Claregate Activity Time

Claregate Activity Time Inspection report for early years provision

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224888 Unique Reference Number 08 January 2008 Inspection date Patricia Dawes Inspector

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Claregate Primary School, Chester Avenue, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV6 9JU

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Setting Address

01902 558575 07967876955 Telephone number

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E-mail

Gillian Linda Bailey 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?

Claregate Activity Time after School Club registered in 1994 and is owned by a private provider. It operates from the main hall and three classrooms in a primary school on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. A maximum of 30 children may attend the group at any one time. The group is open each weekday during term time from 07.45 to 08.55, and 15.00 to 17.30. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 61 children aged from three to under eight five years on roll. Children up to 11 years also attend. The group serves the children who attend the school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group employs five members of staff. Three hold appropriate early years qualifications and two 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 satisfactory. Children’s health is promoted because staff support and guide children during daily routines such as washing their hands before snacks and after using the toilet or messy play. This means that children are becoming proficient in their own personal care routines. Effective systems are in place to maintain the premises and resources to a good standard of cleanliness. Children are cared for appropriately, if they become, unwell and written parental consent is in place to enable staff to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. There is a procedure in place for the administration of medication. Most of the staff hold current first aid certificates to be able to manage accidents effectively; however, they are not always consistent in sharing accident records with parents when they collect their child. This has the potential to compromise children health and well-being due to the delay of relaying important information.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to help themselves to drinking water throughout the session ensuring they remain hydrated. They are offered snacks during the sessions usually a selection of cereals with milk, crumpets or a selection of fresh fruit. Children take pleasure in developing their social skills as they sit together, enjoying their food and interacting with staff and their peers. Staff discusses and records details of any specific requirements or allergies with parents to ensure children's dietary needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is well supported, as they know when they need a drink or a rest. Frequent opportunities are provided for children to play football or cricket outdoors, weather permitting or take part in team games outdoors. This contributes to promoting children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle, helps them to develop confidence, and improve their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure, familiar environment as all of the children attend the school. Staff are vigilant, deployed effectively and supervise the children extremely well. Staff have a good awareness of health and safety issues. The systems for managing access to the premises and the procedures for the collection of children at the end of a session are effective to ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Indoor space and activities are set out in a safe and attractive way. Children easily access an excellent range of high quality equipment, which is appropriate to their differing abilities and interests. Staff monitor and clean equipment thoroughly to ensure it meets safety requirements. Colourful displays of children’s artwork in the room are evidence that children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff conduct regular risk assessments to ensure the building and outdoor areas are safe and promote children’s well-being. Children know the environment well and adhere to the safety rules within the setting, for example, observing the boundaries outside and moving around safely inside. Fire procedures are displayed, however; children do not practice fire evacuations regularly in the group and there is no record maintained to demonstrate improvements in practise. This has the potential to compromise children’s safety in the event of a fire, as children may not be aware of the correct procedure to follow.

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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’s welfare is safeguarded because staff have a clear, focused understanding of all aspects of child protection. They have attended training and are aware of their roles and responsibilities regarding protecting children. A written policy is available and is shared with parents: however, the procedure for allegations against a member of staff is not in line with current legislation. Delays in passing on relevant information to the regulator have the potential to compromise children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the club and are eager to join in the broad range of organised activities. They are able to relax and develop friendships because staff are welcoming, attentive and encouraging, motivating the children to focus on play and having fun. Staff are skilled, use their understanding, knowledge, and own life experiences to provide a valuable out of school provision, which ensures children's individual needs are well met.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to an excellent range of activities and resources, which are appropriate for the ages of all children attending. Staff consistently promotes children’s self-esteem, confidence and independence by giving them ample opportunities to make their own decisions and choices about their play. They encourage them to use their imagination to dress up during role play in the home corner or develop their artistic skills through drawing, painting or colouring activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make positive relationships with each other. For example, as older children freely offer help and support to younger children as they play bingo, 'Tabletop football' or make a necklace using beads. Children are developing an excellent understanding about what is right and wrong because staff are positive role models who work well as a team. They listen to children, value what they have to say and respond positively to their questions. This promotes children’s communication skills well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made thoroughly welcome. Each child is valued and included in every aspect of the daily routine and activities are meaningful, stimulating and fun. Imaginatively planned activities help children gain a very good understanding of their environment. Staff are practical and positive about inclusion. There are no children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, or children who speak English as an additional language currently attending. However, the staff are able to demonstrate they would ensure they have equal access alongside their peers to the facilities, activities and play opportunities to promote their welfare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is effectively managed due to the clear boundaries and positive role models set by the staff. A written statement on behaviour management ensures that the methods used are consistent and developmentally appropriate. Parents are aware of the policy and any significant incidents are recorded. Staff are encouraging in their approach, helping children to distinguish right from wrong and encouraging them to think carefully about the needs of others. As a result, children are well behaved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the effective systems, which are in place to develop positive partnerships with parents. Staff are friendly and approachable working closely with parents and sharing information each day when children are collected. However, parents are not always fully informed

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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 of factors that potentially affect their children’s well-being as the complaints procedure is out of date and there is no format available to log any concerns.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Rigorous and robust recruitment and vetting procedures ensure children are well protected. Staff employed at the setting has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. They work well as a team and are clear about their deployment and responsibilities. The manager ensures there are the required levels of qualified staff working with all children. The organisation of routines, space, resources and activities are well planned and organised to allow children freedom of choice and opportunities to develop their own ideas and play. As a result, children feel secure and confident in a warm and welcoming environment where their safety and welfare are promoted.

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Organisation

Comprehensive policies, records and procedures that are necessary for the smooth running of the group are in place, which has a positive impact on children's safety and well-being. All documentation is regularly reviewed and updated. The registered person is aware of notifying the regulator of significant events and retaining records for the required period. Children's personal information is stored securely to maintain confidentiality. This has a positive impact on children's safety and well-being.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the registered person agreed to make improvements to the written procedures for lost or uncollected children, child protection and parental complaints. She also agreed to improve the system for registration arrangements for visitors and ensure parents sign the medication administered record.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Improvements have been made to the register for visitors and all parents now sign the medication administered record. All but one of the procedures have been updated and now comply with the current guidance and National Standards. This has a positive impact on the partnership with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The child protection procedure does not currently comply with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB). This has been raised again as a recommendation at this inspection.

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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): • improve the system of recording children's accidents to ensure these are shared with parents • ensure the fire evacuation drill is recorded methodically and consistently by all staff to clearly demonstrate improvement • ensure that the child protection procedure complies with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) • ensure parents are made aware of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint • keep a record of complaints relating to the national standards and any action taken.

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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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