Colwich Youth & Community Centre

Colwich Youth & Community Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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Colwich Youth & Community Centre

Unique Reference Number EY242675 Inspection date 16 August 2005 Inspector Rosemary Linda Tomkins

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Colwich Youth & Community Centre

Setting Address Main Road, Colwich, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 0XD

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E-mail

Registered person Colwich & The Haywoods Community Association Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School 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 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?

Colwich Youth Centre Out of School Club opened in 2002 and operates from two main halls in Colwich Youth Centre in the village of Colwich, Stafford. A maximum of 60 children may attend at any one time. The club is open each weekday from 07.30 to 08.50 and 15.30 to 18.00 during school term times and from 08.00 to 18.00 during school holidays. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor area. There are currently 35 children aged from 3 to 10 years on roll. Children come from the local community and wider surrounding areas.

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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 There are two full time members of staff that work with the children. Half of the staff hold childcare qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children understand how to keep themselves healthy. Children wash their hands after visiting the toilet and understand how germs spread. Staff ensure children wash their hands before snacks. Children understand that food will not be contaminated and cause the spread of infection. One member of staff holds a current first aid certificate. This means that staff have sufficient knowledge and ability to ensure children receive appropriate medical treatment in the event of an accident both inside the club and on outings. Individual medication records are maintained to ensure staff are aware of children's health needs. Written parental permission for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice is in place. This means that children will receive prompt medical attention in the event of a medical emergency. Children are able to help themselves to fresh drinking water throughout the sessions

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Helping children to be healthy

and provided with sugar free diluted fruit juice and biscuits. Staff encourage children to eat fresh fruit and discuss a healthy lifestyle with the children as part of planned activities. This ensures children understand how to keep themselves healthy. The club has use of an adjoining playing field and clear space within the hall where children enjoy physical exercise and open space.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure and confident in the well-organised club environment. Children understand how to keep each other safe because staff explain safety rules. However staff do not ensure that children practise the emergency evacuation procedures on a regular basis. This means that children are not safe in an emergency situation. Staff have identified potential risks and dangers and check the premises each session. For example, making sure the front entrance door remains locked and grouping the children between the hall and outside area which allows staff to supervise and observe children at all times. This ensures children are safe both outside and inside the building. Children use a good range of safe, good quality resources which they are able to select from low level shelves in cupboards. Staff encourage children to take responsibility for using equipment safely, monitoring condition and putting away.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children understand how to use equipment safely because staff explain clearly before each activity.

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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 Staff have a good understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits particularly when children arrive and leave the club. Children understand that they must wait to be collected by parents and parents must sign their children in and out. This allows children to learn to be responsible for their own safety and take an active part in procedures. Children are well protected. The person in charge is responsible for child protection and ensures procedures are up to date. Staff fully understand their responsibility to follow procedures and protect children in their care

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are enthusiastic and self-assured in the play scheme, particularly when playing board games together. Children are exited and enjoy their time at the club where they meet new friends and develop new skills. They relate well to staff and each other and play an active part in planning and developing activities. For example, allowing for children's various ages when playing physical games. All children enjoy choosing from a range of art materials to create paintings and paper weaving to display on the wall. Children are absorbed and relaxed when working together and developing close relationships. Children expect staff to join in with their activities and they readily question and express their opinions. For example, negotiating with each other which outside game to play. Children are supported by the staff who encourage children to extend their experiences and are involved in listening and talking to them. They use available

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

resources, space and staff to meet the needs of all the children. Children include the staff in their play and conversations particularly during quiet indoor activities, such as snack time and indoor floor games. Summer outings include visits to the local common and Play Barn. This promotes children's sense of adventure as they discover new places and experiences. The choice of activity based outings ensures children can select to suit their age and personal preferences. Children are supported at all times during outings which enhances their enjoyment by enabling them to discuss their new experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing mutually respectful relationships with the staff and each other. They increase self-esteem and confidence as they voice their opinions and join in with planning. Children are offered a choice of activity and discuss their individual needs and preferences with staff. Staff ensure they know every child's preferred name and family background. Children discover the wider world as they enjoy cooking, tasting food and playing games from other cultures. Children are well behaved. They know what is expected of them because they

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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 discuss the rules with staff and each other. Staff are very 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. Children are eager to help and take a pride in putting pieces of equipment inside the correct boxes and rearranging furniture. Relationships with parents are friendly. Staff greet children and parents at the start of each session and provide notices detailing activities. In addition, printed posters of planned outings are displayed for children and parents to choose and book places. Staff make parents welcome and encourage them to share home information on their children and also express their expectations of the play scheme. This ensures

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children have their individual needs met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by qualified staff who have knowledge and experience of how to promote the care and well-being of children. The registered person uses effective recruitment, vetting and induction procedures to ensure staff are aware of the operational polices within the club. This ensures children are provided with appropriate activities to promote their health, safety and enjoyment. Good teamwork makes sure all staff work well together to promote children’s achievements. Outings are organised to ensure there is a high staffing level to ensure children are safe and supported. Planned activities allow children to be grouped according to their individual likes and dislikes. Staff have agreed security arrangements for the arrival and departure of children which are discussed with children and parents. However, staff do not maintain a record of visitors to the club.

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Organisation

This means that, when visitors are present, children are not aware of the suitability of adults within the club. Staff use two halls within the premises. There is clear floor space for indoor group games and physical exercise. The outdoor space is utilized to maximise play opportunities for children. Most legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed. Overall the provision meets all the individual 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 agreed to ensure that staff members are suitable and have relevant qualifications, experience, skills and induction, and that Ofsted are informed of relevant changes. Also, to provide a written procedure to be followed if a child is lost or uncollected and to ensure the child protection procedure complies with the local Area Child Protection Committee. In addition, the provider agreed to update the health and safety policy, ensure staff

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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 are aware and make sure hazardous materials are inaccessible to children. Also, to ensure there is at least one member of staff with a current first aid certificate on the premises at all times and that there is a written record of all medicines given to children, with parents' signatures. The provider also agreed to make sure all records policies and procedures are readily accessible on the premises and discussed with parents. The provider has improved the organisation of the out of school club very well and ensures staff are suitably qualified and experienced and that Ofsted is informed of all changes. All policies and procedures have been reviewed and now contain the necessary information for staff to ensure children are safe. Records, policies and procedures are stored confidentially on the premises and

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Improvements since the last inspection

parents are kept informed by a display of procedures on the notice board and discussion with staff at registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 Ofsted has received one complaint. Concerns were raised that one particular member of staff was working at the setting and Ofsted had not been informed. This concern related to National Standard 2-Suitable Person and National Standard 14-Documentation. Ofsted requested the Registered Person provide details of staff employed at the setting, including details of all vetting checks carried out prior to staff commencing employment. The Registered Person confirmed the staff members and checks undertaken as well as the vetting procedure in place. Ofsted is satisfied that the National Standards have been met and can confirm that the Registered Person remains qualified for registration.

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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 the emergency evacuation plan is practised and recorded with all children • ensure a record of visitors is maintained.

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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 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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