Dunholme Kids' Club

Dunholme Kids Club Inspection report for early years provision

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253541 Unique Reference Number 05 June 2007 Inspection date Beverly Kemp-Russell Inspector

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Dunholme St Chads Primary School, Ryland Road, Dunholme, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN2 3NE

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E-mail

Dunholme Kids 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 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?

Dunholme Kids Club opened in 1999. It operates from Dunholme St. Chads Primary School. The club has access to the hall and the school grounds for outside play. It serves families and children from the local community and surrounding areas. There are local amenities within walking distance which consist of parks and shops.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 24 children, from three to under eight years, may attend the club at any one time. The setting currently has 57 children on roll. The club has systems in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language. The club opens five days a week, from 07:30 until 09:00 and 15:20 until 17:30 during school term times.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are four staff working with the children. Half of the staff have appropriate early years qualifications. Two members of staff are currently working towards a recognised early years 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. Practitioners follow sound procedures for maintaining hygiene which ensure that the children are cared for in a clean and healthy environment, for example, tables are wiped with anti-bacterial spray prior to being used for food and a cleaner is employed to ensure a healthy environment. Children are encouraged to become independent in promoting their own good health, such as routine hand washing before food and children show confidence in using this ability. Children's health is promoted by health and medication records and by staff attending first aid training.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a satisfactory choice of snacks which include a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables so that healthy eating choices are promoted. These are also regularly discussed so that children are aware it is part of maintaining health. Practitioners ensure that children always have access to water and squash throughout the session to ensure their health and dietary needs are well met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy opportunities for physical activities and are skilled at using a range of small equipment to promote coordination skills. Children make use of the outdoor area to run and play in the fresh air on a daily basis providing satisfactory challenge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment which is well maintained, safe and secure. The premises provide adequate space in an appropriate location and offer access to the necessary facilities which promote children's all round development. Staff ensure regular risk assessments are completed to help minimise hazards which may harm children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use appropriate equipment such as tables and chairs to sit, eat and play safely. They also use a suitable range of developmentally appropriate resources which are regularly checked for safety. Staff use explanations about safety so that children are able to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. Staff help to create a stimulating environment for children by providing furniture, toys and equipment to meet the varying needs of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because staff have a satisfactory understanding of their role in protecting children and are able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. Staff are aware of the need to record this in the incident book and to report to their manager. Children are protected by staff's awareness of child protection guidelines and sound procedures support the manager in protecting children from abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The care and play experiences for children in the setting are satisfactory. Children are content and settled and enjoy close relationships with their carers. Staff provide activities and resources in order to give children a mix of active and quiet times. They plan and provide a sound range of learning opportunities for children which include both adult-directed and free play activities,

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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 such as painting and baking. Staff's interactions with children are adequately balanced to ensure children are able to initiate their own activities and explore freely when undertaking team roles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Regular discussions with parents ensure that young children benefit from, and experience, familiar home routines, helping them to feel safe and secure. Children show interest in what they do such as playing with small world resources and educational board games. They have some opportunities to access activities to develop their creativity such as, cutting and sticking. Children make choices from a sound range of resources provided each day and they are adequately absorbed throughout the session. Staff provide activities to ensure children are learning and developing new skills whilst having fun. Children enjoy playing outside in the school grounds with sports equipment and practising cheer leading routines and football team role play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for by staff who work with parents to meet individual needs and ensure children are included. All children and parents receive a warm welcome from staff who are sensitive to each family's circumstances. Staff know children well and the manager also works in the school environment. Each child is known as an individual and time is spent making sure their needs are met and continuity of care is offered. Parents' views about their child's needs are actively sought before the child starts at the setting, and on a regular basis throughout their time there. Staff ensure they feedback to parents verbally at the end of each session and post information on the notice-board.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff have satisfactory expectations of children's behaviour. Through them acting as sound role models and using appropriate methods, such as giving clear explanations, children learn good manners and to care for others. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement from staff, building their confidence and self-esteem. Staff encourage children to work together to establish ground rules and communicate in a clear, calm and positive manner.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have some opportunities to learn about the wider world through planned activities, such as making rangoli during Diwali and celebrating Australia Day. Children's opinions and achievements are recognised and praised by everyone in the group.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for and protected by an enthusiastic and caring staff team. This helps create a positive, happy atmosphere for children. Regular meetings are held to make sure information is shared and staff are consistent in their approach. Half the staff are suitably qualified and have experience of caring for children in a variety of roles. Staff maintain suitable ratios to keep children safe and support their care and play to meet the needs of the children. Most policies and procedures are known by the staff. However, induction and vetting procedures and the organisation of some documentation are not fully effective in promoting children's health and well-being. Records are adequately maintained and are shared with parents to ensure continuity of care. Children are cared for in a secure environment and staff are effective in supervising children. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to: ensure records are maintained with reference to obtaining written parental permission prior to medication administration; retain records for a reasonable period of time after children have left the provision; ensure the complaints procedure includes the address and telephone number of the regulator; ensure that induction training is comprehensive; extend the range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity and obtain current information on child protection procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the setting have made satisfactory improvements. Consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has been obtained in writing from parents. Records are stored in a locked filing cabinet and there are records dating back at least two years after children have left the provision. The complaints procedure is displayed on the parents' notice-board and includes naming Ofsted as regulator. The setting has a satisfactory range of resources and has planned activities to give children a knowledge of the wider world. Staff have developed an informative child protection procedure. All this contributes to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children attending the provision. However, the induction procedure for new staff, which includes health and safety information and child protection procedures, is not fully effective to ensure new staff are fully informed.

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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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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): • improve the induction programme for staff to ensure it effectively informs them about how the setting operates • develop the current recruitment policy to include robust vetting procedures • update and effectively organise records, policies and procedures which are required for the safe management of the provision.

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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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