Seabridge Care Club

Seabridge Care Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Seabridge Care Club

218358 Unique Reference Number 07 March 2007 Inspection date Sarah Jane Rhodes Inspector

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Seabridge Care Club

Seabridge Infant School, Roe Lane, Newcastle, Staffordshire, ST5 3PJ Setting Address

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Seabridge Care Club

01782 297 363 Telephone number office@seabridge.infants.staffssch.uk E-mail Seabridge Care Club Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care, Crèche Type of care

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Seabridge Care Club

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?

Seabridge Care Club is managed by a voluntary management committee, made up of parents of children at the club and members of the school governing body. It opened in 1997 and operates from the main school hall and also has use of the nursery classroom, the IT room and classroom 5 in Seabridge Primary School, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire. A maximum of 72 children may attend the club at any one time. The club is open each weekday from 07:45 until 08:55 and from 15:15 until 17:45 term time only with the holiday club operating 07:55 until 17:45. All children share access to several secure enclosed outdoor play areas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 148 children aged from three to 11 years on roll. Children are drawn from the children attending the school. The club currently supports a number of children with disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club employs 11 members of staff. Of these, eight hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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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 cared for in a range of warm, bright environments. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well planned routines and regular reminders from staff. They know they need to wash their hands to ensure germs do not spread. Clear procedures, such as, ensuring staff have undertaken food hygiene training and the dedication of tables for the consuming of snacks, along with the exclusion of sick children, sustain good levels of hygiene and help prevent the spread of infection. Staff understand the procedures for dealing with accidents and all are first aid trained. They are aware of children who require medication. Therefore, children's medical needs both in an emergency and with regard to ongoing medication are fully catered for.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff work in partnership with parents to meet the children's individual dietary needs. Either parents supply snacks or money for children to purchase snacks from the hot or cold snack bar. These snack bars provide hot snacks made to order, they are popular with children who enjoy the experience of choosing and purchasing their snack, such as toast, crumpets or cereal bars. However, for children without additional money, snacks are limited to the freely available juice and biscuits. This means a range of appetising healthy snacks are only available for purchase limiting some children's ability to choose a healthy option.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They have access to attractive outside play areas, which have large static climbing equipment, imaginative play equipment and additionally in the nursery playground, sand trays. Outside play is popular with a wide range of balls, pogo sticks and hoops used for a variety of games. These help children make progress in their physical abilities for example in climbing, throwing and catching.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised in the well-organised and welcoming setting. It has good safety and security precautions, such as pleasant toilets opening off of the play area allowing for good supervision of children, and a safety surface under the outdoor climbing equipment. Staff are generally vigilant about the safety of the environment and toys, assessing any risks and putting precautions into place as required. Their knowledge is increased through information cascaded at staff meeting from staff who have attended training, such as a fire marshals course. However, accidents are not currently monitored to identify trends and therefore, potentially, these risks are not identified as early as possible. Emergency evacuation procedures are fully understood by staff and practised twice a term. This helps children remain safe, and allows children to develop a full understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a broad range of high quality, safe and developmentally appropriate resources. The main hall has a range of floor and table activities as well as computer games and television area. Children can select from these or ask for additional items from the store out-houses. The games table has a selection of games for children to choose from. Younger children can also

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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 access a range of activities in the nursery room which includes home play and sand. Children are able to independently select some of their activities and have control over their play and learning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a secure up to date understanding of child protection procedures and reporting processes, which ensures children are well protected. All staff have had a full induction into the club's child protection procedures, they are also updated on changes to child protection procedures such as the new reporting system and the new overarching body responsible for child protection. This ensures that staff fully understand their responsibilities in protecting children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children really enjoy their time at the club, all arrive happy and eager to participate. They are able to access an interesting variety of activities both inside and outside which contribute to their enjoyment of a constructive leisure time. The club is large and so children can access the main hall for most activities, but in addition they have access to a computer room for home work or 'movies' on a big screen. Another classroom is used by younger children attending the club and a further classroom is available if required. On the day of inspection children were able to access a snack if required, they then played outside with balls, pogo sticks and hoops or inside with a wide range of games, craft activities, the computer and dressing up. The children find the range of activities provided stimulating and fun. They are absorbed in their chosen task, encouragement from staff and each other helps them to produce impressive junk models

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

such as a 'pasta factory' and 'robot' both over a meter high.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children and staff work together to plan the activities which are time tabled to ensure a good range is made available. Staff pick up on children's interests, for example, junk modelling or dressing up. The children are supportive of one another and help each other with tasks, such as succeeding at a computer game. Their strong relationships with adults, that value them, the work they produce and their opinions, help them develop a positive sense of self and very good self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are seen as individuals with their personal needs met easily through the high number of adults in the club. Staff ensure that the resources and activities positively represent the children who attend as well as the wider community. The activities the children undertake give them opportunities to learn about the wider community, for example, activities based on the Chinese new year celebrations. All children regardless of gender access a range of age appropriate activities. The club cares for some children with physical disabilities and has a clear understanding of the need to ensure inclusion and work with parents to meet the children's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well and respond positively to the club's rules and boundaries. Effective procedures are in place to manage a wide range of children’s behaviour, staff reiterate the rules

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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 help children negotiate and share. Children are very cooperative, busy and happy, developing positive relationships. Praise and encouragement from staff develops the children's very positive self image. The achievement board is a physical symbol of a positive ethos, as children's name leaves move up the bean stalk when they display positive and helpful behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a positive partnership between staff and parents. Staff take time to talk to parents at the beginning of the placement, supply parents with a summery of the clubs policies and explain how they can access the full policies. This enables parents and children to be fully informed of how the club operates and what is expected of them. On an ongoing basis staff have verbal discussions with parents at the end of the sessions, parents feel welcomed and comfortable to approach staff to discuss any issues they have. Newsletters and the parents' notice board keep them up to date with current issues and parents can apply to be part of the management committee. This enables staff and parents to continue to work together to meet the needs of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the committed and supportive staff team. There are robust staff recruitment and vetting procedures which ensure children are well protected. Most staff who work with the children are qualified and additional training courses have been attended. This contributes to the quality of care and experiences provided for children. Staff are well-managed and there are good systems in place to provide clear direction, support and leadership, for example, staff induction and appraisals.

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Organisation

The premises are very well-organised. Indoor and outdoor spaces are inviting and are laid out to give children good play opportunities. The separate rooms and areas mean children's differing needs because of age or activities can be well catered for. All children are at ease and confident to choose their own activities as part of their leisure time. Staff are on hand to support any child who requires any help.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are used to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed. Appropriate guidance is given by the manager to ensure that staff are clear in their roles and any changes in policies, for example, the child protection policy. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the club agreed to; ensure that the practice of informing Ofsted of any significant changes to the operation of the out of school club was extended to the crèche operation. Also to ensure that the practice of informing Ofsted of changes to adults working in the out of school club is extended to the crèche staffing, this was to include those working in the crèche but employed by the Education Department and ensure that appropriate vetting procedures were undertaken for them and the committee members who are responsible for the day care provided.

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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 Ofsted is now informed of any significant changes to the operation of both the out of school club and the creche. Ofsted no longer require notification of staff members but the club does inform Ofsted of any changes in the committee members to ensure appropriate vetting procedures are undertaken.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The group also agreed to; develop the complaints policy to include Ofsted's contact details and develop the child protection policy to include what action would be taken if an allegation is made about a member of staff.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Both policies contain all necessary detail and are used to promote the welfare and care 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 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): • continue to investigate ways of developing the provision of healthy freely available snacks, in addition to the current range of interesting and healthy snacks available at the tuck tables • review accidents to identify and if possible eliminate risks as early as possible.

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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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