Jay Jays Out of School Club

Jay Jays Out of School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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316766 Unique Reference Number 01 May 2007 Inspection date Christine Marsh Inspector

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Lowercroft Primary School, Ashington Drive, Bury, BL8 2TS Setting Address

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E-mail

Janet Hallows 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?

Jay Jay's Out Of School Club has been open since 1997. It operates from the premises of Lowercroft Primary School. The children have access to a purpose built modular building that is linked to the school via an interior corridor. They also have access to the school hall, computer suite, resource area, library/study room, kitchen and toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area. It is situated in a residential area of Bury, Lancashire and serves the children attending the school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 95 children on roll aged from four to 11 years. A maximum of 78 can attend at any one time. Children attend a variety of sessions. The club opens five days a week term-time only. Sessions are from 07.45 to 08.55 and 15.30 to 18.00.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Currently 10 staff are available to work directly with the children. Over half of the staff hold a recognised childcare qualification. The provision holds a quality assurance certificate from the Aiming High Scheme.

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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. Robust hygiene procedures ensure that children are cared for in a clean environment. The risk of cross-infection is minimised by routines which promote good hygiene practices. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands before they have a snack.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents. This information is recorded and followed at all times. For example, where children have allergies that could require medical treatment all staff are trained so that they are able to administer medication should this be required. The school has a healthy eating policy that extends to the after school provision. Salad and fresh fruit are offered regularly with milk or water to drink. Children have water available for drinking throughout the session. Children benefit from the nutritious food provided during their time at the club.

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Helping children to be healthy

Fresh air and exercise are experienced every day when the weather is fine. As soon as snack time is over children are encouraged to go outside and play. Children are enjoying a variety of active pursuits. For example, a mini trampoline is shared by a small group of children who take turns without any adult intervention. A game of cricket is well organised by the children and others play on wheeled cars and bikes, as well as several chasing games. Children are happily engaged in physical play that contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Games involving marbles, construction materials and wooden bricks encourage children to learn about balance, shape and position while developing their fine motor skills. Free choice of paper and writing and drawing materials are always available for children to choose. Computer games are popular, although staff encourage children to have fresh air and active involvement in outdoor activities during the summer months.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure environment. The room is kept locked with a bell and a keypad system for admittance. Before children go outside staff check the back gate is padlocked. Another gate is left open for parents and carers to access the provision, but staff ensure that children stay within their sight at all times. A hooter is kept outside so that in the event of an emergency children can be summoned to come inside immediately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a range of appropriate equipment and games that are in good condition, age appropriate, clean and safe. Resources are easily accessible to children, which promotes their choice and independence, helping them to become active learners. Staff are conscious of safety issues and discuss these with children. For example, when children play with large building bricks, one child is selected to be in charge, and they wear a hard hat as the safety officer. Children are learning to keep safe during their play through these discussions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Emergency evacuation procedures are undertaken regularly. Staff have attended a fire marshal course which has updated their awareness of these issues and safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers are in place appropriately. These measures keep children safe. Staff have a good knowledge of child protection procedures which helps to make sure that children's welfare is safeguarded.

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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 happy and well stimulated in the setting. Their positive experiences mean that sometimes they are reluctant to leave their games and friends to go home. Children benefit from the excellent range of activities that are open to them in the provision. Relaxation and opportunities to be sociable with other children are a high priority as the children have already had a busy day at school. Children are enjoying a range of stimulating and very exciting activities in an environment that encourages them to make active choices. Much of their time is spent outside when the weather permits. Children develop highly imaginative games they have made up themselves, for example, King Herod and the slaves, which is based on work they have done in school and involves lots of talking and action. These games engage children for considerable periods as they develop and extend their play adding resources to support the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

adaptations that they make. As well as the activities outside, there are a wide range of exciting opportunities to choose from inside. Children's views are sought in choosing activities, such as snooker and table tennis competitions. This gives children a strong sense of commitment to the club.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff support children in developing a variety of skills and interests. For example, seven and eight year olds are being taught computer keyboard skills by a member of staff, and some children have reached an extremely high standard. Children have skills from the opportunities given to them by staff, who arrange for experts to come in to instruct on the following, karate, salsa dancing, and drumming. Photographs show children happily engaged in these activities as they demonstrate their newly acquired skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

As well as these specialised activities, children benefit from a variety of craft activities and role play opportunities that provide immense fun and enjoyment with their friends. These include a clothes shop, where children dress up and take on roles, and games related to characters that children read about and watch on television. For example, children wear hard hats in keeping with a building theme they incorporate into their play. Children develop their imaginations and forge strong friendships through this role play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are catered for sensitively so that attention is not drawn to them. Through their daily activities, children are learning to appreciate the diversity of the world and the value which people of all cultures have to offer. Resources promote a positive view of difference. For example, posters, dressing up clothes and toys show and value people from different cultures and include those with disabilities. These provide a focus for discussion during play times in an informative and positive way. Recent play activities have included children designing menus and making a restaurant for St. George's Day, and eating egg fried rice with chopsticks at Chinese New Year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. Friendships are evident as they play in their activities, and they usually share materials and support one another without adult intervention. Good manners are encouraged and staff have a positive approach that develops children's self-esteem and confidence.

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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 Newsletters keep parents informed of their children's activities. Parents value the provision and the quality of service it provides for their children. Parents and carers have a good relationship with staff which benefits the children who enjoy their leisure time at the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The manager and some of her staff undertake training to update and increase their knowledge in order to benefit the children. However, staff are not always fully aware of the training opportunities available to enable them to continue to develop the provision they offer. The certificate of registration, together with other information for parents and carers, is displayed and documentation is appropriately detailed and maintains confidentiality.

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Organisation

Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment which successfully promotes their care and development. Staff have a good knowledge of child development and work well together as a team. Children benefit from the good communication between staff who are appropriately vetted. Unvetted adults are not left alone with children. This helps to keep children safe within the setting. As a consequence of the setting's good organisation, children have access to a range of stimulating materials and games and enjoy their leisure time at the club.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to continue to develop the children's self-help skills during mealtimes. For example, children make their own sandwiches and choose the fillings they want. Children are supported if they need help. Children gain independence and make choices through these routines.

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which can be seen 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):

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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 • continue to update staff on the training available, so that they can attend to maintain an appropriate skill base.

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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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