The Village Kids Club @ Witham St Hughs

The Village Kids Club @ Witham St Hughs Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341820 Unique Reference Number 28 March 2007 Inspection date Christine Hands Inspector

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Witham St Hughs Primary School, off Warren Lane, Muntjac Way, Witham St Hughs, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 9WF

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E-mail

Lynn Heath Graham 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?

The Village Kids Club at Witham St. Hugh's was registered in 2006. It is situated in the school at Witham St. Hugh's and has the use of a large hall and an additional classroom, if needed. The club is registered for 24 children from three to eight years. There are 35 children on roll. It is open each weekday during term time from 08.00 until 09.00 and 15.30 until 18.00 and each week day during the holidays from 08.30 until 17.30. There are three members of staff who work in the club. Two have child care qualifications, and one who has experience, is currently undertaking training.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a setting where high regard is given to the cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere. Children follow good hygiene procedures and routinely wash their hands both before handling food and after using the toilet. Through discussion and various activities they are aware of how germs are spread and what they can do to limit the risk of infection. Information regarding any medical needs children may have is obtained at registration enabling

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 staff to deal with these appropriately. Parents are made aware of the occasions when children may not attend the group due to illness which further limits the spread of infection. There are clear policies and procedures in place with regard to contacting parents should children become ill whilst at the setting. All staff hold current first aid certificates and permission has been obtained for them to obtain medical treatment in the case of an emergency enabling them to deal with any accidents promptly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat a healthy diet and are provided with a variety of nutritious breakfasts and snacks. They have a selection of foods to choose from at breakfast including cereal, toast and yoghurts. All children are asked if they would like some breakfast and are encouraged to do so, however a few decline because they have already had some before they leave home. Others quite happily have a second one. Staff enable children to have a drink throughout the session.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy opportunities for physical activities and are skilled at using both small and large equipment to promote co-ordination skills. There is provision for children to use the school's outdoor equipment enabling them to develop their large body skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, safe environment where they feel welcome and secure. All areas used by the children are risk assessed on a daily basis both by the members of staff and also by the school's caretaker ensuring that potential hazards are removed or minimised, enabling children to play safely both indoors and in the outdoor play areas. Staff supervise the children well whilst still allowing them the freedom they need to develop their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use safe, comfortable tables and chairs enabling them to eat and play safely. All resources are clean and in very good condition which encourages the children to look after them and to put them back in the correct places once they have finished using them. They learn to keep themselves safe when using different pieces of equipment through explanations given by staff as to its correct usage, for example when threading to make a mobile. This demonstrates the willingness of staff to allow children to develop new skills whilst remaining in a safe environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety equipment is checked by the school and fire drills are carried out regularly ensuring that both staff and children will react appropriately in the case of an emergency. The building is kept secure so that unwanted visitors do not gain access to the setting or present a risk to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected by staff who have a good understanding of child protection procedures as well as having an awareness of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. They are fully aware of their responsibility for the welfare of the children in their care. A comprehensive policy and procedure is in place, however although it is mentioned it does not fully explain the procedure should an allegation be made against a member of staff. Children are never left alone with persons who have not been vetted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wealth of activities in this setting and their enthusiasm when taking part is evident. They have close relationships with staff and with each other and are eager to meet up

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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 both at the start of the day and once school finishes in the afternoon. Children sit and chat happily to each other during activities and support those younger than themselves. They have excellent opportunities to express themselves freely during a variety of creative activities and make choices from a wide range of resources provided each day ensuring they are fully absorbed throughout the session. They are introduced to new skills such as plaiting which produce an end product of which children are justifiably proud. Once children have mastered the skills during a planned activity they are able to use what they have learned to develop these further. Staff discuss different activities with the children and then produce plans for the coming weeks although these are flexible and can be changed if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a very happy and industrious atmosphere within the club.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued in their club because staff show an interest in both themselves and their families. They take part in activities that demonstrate how other members of both theirs and the wider community live and how they celebrate their special days. Chinese New Year provided a wealth of opportunities with children finding out what animal they were born under. This developed into discussions as to whether they considered they had the same characteristics as their animal and then looking at the animal their parents were born under. Great fun and laughter was had by all. Children enjoy celebrating birthdays having cakes and joining in with singing 'happy birthday', giving them the opportunity to be very important on their day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although there are currently no children attending who have special needs there are procedures in place to ensure that they would be made welcome and that measures would be taken to ensure real inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff and parents work very well together sharing information about the children which enables their needs to be fully met. Parents are provided with good quality information about the provision prior to their child starting and are encouraged to become involved in the numerous activities undertaken such as providing photographs of their children as babies to use in a future activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good and their negotiation skills are increasing. Staff take time to listen to children, taking note of their concerns and helping them where possible to resolve any issues. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement from staff, building their confidence and self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by an experienced staff team who know the children well and are enthusiastic in their approach. Recruitment, vetting and induction procedures are robust ensuring that staff are suitable to undertake their roles. The proprietor and staff have a clear vision for the future and are keen to undertake training in order to further develop their skills.

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Organisation

Staff have a good understanding of the policies and procedures and are effective in promoting children's health and well-being. Records are well maintained and are shared with parents to ensure continuity of care. Children are cared for in a secure and welcoming environment.

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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 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 child protection policy clearly states the procedures to be undertaken following an allegation against a member of staff • ensure a complaints log is in place and any complaints are recorded.

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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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