WASPS Out of School Club

WASPS Out of School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345025 Unique Reference Number 27 June 2007 Inspection date Paula Durrant Inspector

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Standon & Puckeridge Community Centre, Station Road, Standon, Herts, SG11 1TF

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Setting Address

07904 391133 Telephone number nicola.re@virgin.net E-mail Nicola Jayne Re Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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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

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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?

Wasps Out of School Club is a privately owned provision. The group originally set up in 1999 and relocated to it's current premises and ownership in December 2006. The group operates from the Puckeridge and Standon Community Centre, which is situated central to both villages. A maximum of 32 children may attend the group at any one time. The club is currently open each weekday from 15:15 until 18:30, term time only and will be extending their operational hours from August 2007 to provide a holiday play scheme from the hours of 09:00 until 17:30 and in September 2007, additional wrap around care with a morning breakfast club from 07:45 until 09:00. Children have access to an adjoining playing field.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 33 children aged from three to eight years on roll. A vast majority of children in attendance live locally. The group have systems in place to support children with learning disabilities and/or difficulties, and for children for whom English is an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group employ six full-time staff and two part-time staff. Of these, three staff hold appropriate early years qualifications and three staff are working towards a qualification. The group are members of '4Children', formally children's network.

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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 protected from infection and are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill as staff rigorously abide to written health and safety procedures. The premises is of a good standard of cleanliness and children are monitored to ensure they wash their hands at the appropriate times, such as after using the toilet, prior to eating and when returning from outside play. Staff hold appropriate first aid qualifications and there are sufficient resources within the first aid box to administer emergency aid. All accidental injuries and medication administered are documented in line with National Standards requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily access, weather permitting, to the adjoining community playing fields. They enjoy a range of team sports, such as football, hockey, rounder's, outdoor races and ball games. These help develop self-confidence, building of relationships and contribute to their good health and physical development. Children are able to make independent choices in their selection of activities which means they rest and are active in accordance with their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Whilst children benefit from a healthy balanced diet they do not always develop a clear awareness of a healthy lifestyle. For example, they do not always gain affirmation of the reasons behind the hand washing process or the benefits of physical exercise. Children stay well hydrated as drinking water is available at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's welfare is safeguarded as staff apply rigorous health and safety checks of the premises, activities and recourses prior to children's arrival. All required precautionary measures are implemented, such as restriction of specific locations like the kitchen which is an excluded area for children. Visitors to the setting gain entry via a doorbell intercom system, where staff vigilantly monitor access to the premises. All additional adults to the site are documented and supervised whilst in attendance. Generous adult to child ratio's, effective deployment of staff and use of mobile phones means that children remain in sight and hearing at all times. For example, staff are able to advise other staff located within the main building of a child's return inside to use the toilet facilities when some are situated outdoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a diverse range of high quality play materials that are maintained in good repair. They learn to take responsibility in keeping themselves safe as they abide to the club rules and participate in topics such as 'stranger danger' and 'road safety'. Children respect the appropriate codes of conduct. They know to sit down when eating as should they not comply with this action then they may potentially harm themselves if they choke on undigested food. They have a clear understanding of the club's fire evacuation procedure due to the frequency of drills undertaken.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Rigorous recruitment procedures ensure the suitability of staff working at the provision. All staff have undergone appropriate vetting and have been deemed suitable to work with children. A detailed child protection policy, nominated person responsible for reporting concerns and appropriate training of staff, means that adults working at the provision have a strong understanding of the processes to be followed, in the event of a concern arising. This ensures that children's welfare remains paramount.

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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 outstanding. Children are extremely enthusiastic and highly self-assured in this club’s welcoming and stimulating environment. They relish their time at the end of the school day when they can relax or be active in accordance with their needs and interests. There is an extensive range of resources which are rotated to provide variety and sustain interest. Children take an active part in the recreational leisure activities provided, as they promptly settling to draw and make creations on the art and craft table, sitting down to play trump cards, read books, share in a game of table tennis and make up dance routines with their friends.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children spend their time purposefully. They relate well to each other and enjoy the company of other children and staff. Older children are very supportive and caring to younger children. They take time to explain rules for games and to assist in teaching skills they are already adept at, such as when an older child guided a younger child through verbal instruction and physical demonstration, of how to aim and swing the bat so that they made connection with the ping pong ball coming towards them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Although there are planning mechanisms in place these are not overly formalised. Exceptional consideration to promoting 'home from home' care means that children can influence topics and activities provided. Use of a wipe board and access to a pictorial inventory of equipment supports children's choices and decision making processes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy mutually respectful relationships with the staff and each other. They develop excellent levels of self-esteem and confidence as they voice their opinions and make choices and decisions. Staff invite contributions by using the 'suggestions box' as well as talking and listening to the children as they play. Children develop a positive view of the wider world and their understanding of others as they participate in cultural celebrations throughout the year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They know what is expected of them because they discuss and help to write the club's safety and behaviour rules. Children with special needs integrate well within this group. All children respect and understand that some children need extra help and willingly support those who do. Children are exceptionally conscientious and respectful of each others feelings. They show care and concern in addition to physical affection as they kiss their friends goodbye at the end of the session.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are very strong. Staff make parents extremely welcome and value their feedback. Excellent communication systems and the openness of sharing quality literature related to the group, it’s ethos and activities provided means that parents have a clear understanding of the level of service provided and are able to contribute their own feelings, ideas and thoughts. A comprehensive complaints procedure in line with current legislative changes is already in place and remains empty.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are the key focus of care in this high quality provision. Comprehensive written policies and robust recruitment procedures mean that children are cared for by skilled and experienced

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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 staff who have a strong understanding of child development and how children learn and achieve through play and recreational activities. Extensive attention to detail and a dedicated and committed work force provide exceptional opportunities for children to maximise their social etiquette, as they socialise with different age groups and children from different schools, in addition to extending confidence for children to initiate their own play and learning. Overall, the provision 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 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): • give increased emphasis towards developing children's awareness of the importance and benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

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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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