MASK (Mossley After School Club) Ltd.

Mossley After School Club (Mask) Inspection report for early years provision

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EY251110 Unique Reference Number 02 April 2007 Inspection date Sue Anslow Inspector

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Old School Building, Leek Road, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 3TU Setting Address

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E-mail

MASK (Mossley After School Club) Ltd 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Mossley After School Club (MASK) is run by a private provider. It opened in 2003 and operates from two rooms in the Old School Building in Mossley, Congleton. A maximum of 48 children may attend the out of school club at any one time. The out of school club is open from 07.30 to 09.00 and 15.30 to 18.00 each weekday during term time, and 07.30 to 18.00 during school holidays. All children share access to a secure, enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 122 children on roll aged from three years old upwards. The out of school club supports children with learning difficulties and children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The setting employs 17 members of staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications and three are working towards a qualification.

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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's individual health and dietary needs are met well because staff work closely with parents and respect their wishes and requirements. Children are encouraged in good hygiene procedures by verbal reminders to wash their hands before eating or after using the toilet. However, there are no tissues available for children to blow their noses with, which compromises good hygiene practices. Sick or injured children are managed well by staff, who follow comprehensive health and safety policies. All supervisors have current first aid and food hygiene certificates. Accidents and any medication needed are recorded fully and written permission is obtained from parents for emergency medical treatment. Children enjoy a range of physical activities which promote healthy lifestyles. Outdoor play in the enclosed playground is accessed every day, weather permitting. Indoor sports, games and dancing can be accommodated in the

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Helping children to be healthy

sports hall. Children rest on soft mats, blankets or bean bags if hot, tired or unwell.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished throughout the day. Snacks are provided by the club before and after school, and children provide their own packed lunch during school holidays. Children learn about healthy diets through the inclusion of fresh fruit or raw vegetables, provided at some snack times. Water or diluted juice is provided with all food and jugs of water are available for children to help themselves to during each session. However, children walk round or sit at an activity whilst eating and drinking, which is not good hygiene practice. Any special dietary requirements are met through consultation with parents, who's wishes are respected at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move freely around the two large rooms and enjoy good access to the outdoor play area. They feel welcomed and supported because they can choose from a variety of toys and games set out for them, and have sufficient space to play different activities at the same time. Staff aim to provide an appropriate range of activities to suit all interests and tastes, and children can also request something different from a book of pictures of all the equipment owned by the setting. Active, physical games and sporting activities enhance the children's physical development and a range of craft activities, construction, small world toys and technological equipment promote hand eye coordination and concentration.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure environment where their safety is promoted and protected. Appliances are checked annually, emergency evacuation procedures are practised regularly and all parts of the premises and equipment used by the children is regularly risk assessed by staff. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through well practised safety routines and reminders from staff about such things as climbing on tables and walking safely to and from school. Children are supervised very well by staff throughout each session, the main door is kept locked and comprehensive policies are followed with regard to collection by known adults. Children's welfare is safeguarded because staff have sound knowledge of child protection procedures and are aware of their roles and responsibilities. A comprehensive child protection policy is available for parents to read, in conjunction with guidelines from the local authority.

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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 settle well and thoroughly enjoy the out of school club. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. They engage well in their chosen activities and play happily and cooperatively. Children choose what they want to play with from the variety of activities set out for them. They are able to organise their own games and move freely around the rooms and outside. This encourages children to be independent and take responsibility for each other and their actions. Children enjoy a balanced range of activities, promoting their interests and enjoyment and enhancing their all round development. Staff often organise specific art and craft activities or outings, which children can participate in or not as they wish. Children can relax or be active according to their needs and interests. A box of books, along with the bean bags on the floor, provide children with a comfortable area to relax in. Programmable toys and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

games consoles promote hand eye coordination and board games encourage healthy competition between two or more children. Outdoor activities are promoted at every session and throughout the holidays, and children thoroughly enjoy playing with the wheeled toys, the footballs or at the table tennis table.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are supported and encouraged by staff, who help them extend their experiences and interests. Activities are organised during the holidays to enhance the children's fun and enjoyment. They decorate Easter eggs with coloured icing and sweets, paint plastic ducks to race on a nearby river and spend a day at the zoo. Children organise themselves well, with the older children often including the younger children in their games. Staff are on hand to guide and advise, sometimes getting involved in devising dance routines, circle games, treasure hunts or competitions. Children enjoy creating a wall display depicting an underwater scene and proudly show off which fish they have painted. Children continue to develop a range of knowledge and skills as they discuss which colours to use in their bead patterns, or how to spell the words they want to use in the captions on their cartoon drawings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging and develop trusting relationships with staff because they are treated with equal concern and have their individual needs met well. They enjoy bringing items from home to share with their friends, for example, films or 'stacking cups'. They celebrate different festivals; they are currently enjoying decorating chocolate Easter eggs with coloured icing and sweets and preparing for an Easter rabbit hunt later in the week. Children's welfare is promoted well because staff work closely with parents and teachers on any issues of concern or particular requirements. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are welcomed and integrated into the group. They participate in all activities to the level of their ability, which helps promote their all round development and independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and their behaviour is promoted through lots of praise and positive role modelling by the staff. Children's contributions and achievements are valued and rewarded, which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. They learn right from wrong through explanations and reminders from staff and play well together in mixed age groups. Ample space allows children to play together or separately and they take turns at the table tennis, with the roller skates or the games console. Effective working relationships with parents result in a good understanding of children's needs. Children feel a sense of belonging in the relaxed and friendly environment, where individual needs are responded to well, because staff take time to discuss with the parents any situation which may be affecting the child. The children's care is supported

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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 through written agreements and appropriate consent forms, signed by most parents. However, staff's own children, who attend the group, are not registered. This compromises their care and safety in an emergency. Parents are kept informed of the club's activities and events through daily exchanges of information with staff, notices and letters. A full set of policies and procedures are given to all new parents who register with the club. These exchanges of information ensure continuity and consistency of care for all children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Effective recruitment and checking procedures ensure children are cared for by experienced, committed staff members. A range of training opportunities are offered to staff in order to gain suitable qualifications or update skills. Regular staff meetings promote good teamwork, ensuring staff work together well to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement.

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Organisation

Children feel at ease and relaxed in this lively, active, enjoyable environment. The organisation of the premises and resources allow children to make choices and become independent. Staff provide stimulating and fun activities for the children, promoting their confidence and self-esteem. Children's health, safety and achievement is promoted and managed well because staff ensure records and other documentation are kept correctly and up to date. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Amendments have been made to two of the setting's policies, ensuring they now comply with National Standards. These actions serve to protect children's safety and security.

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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 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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure all parents complete a registration form, with relevant details needed by the setting.

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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 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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