Sunshine Park Wood Out of School Club

Sunshine Park Wood Out of School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY349516 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2007 Inspection date Cilla Rachel Mullane Inspector

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Parkwood Infant School, Deanwood Drive, GILLINGHAM, Kent, ME8 9LP

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E-mail

Sunshine Child-Care Services 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?

Sunshine Park Wood Out of School Club was registered in 2007. It is privately managed by Sunshine Child-Care Services Ltd, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent and operates from a classroom in Park Wood Infant School.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Registration is for 50 children aged from three to under eight years. Children up to the age of 11 years may also attend, although the total of children attending will not exceed 50 at any one time. There are currently 18 children on roll. The Out of School Club provides a breakfast club which is open from 07.45 to 09.00 and an after school club which is open from 15.20 to 18.30 weekdays, term times only. It also provides a holiday club which is open from 07.45 to 18.00 weekdays, during school holidays. The breakfast club, the after school club and the holiday club have use of the school dining hall. All children share access to the school playground and playing field.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A total of six staff work with the children, and three of these have childcare qualifications.

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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 good. Children's good health is well promoted. Most of the staff have recently updated first aid qualifications, so have the necessary knowledge to keep children safe in an emergency. There is a well stocked first aid box, and staff take first aid bags outside on their belts. The spread of infection is limited by effective procedures, such as serving food wearing disposable gloves and reminding children to wash at appropriate times, such as after handling the 'Zoo Lab' animals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to drinks all day and are reminded to drink after taking part in sports, such as football. Therefore, they are learning that it is important to keep their bodies hydrated. Staff successfully provide a homely environment; children help themselves from the fruit bowl, can choose from a different snack and hot meal menu daily, and eat at the table and chat to staff and their friends. Some planned activities reinforce the message about healthy eating; the visiting 'Mega Smoothies Roadshow' is a fun event, which also introduces information about vitamins and general nutrition. Staff know children's allergies or special diets, so children receive appropriate food. Not all the food offered to the children is completely healthy; the tuck shop gives mixed messages about healthy choices, but parents check the small tuck bags, and children enjoy choosing these treats.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play in the fresh air daily and are encouraged to play outside whatever the weather. They play football and enthusiastically hunt for minibeasts. Outdoor equipment is plentiful, and children enjoy riding scooters, playing on the bouncy castle on 'Air day' and taking part in obstacle races. Inside, games, such as table football and table tennis, can be enjoyed in the classroom or the school hall.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Careful consideration is given to providing children with a stimulating and fun environment. Indoors, children have ready access to an excellent variety of good quality toys and equipment, in addition to prepared activities. Toys and equipment are plentiful and exciting, such as the inspiring range of art and craft resources. There is an emphasis on creating a homely environment and children arrange soft seating in front of the video player, help themselves to fruit and drinks and ask for favourite games and activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A good staff:child ratio means that children can play outside whenever they wish, well-supervised by staff. Adults keep in touch via walkie-talkies, so they can obtain help if necessary. Children are shown the importance of using the appropriate safety equipment available, including helmets and knee pads. Although there has not yet been a fire drill, staff ensured that children were instructed about fire safety on the first day of the playscheme and children confidently described the action to take in case of emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are adequately safeguarded from harm because staff have sufficient and suitable procedures in place, such as keeping records of injuries sustained in the children's own homes. Although staff are familiar with child protection procedures, the safeguarding children policy does not fully reflect current local guidance.

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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 outstanding. Children really enjoy the time they spend at the playscheme, describing it as 'awesome and brilliant'. They describe having lots to do, with different activities daily, and love socialising with their friends. The boys relish having male staff to play football with. Their summer holiday is carefully planned by the staff, taking into account children's likes and dislikes and individual wishes. Diverse themes with linked activities successfully hold the children's interest. They look forward to a 'wet and wild day' when they will nominate staff to soak with wet sponges. 'Pop stars' days are very popular, with children requesting them again and again, when they enjoy aromatherapy, getting tattoos and their nails painted. Visitors, such as Zoo Lab, add to the interest for the children when they stroke rats, spiders and snakes and learn about their lives. Children make good use of the exciting computer games; for example, there are six Nintendo

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

DSs and children enjoy playing with these together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff are skilled at interacting with the children, supporting their play when necessary, but leaving them free to develop activities and make choices if appropriate. They use snack and meal times to sit and chat with the children, so children are building firm and trusting relationships with their carers. Staff provide a small present daily, such as toy insects linked to the theme of bugs, which adds to children's enjoyment. Children can also earn points to buy interesting gifts; all children benefit equally.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Parents and children indicate on their registration forms their interests and likes and dislikes. Therefore, children's individual needs, preferences and dislikes are well known by staff, who can ensure that activities are available which all children enjoy. Staff are skilled at drawing all children into activities and less confident children are gently encouraged, so inclusion is good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. An excellent variety of meaningful and stimulating activities ensure that children do not get bored. Children are encouraged to vote, for example, for a preferred video film and they go with the majority, so fairness is promoted. Children help to agree and set the rules for the club and feel they should respect each other and staff, not swear and cooperate with safety rules.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents' need to work is accommodated, as the club opens for a full day. Children are cared for according to parents' wishes, as they give permission for relevant aspects of care, such as photographs and emergency medical treatment. Parents are made aware of the club's policies. They are helped to feel confident about leaving their children when they are encouraged to visit and given thorough information about planned activities. Parents are informed about how to complain, but the procedure does not fully reflect current guidance.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The out of school club meets the needs of the children for whom care is provided.

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Organisation

Staff are aware of the requirements of the National Standards and provide a professional and friendly service for children and their carers. Staff are clear that they are there for the benefit of the children and that the playscheme should be fun, interesting, varied and relaxing. Sufficient

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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 staff hold early years qualifications and all staff are skilled at playing with and talking to children. A useful induction programme enables staff to care for and play with the children knowledgeably and competently. The routine and the pace of the sessions meet the children's individual needs and their collective need to be active, have quiet times, interact with friends and learn new skills.

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Organisation

Clear and well maintained documentation underpins the care of the children. The record of attendance shows the exact times of children's arrivals and departures and the registration certificate is displayed prominently to inform parents of the conditions of registration. With the exception of the child protection and complaints policies, which do not fully reflect current guidance, policies and procedures underpin practice and help staff to work consistently.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection since registration.

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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.

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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 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): • update complaints procedure to fully reflect current guidance • ensure that child protection policy accurately reflects current local guidance.

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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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