Ants Out of School Club

Ants Out of School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276610 Unique Reference Number 26 September 2007 Inspection date Lesley Jane Bott Inspector

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c/o St. Anthony's Primary School, Stafford Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV10 6NW

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Setting Address

07948739742 Telephone number laura.love @btinternet . com E-mail Laura Love Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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Setting Address

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?

Ants Out of School Club opened in 2003 and operates from two rooms in a building within the grounds of St. Anthony's Primary School. It is situated on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. A maximum 30 children may attend the club at any one time. The club is open each weekday from 07.30 to 09.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00 during school term times. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 60 children aged from three to under 11 years on roll. Children come from St Anthony's and Elston Hall Primary Schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club employs five staff. All staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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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. Good procedures are in place to help children learn about their own personal hygiene through daily routines. For example, children are aware that they need to wash their hands before eating because of germs they said. Written parental permission for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice is in place for all children, and staff have current first aid certificates and a first aid kit is available. This means that children will receive prompt treatment in the event of an accident or medical emergency. Staff ensure individual medication records are maintained and they are aware of children's health and medicinal needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are discussed and recorded on their registration form and staff are aware of individual dietary needs. Children in the breakfast club choose and place their order on what they want to eat from a wide selection available to them. However, children are not always encouraged to choose the healthy option available to them. Therefore children's good health is not always promoted. The school playground, and large fully enclosed grassed area provides a good large space for children to have frequent opportunities to play outside to enjoy fresh air and exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and confident in the organised club environment. They understand how to keep each other safe because staff explain safety rules, for example, to walk, not run indoors. Staff walk with the children escorting them to and from school, as part of the "walking bus". To stay safe they wear yellow fluorescent jackets and walk in twos. Staff regularly practice and record the emergency evacuation procedure with all the children. This means that children are safe in an emergency situation. However, the public liability certificate was not on the premises at the time of the inspection. Staff have identified potential risks and dangers and the daily physical checks to the premises are recorded. The entrance door to the setting is secure and always answered by a staff member. This ensures children are safe and cannot leave the premises

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a range of safe, good quality resources. They are able to choose from a varied selection each day. Toys are organised well and help create a stimulating environment. Children can develop their curiosity well, as they are able to go into the toy cupboard to choose which toys and equipment they would like to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. Staff have attended training in child protection and understand their responsibility to protect children in their care and report concerns to the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Staff are clear about the procedure for any concerns, and have an understanding of signs and symptoms that may alert to child abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are excited and enjoy their time in the setting where they play with their friends and develop new skills. Children ask staff to join in their play, particularly games and they support children when needed. Children are enthusiastic and self-assured, particularly when accessing the resources or helping to prepare and serve breakfast to their friends. Children group together

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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 companionably with staff to play board games, colour or just to sit and chat. They relate well to each other and are absorbed in their creative activities. All children eagerly choose from a range of resources, such as, activity games, writing materials, baking and craft activities. Children are confident and relaxed when working together and form close relationships. They readily question and express their opinions, such as, asking for alternative games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are supported by the staff who encourage children to extend their experiences and are involved in listening and talking to them. They use the well-presented, good quality resources to meet the needs of all the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have mutually respectful relationships with the staff and each other. They increase self-esteem and confidence as they voice their opinions, choose their favourite activities and discuss their individual needs and preferences with staff. Children are not disadvantaged and are able to play with all the equipment available. The children have a 'wish list' on the wall where they add activities and games they would like to do while at the club for the staff to include this within the sessions. Children have a strong sense of belonging to their club, and are settled and relaxed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Currently, there are children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities attending and staff have policies and procedures to ensure children are fully included and supported within the club. Staff are aware of support from outside agencies to assist them in forming strategies to ensure a positive impact on children with specific requirements. The policy ensures parents and staff work closely together and share information.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved. They know what is expected of them because they help to write their own club rules with staff and each other. Staff are good role models and take every opportunity to thank children for their help and good behaviour. They talk to the children throughout the session to ensure they understand the behaviour boundaries and respond to requests to help one another. For example, making sure the snooker cue's are put back on the table when not in use and not left on the floor.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff greet parents individually as they arrive and take time to talk and share information. Parents are provided with regular newsletters informing parents on events and opening and closing dates. There is a complaints policy and procedure for parents with the regulator's contact details. This means that parents are provided with sufficient accurate information to make a complaint. Staff make parents welcome and offer flexible care. They encourage them to share home information on their children and also express their expectations of the club with a daily verbal exchange of information. There are strong links with both schools which supports continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by well qualified staff who have knowledge and experience of how to promote the care and well-being of children. Staff attend training to increase and extend their skills. For example, child protection, and first aid. Effective recruitment and vetting systems safeguard children's welfare and comprehensive induction procedures ensure staff are aware of the operational policies within the club. This ensures children are provided with appropriate

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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 activities to promote their health, safety and enjoyment. Registers show that ratios have been met, however, staff do not sign in and out which could impact on the care of the children.

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Organisation

Good teamwork makes sure staff work well together to promote children’s achievements. Activities both inside and outside, and escorting children to school are organised with the prescribed staffing levels to ensure children are safe and supported. Children's files and attendance records are kept securely and they are available for inspection. There are designated rooms and clear floor space for indoor group activities. The outdoor space is utilised to maximise play opportunities for children. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection three recommendations were raised. These included making sure that parents sign accident forms, all paperwork is readily accessible and visitors book is completed. The accident book has been changed and the top copy is given to parents after they have signed and dated receipt of notification. This ensures that children's needs are met. Some paperwork was not readily available at the time of the inspection and this recommendation has been amended and brought forward again. A visitors book is now in place to ensure that all visitors to the setting sign and record their arrival and departure times.

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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): • ensure that all paperwork is available and kept on site • ensure that staff record their arrival and departure times • further improve the choice of food offered to children to ensure that more healthy options are available.

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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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