Mengham Infant School

Mengham Infant School Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346737 Unique Reference Number 03 April 2007 Inspection date Alison Jane Williams Inspector

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Mengham Infant School, St. Marys Road, HAYLING ISLAND, Hampshire, PO11 9DD

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E-mail

OSCA CHILDCARE LTD 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?

OSCA Childcare Limited is an out of school provision based in Mengham Infant School, Hayling Island, Hampshire. It registered in 2007 and provides care for children from the local and surroundings areas. The after school club operates each week day during term time from 15:00 -18:00. During school holidays the play scheme is open from 08:00 - 18:00. The group is registered to provide care for 26 children aged from four years and numbers on roll vary. The club employs six members of staff who work directly with children, four of whom hold relevant qualifications in early years and two staff are working towards play work qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from daily opportunities for exercise and outdoor play. They enjoy a well balanced range of activities and have use of the various wooden play structures, which contribute to their good health and physical development. They make good use of facilities and enjoy team games such as football, hockey and cricket, they ride scooters and build dens and they run about eagerly and exert themselves.

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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 Children can access drinking water freely throughout the session and a jug and cups are taken outside, so they can have a drink after physical activity. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks as a way to maintain their health and do not become dehydrated. Children learn about good hygiene practice and are gaining a understanding about safe food handling and preparation. They know to wash their hands at all appropriate times and they have access to liquid soap and hot air dryers, to help prevent the spread of infection. Children's individual dietary requirements are fully met because staff have written information relating to these and ensure meals and snacks offered reflect their individual needs and preferences. Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet as meal choices include fresh fruit and

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Helping children to be healthy

vegetables daily and menus are changed weekly to ensure they are given a variety. For example, pasta bake, roast chicken and vegetables and sweet sour chicken with rice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health within the setting is supported appropriately by staff who have a secure knowledge of the setting's health and hygiene policies and procedures. At least one member of staff who is trained in first aid is present at every session and first aid supplies are well maintained. A record of accidents is maintained and consistently signed by parents. Although, the entries contain insufficient details to ensure parents are kept fully informed and a historical record is accurately maintained. Written parental consent is obtained prior to administering medication and to seek medical advice and treatment, ensuring parents wishes are respected and staff can respond appropriately in the event of an emergency situation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from harm and neglect as staff have an appropriate understanding of child protection issues. Written child protection policies and procedures are in place and staff would recognise the possible signs of abuse and neglect.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children move confidently and freely around the welcoming and safe environment. Staff are vigilant ensuring children are kept safe and well supervised at all times. A daily register is well maintained, to provide an accurate record of children's attendance. Although, a detailed record of all persons who have visited the club, has not been maintained, as staff who work within Mengham Infant School have not been included in the visitors book. Staff carry out regular risk assessments and daily safety checks in order to minimise risks. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure children's safety, including written procedures for emergency evacuation. Fire drills are practiced regularly but a record has not been maintained of when these have been undertaken, to ensure all children have had the opportunity to learn how to protect themselves in the event of a fire. Children are made aware of dangers through general

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

conversations, helping them to learn to keep themselves safe. For example, they know they must not run inside the club and that they can not enter the kitchen when staff are cooking meals. Children benefit from a wide and varied selection of physical play equipment, indoor toys and creative materials, which are suitable for their needs, clean and maintained in a good condition. They can access resources easily and safely as they are stored in low-level drawers and cupboards.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are fully involved in the wide range of stimulating and fun activities. Staff plan a varied range of activities for the children to enjoy and during the after school club, they have

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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 designated nights each week day for art and craft, games, cookery and sports activities. Children also initiate their own games and activities, which encourages and develops their independence. They enjoy experimenting and being creative using their own ideas, using various natural and recycled materials for art & craft activities. For example, they make models from art straws and draw and paint pictures, make mother's day cards and decorate their own mugs. They enjoy their time in the holidays and at the end of the school day when they can relax or be active in accordance with their needs and interests. They can be creative, watch television and DVD's, read books, play games, do their home work or play outside. They learn about appropriate kitchen hygiene and how to follow a recipe during simple cookery activities and enjoy making

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

a varied range of sweet and savoury dishes including pizzas, cakes, biscuits and Cornish pasties. Children spend their time playing indoor games including pool, table football and air hockey. Children confidently use the clubs computers. They use a varied range of age appropriate software and can access the internet, under strict supervision. Children develop trusting and firm relationships with staff. They enjoy socialising with their friends and play well together in mixed age groups. They are interested, engaged and occupied and as a result feel a sense of place and belonging within a setting that is truly their own.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued and welcomed into the club, including those with special needs. Detailed information is obtained through discussion and registration procedures to ensure staff are fully aware of children's individual needs and requirements. Children have a clear understanding of behaviour expectations and they play together harmoniously. Their behaviour is good because they know what is expected of them and have contributed to the setting of the club rules. Children recognise the need to share and take turns and support one another. For example, they help younger and less able children to use the computers and teach them the rules of games. They develop a sense of responsibility and belonging as they help to pack away activities and return their plates and cups to the kitchen after they have eaten and they vote to choose which films to watch. Children benefit because friendly informal relationships are established

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Helping children make a positive contribution

between staff and their parents. This helps to secure the links between home and the setting and ensures their individual needs are met. Parents receive information about the setting through discussion when they drop off and pick up their children, relevant information is displayed on the notice board and regular newsletters are sent home via the school.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Suitable procedures are in place for the recruitment and vetting of staff, ensuring that children are safe and protected. New staff complete an informal induction and are provided with a written job description and copies of the setting's policies and procedures, helping them to have an appropriate understanding of their role and responsibilities. However, procedures to periodically renew staff police and health checks and appraise their performance have not yet been developed, to ensure their training needs are identified and they continue to remain suitable to work with children. Staff are well deployed and children receive good levels of supervision and support at all times. Children move about the club freely and confidently and are interested and occupied throughout their time at the setting, as the sessions run smoothly and the provision is well organised. Staff are enthusiastic and motivated and the manager is

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Organisation

committed to continuous improvement, setting clear direction and action plans for areas to be addressed to enhance the quality of care for all children attending. Policies and procedures are

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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 displayed and made available to parents. However, these do not reflect current practice and recent operational changes. as they were written when the club was under a previous leadership and management team. Most required documentation is well maintained to support the children's care, learning, safety and welfare and children's records are kept securely to ensure confidentiality. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 that all records required for the efficient and safe management of the provision contain the appropriate detail and that policies and procedures are reviewed and up-dated • develop procedures to confirm staff's ongoing suitability and implement an appraisal system

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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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