Setting

Take-A-Break- Overslade Community Centre Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY339664 Unique Reference Number 12 April 2007 Inspection date Sharon Waterfall Inspector

p.1

Overslade Community Centre, Buchanan Road, RUGBY, Warwickshire, CV22 6AY

p.1

Setting Address

0167 546 3770 Telephone number deb@tabw.org.uk E-mail Take A Break Limited (4075624) Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

p.1

Setting Address

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Take-a-Break Overslade Community Centre is one of six playschemes run by Take-a-Break Limited, three of which are for children under eight years. The setting registered at these premises in 2006.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

It operates from a recently refurbished community building, which is situated on a housing estate on the outskirts of Rugby, Warwickshire. A maximum of 16 children under eight years may attend the setting at any one time and there are currently 12 children aged under eight years on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The play scheme is open for 20 sessions through the year, during Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays. It runs from 10.00 to 14.00. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area and they also sometimes access the adjacent park.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children come from a wide catchment area, some of whom are transported to the setting. The setting specifically supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Management staff hold relevant childcare qualifications and are supported by experienced support staff.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit as staff are fully aware of children's individual health and dietary needs. For example, children's individual requirements are discussed fully with parents on admission and are shared with all staff. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment in which they are learning about the importance of good hygiene practices through the established daily routines. For example, children must wash their hands before snacks, meals and after using the toilet.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

During the session children are offered drinks regularly and are provided with them at snack and meal times ensuring children are not thirsty. A nutritious snack of fresh fruit is given mid-morning aiding children’s awareness of healthy foods. The children bring their own packed lunches to the scheme and these are stored appropriately.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a very good range of activities which effectively contribute to their overall well-being. They enjoy the daily outdoor activities where they are encouraged and supported to develop new skills. For example, the children play a game of football aiming balls at the goal area, tackling for the ball and run around. Inside physical activities such as use of a large parachute engage children’s imagination, excitement and anticipation as they wait for turns and listen to instructions.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have good access to equipment and resources which are appropriate to meet their individual needs. There is a good variety of activities planned each day that provide children with stimulation, fun and cater to their specific interests. The environment is made welcoming and child friendly, as bright posters and examples of children’s work are displayed around the setting. A staff member greets children warmly on arrival and shows immediate interest in them giving an excellent sense of belonging.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in an environment that is well organised, safe and secure. The main door leading into the provision is locked and access is only gained after staff have checked the identity of the visitor. Children are able to move around the setting safely and independently as identified risks and hazards have been minimised, through the completion of risk assessments and the effective deployment of staff. However, the current fire drill procedures do not use all exits and are not practised with all new children and staff minimising the effectiveness of the procedure.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect, as staff are very aware of their roles and responsibilities of their duty to protect children. Staff are confident in following the groups child protection procedures and have a designated child protection officer to liaise with relevant agencies.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children become engrossed in a wide range of purposeful, challenging and fun activities such as, decorating biscuits with icing and sweets, playing with the parachute, drawing and dressing up. Children are kept stimulated as the activities are changed regularly and include indoor and outdoor activities, active and quiet activities and the ability for them to join in a group or play independently.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Excellent relationships are fostered as the children communicate confidently and share their personal experiences with staff and their peers. Children listen carefully to instructions, they take turns and show care and concern for others. For example, team work and co-operation was good as the children played football, encouraged less able children to be supported in scoring a goal and listened for instructions on how to play games with the parachute.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very happy, confident and actively enjoy their time in the group, they participate enthusiastically in the excellent range of activities. They have good opportunities to use their own initiative by selecting and choosing resources and also benefit from well planned adult-led activities. Staff ensure that the children are happy, engaged and above all are enjoying themselves.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals, their opinions and suggestions are sought and listened to. They are consulted about the activities and resources available within the group and are given every opportunity to communicate their needs. All children are encouraged to take part in the activities and their differences are acknowledged and fully supported through staff’s excellent knowledge of inclusion and pro-active approach to meeting the children’s individual needs. They have access to an appropriate range of toys, equipment and resources which reflect positive imagery of diversity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Clear explanations of behaviour are communicated to the children, which are appropriate to the child's level of understanding. Children benefit from staff who are consistent and use positive praise and clear instructions and involve the children in the routines of the setting. Children’s self-esteem is raised as staff encourage independence and self choice where ever possible. Their behaviour is addressed as part of their individual care needs and staff sensitively reinforce expectations within the group.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual care needs are fully discussed before the child starts at the setting during home visits, which supports an excellent consistency of care for the children. A very strong partnership with parents contributes significantly to the children's well-being within the group. Parents are kept fully informed of children’s daily experiences and achievements and are made aware that they can access the settings policies and procedures.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit greatly from staff who are knowledgeable, caring and dedicated to their work with them. They fully understand their roles and responsibilities which ensure children are well protected, kept safe and that their individual needs are effectively supported. Children benefit

p.4

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 from well qualified management staff, who are supported by experienced and skilled staff who follow extensive induction programmes and are committed to on-going training and development.

p.4

Organisation

The organisational structure is clear and management systems in place ensure that the setting runs effectively to provide the children with an enjoyable scheme. High staff to child ratios maintained at all times, ensure that all children profit from a substantial level of support during the play scheme. Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place, however, they are not always easily accessible to staff. All legally required documentation is in place and stored safely, ensuring confidentiality is respected at all times.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 regular fire drills are completed, taking into account children's patterns of attendance to ensure all staff and new children take part • ensure all documentation is easily accessible to staff at all times.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5