Poolside Manor Camps

Poolside Manor Camps Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

147608 Unique Reference Number 06 August 2007 Inspection date Kanwal Sonia Lobo Inspector

p.1

Lyndhurst Gardens, Finchley, London, N3 1TD Setting Address

p.1

020 8349 1945 Telephone number laura@poolsidemanor.com E-mail Poolside Manor Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

p.1

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?

Poolside Manor Camps has been registered since July 1994. The provision has been under new management since December 2006.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group operates from Poolside Manor- swimming and activity club.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 40 children on roll each week of the scheme, who attend for a variety of sessions. The camp operates during the school holidays. Their hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 10:00 until 16:00.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The areas used are an activity room and the club's coffee bar. The camp also have access to squash and tennis courts. The play scheme has their own swimming pool which children use as part of the activities. The camp use an outdoor area beside the main building. They also provide outdoor play at Christ College Playing Fields and a cricket pavilion across the road from the setting address. The group is a member of the British Activity Holiday Association (BAHA)

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming environment. They make the connections between health and hygiene as, for example, most children know that they must wash their hands before eating or after using the toilet because the routines are well established.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children receive suitable first aid treatment in the event of an accident, as several staff hold valid first aid certificates. The first aid boxes are well stocked and the record of accidents is well maintained. In the event children are sick or infectious they are encouraged not to attend, as clear information is shared with parents to help prevent the spread of infections. All relevant policies and procedures are in place for the administration of medication.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Meal times are a relaxed and sociable occasion and children readily engage in conversation with their peers. They are assisted during this time by members of staff, who are deployed mainly to supervise. Children are encouraged to eat at their own pace and consequently do not feel rushed. Although drinks are provided upon request outside of lunch times, arrangements are being reviewed to ensure that when children become thirsty, they know they can access fresh drinking water for themselves at any time.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy and explore the outdoors when the weather permits. They are able to expend their energy in the fresh air and participate in suitable activities, which promote their physical development. They have fun playing team games, such as hockey and cricket.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected from strangers by monitoring access to the provision. Procedures are in place which ensure consistent use of the visitors' book is made and as a result, visitors are always identified before being permitted on site. There is a good system for registering staff and children which includes maintaining a daily record of their times of arrival and departure.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are regularly risk assessed and consequently, children are less likely to be exposed to potential risks or hazards. Risk assessments of activities undertaken with the children are reviewed, which helps to reduce the number of accidents. Play equipment, toys and furniture are safe and in good condition.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire drills are currently practised once a week because the setting give fire safety high priority. This in turn, ensures the patterns of children's attendance is reflected, so that everyone has sufficient and equal opportunities of learning how to respond in the event of an emergency evacuation.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded through the secure knowledge staff have of child protection issues. There are clear and comprehensive procedures in place should they have a concern, such as completing the incident forms. Staff demonstrate a good understanding of what to do in the event an allegation of abuse is made against them.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are forming secure and trusting friendships with their peers and the staff working directly with them. They are involved in a variety of tasks and activities, which are in the main age appropriate. However, sometimes the planning does not take account of the younger or more able children, and consequently they are not always sufficiently engaged or intellectually challenged. For example, a member of staff shares the story of Goldilocks and the three bears to the whole group. During this time, most children wander off within the supervised environment in search of other possibilities because, the activity is not geared towards a specific age group. This does not successfully capture the interest of all children present.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Generally, children have fun and enjoy the time they spend at Poolside Manor. They have regular chances to swim and spend time in the pool with their peers. This enables them to develop skills and their confidence of being in the water. Children have daily opportunities to express themselves creatively, as singing forms an integral part of their day and art and craft activities are always on offer. As a result, children are always likely to take part in at least one activity of their preference.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The interaction between children and staff is warm and purposeful. Children respond well to staff requests, for example, to form a line to visit the toilets. However, children frequently spend periods of time in large group situations, such as at registration, free play or story time. Consequently, this sometimes affects children's ability to engage in activities of their choice.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children make a valuable contribution because there are lots of opportunities created for them to share their ideas and feelings freely. They are confident communicators and express their creativity as they, for example, make up their 'group chant'. This fosters good team spirit and helps children to work together in order to reach a common goal.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are welcome. The ethos of the setting emphasises the importance of ensuring children feel included. Using an inclusive approach, enables children to feel part of the group and secure in their surroundings when they attend.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are praised and recognised for their achievements through the use of stickers and verbal affirmation to which they respond very well. They are supported to understand what is expected of them through explanations which, are skilfully and sensitively delivered in line with the their level of understanding and maturity. Most children are aware of the boundaries of acceptable behaviour because, they are helped to make sense of what the camp rules mean to them. They engage in useful discussions about what constitutes bullying and racism.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. Children's individual needs are documented well and information is continually exchanged and shared. The daily programme of activities is displayed for parents to see. This ensures they are aware of what the range of tasks and activities are on offer. The recent implementation of the key worker system has enabled a better settling- in period for a new child. Parents are provided with an array of information, which helps to ensure they are well informed, for example, the introductory leaflet is an aid for parents to make sure that children come prepared to camp. Parents know what are deemed suitable foods to pack for their children because, the setting have devised a 'handy hints for packed lunches' leaflet.

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 are comfortable and safe in a setting which is sufficiently organised to meet their needs. The day runs smoothly for the children because staff are clear about their role and responsibilities. Although the premises offers ample space, children are sometimes grouped together in one area in order to meet the organisational needs. This in turn means that children do not always have sufficient space to move freely, and some of the younger ones find it constricting and overwhelming.

p.5

Organisation

The management team are keen to develop the service offered and actively encourage staff to access training through the local authority and in-house training, to increase and update their childcare knowledge. All members undergo a rigorous induction programme which results in staff awareness of key issues, such as behaviour management being consistent.

p.5

Organisation

The registered person demonstrates a strong commitment in working towards ensuring that at least half of staff working directly with children are suitably qualified.

p.5

Organisation

All of the required records and permissions are in place and policies reflect the required information.

p.5

Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a number of actions and recommendations were raised. These have all been met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

It was agreed that the registered person must provide an action plan which identifies how they intend to comply with the minimum 50% staff qualification. The provider agreed to notify Ofsted of any staff changes and any other person's working on the premises, before the event, in all other cases as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than 14 days, after the event has occurred. He agreed to ensure that appropriate vetting procedures for staff are undertaken and arrangements are in place to protect children from persons who are not vetted. The provider agreed to provide sufficient and suitable play provisions which are easily accessible to children. He agreed to ensure all accident records are countersigned by parents to acknowledge each entry and to ensure that behaviour management strategies are fully understood, implemented consistently and are appropriate to children's level of understanding.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Poolside Manor has an action plan to continue to increase their qualified staffing levels. They currently employ five part-time members of staff who are qualified to level 3, and two staff who are completing their level 4 qualification in child care. Ofsted have been kept up to date with all significant changes. There are robust vetting procedures in place and as a result, nearly all staff working directly with children are suitable to do so. A sufficient and suitable range of play provisions are easily accessible to children and children know where to find books or puzzles. All accident records are consistently signed by parents, to acknowledge each entry because the team leaders have been delegated this responsibility. Staff have undergone training as part of their induction and before camp starts, which includes behaviour management. As a result strategies are fully understood, implemented consistently and are appropriate to

p.5

Improvements 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 children's level of understanding. The improvements have had a positive impact on the quality of care children receive and the service offered to parents.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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): • continue to promote children's health through ensuring they have access to drinking water at all times. • continue to provide a range of interesting activities and ensure it offers all children sufficient challenge and extends their learning in order to nurture the uniqueness of each child. • improve the delivery of routines to ensure children do not frequently spend periods of time in large group situations in order to meet their individual needs more effectively • review the organisational needs and use of space in order to make sure children always have sufficient space to move freely.

p.6

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