Dipton Out of School Hours Club

Dipton Out of School Hours Club Inspection report for early years provision

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314090 Unique Reference Number 23 July 2007 Inspection date Julie Morrison Inspector

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Collierley Primary School, Front Street, Dipton, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 9DJ

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E-mail

The Management Committee 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?

Dipton Out of School Club was registered in 1999. It operates from one room within Dipton School and has use of the school hall and outdoor play area. It serves the local community.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The setting is registered to care for 25 children and currently has 50 children on roll aged between three and 14 years of age. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The group opens term time from 07.30 to 18.00 and during holidays from 07.30 to 18.00. The setting is closed at Christmas holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

One full-time and four part-time staff work with the children, of which three hold an appropriate qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in suitable, clean premises where they are supported by staff to learn the importance of good hygiene. For example, they are reminded to wash hands after using

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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 the bathroom and before eating food. Staff promote appropriate hygiene as they ensure that tables are cleaned before food is put out and two members of staff hold food hygiene certificates. A clear written policy regarding sick children, and the effective recording of emergency consents and accidents promotes children's health and well-being. Staff ensure that any medication given is recorded in line with regulations, however, it is not always clear what times medication has been given. This could pose a potential health risk to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a suitable range of activities which contributes to their physical health. For example, they have access to a large sports hall and outdoor play area where they enjoy playing football, skipping and ball games. Comfortable seating is available in the out of school room for quieter play and allowing the children to rest should they wish to.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff work closely with parents to ensure that any dietary needs are met. Staff have a good understanding of the importance of a healthy diet and children benefit from a balanced and nutritious menu. For example, they have cereal or toast for breakfast and regular snacks of fresh fruit. Children have a drink of water or milk with their snacks and are able to request a drink of water at any time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a safe and secure environment where most of the risks have been identified and minimised. For example, doors to the premises are kept locked at all times and staff keep a record of visitors to the club. Staff keep the children safe as they maintain close observation of them at all times. Visual checks are done of the premises at the end of each session and some staff have completed health and safety awareness training. Electrical and fire equipment is regularly checked and there is a written fire evacuation procedure in place. Children are beginning to learn to keep themselves safe through practising regular fire drills and gentle reminders from staff, for example, to hold hand rails. However, there is no written record of practice evacuations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The rooms are suitably organised to allow children to move around freely and independently. Resources are stored at child height so that children are able to make independent choices from a wide range of age-appropriate resources. Staff have a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms to be aware of. However, they are less clear about procedures to follow if they have a concern, for example, notifying Ofsted. The setting benefits from a manager who has completed relevant child protection training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. A suitable range of activities and resources is provided for children at the out of school club. The children are settled and enjoy their time at the group, benefiting from staff who interact well with them and give them lots of attention. For example, the staff join in with games with the children and take an interest in what they are doing. Children are equally happy to join in with staff or play with their peers. They enjoy role play, playing with castles and pirate ships and 'cooking' food in the play kitchen.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The setting has some plans in place for activities to ensure that children have a balance of activities, for example, quiet time, games and physical activities. During the summer children participate in a number of different organised activities, for example, cookery classes, and arts

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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 and crafts sessions. Even new children appear settled at the club, showing independence and confidence as they select their own activities. For example, they go and get aprons on to paint pictures. Children benefit from positive relationships with staff, who show concern for them, for example, asking if they are ok and what activities they would like to do. Children are happy, singing and laughing, and enjoy their time at the club.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from suitable opportunities to learn about the wider world and their local community. For example, they go on trips to museums and celebrate well known festivals, such as Easter and Halloween. Resources, rich displays and some organised activities promote children's learning about different cultures. For example, at Christmas the children look at different celebrations across the world. Staff demonstrate a good understanding of the needs of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The manager has a good understanding of the issues and has benefited from relevant training. Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are successfully included into the setting and staff work closely with parents to ensure that they are able to meet individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children at the setting are well behaved, as staff act as positive role models. For example, children are encouraged to be polite and all children sit together for snacks and meals. Staff encourage positive behaviour through praise and rules of the group are displayed on the walls. Staff gather appropriate information from parents when their child starts to ensure that they can meet individual needs and keep parents up to date about their children's progress through verbal feedback and daily diaries. A large file of policies is available to parents, however, most parents do not read this which means they may not be aware of all relevant policies and procedures. Information for parents regarding the complaints procedure is displayed for parents, however, it does not contain contact details of the regulator.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Suitable recruitment and induction procedures are in place to ensure that children are cared for by staff who are appropriately vetted and qualified. Staff are committed to attending relevant courses to enhance their development and benefit the children at the setting.

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Organisation

Most required documentation is in place stored for easy access and to promote confidentiality. All relevant details for staff and children are kept on the premises and there is a register in place for the out of school club and summer club. However, the register is not consistently clear for children. The space is well organised to enable children to participate in a wide range of activities and move around freely and independently. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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 the last inspection a recommendation was raised to ensure that the accident book is kept up to date. An up to date accident book, signed by parents is now in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 complaint 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): • improve the completion of medication records to ensure that they are clear • keep a written record of practised fire drills • further develop knowledge of procedures to follow if there is a concern regarding child protection • improve parents' access to relevant policies and procedures • include details of the regulator on the complaints policy • maintain the register so that it clearly shows children's hours of attendance.

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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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