Wishing Well Kids Club

Wishing Well Kids Club

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Wishing Well Kids Club

EY258242 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2007 Inspection date Saida Cummings Inspector

p.1

Wishing Well Kids Club

Perdiswell Young Peoples Leisure Club, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR3 7SN

p.1

Setting Address

01902 451 372 or 613 401 Telephone number

p.1

E-mail

Wishing Well Nurseries Limited Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Wishing Well Kids Club is one of five privately owned daycare settings. The out of school club opened in 2003 and operates from a large hall within the Young People’s Community Leisure Club, situated on the outskirts of Worcester city. Children have access to a designated outdoor play area. The setting serves children from within Worcester city and children are collected from various local schools. A maximum of 64 children may attend at any one time. Children from the age of three to eleven years of age attend the setting. The club is open each weekday from 15:00 to 18:00 during term time.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 80 children aged from four to eleven years on roll. The setting offers support to children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The setting employs eight members of staff. Of these, four hold appropriate qualifications and one is working towards a qualification. The setting receives support from the local authority.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have opportunities to exercise and develop their physical skills on a regular basis as outdoor or indoor physical play is available during most of the sessions. They energetically run around in the large play areas and enjoy taking part in sports games. They also enthusiastically take part in several indoor physical activities, such as hockey, team games and musical statues. Children are developing healthy lifestyles through various planned topics and activities. For example, during a 'Healthy Week' theme they take part in various activities including ‘How we make our bodies fitter’ when they have the opportunity to join in with an athletic circuit competition where they skip, hop, run and jump.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing self-care skills during daily hygiene routines, including washing their hands after toileting and before meals. The risk of infection to children is reduced as staff follow the local health authority infectious diseases guidelines, and children are not cared for if they have an infectious illness. Staff follow good health and hygiene procedures which include appropriately dealing with any accidents and administering medication if required. There are good communication procedures between the schools and the staff concerning any accidents or issues. Staff pass on this information to parents and carers to ensure children’s health and well-being is assured. For example, if children have received an injury during the school day and they are not feeling well when they are collected by staff, parents or carers are contacted immediately to collect the children early.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and enjoy a varied and interesting diet. They are provided with a snack tea which is freshly prepared and consists of healthy and nutritious options and takes into account children’s preferences. They are able to make choices from the chosen menu and line up at the kitchen hatch to request what they would like to eat. However, due to the organisation of the snack time, they do not have the opportunity to use this part of the session as a sociable time. They fetch their food and sit either at the tables which are still set up with activities or on chairs around the room to eat their food. Children have access to drinks at all times as they are able to help themselves from the jugs of freshly made juice. They are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids especially after exercising or during hot weather. Children also have opportunities to develop their understanding of healthy eating through specifically

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

planned themes and activities. For example, during the 'Healthy Week' theme they take part in activities including ‘What we put in our bodies’ when they bring in appropriate pictures and design posters of the types of foods they can eat to keep them healthy.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to safe, clean and age-appropriate play equipment and resources. Staff follow appropriate procedures to ensure all equipment is regularly cleaned and checked for safety. Children are made aware of the emergency evacuation procedure which is regularly practised. Appropriate procedures are in place to ensure all fire escape routes and exits are

p.3

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 kept clear and the fire fighting equipment is checked annually. An annual healthy and safety inspection is completed on the premises and any recommendations are actioned.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe, secure and welcoming environment. Staff follow appropriate procedures for completing risk assessments to ensure hazards to children are minimised. The premises are made safe by use of appropriate safety equipment. Children are able to move around the setting safely and are supervised at all times. Staff always supervise children when using the toilet as the out of school club is based in a public community building. The door into the hall is kept locked and all parents, carers and visitors are greeted by the staff. Children are taught to keep themselves safe, such as not to run indoors, road safety when walking back from school and vehicle safety when being transported back from school. They are also made aware of safety through various planned topics and activities. For example, they take part in themes, such as ‘What we can do to protect our bodies’ where they discuss and produce pictures

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and posters showing different ways they can keep themselves safe.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe during school collection times as there are rigorous procedures which are followed by all staff. Agreements are in place at each school which include the identified areas where children assemble when school ends and checking procedures are in place if expected children are missing. Children are kept safe and protected from harm as the management and staff have a good knowledge of child protection issues and procedures. The manager has completed appropriate child protection training and all staff are aware of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) guidelines, including the procedures to follow should they have any concerns.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children’s activities are planned by the staff to ensure these meet the individual children’s needs. These are linked to topics and themes which take into consideration the children’s preferences and interests. Staff hold discussions with the children to find out their particular interests and plan stimulating activities to build on these interests. Children are given opportunities to choose all the activities they want to take part in and instigate their own fun and games, with staff assisting by supplying appropriate resources as required. Children are also involved with the planning of activities as staff hold discussions with them to find out the types of activities and games they would like to do. They then use this information to form the basis of their planning. Children are able to learn new skills through the varied range of activities made available to them. These include creative craft sessions, junk modelling, imaginary play

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to self-select from a wide variety of interesting and stimulating play equipment and resources which are set up and stored within their easy access. They are able to instigate their own play and use the toys and materials to engage in meaningful play. Children benefit from the way the resources and equipment are organised which helps them to gain relevant experiences and to develop their independence. Staff set up resources to support any topical work, such as supplying appropriate materials for junk modelling projects. Children also have opportunities to be involved in choosing the types of new equipment and toys to be purchased. They are able to browse through catalogues and compile ‘wish lists’ of their preferred choices.

p.4

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 are confident and talk to staff and other children with ease, enjoying spontaneous play either independently or in small groups. They enjoy socialising and are involved, interested and engrossed in their play. They have formed friendships with other children from different schools and spend a lot of time holding conversations and socialising. Children eagerly take part in the planned activities and show an interest in the related topics and themes. They enthusiastically join in with discussions, for example, about the ‘Healthy Week’ theme, giving ideas of the types of foods they can eat to keep them healthy and the different types of hats people wear to keep themselves safe. Children also have the opportunity to relax and unwind if they wish. They use the book corner to relax on chairs, either choosing to read their own

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

books or choosing one from the book box. They also use this time to sit and chat to their friends whilst relaxing. Older children often help the younger children and involve them in their instigated play. All the children are happy and settled and enjoy attending the club and taking part in either the planned activities or their own spontaneous play activities, choosing from the wide range of options available to them during each session.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Staff establish a good partnership with parents and carers which contributes significantly to children’s well-being in the setting. They are aware of the importance of involving parents and carers in the life of the setting and their children’s care needs. Staff initially seek information from parents and carers concerning their children’s interests and preferences, such as the types of activities they enjoy doing at home. As a result, staff are able to specifically plan activities and make appropriate resources available to ensure individual children’s needs are met. Parents and carers are supplied with good quality information which includes the setting’s organisation, staffing details and the main policies and procedures. They are made to feel welcome and valued. Parents and carers are kept fully informed of the setting’s events through regular newsletters and notices which include the planned activities, themes and topics.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children know each other well and form harmonious relationships. They hold meaningful discussions in small groups and include each other in spontaneous play. They have a sense of belonging and refer to the setting as ‘our club’ when they enthusiastically discuss the routines, the types of activities, games and sports events they like to take part in. Children have access to a range of resources to promote their awareness of diversity and take part in activities to make them aware of other countries’ cultures and customs. For example, as part of the ‘Italian Week’ project they enjoy creating mosaic pictures and have opportunities to taste a variety of Italian food. All children are treated equally and have equal access to all resources and activities. They are encouraged to be involved and staff ensure all children are included. There is an effective equal opportunities policy in place which is implemented by all staff. They are aware

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

to immediately address discriminatory behaviour or remarks. There are effective procedures in place for caring for any children with leaning difficulties and/or disabilities. Staff show an awareness of how to ensure children’s individual specific needs are met. They are able to request advice and support from specifically trained staff from other settings within the organisation.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children know what is expected of them and are generally well behaved. They are able to follow adults’ instruction and hold discussions concerning safety rules and behaviour. Children are

p.5

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 involved in making up the rules for the club. These are discussed with the children and a list is displayed of the ten rules they wish to prioritise. Children are able to re-visit the rules and discuss why any behaviour is not acceptable as staff refer to these if there are any occurrences of disruptive behaviour. Consequently, children take responsibility for their own behaviour and understand right from wrong. They share the resources and understand how to take turns, such as taking turns to use the table football game. Staff are good role models for the children and encourage them to play safely, think about their actions and to be kind to one another. Any behavioural issues are dealt with appropriately and sensitively. Staff praise and encourage children’s positive behaviour and ensure there is a consistent approach. They follow appropriate

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

procedures to record any incidents which are shared with parents and carers. However, this needs reviewing to ensure confidentiality is observed at all times. Consequently, children’s well-being is compromised in the event of an incident.

p.6

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the setting’s good organisation of sessions as they have access to a variety of interesting, stimulating and sporting activities throughout the week. These are planned to ensure all children are able to take part if they wish to. Children who do not want to take part in any planned projects, themes or sporting activities are able to choose other activities to take part in. Staff are flexible and re-organise sessions to take this into account. For example, children are asked if they wish to play outdoors and if some children do not wish to do this then staff are organised to ensure the required ratios are available so that some children take part in outdoor play activities whilst others choose indoor activities they wish to take part in. However, the organisation of the snack time needs reviewing to ensure this is a more sociable time and to give children the opportunity to sit together and digest their food

p.6

Organisation

The management have clear aims for the setting and are committed to evolving and developing the provision. Appropriate recruitment and vetting procedures are in place which ensure children are well protected and cared for by staff with knowledge and understanding of child development. Staff are committed in improving their knowledge and understanding and enjoy attending various training events. Children benefit from staff’s development as any new procedures or good practice is implemented into the care provided. Staff are very keen and enthusiastic, and have clear roles and responsibilities. They are familiar with the organisation of the out of school club which ensures the setting runs smoothly at all times. Good links are made between the local schools and the out of school club to ensure continuity of care for the children who attend the setting.

p.6

Organisation

Children are cared for in a well organised environment and the premises are bright and welcoming. The premises are organised to ensure children are cared for in child-friendly surroundings which are appropriate for this age group. They have use of a large hall which can also be divided into two rooms for specific activities and a very large playing field for outdoor play. The grouping of the children is organised to ensure their individual needs are met and contributes to children’s good health, safety, enjoyment, achievement, and ability to take an active part in the setting. The effectiveness of activity planning for all children is good. Staff

p.6

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 plan children’s activities allowing for more free play and consulting with the children as to which activities they wish to take part in. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to review the existing policies concerning health and hygiene and to ensure the radiator valves do not cause a hazard to children.

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

The provider has reviewed the health and hygiene written policies and procedures. These now include clear guidelines and the procedures to follow concerning the requirement to inform Ofsted of any serious injury/death and any notifiable communicable diseases. This is included in the information pack given to parents and carers, and all staff are aware of the procedures.

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

All radiator valve covers have now been replaced. This forms part of the checking system when staff are carrying out risk assessments to ensure there are no exposed valves which could pose a hazard for children. The community centre’s management also regularly check these and now hold stocks of spare valve covers to ensure any damaged ones are immediately replaced.

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of these improvements, health, hygiene and risks to children are minimised. Consequently, children’s health and safety is assured.

p.7

Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents and carers, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.7

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.

p.7

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.7

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.

p.7

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): • review the procedures for recording any incidents to ensure confidentiality is observed at all times

p.7

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 the organisation of the snack time to ensure this is a more sociable time for children.

p.7

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

p.8

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

p.8