Kirkham St Michaels After School Club

Kirkham St Michaels After School Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

309829 Unique Reference Number 07 September 2007 Inspection date Ann Bamford Inspector

p.1

St. Michaels C of E School Kirkham, School Lane, Kirkham, Preston, PR4 2SL

p.1

E-mail

Kirkham St. Michaels After School Club Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

p.1

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

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?

Kirkham St. Michael's After School Club is situated within Kirkham St. Michael's Church of England School in the centre of Kirkham. The club cares for children aged from four to 11 years who attend the school. It is managed by a management committee and is supervised by staff holding childcare qualifications. There are five staff who work in the club, two of whom hold Level 3 childcare qualifications.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have use of the school hall, IT suite , the outdoor play area and occasional use of the resources centre.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club operates from 15.15 to 17.30, Monday to Friday during school term times only. At the time of inspection there were 18 children on the roll with average attendance of 18 children. The club does not currently support any children with learning difficulties or disabilities or English as an additional language.

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 stay very healthy because staff follow appropriate health and hygiene routines. For example, the setting is clean, staff take care to ensure food preparation areas are clean and ensure the tables used for snacks are wiped with antibacterial cleaner before they are used. Children learn simple good health and hygiene practices as they wash their hands before eating and older children assist in setting and clearing at snack time.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's continued good health is maintained as staff liaise with parents regarding individual health needs and use this information to provide care which meets children's individual health needs. Children are well protected in the event of an accident as there is a clear policy and procedure which staff use with confidence. Accidents are appropriately recorded and signed by parents, and there is a fully stocked first aid box available.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have begun to understand what eating healthily means, however, they do not have daily access to fresh fruit and vegetables which impedes their acquisition of healthy eating routines. Drinks of water and sugar-free cordial are options that children can choose as they wish, developing their independence and ensuring they feel comfortable and are not thirsty.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing a wide range of physical skills as they play outdoors on a regular basis. In addition, they develop skills in manoeuvring and balancing as they use the obstacle course laid out for them in the school fields or use the cricket equipment with increasing skill. Children have space to move around freely in the school hall and the playground. They talk excitedly about the opportunities they have to enjoy exercise whilst attending the club

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very safe environment as staff carry out daily risk assessments to ensure there are no hazards accessible on the premises. The entrance to the setting enhances children's safety as parents and visitors enter through the main school entry which is locked, enabling staff to ensure adults who do enter are known to them. Children are developing a good sense of keeping themselves and others safe as they are involved in tidying away equipment after they have used it and at the end of sessions.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate resources. They select toys and games independently and safely from the wide selection available. Equipment, such as tables, chairs and furniture, is all at suitable child height to ensure that children of all ages can use it. Children move around safely and sit comfortably.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected when using the school outdoor area as staff carry out suitable checks before it is used. Children are kept safe because staff have responsible attitudes towards safety issues and children are well supervised. For example, staff always check that suitable adult to child ratios are maintained when children are split between indoor and outdoor play activities. Children are developing good personal safety attitudes as they follow the rules of the setting to walk indoors and tidy away toys after use. Children are developing an understanding of how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire as the same procedures

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 are used in fire drills across the school and the out of school club. Older children can confidently explain what they would do in the event of a fire.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have an understanding of child protection and reporting concerns in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines. There is a child protection policy in place. Children are very well protected as staff have a good knowledge of the local procedures and have confidence in how to use them should the need arise.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. All children have the opportunity to enjoy a mix of planned and free play in the setting. Staff have a good understanding of play work and plan activities for children with regard to this. Children and staff enjoy good relationships as staff know all the children well because some staff are in contact with them during the day in school. Children and staff enjoy time together as they join in games together and discuss the day's events. Many children have formed firm friendships and happily play in self-selected groups, and are relaxed and at ease with each other across the age range. Children develop a good sense of belonging because staff listen to their ideas and show an interest in what they do.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from all activities provided as they are exciting and well presented. Children are involved in the planning of activities and are allowed to select some activities for themselves. They are able to enjoy quieter activities according to their needs. Where children wish to complete homework after school, staff support them by listening to them read or helping them learn their spellings. This encourages children to take responsibility for their own learning.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with a well balanced range of both free play and organised activities which they can freely choose from. For example, children can choose to play outside after school using equipment, such as bats, balls and manoeuvring equipment, as well as taking part in team games. Children learn new skills as they use, for example, cricket bats with increasing skill as they use suggestions from staff more fully.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to develop positive attitudes towards our diverse society through the activities and resources provided. They are able to experience a positive view of the wider world through planned activities relating to festivals and celebrations, such as Eid, Easter and the Chinese New Year and Christmas. Children are developing a positive image of difference as they use books and equipment, such as crayons and paint which reflect different skin tones.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff in the setting have attended training in additional needs and, although at the time of inspection there were no children on roll who have additional needs, staff hold an awareness that some children may need additional support and are confident both to offer support and seek further help for them.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are extremely well behaved. They are well settled in their club and display good behaviour towards each other and their adult carers. Children understand the strategies that staff use to help them manage their own behaviour and are confident to explain the system to visitors. Staff use very positive methods of eliciting good behaviour from children, for example, specific praise for good or helpful behaviour, such as helping to clear away after snack time or

p.4

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 for saying please and thank you. Children learn to be responsible as they agree their own rules at certain activities, such as outdoor games, to ensure they work harmoniously together.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff enjoy good relationships with parents and carers. There is good quality information available to parents which is prominently displayed in the waiting area. This ensures parents know how their children are cared for. In addition, staff are available at drop-off and collection times to enable relevant daily discussions to take place regarding children's needs. Parents give specific permission for events, such as outings or photographs. There is a written complaints procedure and arrangements are in place to share information on any complaints.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting organises staff resources and time very effectively in order to provide care for children. There are newly adopted policies and procedures in place to support safe care of children. The management committee and manager work together to ensure that all staff are suitably qualified and experienced to work with children. Staffing is planned well to allow high levels of children to staff ratios. The setting has begun a process of identifying its strengths and weaknesses and is working toward an action plan for development. For example, the setting is to begin to include breakfast care and has contacted Ofsted at the planning stages of this.

p.5

Organisation

Records are in place which support safe care. They were easily accessible and current at the time of inspection. The environment and play resources are used very effectively to provide care for children and effective arrangements are in place to inform parents of how children spend their time whilst being cared for.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the setting update policies to include specific references required, to provide written risk assessments of one room and provide evidence of staff holding current first aid certificates. Since that inspection the setting has updated both the special need and behaviour management policies, have produced a written risk assessment for the resource room and have obtained a certificate showing current first aid training. Each of these actions has improved the safe care of children.

p.5

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.

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

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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): • continue to develop the nutritional quality of food available to children

p.6

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.6

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.6