Bardfield After School and Breakfast Club

Bardfield After School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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650030 Unique Reference Number 26 April 2007 Inspection date Lynn Clements Inspector

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C/O Great Bardfield Primary School, Braintree Road, GREAT BARDFIELD, Essex, CM7 4RN

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E-mail

"Drop Zone" Bardfield After School Club 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?

Bardfield After School Club, Drop Zone, Breakfast Club and Holiday Scheme opened in 1997. It is registered to care for a maximum of 24 at any one time. It operates from two rooms in a purpose-built unit shared with the pre-school and is situated in the grounds of Great Bardfield Primary School. The groups serve the local and surrounding area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 54 children on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group opens five days a week during school term times from 08.00 until 08.45 before school, 15.00 until 18.00 Monday to Thursday, 15.00 until 17.00 on Fridays. It also opens from 08.30 until 18.00 during school holidays, dependent on demand.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Six members of the staff work with the children. Two hold early years qualification to National Vocational level 2 and 3 and one is a qualified teacher. The setting receives support from Bardfield Primary School and the 4Children organisation.

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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 develop a clear understanding about the importance of good personal hygiene, supported by consistent routines and well informed staff. Their health is promoted and cross-infection is minimised by the sound policies and procedures which are shared and agreed with parents and carers and implemented in practice. Daily routines such as washing hands and keeping food areas hygienically clean protect children from cross-contamination and helps them to stay healthy. All health related documentation is in place and updated regularly to ensure children's individual medical and dietary needs are met and respected.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are effective systems in place to protect children with allergies and ensure their dietary needs are met; where necessary this includes staff attending focussed training to ensure they can effectively meet and deal with potential reactions children with severe allergies may have. Children have excellent opportunities to select from a wide variety of healthy options at their breakfast and after school club. They learn about foods which are 'good for them' and those which are 'not so good' during topics, meal time discussions and cooking activities. Members of staff have attended relevant food hygiene training which supports their understanding of childhood nutrition and safe food handling techniques. Children are active at snack time, helping themselves and making independent choices as they explore their personal likes and dislikes. Children are confident to pour their own drinks and water is available throughout sessions to

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Helping children to be healthy

ensure no child remains thirsty. Staff make the most of opportunities to introduce children to foods from around the world and children share their ideas about the foods they want to try.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities which promote a healthy lifestyle. They move freely around the well equipped playground, jumping, balancing and climbing with competence. Children develop their hand-eye coordination as they throw and catch footballs. They confidently build on their existing fine motor skills pouring drinks and using utensils and single-handed tools with good coordination and control. Their self-esteem and confidence grow as they acquire new skills using toys and equipment both outside and indoors. All children are able to rest or be active according to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The use of bright posters and the children’s own creations provide a warm and welcoming environment for children, families and visitors. Children are encouraged to relax and play in a secure and safe environment where they are supported by competent and caring staff. Child accessible storage enables them to explore and investigate toys and resources at their own pace and child-height furniture ensures children can play and learn in safety and comfort.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Written risk assessments are in place to ensure that the breakfast and after school club space, resources and equipment are well-maintained, safe and suitable for children to use. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe as they tidy away after playing to avoid tripping hazards. Safety equipment such as socket covers and finger guards on doors ensures that children remain protected from accidental injury. Attention to practising fire drill enables children and staff to know what to do in the event of an emergency. Secure systems are in place for the safe arrival and departure of children to prevent them from leaving the premises unsupervised. In addition to daily registers maintained by staff, parents or carers also sign

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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 children in at the beginning of the day and out at the end. Clear collection procedures are in place to ensure children only leave the club with authorised adults. The identification of visitors is carefully checked and recorded to protect children from un-cleared persons.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The protection of children is recognised by the setting to be of the highest priority and as a result children are safeguarded. All staff are vetted and there is a clear procedure to follow should they have any concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take a very active role in choosing and deciding which activities and games they are interested in exploring. Daily discussions take place between staff and children to share ideas and help the children to feel at home in their club. Staff motivate children, joining in their games and supporting their play. Children move freely around the setting selecting resources and extending their play independently. They concentrate for extended periods of time, for example as they join in scientific experiments to create 'wacky colourful waves in plastic bottles', or negotiate computer programmes. Children use their imagination creating 3D models of castles, jewellery and tickling sticks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are extremely confident and secure in the setting and in their relationships with each other and staff. They adapt their games to include their friends. They are keen to share and take turns and play together. Children have first hand experiences to develop their curiosity as learners as they find out how to put different games together or explore other cultures and customs during topics and activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their self-esteem and independence. They ask questions and respond to new challenges by questioning and using their own initiative. Children join in creating displays to help make their club their own and at the same time providing a bright welcoming atmosphere for parents and visitors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All children have their individual needs met and they are developing a good range of knowledge and skills because staff provide activities and play opportunities that help children achieve and have fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children take an active role when joining in activities and sports which interest them. Staff work extremely well as a team, supporting children's play and providing plenty of opportunities for fun. They are perceptive to the individual needs of children, offering constructive ideas which children use to extend their play and scientific investigations. Staff motivate and support children to join in all the activities and games without fear of failure. They ensure that they know all children well to provide equality of opportunity. There is no bias in their practice in relation to gender, race or disability. Staff work with parents to ensure children with learning difficulties or disabilities are fully included.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are confident and secure in the setting and in their relationships with each other and staff. They adapt their games to include younger children and they are keen to share and take turns. Behaviour is good. Children are able to develop a good sense of belonging as they work harmoniously with others, making choices and decisions for themselves.

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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 Clear information is provided for parents regarding daily routines and weekly events. Positive working relationships between staff and parents enables staff to provide continuity of care for all children attending.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by the sound organisation of the club. Space is maximised to its full potential and the adjoining outside areas are used well. Children benefit from the freedom to move around the provision.

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Organisation

All policies and procedures are in place and implemented in practice to keep children healthy and safe. However, the child protection policy requires updating to ensure children remain safe if allegations are brought against members of staff or volunteers. Monitoring and evaluation of staff is ongoing to ensure they continue to work appropriately with children. Employment procedures are robust to ensure children are protected. However, staff deployment in the breakfast club does not currently meet requirements in legislation with regard to 50% of staff being qualified to National Vocational level 2 to ensure children are cared for by appropriately trained staff.

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Organisation

All staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities. All records are updated as required and stored securely. Confidentiality is respected. Overall, the needs of children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the provider has improved outcomes for children. Staff have worked as a team devising menus and thinking about the foods they offer to children. Wholesome foods are now available throughout the sessions enabling children to learn about the foods which are 'good for them' and those which are 'not so good'; they can make their own choices about the foods they eat from the healthy options available. The staff team has also developed activities and resources which enable children to learn and extend their understanding about diversity. Children have created posters which provide positive images of disabilities, gender issues and ethnic diversity. They are also involved as pen pals to children from a school in Africa which is providing opportunities for them to learn about other cultures and customs around the world.

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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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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

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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): • develop and implement an action plan showing how staff working in the breakfast club will meet National Standard requirements relating to 50% of staff being qualified to National Vocational level 2 • update the current child protection policy to ensure it clearly identifies procedures to be followed in the event of allegations being made against members of staff or volunteers.

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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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