cared for as they await collection. Children's health is further promoted as the staff encourage them to consider their own hygiene. As a result of well established routines, children are developing a good understanding of how to stay healthy. They learn to take responsibility for their own needs as they independently go and wash their hands before settling down to eat or play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The robust policies for administration of medicine and the precise recording of accidents ensures that children receive appropriate care across settings. Staff share relevant information with parents and the school so that consistency of care is achieved. Children are also able to receive prompt and appropriate treatment in the event of a serious incident. The setting collates parental permission for emergency advice to be sought. Children are further protected as all staff are qualified to administer first aid.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met as the setting records any allergies or religious requirements. Special requirements are then well catered for as an individualised care plan is followed. A healthy snack is provided. Children enjoy slices of toast and a selection of freshly prepared fruit and vegetables. Carrot sticks, slices of melon and apple are eaten with enthusiasm. There is also access to fresh water throughout the session. This helps to ensure that children remain hydrated. Active play is regularly available. There is a large outside area where children have fun playing football, running and using hula-hoops. This encourages children to enjoy exercise and promotes their physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel confident and safe in the setting. The building is secure with all external doors being locked. A buzzer system alerts staff to visitors. This ensures children are protected as staff then need to authorise any admittance. A high level of supervision also promotes children's safety as staff monitor their activities. This ensures that children do not leave the setting unaccompanied. The good supervision also reduces the potential for accidental injury. Staff are vigilant in spotting hazards and minimising these. For example, they pick up equipment that could cause a child to trip and ensure it is stored safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All equipment is fit for purpose. The setting ensures that children only access good quality toys and equipment by abiding by its own equipment policy. This states that only reputable manufacturers will be used. There is a comprehensive risk assessment which has been applied to the setting. This effectively covers most hazards and details the actions taken to address these. This helps to ensure that the premises remain safe and secure. The risk assessment is

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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 not individual to the setting. As a result, more minor concerns that are specific to the club are not always recorded and reviewed. Potentially, some minor hazards go unaddressed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a clear and comprehensive child protection policy which is shared with parents. This ensures that staff are able to discuss any concerns promptly. All staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities in relation to child protection. This helps to safeguard children from potential future harm, as staff are clear about how to contact the appropriate authorities without delay.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in the friendly setting. They communicate well with each other and have positive relationships with the staff. Children develop their self-confidence as staff listen to and value what they have to say. The relaxed atmosphere enables children to joke with staff and have fun as they help with tidying away after snack time. This promotes children's social skills and sense of worth as staff treat them with respect. Staff are attentive to children's needs and preferences. For example, children are encouraged to self-select activities and are then supported by staff as required. This enhances their play and learning as staff encourage them through skilful questioning and individual attention. Children play harmoniously as they choose from the wide range of resources that are set out. They learn consideration for each other as they share popular resources and learn to take turns. Staff reinforce this by praising

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their good behaviour and good use of manners.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy physical activity as they play together on the outside area. They enjoy group games such as football, or 'tag'. They look out for each other and are quick to show concern when a child falls in the playground. Inside the setting, they happily settle down to craft activities, reading, watching television or playing board games. There are further resources available such as dressing up clothes, which staff are happy to provide from storage, should the children request them. All children are actively engaged throughout the setting. As a result, parents find that children 'never want to leave' as they arrive to collect them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. There is a clear commitment to equal opportunities. Staff ensure that all members of the group feel included and are treated with equal concern. As a result, quieter children are not overlooked as staff make sure that resources are accessed fairly. The setting provides resources that positively represent the wider community and all the children that attend. Children learn to respect diversity and celebrate different cultures and traditions. For example, they get involved in a Chinese New Year event. Access to the setting is good. Currently, there are no children with learning difficulties or physical disabilities attending, but staff have formulated a system to offer appropriate support. The setting welcomes children with special needs and is committed to working in partnership with parents to promote inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. There is a clear behaviour management policy and staff skilfully use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour. Children respond to the use of praise

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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 and encouragement. Unwanted behaviour is dealt with effectively as children are reminded of the rules of the setting and are encouraged to consider the impact of their behaviour on others. As a result, children are developing an understanding of the consequences of their actions, for themselves and others. This has not been fully promoted, however. As a result children tend to respond to staff direction rather than take greater responsibility for their actions. Children also display an interest in the running of the setting as they offer to help with tasks. They have contributed to the setting of some club rules but this has not been fully extended by the staff to increase children's sense of 'ownership'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Communication with parents is very good. Staff provide a 'parents pack' which details the setting's activities, procedures and policies. This has been thoughtfully put together to provide important information in a concise, readable manner. Parents have opportunities to discuss their child's progress daily. Staff are approachable and take time to talk with parents informally at collection times. Children benefit from the positive relationships as their welfare and safety are discussed. For example, staff work with parents to ensure children only leave with an agreed adult. Arrangements for children to be collected by another relative or friend are formalised in writing prior to collection. This safeguards children. Parents' views are valued and the setting provides opportunities for parents to communicate any comments or concerns. This is done on a daily basis through discussion and also through questionnaires. Children's care and well-being

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Helping children make a positive contribution

is enhanced as the setting makes efforts to respond to parents wishes. For instance, improving the cloakroom provision so children's belongings are kept safe.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is significantly enhanced by exceptional organisation. All policies and procedures are of an impressively high standard and work in practice to deliver superior care. The setting has robust recruitment and vetting procedures which ensure that children are always supervised by experienced and qualified staff. In the event of unexpected staff absences, the setting has access to additional staff from other childcare establishments, all of whom have been vetted. This forward thinking approach seeks to guarantee that children always receive care from well qualified and experienced staff. Effective systems ensure that current staff members continue to increase their knowledge and skills. Staff are fully involved in identifying their own training needs and are actively supported by management as they access further training. Children benefit as they receive activities and care delivered by constantly improving practitioners.

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Organisation

Children's welfare and safety is safeguarded as staff are involved in direct work with children throughout the session. This occurs as ratios of staff to children are consistently maintained. As a result, children flourish. They enjoy working in small groups or on a one to one basis with dedicated staff who have time and energy to respond enthusiastically. The commitment of staff is unmistakeable. All staff are involved in contributing to the setting and are highly valued by the management. As a result they are clearly motivated to provide a quality service for the children.

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Organisation

All children's records and staff details are stored securely. Registers are well maintained. Details of any visitors to the setting are also clearly recorded. This helps to safeguard children. The exceptional quality of the policies and procedures clearly indicates a thorough understanding

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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 of the requirements and regulations relating to child care provision. Overall children's needs are met.

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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 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): • ensure that risk assessments are regularly reviewed and individual to the premises. • increase opportunities for children to take responsibility for the running of the setting in line with their age and stage of development.

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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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