Abacus After School Club

Abacus After School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343325 Unique Reference Number 01 May 2007 Inspection date Caroline Preston Inspector

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Hacton Primary School, Chepstow Avenue, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 6AU

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E-mail

Abacus After School 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?

Abacus Out of school club at Hacton School is one of four Abacus clubs run by Sharon Williams and Kayley Harrington. It opened in 2006 and operates from within the school dining hall. It is situated in Hornchurch in the London Borough of Havering. A maximum of 26 children aged four to eleven years attend any one time. The club is open each weekday from 15:10 to 18.00 during school term time. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 20 children aged from four to under eight years on roll. The Out of school club employs four members of staff. Of these, three hold early years qualifications and one is working towards a qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a good range of healthy snacks including; cheese and salad sandwiches, and a variety of fruit, water and fruit juice. Staff are aware of children’s dietary needs which are discussed with all parents at registration and recorded in children’s individual records. The

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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 after school club currently cares for children with special dietary requirements and are clear about what these children can and cannot eat. Therefore children are cared for according to their individual dietary needs in a caring and sensitive manner. Children who attend the after school club confidently collect their snacks and sit and chat to each other and staff in a sensible and respectful manner.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s awareness of hygiene is fully promoted because they follow good hygiene procedures such as; hand washing before and after snacks, after using the toilet and after messy activities. Accident and medication records are completed correctly by staff. Permission to seek emergency medical treatment has been sought from parents. Most staff hold current first aid certificates and there is a fully equipped first aid box available. This means children’s health is being supported. Children take part in physical activities daily, which supports their physical development for example; children make good use of the large playground, using a varied range of outdoor equipment including; balls, bats, skipping ropes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The after school club is based in a school environment, the club uses mainly the dining hall and school playground, which is safe and clean and very spacious. Staff are very welcoming and the children are made to feel comfortable by the organisation of the furniture and layout of play resources. For example; the toys available are in good condition, safe and age appropriate including; puzzles, board games, creative play and construction.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The staff ensures the safety of the children by carrying radio’s so that staff can speak to each other wherever they are in the school. The front door is securely locked and parents sign their children out when they collect them at the end of the day. Staff supervise children very well and carry out written daily risk assessments of the areas used by the club. Staff questioned show a good understanding of child protection procedures, therefore are able to maintain the safety and care of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in selecting resources for example; when they arrive from their school classrooms to the after school club, they immediately walk over to what they want to play with. One child, who arrived first, sat on the floor mat and played with the electric cars. He showed that he was confident within the club and was able to freely choose the activity that interested him as soon as he arrived. Children take part in the maypole activity using glue, tissue paper, kitchen rolls. They sit patiently with staff, who encourage them to be creative and use all the resources available to create a colourful maypole. Children have developed good relationships with staff and enjoy each others company for example; chatting during play, smiling and demonstrating positive body language.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The setting has a sufficient range of play resources that reflect diversity; however these are not put out on a daily basis. Therefore opportunities are missed to learn about the wider world. Children show respect for each other by being respectful towards each other during their time

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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 spent at the after school club. They listen to each other, take turns, and play in small and large groups together. They respond kindly towards staff and listen to their instructions for example; to clear away for snack time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are systems in place to support children with learning difficulties and staff show a clear understanding of what these systems are for example; following appropriate policies and procedures and having a designated member of staff. Partnership with parents is promoted through daily conversation with staff about their child’s needs and routines within the after school club. Parents receive good information about the service offered to them. Also the club has recently sent out parent’s questionnaire forms, to be able to monitor what the parents want and the service offered by the club. This means that the care and welfare of the children is maintained.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for because the after school club is organised appropriately. Staff know their roles and responsibilities and are clear about the fourteen National Standards. All staff have undergone suitability checks so are safe to be around children. The routine of the club ensures that children have time to play, and eat in a safe, comfortable environment and are busy and stimulated throughout the session. All records and other documentation which is required for the safe and efficient management of the setting to promote the welfare of the children are maintained. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 action in order to meet 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): • provide a range of play resources and activities that promote diversity at all times.

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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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