Beech Tree Club

Beech Tree Out of School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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307484 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2007 Inspection date Julie Firth Inspector

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Beech Street County Primary School, Beech Street, Winton, Eccles, Manchester, M30 8GB

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E-mail

Beech Tree Out of School 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 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?

Beech Tree Out of school club was Out of School club was registered in 2000. It operates from Beech Street County Primary School in Eccles. Children have access to the school hall and two classrooms. The school playground is available for outdoor play. The club serves the local area. The club is registered for 30 children aged from three to eight years and there are currently 50 children on roll. The Out of School Club supports children with learning difficulties or disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group is open five days a week from 07.50 until 09.00 and 15.00 until 17.30 during term time. The holiday club is open Monday to Friday from 07.50 until 17.30 during some school holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are 18 staff who work with the children throughout the club on a rota and of all hold early years qualifications to level 2 or 3 in childcare. The setting receives support from Salford Surestart and have achieved a Salford Local Authority 'Aiming High' Quality Assurance Award.

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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 are well protected from illness and infection because the staff conscientiously follow current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines. There are good routines in place for the cleaning of the premises, and staff ensure that toys are regularly cleaned and surfaces wiped down with anti-bacterial spray after meals and messy play. Children clearly understand simple good health and hygiene practices, and they all wash their hands before handling food and after using the bathroom. They are fully aware of their hygiene routines as staff regularly talk about germs and the importance of good health during activities. Staff are suitably qualified in first aid to enable them to treat children with minor injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily indoor and outdoor routines include activities to help children develop physical and gross motor skills and promote a healthy lifestyle. They make good use of the outdoor playground by running in the fresh air and riding bikes. They enjoy playing football, badminton and throwing the hoops.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children understand the importance of having regular drinks to stay hydrated as they help themselves to their own water bottle. Children enjoy nutritious snacks and are given a variety of fruits throughout each session. Snack times are happy, social occasions where children relax and enjoy each others company. The children's dietary requirements are met well as staff work with parents in finding out their child's requirements and respectfully follow these. The club has won a silver award for good environmental food hygiene.

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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 welcoming and stimulating environment. The play areas are split up to enable children to move safely from one activity to another. Children confidently choose from an accessible, wide range of toys and equipment that is age appropriate. They develop independence as they choose from equipment which is easily accessed on low tables, open cupboards or at floor level around the room. Children confidently ask for toys that are not out and they are aware of what materials and resources are kept in the store cupboards. The resources are clean, safe and well maintained to ensure the children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children move around in a safe environment where risks are identified and minimised. Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of the health and safety policies and how to keep children safe. A safe entrance to the building ensures that staff are aware of unknown persons entering the club. Good policies and procedures are in place to further enhance children's safety, such as an uncollected child's policy and the secure collection of children. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as staff organise safety officers to visit the children to develop their road safety awareness. There are procedures in place to record children's attendance and all arrivals and departures are accurately recorded. Children have opportunities to regularly practise fire drills, reminding them what to do in the event of a fire or an emergency evacuation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because staff have a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. They are fully aware of the policies and procedures in line with the local Safeguarding Children Board, and keep up to date with training.

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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 good. Children are happy and play harmoniously together in the relaxed and friendly environment. They relate well to staff and children from different schools, and mix well together. Staff fully question the children and allow them to speak about their day and talk about what they are doing. They support children, recognise their individual needs and introduce new ideas. Older children take great delight in looking after younger children, helping them to settle and become confident.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play imaginatively in role play with dolls, dressing up clothes and small world scenes. Creative opportunities allow children to explore a variety of media, as they make bead pictures and foil collages. They engage in baking, painting and become involved in a variety of craft activities. All board games, and the use of the games console, encourage the taking of turns and promote children's knowledge and skills. Children talk positively about their experiences and confidently tell visitors of the good time they are having in the club. Staff follow a weekly plan and organise adult and child led activities. They encourage children to contribute to the planning. However, planned activities for the older children are not fully developed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Staff ensure children feel included and help them to become familiar with their surroundings. There are a wide range of toys and resources in place that reflect equality of opportunity and give children an awareness of diversity. Planned activities enhance the children's experiences of the world around them. Staff demonstrate a constructive attitude towards the care of children with learning difficulties or disabilities. They know the children well and speak of each individual child's likes and dislikes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and say 'please' and 'thank you' at snack time and during group activities. The staff are good role models, they speak calmly and quietly to the children and have good strategies in place for achieving appropriate behaviour. Children contribute to the making of ground rules, and they are aware that certain rules and respect are required to maintain a safe and fair environment, where they can play happily and have fun. Staff promote children's self-esteem and confidence as they praise their efforts and talents, and make space on the walls to display their work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff have built up good relationships with parents and create a welcoming atmosphere. Positive feedback from parents indicates a high level of care is provided. A notice-board displays information about day-to-day events and policies within the club. Parents receive verbal feedback on a daily basis about their child's activities and there is a suggestion box in place. A written complaints procedure is in place, and any complaints are dealt with appropriately. This effective communication between parents and staff provides consistency for children in their care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Staff are experienced, qualified and demonstrate a commitment to work as part of a team. They meet regularly to ensure they are all aware of the children's individuals needs and attend relevant training. The club have previously achieved the 'Aiming High' quality assurance scheme.

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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 The manager works well with the staff and liaises regularly with the head teacher of the school. She ensures staff are deployed effectively and respond to the children's interests. Effective recruitment, induction and vetting procedures ensure children are well protected and cared for. The classroom and the school hall are organised to ensure children have a balance of activities. However, children do not have a designated quiet area to chill out and rest throughout their time in the holiday club.

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Organisation

All policies and procedures are in place, which contribute to the safety and well-being of the children being cared for. These are shared with parents to keep them well informed about their service and their child's development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

On the last inspection the out of school club was asked to organise space more effectively to meet children's needs during the midmorning session.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The staff have allocated space now to allow children to sit together in snack time and to freely move around activities. The operational plan is still under review to enable children to relax in a designated quiet area.

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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 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): • continue to develop planning to include more stimulating activities for the older children • provide children with a quiet area to unwind and relax.

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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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