Withymoor Stay & Play Club

Withymoor Stay and Play Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Withymoor Stay and Play Club

Unique Reference Number 258828 Inspection date 28 July 2005 Inspector Jackie Nation

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Withymoor Stay and Play Club

Setting Address Withymoor Primary School, Gayfield Avenue, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 2BH Telephone number 01384-818530

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E-mail

Registered person Withymoor Stay and Play Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School 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 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?

Withymoor Stay and Play Club opened in 2001. It operates from the community room and sports hall within Withymoor Primary School, Brierley Hill, West Midlands. A maximum of 40 children aged 4 to 8 years may attend the club at any one time. It is the admission policy of the setting to allow children up to the age of 11 years to attend. The out of school club is available to children who attend the school. The holiday club is available to children in the local community. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. The club opens each weekday during school term times for before and after school

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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 care. Opening times are from 07.30 to 08.50 and 15.30 to 18.00. During school holidays the club is open each weekday from 08.00 to 17.30. There are currently 250 children on roll. The setting supports children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. There are 4 staff working with the children in the before and after school club, and 11 staff are employed to work with children in the holiday club. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 3. The setting have a Level 2 award for the 'Aiming High' Quality Assurance Scheme and they receive support from the Dudley local authority early years service.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because staff are active in promoting good hygiene by raising children's awareness of good practice and healthy living. Children learn about hygiene routines and they wash their hands before snack time knowing this helps to stop spreading germs and infection. Risks to children are minimised because good procedures are in place. The premises and equipment are maintained in good condition and tables are cleaned between activities and before children sit down for snack time. Children's dietary needs are met because they are provided with a range of healthy snacks and regular drinks which meet their needs. All staff are aware of children with special dietary needs and these needs are sensitively cared for. Staff find out about children's needs by talking to parents and recording details of specific requirements or allergies. Children's physical development is well supported and children are eager to play in

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Helping children to be healthy

the sports hall or outside using a varied range of equipment or playing team games. This contributes to a healthy lifestyle, helps children develop confidence and enhance their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe because staff have a good awareness of health and safety issues. They are vigilant, deployed effectively and supervise the children well. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment; staff take positive steps to promote safety within the setting and while playing outside. Access to the premises is monitored effectively, staff check identification and ask visitors to sign the visitors' book. The safety of children is paramount at all times, good procedures are in place, for example daily safety checks and risk assessments are used to ensure that any identified hazards are made safe. Children develop an awareness of safety through the use of sensible rules which are clearly explained. For example, they practise

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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 emergency evacuation procedures with children, and children know they must ask a member of staff if they can leave the hall or playroom to visit the bathroom. Children benefit from being able to access resources easily as they play and move freely around indoors and outside. This is because staff use space effectively and provide a range of activities and resources that are suitable for children of different abilities and interests. There are comfortable areas where children can play, relax or take part in creative and imaginative play. Children are protected because staff understand their role and responsibility to protect children in their care. Staff develop their knowledge of child protection through training and induction procedures. Child protection guidance is readily

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

available for staff, however some attention is required to the referral procedure and the setting does not have local social services contact numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's needs are met and their welfare promoted by staff who have a good understanding of each child and their interests. Children benefit from being able to make choices about their play. This helps them become independent learners and helps younger and older children play and learn together. Children are very well occupied and are enthusiastic about their attendance at the club and readily talk about things they enjoy doing. They are able to build and construct, play board games, or develop their imaginative and creative skills. Children enjoy taking on different roles or characters and they involve other children in their play, they develop their creative skills by painting and crayoning pictures. There is a good selection of resources and children are interested in participating in the wide range of planned and free play activities both inside and outside. Staff interaction with the children is very good, they have a warm rapport with the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children and this helps to encourage positive relationships all round. Staff make sure children are fully occupied, they join in and play games with them and respond to their questions and requests. Staff are positive and respectful to children and value each child and what they have to offer. Children are comfortable and happy in the relaxed environment where they can try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. This supports their play and learning. Children are learning to distinguish right from wrong and their self-esteem is encouraged through appropriate praise and rewards. Staff set clear boundaries and this helps children to become aware of the effect of what they do on others and helps them respect the feeling of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop confidence because staff value their contribution and achievements

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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 whilst at the club. Consultation meeting are held with the children each term and this gives children the opportunity to express their views and feelings. Staff listen to children's views and implement changes where possible. Children's specific needs are discussed with parents and this information is recorded. This ensures all children are fully included in the life of the setting. New children are helped to settle quickly and develop confidence, they are linked with another child, 'a buddy' who gives them support, shows them what to do and helps to solve any problems. Staff are positive about inclusion and a policy statement supports their practice. They work together with parents and other relevant parties to organise the environment and plan activities to ensure all children take part in activities alongside their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because staff use positive strategies to support good behaviour and develop a caring ethos. For example, the club use a 'you’re a star' reward system. Children are well supported because staff recognise that children are learning to deal with a range of emotions and feelings and work with them to find constructive solutions. Staff will, when appropriate, allow children to resolve differences themselves. Staff value good behaviour, they are respectful to children, present positive role models, they encourage children to be kind, polite and helpful. Any inappropriate behaviour is dealt with sensitively and at a level children understand. Significant incidents are recorded, confidentiality is maintained effectively and parents are kept informed of any concerns or issues. Children benefit from a trusting and mutually supportive partnership with parents. This is because staff have developed good relationships with parents and this

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Helping children make a positive contribution

ensures children are looked after according to their parents' wishes. Staff welcome parents into the club and there is a two-way flow of information. Children join in with discussions and they tell parents about their day and activities they have completed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for by staff that have been vetted and have good knowledge and understanding of child development. Staffing ratios support children's care, learning and play and space and resources are well organised. Children are supported by a routine where they can have freedom of choice. There are plenty of opportunities for spontaneous activities as the children develop their own ideas and play. Children feel confident to initiate their own play and at ease with staff when they ask for help. All the required documentation which contributes to the children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed. Staff work well as a team and they are clear about their deployment and responsibilities. Children's personal information is stored securely, staff have appropriate medical consents and other information to ensure they can promote the health and well-being of children in their care. Some

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Organisation

policy information is made available to parents and they receive a comprehensive welcome pack, although they are not always aware of how to access the full range of policy documents. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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 previous inspection there were recommendations relating to documentation and developing the range of resources and activities to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. All issues raised have received attention, resulting in policies being reviewed and shared with parents in line with the recommendations. This ensures that they provide appropriate guidance to staff and relevant information to parents. The setting have obtained a number of resources which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. They intend to continue to develop resources as this helps to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity.

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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): • ensure parents are aware of how they can access the full range of policies and procedures. • review the chid protection referral procedure and obtain contact numbers for local social services offices.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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