Playpals at Ruckleigh School

Playpals at Ruckleigh School Inspection report for early years provision

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EY289171 Unique Reference Number 09 August 2007 Inspection date Adelaide Griffith Inspector

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Ruckleigh School, Lode Lane, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 2AB Setting Address

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07884 307 401 or 0121 703 0618 Telephone number playpals@tiscali.co.uk E-mail Lynne Catherine Townend Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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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?

Playpals at Ruckleigh School opened in 1996. The club is part of Playpals Childcare which includes several provisions. It is managed independently of Ruckleigh Private School. The club operates from the nursery classroom at the back of the school. It is situated within walking distance of Solihull town centre. A maximum of 26 children may attend the club at any one time. The club is open each weekday from 15:10 to 18:00 during term time and from 08:00 to 18:00 during the local authority school holidays. The club is closed during the last week of the year.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 127 children aged from three to under eight years on roll. Children aged up to 11 years may attend the after school sessions. The club is open to children from the local community and they attend for a variety of sessions. The club currently supports children with learning difficulties/disabilities and also supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club employs 10 members of staff. Of these, five 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 outstanding. Children are clearly learning about personal hygiene as they wash hands as part of the daily routine. Their understanding of hygiene is enhanced through discussions about the reasons for using soap. Children are competently protected against infection due to established procedures. Owing to the implementation of policies their health is effectively promoted. Staff hold current first aid qualifications and three first aid boxes are available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are gaining a substantial understanding of healthy options. Staff plan balanced meals that include a commendable selection of fruit, vegetables and salads. Children's sense of belonging is successfully promoted as they independently access fruit that is set out within reach. They are well supported in developing skills in discernment due to sensitive nurturing which encourages eating when they are hungry. Furthermore, staff and children talk about the benefits of the chosen fruit and vegetables. The ethos of the setting is to provide meals that cater for all children's requirements with particular attention to cultural and medical reasons. Children's self-reliance is developing through opportunities to pour drinks and they have frequent access to water.

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Helping children to be healthy

There is a strong belief in promoting healthy lifestyles. Children participate in daily physical exercise through interesting activities. They run around freely and their large muscle skills are effectively promoted through climbing frames and slides. Children's balancing skills are developing through the extensive provision of resources including beams, a low bridge that sways on contact and tree stumps that encourage hopping from one to the other. A tennis court is used for team games and children participate in a skipping challenge that raises awareness of the benefits of physical exercise on their bodies. Furthermore, they gain significant understanding of the reasons for stretching and warming up before vigorous exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's small muscle skills are developing through play with small balls and bats. They play outside in most weather conditions and when necessary indoor play physical activities are planned, for instance, parachute and party games. Additionally, they participate in quiet activities including story time and independent reading.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment which is bright and colourful. They are greeted warmly and settle quickly. The room is maintained at a comfortable temperature and it is well ventilated. Children play in a well-maintained outside area with stable play equipment and bark covering is laid in some sections. They are well protected due to the extensive range of safety measures including daily risk assessments of the premises before their arrival. Furthermore, staff carry out risk assessments of venues prior to outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's personal safety is commendably promoted, for example, they are clearly informed that fire doors should only be opened by staff and they are consistently supervised during activities. There is a comprehensive programme which substantially promotes children's sense of personal safety. For instance, topics such as 'stranger danger' and safe play are covered and children are actively involved in discussions. Equally important, they contribute to the review of these activities. Children are gaining a precise understanding of fire safety through daily

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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 briefings and detailed information is shared about procedures. Staff talk sensitively with children about the effects of a fire and they participate in frequent fire drills. This means that children have a clear awareness of leaving the building in the event of emergencies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is thoroughly ensured due to staff's broad knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. They are well informed about reporting and recording procedures including those relating to allegations against staff. Clear documentation is available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's independence is effectively promoted as they access toys and resources including books that are set out within reach. Children's confidence is thoroughly promoted through discussions as staff talk and listen to their responses. For example, children actively contribute to the carpet time sessions. Staff are well informed about children's developmental stages and plan a variety of enjoyable activities for all age groups. There is a wide range of resources including those for painting, creative and construction play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's listening skills are strongly promoted as they concentrate and share information gained during a communication activity. They are clearly learning right from wrong as they are reminded to sit whilst eating. Furthermore, their social skills are competently promoted through sharing and taking turns in activities. Children's self-esteem is growing through consistent praise. They form good relationships with adults and their peers. Although the setting provides a broad range of toys there is a shortage of role play equipment and small world resources. In spite of this children participate in a variety of interesting and enjoyable activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are effectively met through the care that is implemented. They are clearly learning about other cultures through the provision of resources including toys that reflect positive images and they are gaining a good understanding about the wider world through activities. There is a growing awareness of the wider community due to outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff have current experience of caring for children with learning difficulties/disabilities. They obtain information about children's routines and understand the importance of liaising with parents regarding additional requirements. Children's individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved due to positive strategies such as a reward system and constant interaction. The behaviour management policy is consistently implemented and staff talk to children in a calm manner. Children are given the reasons for requests, for example, why it is important to apologise. They are clearly learning the boundaries of behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a good working relationship with parents. Before children attend the club parents are provided with written information and they have access to policies. There are firm procedures for the collection of children in the event of emergencies. Parents are provided with information daily in a summary of routines, activities and experiences. Children benefit from the partnership with parents and carers.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are effectively protected as all staff are vetted and persons who are not vetted are not left to work unsupervised with children. There is good organisation for the care of children. Applicants are appointed following a rigorous interview and newly appointed staff have an induction period. Staff have benefited from recent updating courses and they attend out of school network meetings run by the local authority. Consequently, children's care is improved through staff's knowledge and understanding of current initiatives.

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Organisation

External agencies are brought in to work with children and there is a wide range of interesting resources. Outings are planned and additional initiatives to help children's understanding of healthy lifestyles are implemented. Consistent evaluations are carried out about the running of the provision. This proactive approach indicates a commitment to the care of children.

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Organisation

All required documentation is available. Children's records are stored securely and updated frequently. Staff are clearly informed about procedures for the retention of records and for notifying Ofsted about significant changes. Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, and to promote the welfare and care of children are maintained. Overall 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 last inspection the provider was asked to make improvements relating to the daily registration procedure and the accident record. Additionally, improvements were requested with regard to risk assessments. All records are now consistently and accurately maintained for the care and welfare of the children.

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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):

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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 • improve the provision of play opportunities which allow children to use their imagination more effectively through the availability of additional resources such as role play equipment.

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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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