St Michaels After School Club

St Michaels After School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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317452 Unique Reference Number 09 July 2007 Inspection date Carys Millican Inspector

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St Michaels C of E Primary School, Carlisle Road, Dalston, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA5 7LN

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E-mail

St Michaels After 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

St. Michael's After School Club is run by a management committee. It opened in 2000 and operates from within the premises of St Michaels Primary School in the village of Dalston, on the southern outskirts of Carlisle. A maximum of 32 children may attend the after school club at any one time. The provision operates from Monday to Friday 15.30 to 17.30 term time only. Children attending the club have access to a number of areas within the school including the outside yard and school field with an adventure playground.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 30 children aged from three to under eight years on roll. Children attend aged up to 11 years. Children attend from the urban and rural community. The after school club currently supports a number of children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The after school club employs two members of staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate early years 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 stay healthy because practitioners follow appropriate environmental health and hygiene practices. Staff have a sound knowledge of the after school club’s health and hygiene policies and procedures. The areas used to prepare food are kept clean and staff use an antibacterial spray on tables where children eat. Children clearly explain why they wash their hands and do so before eating, before helping to prepare snack and before the baking activity. Children are protected from the potential risk of infection by staff following the sick child policy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a social occasion at snack time and are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and help themselves to easily accessible drinking water throughout the session. Children’s individual dietary needs are known by staff. Children learn social skills as staff encourage table manners and their independence is fully encouraged. Older children help prepare the snack and set the tables. Children help themselves to a selection of sandwich ingredients to make their own sandwiches and pour their own drinks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy opportunities to engage in outdoor physical activities. Children play a range of outdoor games. They enjoy ball games such as tennis and football, and bounce on large exercise balls around the playground. Children enjoy the activities provided and their concentration and interest is maintained throughout the session. Indoors, children access a range of quieter activities with opportunities to complete homework.

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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 well-maintained environment. They confidently move around the spacious hall and music room helping themselves to a range of easily accessible resources and activities. Staff ensure that all equipment provided meets safety standards. Staff carefully monitor and supervise the resources and activities provided, ensuring safety and suitability. Resources are rotated and changed each session following the interests of the children and the planning in place. This allows children to use different games and activities, therefore maintaining stimulation and interest. Staff have a good understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits and how to involve children in organising their environment. Children help to carry resources outdoors and tidy up when required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe and secure when playing inside and outdoors. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because staff use detailed risk assessments that reduce potential hazards. Staff check the environment is safe before the session starts. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The attendance of children, staff and visitors is recorded and secure systems are in place to protect children from un-vetted persons and to prevent them leaving the building unsupervised. The fire fighting equipment is in place and the evacuation procedure is displayed and practised regularly with children. Children are gently reminded by staff about safety issues when playing outdoors and how to keep safe. The public liability insurance certificate is clearly displayed on the notice board.

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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 Children are well protected by staff, who have a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures and give priority to children’s welfare. The child protection statement is in line with recent changes in legislation and contains the procedure if an allegation is made against a staff member or volunteer. Children are kept safe by the effective collection procedures in place and the effective measures in place to ensure children’s safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time spent at the after school club and enthusiastically say so. They are happy, contented and settle well. Children are self-assured in their play, helping themselves to the interesting and stimulating activities provided, which support their development across all areas of learning. Children are eager to take part in activities. They prepare the ingredients for the shortbread cookies and grease the baking tins ready for the biscuit mixture. Children enjoy the football programmes on the computer and games console. Children develop self-esteem and respect for one another as they are encouraged to help each other, take turns and share resources. Children benefit from a range of daily outdoor activities as they join in ball games and use skipping ropes in the playground. They enjoy a game of tennis and play skipping games using the large skipping rope.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop a special relationship with their carers. Adult-child interactions are very supportive of communication skills and extend experiences. Children relate well to each other and socialise well. They begin to distinguish between right and wrong and learn to take turns and share resources such as the games console. A flexible approach to planning and a good balance between adult and child-led activities allows children to make choices and decisions and acquire new skills. Children draw pictures sitting at the table outside whilst watching their friends bake or play snooker. Children are involved in decision making and planning the activities using a suggestion box and discussing ideas with staff. Staff use these ideas to develop the full range of planned activities which interest the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy attending the after school club. They benefit from an all inclusive environment and their understanding of equality is promoted through activities that encourage equal play. Children learn patience and understanding as they wait for their turn on the games console. Staff know the children well and their individual needs are met by staff in discussion with their parents. Children become aware of the diversity of the world through the activities provided as they explore their own and others' cultures and traditions. Children feel a sense of belonging as they take ownership of their club by being involved in helping prepare snacks and providing suggestions for activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are generally well behaved. They begin to distinguish between right and wrong and understand responsible behaviour. Children respond well to the staff's supportive behaviour management strategies. Staff listen to children and praise achievements which encourage children in their play. Children build up mutually respectful relationships with the staff and each other. They develop self-esteem and confidence as they offer ideas on rules and codes of behaviour for the club and make choices and decisions about activities.

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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 Children benefit from the positive relationship and partnership with parents. Information is shared daily. Children’s records are maintained and parental consents are completed. Policies and procedures are accessible and information is displayed on the notice board. Parents are provided with newsletters and general information is displayed for parents about the routines and activities held at the club. The complaints procedure is displayed on the notice board and a complaints register is established. Parents praise the friendliness of the staff and are happy with the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children’s care is enhanced because staff are well organised and clear about their roles and responsibilities. They work well as a team to promote children’s health, enjoyment and achievement whilst attending the after school club. The registered person uses robust recruitment procedures and appropriately vets and checks staff have suitable qualifications and experience. The details of the committee have been updated and the registered person has notified us of the resignation of the leader; however, the details of the temporary leader have not been forwarded to us and therefore a breach in regulation has been made. Children are made welcome and feel at ease in their environment. The premises are well-organised. Indoor and outdoor opportunities are laid out to maximise play and learning opportunities for children. This enables them to initiate and extend their own play and experiences.

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Organisation

All the required documentation which contributes to children’s health, safety and well being are in place. Policies and procedures are clear and well written; staff implement these effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Parents access the policies and procedures easily which keep them informed about the service and the activities provided. Information is shared with parents on a daily basis. Children's individual needs are known and understood by all staff and all children are included.

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Organisation

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

At the last inspection actions were raised to improve the documentation and organisation of the setting. Since the last inspection the following has been completed. The child protection policy and procedures have been updated. The complaints procedure has been updated with changes in legislation and it is clearly displayed on the notice board. A system to record any complaints is established. The registered person has notified Ofsted of changes to the committee and the resignation of the person in charge.

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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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Complaints 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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • make sure Ofsted is notified of any changes to the person in charge.

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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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