South Willesborough After School Club

South Willesborough After School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY332537 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2007 Inspection date Jenny Kane Inspector

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East Stour Primary School, Earlsworth Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, TN24 0DW

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E-mail

Kent Play Clubs 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?

South Willesborough After School Club has been registered since 2006. A committee runs it. It operates from a mobile classroom in the grounds of East Stour Primary School in the Willesborough area of Ashford. There is access to secure enclosed outdoor play areas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 24 children may attend the group at any one time. The club is open Monday to Friday from 15:20 to 18:00 during term time only. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group serves the local community. There are currently 30 children on roll with 10 aged from four to under eight years. Children from the age of eight to 12 years also attend the club.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group do not currently support children with a disability or who speak English as an additional language. The group employs a manager and a deputy. They both hold level 2 early years childcare qualifications. The group receives support from Kent Play Clubs, the Local Authority and the teaching staff of the school.

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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 self-contained, clean and comfortable surroundings. Staff promote the health of the children by maintaining good hygiene standards. Accident and medication record books in order and signed by parents. First aid supplies are ready to hand and both staff hold current first aid certificates. This ensures children’s wellbeing in the case of an accident. Children understand the importance of personal hygiene. They have easy access to the toilets and remember to wash their hands before eating and after outside play.

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Helping children to be healthy

On arrival into the club from school, the children make themselves a drink. They receive a snack of fruit, yogurt and toast, which they eat together, while the chat about their day to the staff. They are independent when spreading toppings onto their toast and put their plates and cups in the sink when finished. Children have a washing up rota and take turns to clear up. There are good opportunities for outdoor play and children make good use of the playground and field areas. They enjoy playing ball games, football and using the wooden climbing equipment. Children have space to sit quietly after strenuous play in the book area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in welcoming and well-maintained premises. Staff have spent time on the layout of the room to ensure it is child friendly. Children have sufficient space to move around and the displays of their paintings and collage on the walls makes sure they put their own mark on the environment. A member of staff escorts children safely into the club. Parents sign their children out when they collect them. Children learn about their own and others safety whilst practising the fire drill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The staff are aware of the need to maintain a safe environment for the children. They carry out daily checks both inside and the outside play areas before use. However, premises do not have a specific kitchen area. The toaster is not safe on the table where younger children can access it. Although there is a sink and a fridge there is no safe area for preparing hot snacks. Consequently, this limits the type of food that the club can provide during the session.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The staff understand their role with regard to child protection and know what to do should a concern arise. Although they have completed some in-house training staff are waiting to attend the Safeguarding Children course. They work closely with the school staff to ensure all children are safe and their welfare promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and outgoing. They enjoy a good range of toys and play materials, which are appropriate and meet their developmental needs. Staff work with the children in the planning of activities and ask for their suggestions and ideas. As a result, children move about choosing what they do and who they play with. They learn to negotiate about playing outside. For example, as there are only two staff all the children have to go outside or stay in. Children successfully have a vote and decide to play outside. They gather up the bats, balls and frisbees and walk sensibly to the play area. Children play in small groups, chatting and laughing.

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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 Children have a good rapport with the staff and this ensures they enjoy their time at the club. They enjoy it when staff join in play and often invite staff to join in. For example, a group of children want to play ‘frustration’ and staff ask for help with the game. They move about their environment using their imagination making camps with blankets and using the dressing up clothes and doctor’s kit to play hospitals. When children wish to sit quietly, they are able to sit and draw or read books in the book area. Children also enjoy many craft and creative activities such as collage and puppet making.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy a routine, which is relaxed and flexible. Staff accommodate children’s individual interests and preferences. Although they are on hand, they encourage children to make their own decisions. Staff work towards a policy of inclusion and have a good understanding of equality issues. They treat children with respect and show a caring and friendly attitude. Toys and equipment are available to all children and not restricted by gender. For example, the boys join in with dressing up. The group does not currently look after children with a disability or additional need but the staff are confident in their ability to care for children with a range of abilities. The premises are user-friendly with good facilities. However, the disabled toilet is used as a storeroom and consequently not accessible to the disabled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff use appropriate strategies to manage children’s unwanted behaviour. They deal with incidents of noisy and shouting behaviour with humour and tact. By chatting to the children calmly and using explanation, incidents are resolved. The children have been part of the rule making process and they have a list of club rules on the wall. This helps to maintain a calm atmosphere and as a result behaviour is generally good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are friendly and professional. Parents chat to staff when they collect their children and share important information with them. This helps with continuity. The club shares information in writing and has produced a newsletter which will be updated and distributed on a regular basis. Staff and management are keen to obtain parent’s views and opinions. Representatives from Kent Play clubs are available either in person or by telephone. Parents are happy with the service with several making positive comments about the staff and the activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The staff are organised and plan the space and resources effectively. They prepare the room before the children arrive. Numbers of children attending are low at present. The group meet the minimum staffing ratios but because there are only two staff children have to all be in the same place and this sometimes limits choice.

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Organisation

The manager and the deputy both work well together as a team. They work closely with the school staff and the head teacher. Staff receive good support from their organisation and the representative visits regularly. There are staff meetings and in-house training which both staff attend where possible. Both are experienced with working with school-aged children and are keen to develop their childcare skills further. However, the manager does not yet hold a level three childcare qualification.

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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 All mandatory documentation is in place and appropriately maintained. Children’s records are secure, confidential and shared only with the parent. Some of the policies are currently under review and a modified version of these is to be available soon to parents. This will ensure that parents are fully informed about the procedures. Staff know and understand the policies and procedures and are confident in implementing them. 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): • consider the provision of a designated kitchen area to ensure children's safety • ensure that the manager achieves a level 3 childcare qualification

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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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