Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre Inspection report for early years provision

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226869 Unique Reference Number 25 October 2007 Inspection date Patricia King Inspector

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Loughborough Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE4 5PN Setting Address

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E-mail

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits 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?

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre is a voluntary organisation offering outdoor pursuit activities to young people. It opened in 2000 and operates from a purpose built centre in the Belgrave area of Leicester. A maximum of 24 children may attend at any one time. An out of school club operates between 15:00 and 18:00 in term time and a play scheme between 08:00 and 18:00 during school holidays. A pick up service is offered from a number of schools in the area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 62 children aged from five to eight years on roll. The group is able to support children with learning difficulties and /or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The setting employs five members of staff. Of these, three hold appropriate play work qualifications and two staff members are working towards a qualification.

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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. The provider has established detailed and thorough policies and procedures to ensure that children follow good hygiene practices to protect their health and wellbeing. For example, information is displayed about the quality of river water and the importance of robust hygiene control. Children describe the procedures they must follow to prevent the spread of germs and infections such as careful hand washing after all activities and before eating or putting their hands near to their mouths. However, staff do not consistently ensure that all children independently follow these routines which means their good health is compromised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff have clear understanding of the records and procedures in place to support the health and welfare of the children and take appropriate action in the event of a medical emergency. Children are protected form infection by the clear policy that they must not attend if ill or infectious. Most of the activities provided take place outdoors and staff are vigilant to ensure that appropriate clothing and protection against weather conditions is worn. For example, all children attending the summer scheme were issued with goody bags containing hats to protect them from the sun. This means that children benefit from their time in the open air.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children bring packed food to the holiday clubs and parents are asked to provide a healthy balanced lunch box to sustain their children during the activities. Children who attend after school are provided with a light snack of toast or fruit and healthy options are available from a vending machine. Healthy drinks are within easy reach at all times and children are encouraged to maintain a regular fluid intake to keep well hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The provider has established robust systems and procedures to ensure that careful attention is paid to the safety of children attending the setting. For example, all specialised activities are resourced with appropriate equipment and which is maintained to the specified standards for safety. Children are learning about the importance of keeping rules and following behaviour codes. For example, they are instructed by qualified and experienced staff who ensure children's understanding of safety procedures is secure to take part in the activities according to their individual level of skill and ability. Activities are linked positively to safety awareness, for example, bonfire night celebrations are preceded by visits from the fire service to promote safe behaviour and good practice. Children are learning to keep safe when out walking such as following road safety codes on the journeys from their school to the setting. Staff follow clear,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe procedures when escorting children, for example, staff carry back packs containing all emergency details, first aid and necessary equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment is organised well to provide suitable and specialised activities indoors and in the spacious grounds of the setting. There are good systems to supervise the arrival, collection and departure of children and to ensure that children are collected by their parents or authorised adults by prior written agreement only. Children's welfare and safety is promoted by the staff's sound understanding and knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse.

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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 make choices from a range of well planned and carefully resourced activities provided for their care, entertainment and physical challenge. Staff ensure that children's details, their preferences for specialised activities and interests are well established before attending. This means that staff know the children well and plan suitable activities that are fun, challenging and promote their personal development. For example, children enjoy indoor art and craft opportunities and are proud to display their paintings and models in the Activate room. They enthusiastically taste and discuss their favourite toppings before mixing dough and decorating pizzas cooked in time for tea.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A choice of specialist activity such as fencing, archery, abseiling, climbing and a variety of water sports is offered after school. Four specialist opportunities are planned each day in the holiday schemes with short breaks for rest. Children are learning to share and work in a team. For example, they excitedly describe making castles out of branches and tarpaulin then sheltering inside whilst rival teams throw water over their constructions to test the weatherproofing. Children are learning about the environment and the world around them as they explore the nature area and many wildlife habitats in the grounds.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met by good communication with parents to recognise and record all the details necessary to establish individual requirements. Parents are provided with clear information about the management and organisation of the setting. Regular newsletters keep parents up to date with events and activities and feedback is actively sought. However, not all policies and procedures are easily accessible to parents which means they are not fully informed about all necessary documentation. Staff are able to describe positive ways to work in partnership with parents and others to promote the welfare and development of all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to manage their own behaviour, for example, they keep rules for harmony such as sharing and having regard for each other. They are learning to be proud of their personal and co-operative achievements as they engage successfully in team building which boosts their confidence and self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Robust recruitment and vetting procedures ensure that children are cared for by adults who are suitable and approved for their posts. Records and policies to support the safe and efficient management of the setting are in place and most are accessible to the parents. Children are kept safe and their welfare is promoted at the setting because staff have knowledge and experience of childcare and play and have enthusiasm for their work with children. The environment, routines and resources are arranged with careful consideration to offer stimulating and challenging opportunities to children under eight. However, there are times, such as during the breaks between organised activities, when the care of under eights is adversely affected by the behaviour of the older children. Overall the provision meets the needs if the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 last inspection the provider was asked to improve the documentation for recording written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and the records of medicines given to children. The provider also agreed to establish an appropriate statement for learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children's safety and welfare have been improved because the setting now has the relevant documentation in place and completed in accord with the National Standards.

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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): • promote the good health of children and take positive steps to prevent the spread of infection, in this case with regards to ensuring that effective hand washing procedures are followed at all times • ensure that parents are informed of the policies and procedures and these are available to the parents • ensure that the adult:child ratios, space and resources are organised effectively to ensure that any care provided for children aged 8-14 years is not allowed to adversely affect the care provided for children under 8 years old.

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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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