Abbots Hall Out of School Club

Abbot's Hall Out of School Club Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

959783 Unique Reference Number 10 September 2007 Inspection date Gill Thornton Inspector

p.1

Abbot's Hall Primary School, Museum Room, Danescourt Avenue, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1QF

p.1

E-mail

Abbott Hall Out of School Club Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Abbot's Hall Out of School Club is one of two provisions managed by the same voluntary management committee made up of parents of children at the clubs. It opened in 2001 and operates from the Abbots Hall Museum Rooms, which adjoin Abbots Hall Primary School in Stowmarket. A maximum of 16 children may attend the out of school club at any one time. It is open each weekday during term time from 15.10 to 18.00, occasionally a holiday club is held on the site. All children share access to an enclosed outdoor play area within the school grounds.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 25 children aged from four to 11 years on roll. The out of school club serves the local catchment area. The club employs three staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn to follow simple health and hygiene practices through regular routines, such as washing their hands before snack time. However, anti-bacterial soap is not always provided by

p.2

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 the hand basins to minimise the spread of infection. Children's well-being is promoted because information is requested on registration forms about their individual health care needs and all the required consents are in place to support this. Staff regularly update their first aid and food hygiene training to ensure they are aware of the correct procedures to follow to maintain children's health. A well stocked first aid kit is easily accessible in a medical emergency and appropriate procedures are in place to ensure accidents are dealt with and recorded appropriately. Records of medication administered are maintained, however, the format is open to misinterpretation and individual entries are not recorded confidentially.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met through the provision of a snack that takes account of their individual preferences. On arrival children sit down together to a snack that usually includes fresh fruit and bread or toast which they spread for themselves with choices such as marmite or honey. Children are encouraged to drink frequently, especially in hot weather, to ensure they do not become dehydrated.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical play activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. In fine weather they prefer to play outside in the adjacent grassed area, where they enjoy favourites such as football, hide and seek or engaging in imaginative play. Children have many opportunities to develop their small physical skills, for example, while playing with malleable materials or using construction kits.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment where staff take sound steps to minimise risks to children. Staff are vigilant in monitoring access to the provision and only authorised adults are allowed to collect the children. Staff ensure children are safe and all accounted for when collecting them from school, using effective procedures which the staff and children know and understand.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an appropriate range of good quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards. Staff carry out daily checks before the children arrive to ensure the room is safe and suitable. Fire safety precautions are in place and emergency evacuations are practised with the children to ensure they know what to do in the event of a fire.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because staff have attended child protection training to ensure they are aware of the correct procedures to follow if they have a concern.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy coming to the club and are often in no hurry to leave when their parents arrive to collect them. Staff provide a good variety of activities based on the ages and interests of the children attending. Most children only attend for part of the session, consequently, sessions are planned informally to fit in with flexible attendance. Staff are supportive and encouraging, for example, when patiently teaching a child how to knit.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

After sitting down together for snack time children are eager take part in their chosen activities. They confidently ask for their favourite resources from the storage shed and play together happily in pairs or small groups negotiating and sharing ideas. For example, making a house

p.3

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 outside in the tent with blankets and cushions. Children respond well to staff who are interested in what they do and say, such as when talking about how they had spent their weekend.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy craft activities such as painting and drawing or the ever popular playdough. One of their favourite games is Bingo, with one of the staff being 'caller' and the other helping younger children mark off their numbers. Children develop pride in their own achievements and proudly show their parents what they have been doing.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a strong sense of belonging to the provision, the environment is decorated with examples of their own art work and they proudly point to paintings of themselves on the welcome poster. All children are valued and included and they have equal access to toys and equipment that meet their individual needs so they can become confident and independent. Children become aware of the wider world and diversity through discussions and planned activities featuring cultural events. Staff are aware that some children may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and understand the importance of working in partnership with parents and other professionals.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff use clear and consistent explanations to promote children's understanding of responsible behaviour and help them develop an understanding of the needs of other. Staff are good role models and thank children for being polite and helpful, thus promoting their good behaviour. Parents value the flexibility of the club and peace of mind knowing their children are safe and happy after school. The required documentation is in place to ensure children are cared for according to their parents' wishes.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Robust recruitment and vetting procedures ensure children are well protected and cared for by staff with a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. However, systems for monitoring suitability checks for committee members are not fully established. Most of the required documentation and consents are in place to support the welfare of the children attending. However, not all areas for improvement identified at the last inspection relating to documentation have been fully acted upon. In addition the complaints procedure does not refer to the record of complaints being available to parents on request.

p.4

Organisation

Children benefit from regular routines which help them feel confident and secure and effective staff deployment contributes to their safety and enjoyment. Staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities and spend the majority of their time working directly with the children. Overall, children's needs are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At their last inspection the group were asked to improve records of medication administered to children and to update their child protection policy. However, these recommendations have not been fully acted upon and continue to be areas for improvement.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

They also agreed to provide children with a suitable range of outdoor play resources and activities. In fine weather children now spend the majority of their time involved in child-initiated

p.4

Improvements 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 play in the outdoor area and the group have purchased further outdoor resources including a tent, a 'Boule' set, hoopla and more bats and balls. Consequently children's opportunities to enjoy outdoor play have been enhanced.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • provide anti-bacterial soap within children's reach in the toilets • improve procedures recording medication administered to respect confidentiality and ensure entries are signed by parents • develop systems for monitoring committee members' suitability checks • review and update documentation in line with current requirements, in particular the child protection and complaints policies.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5