Ali's After School + Breakfast Club

Ali's After School + Breakfast Club Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY343639 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2007 Inspection date Andrea, Marie Paulson Inspector

p.1

Inglewood Infant School, School Road, CARLISLE, CA1 3LX Setting Address

p.1

E-mail

Committee of Inglewood Infant School 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Ali's After School and Breakfast Club is run by a management committee. It operates from the dining hall and school assembly hall in Inglewood Infant School. Children from this school and the neighbouring junior school may attend this provision. The school is situated in Harraby, Carlisle, Cumbria. There are currently 50 children attending the club. The setting is open each weekday, in term time, from 15.00 to 18.00 and from 07.45 to 08.50. The club employs four staff; three of whom, including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy with appropriate practices implemented consistently to uphold good health and hygiene standards. Children learn that good hygiene is important for staying healthy by keeping the environment clean as they wash hands, and tables are wiped as part of a familiar routine.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 They have many enjoyable opportunities for active play both indoors and outdoors. Children's strength and coordination is effectively promoted as they run freely outdoors, play football and practise skipping. They move confidently through the spacious indoor rooms as they easily access the play areas. Children are able to rest on the grass or picnic area outdoors and during quiet activities indoors. The book corner is a separate area with books well displayed and child-size wicker chairs, which provide an interesting rest area.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a reasonable understanding of making healthy food choices as they are provided with various fruits, juices and sandwiches, for instance jam and cheese. However, their awareness of healthy eating is not further enhanced through having more nutritious foods and being more involved in preparing their own snacks, where appropriate. Water is available throughout the session for children to help themselves when thirsty.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Individual dietary needs are catered for by staff working closely with parents. Staff take great care to monitor the provision of foods especially with regard to allergies, so that children's individual health is further supported. Children are looked after well if they have an accident, as staff care very much about their well-being by offering comfort and individual attention when needed.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel confident in a safe and secure environment. Risk assessments successfully identify and resolve hazards, and safe practices are implemented consistently so that children are kept safe throughout the session. Children benefit from a high level of supervision, for instance, as they line up before coming indoors for a snack. Thorough systems are in place and implemented well to ensure that children are collected by authorised adults safely, as staff have good vision of adults approaching the club. Parents are familiar with the signing out procedure which is consistently implemented. The premises are light, bright, colourful and a pleasure for children to walk in to, especially when set out with well organised, interesting resources.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to be responsible for their own and others' safety, for instance, as they play football in a separate area of the playground. Children are familiar with the emergency evacuation procedure which was demonstrated during the session. They respond well to the calm instructions from staff and know not to return until clearance is given. Children gain confidence and skills as they easily access plentiful, good quality equipment. Daily checks identify risks and maintain good safety standards of the premises and the resources. Children are relaxed, have fun and move freely around the welcoming, well-maintained premises.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have good awareness of child protection issues and are aware of the local procedures. Policies and procedures are in place to underpin this knowledge. The policy copy displayed for parents, though, does not include the name of the designated person. Children's welfare is, however, well safeguarded.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident, relaxed and enjoy themselves in a friendly and calm atmosphere. They settle well into a familiar routine as they are checked into the club, take part in the interesting activities and organise themselves for snack time. Children develop good self-esteem

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 as they make choices and take care of themselves, such as playing softball in a partitioned play area. Their achievements and good manners are praised often so that they feel valued.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children extend their skills as they play with balls, cut around octopus shapes and make collages , such as making sheep for a 'spring and summer' display. They concentrate well as they make various models out of building blocks. Their interest is maintained consistently with exciting topics planned throughout the term, for instance, 'under the sea' and 'outer space'. Their self-expression is encouraged as they talk about their experiences, such as holidays, with the staff during activities. Children build good trusting relationships with the staff who are actively involved with them and enjoy the activities together. They learn to work together well as they build models and take turns on the computer.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The stimulating range of activities is planned thoroughly and includes evaluations as to how much the children benefit from them. The resources reflect the age range of the club and younger children are well supported by staff when needed, for instance, in cutting out octopus shapes, so that all children are actively involved. Staff members have a good knowledge of the children which significantly contributes to the continuity of care, the settled atmosphere and the confidence of the children, as staff know them well as individuals and cater well for their needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children become aware of different cultures in a wider world as they have fun activities based on themes, such as 'Italy' and when making flags. Staff have a good knowledge of the children's individual needs through close connections with the school and working closely with the parents, so that each child's individual needs are met well.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved and follow the consistent ground rules for acceptable behaviour as they repeatedly use good manners and learn to be considerate to each other. Staff provide good role models in encouraging children to be aware of others around them, for instance, as they play softball in the hall. They learn responsible behaviour as they tidy up after an activity, help other children with drinks and share resources. Children line up promptly when moving between rooms, often without needing a reminder from staff. They play well together to achieve a common aim as they build with construction blocks. They respond well to instructions as they practise the emergency evacuation. Children enjoy a very good balance of adult-led and child-led activities and are able to make decisions about their play activities. Their ideas are valued as they discuss a 'wish list' of resources, which helps to develop their self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's well-being is further promoted through the close working relationship between staff, the school and the parents. Information about the childcare is shared by various means. Key policies and procedures are displayed for parents and are comprehensive, with the minor exception of the complaints policy which does not inform parents that they can request to see the complaints record. Parents spoken with are very pleased with the club and comment on how happy the children are to attend, how approachable the staff are and how children benefit from the fun, structured, relaxed sessions.

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a generally highly organised provision with thorough, well-maintained records and effective planning of exciting activities throughout the term. They take an active part in the setting which is very well supervised by the staff to promote children's enjoyment and achievements. Children are relaxed and confident in the safe and secure environment with staff who care very much about the well-being of all the children.

p.5

Organisation

Children's individual needs are known and recorded through efficient systems and through working very closely with the school. Some staff also work in the school which contributes to the continuity of care. Staff are very well deployed to ensure that children can access all the activities throughout the session. They work very well as a team to make the session run smoothly and set out the premises ready for activities. Children's well-being is further supported by the regular exchange of information with parents through various means. The quality of care is reflected in the positive feedback from the parents and the children's enjoyment of the club.

p.5

Organisation

The provision has, however, not informed Ofsted of the change in manager for the breakfast club, which is a breach in regulations. They are now aware of this and have demonstrated that systems are to be revised to keep Ofsted informed. Ofsted is satisfied that this poses no risk to children in future.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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):

p.5

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 • consider further promoting children's awareness of healthy eating by extending the range of nutritious food available and involving children more in preparing their own snacks • ensure that the child protection policy displayed for parents includes the name of the designated person • ensure that the complaints policy informs parents that they can request to see the complaints record • ensure that Ofsted is notified of significant changes such as when there has been a change of manager.

p.5

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