Buddies

Buddies Inspection report for early years provision

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EY241496 Unique Reference Number 15 November 2007 Inspection date Glynis Margaret Kite Inspector

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Sacred Heart Primary School, Swan Lane, Hindley Green, Wigan, WN2 4HD

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Setting Address

01942 767768 01942 525947 07742156069 Telephone number enquiries@admin.hindleygreensacredheart.wigan.sch. E-mail June O'Leary Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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Setting Address

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?

Buddies out of school club opened in 2002. It is registered and managed by an individual provider. It operates from the main school hall and has use of facilities within Sacred Heart Primary School in the Hindley Green area of Wigan. The club serves the families using the school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Buddies currently have 56 children aged from four years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The club currently supports a number of children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Buddies opens five days a week during term time only. The breakfast club operates from 07.30 until 09.00 and the after school club from 15.30 until 18.00.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are five staff including the manager employed to work with the children. All of the staff hold National Vocational Qualifications to level two or three. The setting receives training support from Wigan Sure Start.

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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 benefit from attending a setting which promotes good health and hygiene standards. The premises and equipment are maintained to high standards of cleanliness. Staff model good practice regarding basic cleaning routines and personal hygiene. Children know and understand the importance of good hygiene and are independent regarding their own practice. The risk of cross contamination to children is minimised through the implementation of an exclusion policy for sick children and the provision of liquid soap and paper towels in the bathrooms. Effective procedures are in place for the safe handling and management of accidents and the administration of medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered and benefit from freshly prepared snacks on a daily basis. The snacks consist of a selection of healthy and nutritious sandwiches and a varied menu of hot food , followed by fresh fruit. Individual dietary requirements are catered for. Children are able to access drinking water at any time. Children enjoy snack time, they sit together in small groups and chat about the day. Older children are kind towards younger children at their table and help them if they need it.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from opportunities to play outdoors. Children are confident and willingly demonstrate how they can hit the ball into the air with the bat. Younger children play happily alongside each other comparing skills, while older children play together. Children are eager to play outdoors and some participate in a group game involving the parachute. The outdoor activities involve running around which helps children to gain control of their bodies and improves the overall level of fitness. Staff plan a range of activities for outdoors to ensure children gain different experiences and skills.

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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 setting which is warm and welcoming and maintained to high standards of decoration and repair. Children have access to a wide range of toys and play equipment which is appropriate to their ages, safe and in good condition. The space is organised well to ensure children have freedom of movement to select toys and activities of their choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff take positive steps to ensure children remain safe while on the premises. For example, all visitors are required to sign in at the main reception and daily checks are carried out of the premises, furniture, toys and equipment to be used by children. A full written risk assessment is also in place. Staff organise regular fire drills to ensure all children are prepared in the event of a real emergency situation. Staff promote children's personal safety through discussion and planned activities. Children are also encouraged to be responsible with regard to safety by helping to pick toys up off the floor and by keeping staff informed if they leave an area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because staff know and understand child protection issues and procedures. Staff are open about their responsibilities regarding the protection of children and share the policy with parents.

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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, settled and confident. They are eager to attend the club and to select activities of interest. Staff plan and prepare a range of activities for the children, however, children are also involved in the planning process. Children are given opportunities to say what they would like to do and staff follow their lead. There is a strong emphasis on helping children to understand that this is their club and that they have a voice. Children are involved in meetings with the staff about the club and their views taken on board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children interact well with each other and the adults and have established positive relationships. Children organise themselves into small groups and take turns during games without direction from staff. Younger children are supported well by the staff and older children. All children stay focused and interested in chosen activities for sustained periods of time.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children receive lots of praise and encouragement from staff which boosts confidence. Children are kind towards each other and respectful of each other's needs. Staff actively listen to what children have to say and value their contribution towards the running of the club.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed in to the club; they are recognised as individuals and treated with equal concern and respect. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are treated with care and consideration, while being fully included in the activities. Staff know and fully understand the individual needs of all children and work closely with parents to ensure they are met. Children are supported in learning about diversity through a range of planned activities, discussion and access to resources which promote positive images.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff have established positive relationships with parents. They exchange lots of information about the club, how it operates and the children. Parents are given the opportunity to share their views about the club through a questionnaire. Very positive feedback has been provided by parents. Staff keep appropriate records for all children and confidentiality is maintained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective strategies are in place for managing children's behaviour in a positive way, for example, children have been included in setting ground rules and deciding on sanctions if children break the rules. Staff model good practice regarding behaviour and children follow their example. Children are well mannered and kind towards each other and behave very well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by experienced and suitably qualified staff, who are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children outside of the normal school day. Appropriate recruitment and vetting procedures are in place and all staff complete an induction programme. Training opportunities are offered to all staff. The staff know and understand their roles and responsibilities with regard to daily routines, this ensures children are supervised well and their needs are met consistently.

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Organisation

The staff use the space effectively to ensure children are safe and have access to the full range of activities offered. Agreed ratios are maintained to ensure children receive appropriate care

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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 and attention from staff at all times. Required records and documentation is in place and available for inspection. Although there are some inconsistencies regarding information on staff files.

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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

Since the last inspection the provider has developed the range of outdoor play equipment and included outdoor play in the planning. She has also made the settings policies and procedures readily available to parents and produced a complaints procedure in accordance with the requirements of the National Standards. The steps taken improve the overall play opportunities for children and the relationship with parents.

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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): • review and update staff records to ensure information is correct and up to date.

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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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