Yaxley Out Of School Club

Yaxley Out Of School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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221646 Unique Reference Number 27 June 2007 Inspection date Lesley Barrett Inspector

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Bentley Avenue, Yaxley, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE7 3ZT Setting Address

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E-mail

Yaxley Out Of 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Yaxley Out of School Club opened in January 1995. It operates from a building situated on the premises of Fourfields Primary School in the village of Yaxley, Cambridgeshire. A maximum of 52 children may attend at any one time. The group open before school from 08:00 to 09:00 and after school from 15:00 to 17:30, term time only, five days a week. Full day care is offered during the majority of the school holidays from 08:00 to 17:30.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 53 children on roll. The club serves local schools in Yaxley. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The club is able to support children with learning difficulties/disabilities and children who have English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Five staff members are employed to work with the children. One member of staff has a childcare qualification. The setting receive support from the local authority.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment which is clean and welcoming. Their good health is promoted as the staff follow clear hygiene practices when preparing food and children are reminded of the importance of hand washing before eating and after visiting the toilet. Snacks are offered to children as they arrive. Although some healthy options are available such as fresh fruit, staff do not encourage children to make healthy choices, consequently they choose biscuits. This does not promote their awareness of healthy eating and balanced diets. Fresh drinking water is available at all times, enabling children to quench their thirst as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's immediate first aid needs are met, as sufficient staff hold a first aid qualification and they have a clear understanding of the need to inform parents when their child has sustained an injury. Staff obtain details from parents regarding individual children's allergies/dietary requirements and all staff are made aware of these needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered some physical opportunities which contribute to their good health. They are able to play on the school playing fields during fine weather and some energetic games, such as table top football, are offered inside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment. There is sufficient space for them to play, rest and eat comfortably. Suitable play equipment and resources are well organised and kept in good order which allows children to play safely. Children are able to freely access toys and equipment allowing them choice and developing their independence skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The risks to children are minimised as risk assessments are carried out and staff have a clear understanding of the need to ensure children play safely. For example, they ensure that children are appropriately supervised and that the premises are safe to prevent unauthorised entry. Systems are in place to help children learn about the importance of keeping themselves safe, as some risk assessments have been carried out by the children. However, these have not been addressed recently to ensure that children are regularly reminded of dangers. Although fire drills are carried out, these have not been practised regularly to help children become familiar with the routines to be followed in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is effectively safeguarded. Staff working with children have a clear understanding of the importance of child protection procedures. Effective procedures are in place to record children's attendance and appropriate action is taken if a child who is booked into the club does not arrive. All staff who work with children undergo a suitable vetting procedure and children are never released into the care of an adult unless permission has been given by the parents.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy attending the club and talk positively about what they like doing; they are settled and happy. They enjoy a broad and balanced range of activities and play opportunities at each session. Children's play is effectively supported as staff are deployed well in both rooms used and there is a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. Staff plan and provide a range of activities in conjunction with the children. A 'club council' and a suggestions box enable children to make suggestions which staff incorporate into the planning particularly for school holiday periods.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's play is well supported as staff are interested in what they say and do. Staff give positive encouragement as they play on the computer and participate in games. They support children's learning as they help children find information on other countries for projects they are doing. Children have high self-esteem and share much conversation with staff and their peers. Children are actively involved in the club, and staff encourage them to join in with decision making. For example staff allow them to decide when they hold their 'club council' meeting and encourage them to involve the younger children. Children engage in their chosen activities with lively enthusiasm and concentrate well, becoming engrossed in the activities they enjoy such as the computer and playing bingo.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed into the group. Positive images of diversity displayed help children to feel included. A varied range of activities and resources provide children with opportunities to learn about other cultures, traditions and the wider world. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are effectively supported by the group to ensure that their needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well as staff are calm and explain why they are asking a child not to do something. They redirect children's attentions to appropriate activities. This helps prevent behaviour becoming unacceptable and thereby reduces negative messages. The club rules have been drawn up by the children, however these are displayed in a way that means they are not easily visible to all children. Therefore, they cannot be used effectively by staff to reinforce boundaries. Children show care and concern for others, negotiate their ideas and play well together. The older children respect the needs of younger children and help support them in their play. Staff are good role models as they praise and encourage children, helping to promote their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are friendly. Staff share information verbally on a daily basis to ensure that parents are kept informed about their child's day. They are provided with detailed information about the setting, including polices and procedures to ensure that they are aware of the care provided for their children. Regular newsletters keep them up to date. However, the complaints procedure does not make reference to Ofsted as the regulator to ensure that parents are aware of the correct procedures to follow should they have any concerns about their child's care.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The provision is well organised to allow children of all ages to feel welcome and settle easily. Effective use is made of the space available allowing children to move freely and make choices. Correct adult to child ratios are maintained at all times to provide children with sufficient support.

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Organisation

Effective procedures are in place for staff induction and cover the required elements. Staff are aware of their role, the National Standards and the polices and procedures to be followed to promote the quality of care offered to children. However, the club do not currently employ sufficient staff qualified to a minimum of Level 2. This means they do not meet the requirement that 50% of staff are suitably qualified which has a potential negative impact on children's care. In addition, the recruitment procedures do not ensure that staff are mentally or physically fit for their role, which does not fully protect children. Most necessary regulatory documentation is in place, although the recording of staff attendance is not consistently recorded, consequently children's welfare is compromised. Overall, children's needs are not met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the setting were given two actions and four recommendations. Neither of the two actions have been fully met. The first action was to ensure that all staff, volunteers and committee have the appropriate vetting carried out to confirm their suitability to work with children. Although staff undergo some clearance procedures, systems are not in place to ensure that they are mentally and physically fit for their role. The second action was to ensure that the required staff training and qualification requirements were met. This has been partly addressed as the manager now has a level three qualification. However, she is the only qualified person currently working in the setting. This does not promote positive outcomes for children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A recommendation with regard to improving staff's knowledge of child protection procedures has been satisfactory addressed. The remaining three referred to documentation, two of which have been successfully addressed. The third has only been partly addressed as records of staff's attendance at the setting are inconsistent. This does not promote positive outcomes for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 by Ofsted,

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Complaints 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

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure that adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so • ensure that the registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively (with particular reference to 50% of staff being qualified to Level 2 and the recording of staff attendance) These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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