The Planet Club

The Planet Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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The Planet Club

309761 Unique Reference Number 22 February 2007 Inspection date Ferroza Saiyed Inspector

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The Planet Club

Thornton Primary School, Heys Street, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 4JP

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E-mail

The Planet Club 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 Planet Club has been registered since September 1998. It is a committee run service that operates from Thornton Primary School. The school is situated in the Wyre area of Thornton, which is near to the town of Fleetwood. Children from a neighbouring school also attend.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The children have access to a designated classroom, the hall, an additional classroom and the ICT room. In addition, children have access to suitable toilets and hand washing facilities. Enclosed outdoor play areas are available for children to access, for physical play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The committee is registered to provide care for up to 16 children aged four to eight years. Children over eight also attend the provision. There are systems in place to support children with learning difficulties and disabilities. There are no children attending who have English as an additional language. There are currently 35 children on roll who come for a variety of sessions throughout the week. The club operates from 07.30 to 08.45 and 15.15 to 18.00 each weekday, during term time only.

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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 committee employs six members of staff, including the supervisor, three of whom are suitably qualified and experienced. There is a system in place to provide cover for staff absences. The setting is a member of 4 Kids Network Club.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children access outdoor activities daily, weather permitting, which contributes to their good health. They run and play in the fresh air and practise physical skills, such as football and team games. This encourage their understanding of exercise and physical development. Staff encourages the children to follow appropriate practices in personal hygiene. However, the policy and procedure for health is not robust and consequently there are implications for children and staff’s well-being. First aid training enables staff to carry out appropriate treatment in the event of injury. The accident records do not have parents' signatures on some entries, therefore children's well-being is compromised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary requirements are met because staff have an understanding of their diet. Children are well nourished and enjoy the variety of snacks provided. They clearly understand the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables, and that these help them to grow and keep healthy. A snack menu is planned and this includes fresh fruit, crackers, toasts, various spreads, cheese and hot dogs occasionally. Snack time is a positive social occasion in which children sit and chat with staff and friends, sharing news and information.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very well cared for in a warm, welcoming, child-centred environment where they can play, eat and relax in comfort and safety. The sessions take place in a designated area on the school premises and there is plenty of space for free movement within the school, the ICT room, the hall and the music room. The supervision of children is good as staff alert each other when they are leaving areas or taking children to another area. Children's safety and security is enhanced owing to staff following health and safety procedures, for example, visitors are monitored. The children were able to inform the inspector of their understanding of how to keep safe when walking from another school, for example, the set code of behaviour to maintain the safety of everyone concerned. The children’s risk of accidental injury is minimised by the staff being conscious of hazards. There are risk assessments in place. There is a fire procedure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

in place and there are opportunities for children to learn about fire safety through the practising of the emergency evacuation. However, there are no records available for staff to evaluate the practise and therefore this compromises children's welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Play material is organised in cupboards and containers to help develop children’s independence and accessibility. Children choose where they would like to play and use the resources well. Toys and equipment are prepared before the session starts and are well organised. Children's sense of belonging is encouraged, as staff display children's work and photographs in the classroom. This is done in a skilled manner to enhance the environment.

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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 The welfare of children is safeguarded as the staff have a clear understanding of child protection procedures. They attend appropriate training to update their knowledge and awareness. The child protection policy is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and are very confident in the setting. They enjoy and achieve because staff are skilled and use their knowledge to plan interesting, challenging and achievable activities for children of all ages. Children are occupied and enjoy making choices and promoting their independence, such as asking to play outdoors. Children enjoy a variety of outdoor play experiences; they develop their physical skills as they run around in the fresh air. This is most welcoming to children following a day in school.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a broad range of interesting and stimulating activities for children to choose from, as well as a good balance between free play and adult-initiated activities. Staff enable children to play and learn independently and explore their own ideas for example, a child made a card for her mother. Areas are well defined and children choose where they would like to play. For example, they may use the ICT room, sit in the quiet area, choose a board game, play outdoors or simply sit and chat with friends. They also enjoy the role-play area where they care for the dolls and dress them up.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy attending the club and readily speak about their positive experiences. They seek out play opportunities and giggle, laugh and smile as they communicate with their friends during their time at the club. Staff show genuine care and warmth towards the children, they know them well as most attend the school. Staff ensure children have equal access and are fully occupied and enjoying themselves. Children's social needs and skills are catered for in a positive and encouraging environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are actively encouraged to make choices about the toys and games they wish to play with. Their experience of the wider world is promoted through activities, for example, they enjoy food tasting and celebrate Chinese New Year. Children develop a positive attitude to race, culture and disability because staff are skilled at promoting this aspect of care. Respecting each child's individuality is fundamental to the setting's ethos. Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are welcomed into the setting and encouraged to play an active role in all aspects.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to take responsibility because staff follow positive and appropriate strategies for helping children learn to manage their behaviour. Children learn the boundaries and guidelines because staff are consistent. There is a clear and fair policy of dealing with behaviour and bullying issues, which helps to promote children's self-esteem. Children and staff have very good relationships, which contributes to children being generally settled and happy in the club.

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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 Parents are informed of the setting's polices and procedures because the staff provide a notice board for parents, offering information on the club. Opportunities are provided for parents to discuss their child at the end of each session, therefore the needs of their child can be met effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are part of a well-organised, child-centred environment, where staff implement good routines and follow procedures. Children are protected owing to all staff being suitably vetted, experienced and some staff being qualified in childcare practice. Children are confident and secure as staff are effectively deployed and there are good ratios of staff to support the children throughout the sessions.

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Organisation

Children's safety, enjoyment and ability to take part in all aspects is well fostered. Staff organise space, resources and routines to support children's all round development and welfare. The sessions are child-led as staff respond to the children's interests with plenty of free play and free choice.

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Organisation

Children are well cared for as staff implement and follow good organisational policies and procedures, for example, admissions policy, equal opportunities, behaviour management, health and safety. Staff are familiar with the National Standards and have retained previous records for the purpose of inspection. All regulatory records, including accidents, medication, attendance and personal details, are well documented and available for inspection.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, five recommendations were raised and these were to: ensure at least one member of staff with a current first aid certificate will be on the premises or on outings at any one time; formalise a risk assessment on the premises identifying actions to be taken to minimize identified risks; implement an effective induction programme; make available to parents an up to date written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint; update training and awareness of child protection as well as the written child protection statement.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The committee have addressed all the above recommendations. There are two member of staff who hold current first aid certificates; there are risk assessments and daily checklists to identify risks; there is an induction programme in place and it is being further developed; a complaint procedure is displayed on the notice board for parents to access; almost all staff have attended

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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 child protection training and written child protection statement is in place. This has further improved children’s safety and well-being.

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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): • ensure the written record of accidents is countersigned by parents when the child is collected • ensure the policy and procedure for excluding children with illness or infection is robust and covers all areas to protect children and staff's well-being • make sure the emergency evacuation is recorded to ensure children's safety and to review the safety arrangement.

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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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