PD's holiday fun club and after school club

PD's Holiday Fun Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY348336 Unique Reference Number 10 August 2007 Inspection date Anne Gunston Inspector

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Liss County Junior, Hill Brow Road, Liss, Hampshire, GU33 7LQ Setting Address

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01730 895351 Telephone number carolineam@yahoo.com E-mail Puddleducks Nursery School Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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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?

PD's Holiday Fun Club is a facility for Out of School Care, which opened in 2003 and re-registered in 2007. It operates from the school hall at Liss Junior School, which is close to Liss village centre, near Petersfield in Hampshire. It is registered for 50 children aged from four years to under eight years. Currently there are 48 children on roll. Children may attend on a sessional or full time basis. The group opens five days a week, on specific dates during school holidays. The club is open from 09:00 until 18:00.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to a hall, toilet facilities and school playing fields. Four staff currently are employed to work with the children, most hold early years qualifications and some have experience in teaching, play work and sport. The club will also accept children up to 11 years of age.

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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. Children experience many opportunities for fresh air and physical activity. They take part in planned trips during the playscheme operation, for example, to nearby country parks where they enjoy the open spaces. On the school site, children use the playground to run around playing 'catch', and take part in competitive games. The school hall is available to the children in poor weather, for similar energetic activities. Children particularly enjoy the feeling of 'dizziness' they experience after being spun around in the spinner.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted appropriately by the staff, who give advice to parents on provision of sunhats or baseball caps, and ask that sun cream be applied before children attend the playscheme. Staff make good use of enclosures created by children, such as an Indian Tepee, to provide shade and privacy during outings. They maintain clear records of accidents and medication. A well-stocked first aid kit is kept on site and taken on outings; more than adequate numbers of staff hold a valid first aid qualification. The organisation of the day allows children to use the toilets independently. They are expected to tell staff when they wish to do so, though often forget. Prior to lunch, staff give some reminders to children to wash their hands, although this is inconsistent and some children sit down to eat without having done so. Children are not consistently reminded about the importance of personal hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children access cooling drinks throughout the session; they serve themselves from jugs after getting 'hot and sweaty' playing the karate game on the PlayStation, or when they run in from outdoor play. Parents are asked to provide information on any allergies, which enables staff to meet children's individual dietary needs. Staff make a special note of this in the daily register to act as a reminder for them. Children bring lunches from home. Although the staff do not guide parents to ensure that these contain healthy ingredients, children do take part in cold cooking activities, where staff discuss the importance of healthy eating. Snacks are provided by the playscheme, but these contain a high proportion of sweets. Staff do not always promote the few, more healthy options of a piece of fruit, or a bread stick.

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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 very welcoming environment, where staff display play materials in preparation for their arrival each day. Children's own work is often left out in the school hall for completion on the next day they attend, to make them feel valued and important. Children are able to help themselves to a stimulating selection of resources for both quiet and active play; all are checked by staff to ensure they are clean and safe for use. Staff complete a daily check of play materials, and the school environment, using risk assessment documentation to ensure that all areas are covered.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are generally well protected as staff have a sound awareness of safety issues. For example, prior to outings off-site the staff complete a risk assessment of the venue to ensure they are well prepared. In addition, children wear wristbands for ease of identification in locations used by the public, such as the Royal Armouries. Children have a great deal of freedom of movement on the school site, and transfer between the hall and playground whenever they wish. It is expected that they tell staff when they wish to play outside; staff ensure that they monitor the whereabouts of children and maintain the ratios at these times. However, children

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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 are able to access other areas of the school, as both internal and external doors from the toilets are left unlocked. Children may be at risk should they encounter other adults on the site.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the staff team's clear understanding of their child protection responsibilities. Established staff have attended child protection training and show secure knowledge of signs and symptoms of abuse. They are completely aware of the procedures to follow and give clear instruction to more temporary staff, which enables them to take the correct action if concerned about a child in their care. Accurate records are kept of any incidents; staff are able to monitor the welfare of children over an extended period.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very comfortable and relaxed with staff, and settle quickly on arrival at the playscheme. They form good relationships with their adult carers, and each other. Staff plan plenty of experiences to keep children interested and involved, although the stated aim of the playscheme is to ensure children enjoy relatively unstructured time. Staff are very aware that this is children's holiday period. Activities planned include a trip per week of the playscheme operation to local amenities, such as the Fort Nelson, where children learn the skills of a knight, and how to make armour. Children are also encouraged to contribute suggestions for activities they would like to try, which are listened to and facilitated by staff whenever possible. Children are able to be quiet 'watchers' of activities, or energetic leaders of play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children concentrate well on their chosen activity at the playscheme because staff actively encourage them to make decisions about their play. They spend extended periods on arts and crafts activities, or construction with Lego or Jenga. In addition, children benefit from being allowed to bring items from home, such as a CD. Staff carefully monitor these for content and the children's use of television or computer games is always controlled. For example, children are attracted to the PlayStation, where they control the karate game remotely by hand and body movements. Staff ensure that all who wish can have a turn, and fully engage with children as they play. They show genuine interest in supporting children's wishes, and give guidance and advice with humour at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a secure sense of belonging to the playscheme; this is promoted by staff's willingness to include them in decisions relating to its operation. Children's individual needs are carefully considered; the staff seek comprehensive information from parents as they register their child. This ensures that any specific requirements, such as cultural or health needs, are known. Staff then make sure that they have individual discussion with parents, to ensure each child's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the constant praise given by staff for any achievement. Staff use phrases such as 'well done' or 'that's good' to raise children's self-esteem. Children behave well and require few reminders from staff to show consideration or thought for others. Children are content to take turns and wait patiently to use the most popular resources, as staff are careful to assure them that they will not be forgotten. Children take part in discussion of ground rules for the playscheme from the outset, which encourages good behaviour.

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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 Parents receive clear information on the services provided by the playscheme, prior to its operation. Information is exchanged on a daily basis; parents are comfortable in discussing their child's needs with staff. Parents express a good level of satisfaction with the playscheme. They particularly value the flexibility offered in terms of opening hours, and are confident that staff keep children safe and happy

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. All essential documentation is in place, and shared correctly with parents, to ensure the care of children is consistent with their wishes. Well-qualified and experienced staff, who are fully aware of their role and responsibility to the children, operate the playscheme. In addition, there are sound procedures in place for recruitment and induction of the additional staff, required for each holiday period. This means that children are cared for by adults who are interested in them, and committed to working as a team to ensure the playscheme runs smoothly and efficiently.

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Organisation

The manager is completely aware of her responsibility to ensure the suitability of staff in her employment. Comprehensive references are sought on all staff, and systems are in place that ensure that no unvetted personnel work directly with children. The use of space in the school is generally well organised to maintain children's safety. Children benefit from the good ratios of staff, and the organisation of resources. They have a great deal of freedom of choice and are well supported by the staff team.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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. 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 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): • review procedures for use of school toilet facilities to ensure children are protected at all times

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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 • ensure children are consistently encouraged to practice good hygiene routines and develop healthy eating habits.

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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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