The Victory Club

Victory Club Inspection report for early years provision

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251704 Unique Reference Number 17 September 2007 Inspection date Gill Thornton Inspector

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St John's Church Hall, Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 4QE Setting Address

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E-mail

Victory Club 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?

Victory Club After School Club is managed by a voluntary management committee, made up of parents of children at the club. It opened in 1994 and operates from two rooms in St John's Church Hall in east Ipswich. A maximum of 20 children may attend the out of school club at any one time. It is open every weekday from 15.15 until 18.00 during term-time only. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 29 children aged from four to 12 years on roll, all of whom are pupils at St John's Primary School. The out of school club employs four staff, all of whom hold recognised early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good hygiene practices through well-established routines. For example, they take turns cleaning the tables before snack time with anti-bacterial spray and they know to wash their hands before eating and after going to the toilet. Staff are

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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 consistent in reinforcing the need to use soap to wash away any germs. Children receive appropriate care if they are ill or have an accident because staff are aware of children's individual health care needs and all the required documentation and consents are in place to support this. All staff have attended first aid and food hygiene training to ensure they are aware of the correct procedures to follow to maintain children's health and prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished, have their health and dietary needs met and increase their understanding of a healthy diet. They sit down to enjoy sandwiches prepared by staff with their choice of filling, missing the opportunity for them to further increase their independence by making their own. Snack time always features a selection of fresh fruit and staff discuss with children why vitamins are good for them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a range of physical play experiences that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy playing in the outdoor area demonstrating their skills to others as they competently ride around on the popular scooters, play ball games and demonstrate their skipping abilities. They walk back from school each day which provides them with plenty of fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Positive steps are taken to promote safety within the club and to keep children safe. Staff implement sound safety procedures, they are very safety conscious and supervise the children closely. Staff follow sound procedures when collecting children from school to promote their safety. For example, ensuring children understand road safety rules and wear fluorescent jackets. Parents and new children are encouraged to walk with the group to familiarise themselves with the route and the procedures followed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where they gain an understanding of how to keep themselves safe to prepare them for future independence. Fire safety precautions are in place and staff practise emergency evacuations with the children so they know what to do in the event of a fire. Children's welfare is safeguarded as staff have attended child protection training to ensure they are aware of the correct procedures if they have a concern. Children are cared for by adults who have the relevant experience, knowledge and skills to ensure children's safety is promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy coming to the provision and are often in no hurry to leave when their parents come to collect them. Staff provide a good variety of activities based on the ages and interests of the children attending. By they time they have walked back from school some children only attend for a short period of time, consequently sessions are planned informally to fit in with flexible attendance. Children particularly enjoyed a visit into the group from the litter enforcement officer, although this was interrupted for some children by their parents arriving to collect them. Staff are sensitive and encouraging, for example, checking that a child was happy sitting on their own with a book of puzzles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children confidently participate in discussions and staff acknowledge and take account of their views and feelings so that children feel valued. After sitting down together for snack time children are eager to take part in their chosen activity. For most children this involves playing

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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 outside, weather permitting, or exploring the craft box and experimenting with their own ideas and creations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy 'cold cooking' activities and proudly take home items such as egg mayonnaise or bean salad. They take part in imaginary role play activities based on their own experiences, for example, playing 'estate agents' in the home corner. Staff encourage children to initiate their own play and choose activities that interest and motivate them. They have sought and acted upon children's views via a questionnaire about what they would like to do at the club.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a sense of belonging to the club because staff introduce new children at snack time and ask the others to make them welcome. Staff know the children well and value and respect their individual personalities to help develop their confidence and self-esteem. Staff are aware that some children may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and they understand the importance of working in partnership with parents and other professionals. However there is no specific policy in place in line with current legislation and guidance to support the inclusion of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children take part in discussions and activities to develop their understanding of people's similarities and differences and the wider world. They show concern for others, for example, kindly offering a younger child their fluorescent jacket or immediately asking if another child was alright when they tripped on the stairs. Children are polite and well behaved and staff use sound strategies to promote their understanding of appropriate behaviour. For example, emphasising the need to be good role models for younger children. Children develop a sense of responsibility because staff allocate them roles, such as folding up the jackets, which they take pride in doing carefully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents value the flexibility of the club and the peace of mind knowing that their children are safe after school. Staff attend new parents' evenings at the school to introduce them to the club. The required documentation and consents are in place to ensure children are cared for according to their parents' wishes. However, not all policies and procedures are in place or available to parents to ensure they are fully informed about the running of the provision.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Appropriate recruitment and vetting procedures ensure children are well protected and cared for by qualified staff with a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. Staff work well together as an effective team, they know each other's roles and responsibilities and follow clear routines to which children respond well. However, the provider is in breach of regulations by not informing Ofsted about the appointment of a new manager or of changes to committee members. This is reflected in the overall judgement of satisfactory. The newly elected chair of the management committee is seeking support from a childcare development worker to help them fulfil their role as the registered provider.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is in place to support the welfare of the children attending. An accurate record of attendance is maintained of children, staff and visitors. However, policies and procedures have not been updated in line with current requirements and are incomplete. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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 their last inspection the provider was required to: improve procedures for vetting and inducting new staff; develop staff's knowledge of the National Standards; update documentation, policies and procedures; conduct risk assessments especially on the visibility of children walking from school; ensure snacks are healthy and nutritious and develop resources reflecting positive images of diversity.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Appropriate procedures are now followed when appointing new staff which include induction procedures and job descriptions. Current staff all have an appropriate knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and have used this knowledge to update documentation and consents, including procedures for recording allergies and accident and medication records. Children are provided with healthy and nutritious choices at snack time. Consequently their care and welfare is enhanced. Children are escorted back from school following the safest route and they wear fluorescent jackets to increase their visibility so improving their safety. Resources such as books and puzzles reflecting a positive view of diversity are available and children celebrate various festivals to develop their understanding of the wider world. Some procedures have been reviewed and updated, however, this continues to remain an area for development.

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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. 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 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): • inform Ofsted of any significant changes or events, in particular changes to the person in charge and to committee members • update written policies and procedures to ensure they reflect practice, meet current regulations and are available to parents. In particular, lost and uncollected child policy, complaints policy and a statement about the inclusion of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities • review the organisation of snack time to provide children with further opportunities to develop their independence while preparing their own food.

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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 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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