Kid Co

Kid Co

Inspection report for early years provision

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Kid Co

EY272859 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2007 Inspection date Hazel Christine White Inspector

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Kid Co

Walsgrave C of E Primary School, School House Lane, Coventry, West Midlands, CV2 2BA

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E-mail

KIDCO (Coventry) Limited Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Sessional care, 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?

Kidco has been registered since 2004. It is a privately run company that has two facilities in Coventry. It operates from the hall, dining room, nursery area and IT suite in Walsgrave C of E Primary School which is situated in the Walsgrave area of the city, in the West Midlands. The setting is registered to care for a maximum of 40 children under eight years of age at any one time. There are currently 67 on roll. When using the nursery area during the lunch time a maximum of 26 children may attend.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The facility is open each weekday from Monday to Friday during term. The breakfast club operates from 7:45 until 8:50, lunch club from 11:45 until 12:45 and after school from 15:15 until 18:00. Up to eight places are available for pre-school aged children to attend from 12:45 until 15:15, which enables them to receive an extra 'care session' alongside children in the nursery class. The setting is open for two weeks during the Summer holidays from 8:00 until 18:00. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. The setting serves children who attend the school and is open to others during the holiday playscheme.

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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 The setting supports children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. There are eight staff employed to work directly with the children. Six, including the manager, hold early years qualifications and two staff are currently working towards a qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and friendly environment. They are reminded of hygiene routines such as washing their hands after toileting and before eating. Children are independent in managing their personal care. Positive steps are taken when children are ill and they are appropriately taken care of if they have an accident. Three members of staff have first aid certificates and the first aid box is properly stocked and readily available. Medication is safely stored. Accident and medication records are in place, however, parents do not always sign accident records, therefore, they may not have been informed of the injury and this could compromise children's safety.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular indoor and outdoor activities which promote their physical development. They make up their own games in the playground and play football, cricket and golf. Children have access to a good range of sports equipment indoors in the school hall. Young children are developing their skills and co-ordination as they manoeuvre wheeled toys and climb equipment. Children are developing an understanding of the importance of keeping active and have a positive attitude towards physical play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered breakfast and a healthy snack after school and young children who attend the lunchtime session have packed lunches which their parents provide. Children have a choice of cereals, waffles, pancakes, toast or yogurts at breakfast time and a good variety of healthy snacks for tea such as soup, toasted sandwiches and crumpets. They have themed breakfasts each term which give them the opportunity to experience foods from different countries, for example, croissants, pain au chocolat and brioche when they had a 'French breakfast'. Children's individual dietary needs are met because information is provided by parents. They sit together at meal times which enables them to socialise and learn table manners. Children recognise the need to take regular drinks and help themselves to water from a dispenser. Diluted squash and milk are available throughout the session.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe, secure indoor and outdoor environment which is suitable for the purpose. Younger children are collected from their classrooms and others make their own way to the out of school club, which is situated within the school building. Children attending extra curricular activities are collected at the end of the session to ensure their safety. Visitors are effectively monitored: they either report to the main reception and are escorted to the person they need to see or they use the after school club entrance and sign into their visitors book.

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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 learn how to keep themselves safe and are encouraged to develop an understanding of their own safety through clear explanations from staff. They are actively involved in rule making and know, for instance, that they must sit down when they eat and drink to prevent spillages. Resources are in a good condition and most are easily accessible to the children which enables them to make independent choices. Visual checks of the indoor and outdoor areas are carried out at the beginning of every session and any repairs are dealt with promptly. Risk assessments have been conducted and are added to as required. Children show an understanding of fire drills because they are practised regularly. Exit routes are clear, identifiable and easily opened from the inside. Fire extinguishers are provided, checked and maintained in working

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because staff understand their role in child protection and are able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. The manager has attended training to ensure that she is aware of the procedure to follow and recording requirements. Children are cared for by adults who are vetted and have relevant experience, knowledge and skills. This information is kept by the manager, therefore, robust procedures are in place. The manager has a sound working knowledge of child protection and identifying concerns regarding abuse and neglect. She is aware of her responsibilities regarding referral and follows the policy which includes how to handle allegations of abuse by childcare professionals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle quickly when they arrive and engage in play immediately. They are greeted on arrival and are made to feel welcome. Children gain self esteem because they are consistently praised and thanked for their help. New children are supported and introduced to the group. Each session begins with an ice breaker game which is fun and encourages children to participate. They play with a good range of activities and play opportunities that are educational and interesting. Children have developed a good rapport with adults and they have formed friendships with one another. They are developing an understanding of decision making as they are asked for their suggestions and ideas. Children are actively involved in implementing their ideas, for example, a child organised a 'snack service' for teachers on Monday afternoons after school. He devised order forms, menu and a price list. Children prepare baguettes with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

various filings and deliver them to individuals who remain on the school site.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Planning is flexible and includes opportunities for children to be creative and use their imagination. They are encouraged to express their own ideas and make up their own games. Children particularly enjoy art and craft activities and make pictures and models which are displayed. They confidently sing along to karaoke and dress up in costumes and outfits in the role play area which is currently a Chinese restaurant. Children are able to move freely between activities and rooms and choose whether or not they are active or quiet. They enjoy outside play and organise football and hide and seek games. Children involve adults in their conversations and ask questions to gain additional knowledge. They are supported with their homework and are able to continue with their extra curricular activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Pre-school aged children who have had their funded nursery session in the morning receive a care session in the afternoon, which is organised by Kidco. Staff supervise the lunch-time

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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 session for those children and plan a programme of activities in consultation with nursery staff. They ensure that activities are not repeated and children have the opportunity to rest and relax as well as being active. Plans include creative activities, cooking, story time and physical play in which children can use their energy. Staff work closely with the Foundation Stage teacher and Early Years Childcare Partnership.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with respect and their individual needs are known because parents are encouraged to share information about their diet, ability and cultural needs. They complete a questionnaire to establish their likes and dislikes. Children have a satisfactory range of resources which reflect diversity, therefore they are extending their knowledge and understanding of the wider world. Children celebrate some festivals that have been celebrated in school such as Easter, Christmas, Diwali and the Chinese New Year. Children attend from different cultural backgrounds and both genders have equal access to resources. All children are encouraged to take part in all activities to increase their experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to appreciate and value each other's similarities and differences, they are encouraged to ask questions and resources are used to promote discussion. Appropriate action is taken to support children with identified needs. Staff liaise well with the school and parents to encourage children to reach their full potential. They help to integrate children and make them feel included. Children with learning and physical disabilities have access to a balanced range of activities and play alongside others. Privacy is provided when intimate care is needed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have been actively involved in developing group rules, which they print off the computer and displayed. They included being kind to one another, sharing and taking turns, therefore, children show an understanding of expected behaviour. They listen to instructions and staff focus on good behaviour. Children respond positively when praised and are eager to please. They are helped to resolve disagreements and encouraged to show respect for one another. Older children show kindness and patience with younger children and help them complete tasks and support them when they play games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are friendly and informative. Staff make parents welcome and ensure good communication exists by keeping them informed of their children's experiences at the end of the session. Parents receive information about policies and procedures via the notice board in the after school club and nursery entrances. They also receive newsletters which make them aware of forthcoming events.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming, friendly environment. Time, space and staff deployment contribute to children's good health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to take an active part in the setting. Children experience play activities both indoors and outside and plans are flexible and ensure that children are learning and having fun. Children are cared

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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 for by staff who meet their needs appropriately. Recruitment and selection procedures for appointing staff are sound. The provider has checked that all staff have been vetted and are suitable to work with children.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety and welfare. Policies are updated regularly and signed and dated when they have been reviewed. Documentation and records are well maintained and securely stored to ensure confidentiality. Staff are willing to attend training courses to keep their knowledge and skills updated. The manager ensures that they are kept informed of current practice by regular informal meetings. Children have security and continuity of care as the staff team remains consistent. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to develop the behaviour management policy to include a procedure for handling bullying, ensure that children had an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, and to make sure that daily attendance records include times and arrival and departure of staff and children. An anti-bullying policy has been developed and implemented to ensure that children's behaviour is managed effectively. Registers include times of staff and children's attendance, therefore they are accurately accounted for. Children are learning about the wider world and similarities and differences because they have access to books which reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and ability and multi-cultural dolls and costumes. They celebrated some religious and cultural festivals and taste food from different countries.

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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. 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 accident records are signed by parents.

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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 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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