Anchor Day Care

Anchor Day Care Inspection report for early years provision

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224776 Unique Reference Number 23 May 2007 Inspection date Sarah Jane Rhodes Inspector

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Gladstone Primary School, Anchor Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST3 5EW

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E-mail

Daycare Nurseries 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 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?

Anchor Day Care Out of School Club is one of three settings run by Daycare Nurseries Ltd. It opened in 2001 and operates from a detached house within the school grounds of Gladstone Primary School. A maximum of 32 children may attend the out of school club at any one time. The club is open each weekday from 07.00 to 09.00 and 15:30 to 17:45 and from 07:00 to 17:45 during holidays. Children attend from two local schools. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 28 children aged from four to 11 years on roll. The club employs four members of staff. All hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment. They enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Being active and being aware of what their bodies require to remain healthy, is strongly encouraged. Outdoor sports such as cricket and climbing are provided

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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 to encourage children with a physical challenge. Most children join in enthusiastically as the staff support and monitor their play. Children develop their physical skills such as pedalling a wheeled toy and have a positive attitude towards exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well-planned routines. They are able to use good quality hand washing facilities and are independent in their self care skills. They know that they need to wash their hands before eating their snack or after using the toilet and have individual towels. This helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination. However, staff and visitors do not have access to hand drying facilities when using the adult toilet which acts as a disincentive to the use of this sink. Children's medical needs both in an emergency and with regard to ongoing medication are met through the use of accident and medication procedures that are understood by all the staff. Clear procedures for sick and infectious children help prevent the spread of infection and keep children healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a varied, healthy and nutritious diet. They have access to drinks throughout the session ensuring they are not left thirsty. The club provides an after school snack, for example, sandwiches made from wholemeal bread, pasta or soup and fruit, all dietary requirements are discussed with parents and carefully catered for. During school holidays children have a cooked meal such as sausage casserole, savoury rice and mince or make their own pizzas. The careful, appetizing presentation and appropriate encouragement from staff at meal times and through activities such as the pizza making, helps children develop a positive attitude to healthy eating and trying new things.

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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, child friendly environment, where risks to children are limited through good safety and security procedures. The converted caretaker's house has two open plan rooms one on the ground floor and one on the first floor, this domestic scale provides an extremely pleasant environment. The walls are colourfully decorated with children's art and project work which have been mounted with care and respect for the considerable thought and effort children have put into their work. The two rooms are set up with appropriate activities for the full range of children attending. Staff monitor access to the group at all times and precautions are taken by staff to ensure the outdoor areas are safe and fully secure. Risk assessments are completed regularly and updated whenever new issues are identified. Fire evacuation procedures are fully understood by staff and practised at least twice

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

a term. This allows children to have a full understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can access a good range of high quality, safe resources, appropriate for the interests of primary school children. These are well presented by staff and children are able to choose from the inviting range stored at low-level and ask for those on open display on higher shelves in the group rooms. Staff explain safe practices to children such as, road safety issues through routines like the walking bus and project work back at the club. This helps children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a secure understanding of child protection procedures and reporting processes, which ensures children are well protected. The manager has undertaken child protection training and ensures staff have access to up-to-date information. All staff have had a full induction into the club's child protection procedures, which ensures that staff fully understand their responsibilities in protecting children from harm.

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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. The children really enjoy their time at the club, all arrive happy and eager to participate. They are able to access an interesting variety of activities both inside and outside which contribute to their enjoyment of a constructive leisure time. On the day of inspection, on arrival children had a circle time to share news and sing 'Happy Birthday' to one of the children, another child delayed going home to ensure she could join in with this celebration for her friend, after a social snack time, children played outside with sand, balls and bikes or inside with dominos and construction. The children find the range of activities provided stimulating and fun. Encouragement from staff and each other helps them persist with a game or activity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children and staff work together to plan the activities. Staff pick themes for example, road safety and plan a daily activity, which children have a choice about undertaking. These can introduce new topics to broaden children's horizons and increase their skills for example, information on hearing impairment and sign language or different cultural dress. Toy rotas and open shelving ensure children have a range of other toys to choose from. The children are supportive of one another and help each other with tasks. Staff undertake observations and produce written reports for parents every six months covering areas such as personal attitude and social skills, this ensures they get to know all the children very well. Children's strong relationships with adults, who value them, the work they produce and their opinions, help them develop a positive sense of self and very good self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and play a full part in the club because staff value their contribution and respect their individual choices. All children regardless of gender or ability are encouraged and enabled to take part in their chosen activity, for example, bowling for a cricketer or dressing up. Staff are active in dispelling negative stereotypes and provide a wide range of activities and resources with positive images of culture, gender and disability, this creates an inclusive and positive atmosphere. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents in detail. Any special requirements are discussed and consistent communication and information exchange takes place. No children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are currently cared for but the club feels it would recognise and meet any additional needs sensitively, obtaining appropriate support to ensure that the child can make progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's behaviour is very good. They respond positively to boundaries set by the staff because staff treat them with respect. Also they take part in setting the rules and understand why certain rules are in place. They are polite to all, cooperative and caring with each other and are respectful to adults and the environment. Children are developing positive relationships with all adults and children, in a calm but busy atmosphere. Staff use praise and encouragement constantly with the children. These positive strategies helps to build self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a positive partnership between staff and parents. The staff take time to encourage parents to gain information about how the club operates, through discussion at initial visits and reading the policies and information on the notice boards. If staff need to exchange information with parents they do this verbally at the beginning or end of the session. Twice a year staff produce an informative report that updates parents on issues such as their child's personal attitude and social skills during their time at the club.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the committed and supportive staff team. The staff are well supported by the registered provider through the company's general manager who ensures there are robust staff recruitment and vetting procedures which keep children well protected. All staff who work with the children are qualified and many additional training courses have been attended. This contributes to the quality of care and experiences provided for children. Staff are well managed and there are good systems in place to provide clear direction, support and leadership for example, very regular appraisals and team meetings.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of children. Appropriate guidance is given by the provider to ensure that staff are clear in their roles. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed. However, on rare occasions staff may not be able to access some documents if the key to the storage unit is not available, therefore limiting their knowledge of a child's previous medical history.

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Organisation

The premises are well organised. Indoor and outdoor spaces are laid out to give children good play opportunities. Children are at ease and confident to choose their own activities and enjoy their leisure time. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the setting agreed to: ensure staff completed an appropriate first aid course that included training in first aid for infants and young children. Also to review all documentation to ensure they related to the setting and devise a statement of procedures where a parent has a complaint and make this available at all times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All staff have undertaken first aid training ensuring they are prepared to help children appropriately in an emergency. The documentation has been reviewed and updated including the complaints procedure. All documentation is available to parents allowing them to have a clear understanding of how the setting operates.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The setting also agreed to: Improve hand drying facilities and increase resources to reflect images of culture, ethnicity and disability and outdoor equipment for younger children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Appropriate hand drying facilities are now in place for children, however, facilities for adults using the first floor toilet are not in place and this has been carried forward as a recommendation from this inspection. Positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability are provided for children through equipment and activities creating an inclusive and positive atmosphere. Younger children have a range of appropriate outdoor toys and enjoy constructive outdoor play.

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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): • provide suitable hand drying facilities for staff and visitors using the adult toilet facilities • devise a process that ensures staff always have access to children's medical records when the manager is not present.

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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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