Crossacres Primary School

Crossacres Primary School Inspection report for early years provision

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EY271579 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2007 Inspection date Anne Drinkwater Inspector

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Crossacres Road, Manchester, Lancashire, M22 5AD Setting Address

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E-mail

Crossacres Primary School 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?

Crossacres after school and holiday club is based at Crossacres Primary School. It opened in 2003 and operates from within a school building. It is situated on a large housing estate in Wythenshawe, Manchester. A maximum of 40 children may attend the club at any one time and currently 60 children are on roll. The club is open each weekday from 08.00 to 18.00 in the school holidays and 15.15 to 18.00 in the school term time. All children share access to secure enclosed outdoor play areas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club provides a service to children resident in the area. The club employs a line manager and eight additional staff who hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's welfare is promoted by policies and procedures for health within the setting, for example, systems for recording accidents ensure relevant information is consistently recorded. The procedure for sick children ensures poorly children are closely monitored. Staff and children

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 follow good personal hygiene routines which helps to avoid the risks of cross of illness and cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing a good understanding of the necessity to develop a healthy lifestyle. Purposeful theme work on the notice boards helps to re-enforce the positive messages about healthy eating. As a consequence, children are keen to eat fresh fruit and breadsticks. Children are continually hydrated as juice, milk, and water are accessible at all times by means of jugs and beakers.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from good opportunities to take physical exercise during activities outside, where they skip, jump, balance, run, and cycle in the large school playground and sport zone. Additional activities indoors, such as the circus skills session are actively enjoyed by all the children as they eagerly show off their new talents. These activities help children to be aware of the impact of exercise on their bodies because they comment about how their heart beats fast when they have cycled for a long time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a secure sense of belonging within the setting which ensures they maintain a willingness to attend. They know where equipment is kept which ensures they can make choices about what they want to do and they are familiar with where they can play which ensures they remain safe when moving around the environment. Children are protected by effective security measures because doors remain locked and gates secure the external perimeter when children are playing outside. Staff conduct daily building checks to ensure the play areas are safe in preparation for children's arrival.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe because they are encouraged to play sensibly and respect setting rules. As a consequence, accidents are minimised because children adhere to staff's instructions, for example, when asked to slow down when riding bikes too fast.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Policies for safety increase the effectiveness of routine procedures, for example, the setting undertakes full risk assessments of all day trip venues. However, children in the holiday club have not had the opportunity to practise emergency evacuation drills to ensure they are familiar with what is expected of them in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are adequately protected because staff are aware of the procedure to follow in the event of a child protection concern. Staff have access to relevant contact numbers and their setting guidance which ensures they can implement procedures swiftly, in the event of a concern. However, the policy is not in line with the Local Safeguarding Children's Boards procedures and does not include the procedures to follow in the event of an allegation against members of staff.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident, and well occupied within the setting and they benefit from the strong friendships they have developed with their peers and the adults who care for them. Sessions run smoothly and calmly due to effective organisation and a suitable daily routine which is flexible to children's wishes. Staff provide children with a good range of activities which represent their ages and interest, for example, the circus skills workshops, team and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 cooperative games and an abundance of imaginative creative topics are all talked about and enjoyed with enthusiasm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the freedom to choose their own activities, for example, children make use of the musical organ, they help themselves to the games and toys when playing indoors, and they are encouraged to help themselves to the selection of sport and physical equipment when playing outdoors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy chatting and relaxing with their friends, they talk about special events, such as the planned trip and their holiday destinations. Staff are aware of children who may need some additional encouragement to join in, which ensures all children feel valued and welcomed. Children frequently seek the attention of staff because they enjoy their company. Staff happily accommodate children's wishes by joining in their games and accepting a challenge, such as juggling and plate spinning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Adults and children are successful in creating a friendly and welcoming setting which ensures all children enjoy their time at the club. Staff know the children well, and become aware when children are unusually quiet or feeling unwell. Children enjoy the company of adults because they have good relationships with them, they often ask staff to join in their games. Children with disabilities and learning difficulties are well established and they actively participate in the full range of activities. Children have opportunities to learn about diversity and the wider world through activities, such as food tasting and books to promote their awareness of various festivals and lifestyles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a clear understanding of right and wrong because they receive consistent messages about behavioural expectations within the setting; children are therefore familiar with what is expected of them. Children receive lots of positive praise and encouragement from staff, they eagerly attach their good behaviour stickers and look for opportunities to help and achieve more praise and rewards. The needs of younger children are well respected by the older children because they take time to play with them and support them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The club have developed positive relationships with parents. Parents find staff to be approachable and friendly and are reassured by their children's willingness to attend. Parents are well informed about the setting; they particularly enjoy the photo album of the children and their activities. Some written policies, procedures, and other relevant information is displayed on the parent’s notice board.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The out of school and holiday care facility are supported by an active management committee who value the provision as an integral part of the school and community.

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Organisation

Regular network and management meetings take place to discuss childcare practices which ensures children's health, safety and enjoyment remain a focus for discussion and a priority. Most aspects of documentation are maintained as required, although information relating to the complaints procedure requires updating and a member of staff holding a certificate of the required level of first aid training is not available in all sessions. There are systems in place for

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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 recruitment and vetting of staff, although some staff details were not recorded or available and committee changes have not been updated.

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Organisation

Staff ensure children are well supervised because they deploy themselves effectively to support children in their activities. Children enjoy good relationships with staff, which ensures they are relaxed and happy in their company. Younger children are well supported by both adults and older children, which encourages them to feel confident and part of the group. This ensures all children look forward to the next time they attend.

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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 five recommendations were made requiring the provider to: devise an equal opportunities policy that is consistent with current legislation and guidance and ensure that this is understood and implemented by all staff and shared with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Ensure at least one member of staff with a current first aid certificate will be on the premises or on outings at any one time.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Ensure toys and equipment reflect a diverse society and to include staff in the daily register.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Staff are now fully aware of the revised equal opportunities policy and procedures and this is shared with parents. Parents are required to sign a permission form before medication can be administered, additional resources have been acquired which reflect diversity and staff now sign in and out and this is recorded in the daily register. This now ensures children health, safety and welfare is now promoted.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The recommendation regarding staff holding a current first aid certificate has been carried over at this inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • ensure children have the opportunity to practise fire drills and ensure the child protection policy includes a statement regarding allegations against staff and is in line with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures • ensure Ofsted are informed of changes to committee members and relevant checks are completed • ensure at least one member of staff present has a current first aid certificate which conforms to requirements • ensure the complaints procedure is in line with changes to the National Standards.

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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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