Humpties@StMichael's

Beacon Badgers Inspection report for early years provision

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218296 Unique Reference Number 16 May 2007 Inspection date Sally Ann Smith Inspector

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St. Michaels C of E Primary School, Sturgeons Hill, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9AW

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E-mail

Phillip Siddell 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?

Beacon Badgers Out of School Club operates from two rooms and the hall within St Michaels Church of England Primary School in Lichfield. All children share access to a fully enclosed outdoor play area. The club serves children attending the school and also children from neighbouring schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club opens five days a week from 15:00 to 18:00 during term-time and from 08:00 to 18:00 during school holidays. There are currently 56 children from three years to under eight years on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club employs eight members of staff all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's awareness of appropriate personal self-care skills is good and they clean their hands with disposable wipes before eating snack. Children independently visit the toilet throughout

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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 the session and staff remind children about hand washing. Tissues are readily available should children require them, for example to blow their nose. Topics and themes around health and hygiene further promote children's understanding of health and hygiene. All necessary written consent is obtained from parents for example medication and seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures are in place to ensure that children's good health is effectively promoted. This includes detailed information regarding notifiable and communicable diseases which is shared with parents. For example, they receive information on salmonella and hepatitis A, B and C. Staff have received first aid training and are conversant with the relevant procedures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children generally benefit from a healthy diet where fruit is offered for snack in preference to biscuits and crisps. However, children also have the option to bring snacks from home which at times conflict with the club's policy on promoting a healthy diet. Staff regularly evaluate their practice and have identified this as an area for improvement. During the holiday play scheme lunchboxes are stored in a cool place and parents are advised to include an ice pack so that food remains chilled. Children sit together to eat their food, making mealtimes an enjoyable, social occasion. Staff enable children to take as much time as they like to finish their meal. Children have regular access to drinking water and juice throughout the session.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical exercise which is a daily feature of their play. They enjoy being in the school hall where they can run around and let off steam. Children play games such as shark attack or Santa attack at Christmas time. Other team games like 'Stuck in the mud' 'Go fish' and Duck, duck, goose are all firm favourites and are played time again. Many children enjoy dancing to a variety of different music and putting on talent shows for the rest of the group.

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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 welcoming, well organised environment where they are relaxed and happy in their play. Resources are laid out for the children on their arrival and these are varied to meet individual preferences. Space is utilised effectively using the floor and table tops to provide different play opportunities whilst enabling children to manoeuvre around the room safely. An extensive range of equipment adequately supports children's care and play needs and provides children with lots of choice. Children are closely supervised by staff who deploy themselves effectively within each of the rooms to support children's play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Emergency evacuation procedures are effective in ensuring that children know what to do in the event of a fire. These are practised regularly and at different times to take account of children's patterns in attendance. Staff discuss issues with the children and why the practises are important. A safety topic each month further develops their understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Regular safety checks are carried out by staff to ensure hazards and risks to children are minimised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in protecting children in their care. They have a good understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and the importance of reporting any concerns to the relevant agencies. Staff are made aware of what to do should an allegation be made against themselves.

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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 enter the club happily and with great enthusiasm, selecting activities from the wide range available. They play well together and are fully engrossed and absorbed in their play. Children enjoy staff involvement particularly in board and card games and whilst competitive and keen to emerge as winners they are also gracious in defeat. 'Slam' is a particular card game favourite as it is fast, furious and quick witted. Children are happy to play again and again. Staff plan a comprehensive range of activities based around weekly themes. Children regularly participate in meetings to discuss their play preferences. Children have quiet areas where they can read, write or complete homework if they choose. Floor space is utilised well so that children can spread out and play with small world resources. For example, children enjoy building tracks with various twists, turns and bridges for the trains. Staff interact with the children well and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

take a genuine interest their hobbies, families and any other news they wish to share.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy developing their creative skills and have a wide range to choose from. They make salt dough models, masks and flags. Cards are made for significant events such as Mothers, Fathers and St David's Day. A good range of books are available and changed regularly to link into various themes or topics the children are following. Children are involved in a stimulating range of activities where they make choices. This ensures that they are happy and enjoy quality time whilst at Beacon Badgers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very well behaved and know the routine well. They are clear of routines and boundaries demonstrating a good understanding of appropriate behaviour. For example, they follow staff's lead and raise their arm in the air when quiet is required. This enables the children to listen to staff instruction. They play well together and readily share and take turns when playing board games or cards. Appropriate behaviour management strategies are in place which are discussed with parents to ensure there is consistency. Children are consulted and make decisions regarding their play. They attend 'Badger Set' meetings where they put forward their suggestions for the weekly activities. Staff ensure that planning incorporates children's preferences and activities they enjoy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about different cultures and the world around them. They are involved in some planned activities to look at cultural celebrations and festivals such as Diwali. Children are beginning to learn traditional arts and crafts from Mexico, Central America, Africa and Native North America. Themes such as 'Travelling around the world' introduce them to countries such as Canada, China and Egypt. They attempt to speak Arabic and enjoy a magic carpet ride. They learn a Canadian tradition of weaving flowers on a fork and whilst in 'China they make fortune sticks and go on a panda trail. A good range of resources support children's play and learning and they have particular fun dressing up in an array of costumes. However, children have few opportunities to observe and explore their local community although this has been identified by staff as an area for improvement. Children attending the setting who

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Helping children make a positive contribution

have learning difficulties and/or disabilities are effectively supported and staff work with parents and professionals closely to ensure all children are made welcome and included. All children make use of the resources available and activities are adapted to meet the individual needs of each child.

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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 Staff take time to talk to parents when children are collected at the end of the day. They discuss routines and share any relevant information with parents regarding the care of their child. A notice board displays information regarding the setting's policies and procedures and parents are aware of procedures and contact details of the regulator should they have a complaint. A two-way exchange of information ensures that children's needs and preferences are accounted for. Children's 'Achievement folders' provide further evidence in drawings, photographs and written observations of how their time is well spent. These factors help to promote children's care, well-being and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well organised setting where activities are planned to meet their individual needs and provide a variety of different play opportunities. Staff demonstrate a good understanding of the needs of children to promote their general well-being. Appropriate adult and child ratios are maintained to support children's care and play. There is a rigorous and robust recruitment system which ensures staff have the necessary skills and attributes to work with children. New staff are assigned a mentor who help them to understand and effectively implement the setting's policies and procedures. Staff are expected to demonstrate good communicative skills with parents. Regular team meetings enable staff to discuss and evaluate practice issues and all staff attend training on a regular basis to enhance all areas of children's play, development and general well-being.

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Organisation

Children's attendance is accurately recorded detailing their arrival and departure times. Parents and carers are required to sign their child out and staff are vigilant in ensuring that the system is effective so that children are safe and accounted for. Relevant documentation such as accident and medication records promote the care and welfare of children. All documentation is stored safely, easily accessible and available for inspection at all times.

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Organisation

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 setting were required to arrange registration so that the care of the eight to eleven year olds does not adversely affect the care of children under eight years. Children's arrival has now been reorganised so that older children are separate from the younger children thus reducing the congestion caused by having both groups together for registration.

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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 copy 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): • improve further the arrangements for food to ensure that it is nutritious and promotes children's healthy growth and development • continue to develop activities and themes to raise children's awareness of the wider community.

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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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