Layton Primary School

The Playstation @ Sandy Lane Out of School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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119246 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2007 Inspection date Anne Jeanette Faithfull Inspector

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Sandy Lane Primary School, Sandy Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 2JG

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E-mail

The Playstation @ Sandy Lane Out of School 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 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?

Sandy Lane After School and Holiday Club opened in 1998. It operates from the infant school hall in Sandy Lane Primary School, Bracknell. The club serves the children of the Sandy Lane schools and also the local area of Priestwood.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club is registered for 26 children from the age of four years to eight years. Children up to the age of 12 years may also attend. There are currently 53 children from four to 12 years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting has provision to support children with learning difficulties /disabilities. The club opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 07:45 to 08:45 then 15:15 until 17:45. The holiday club is open during the school holidays from 08:45 to 17:30.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

One full time and three part time staff work with the children. Three staff hold an appropriate qualification. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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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. Children are cared for in an environment that is clean and hygienic. For example, staff regularly use anti-bacterial spray on the tables where children eat their food. Children are taught to care for themselves as they are regularly reminded to wash their hands, particularly before eating or after using the toilet. Accident and medication records are kept in line with legal requirements and shared with parents, to make sure children's health needs are fully met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are kept hydrated through the session, as they can freely access a drink at anytime. Children learn of the importance of eating healthy foods through discussions with staff, as they talk about healthy eating at snack time. Staff provide a range of healthy snacks, including fresh fruit and yoghurts. Meals provided for children who attend the breakfast and after school sessions are healthy and nutritious, for example, toast and cereals. All information is gained from parents about children's dietary needs or allergies and the staff ensure that these are met. Staff are aware of children who attend with specific food allergies and ensure they do not eat any food from the other children’s packed lunches.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunity to get fresh air and exercise as they play outside on the school's playground and playing fields. Staff encourage children to take part in physical activities, for example, running to different coloured cones in the playground. Children are aware of their own needs and take jumpers and coats off if they become hot when playing outside. Children’s fine motor skills are developed through a range of activities for instance, making bead mats and using small craft items. Staff ensure that children are able to rest and have quiet times, which all benefits children's good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and welcoming environment. They have safe access to furniture, equipment and age appropriate resources which conform to safety standards and are well maintained. Staff are vigilant when children are playing inside or outside in the playground and visitors are challenged and names are recorded. Daily safety checks take place, these are recorded, and dated, and any concerns and comments are addressed immediately to further promote the safety of the children. The fire evacuation plan is clear and most children are aware of the steps to take, however, the fire evacuation drill has not been practised with the new children to inform new children attending the club of the steps to take to make sure they can get out quickly and safely in the event of a fire or other emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment that staff thoughtfully provide for them. Staff are very aware of specific safety issues and remind children to wear the safety helmets when using the scooters outside and to be careful on the steps leading to the toilets. Available space is well thought out, with areas divided to provide children with a range of activities that are appropriate for their ages and individual needs. For example, a bowling alley has been created along the edge of the hall, with barriers alongside to ensure the balls cannot hit children taking part in other activities within the hall.

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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 protect children’s welfare through a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities in child protection and safeguarding children from harm. An incident book is in place and all contact numbers, this ensures staff are able to effectively seek further advice if required.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely well settled and relaxed. They are keen to join in with the activities on offer, owing to the highly committed staff that use their consultation with the children to ensure they provide interesting, challenging and stimulating activities. Good use is made of the outdoor area where children can get involved in activities according to their own wishes. For example, children can play tennis with staff or take part in a group activity with the parachute. Children are supported well in their play with staff offering to play games or sport with them if they want them to, but staff also know when to stand back and let the children play together on their own.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children independently choose from the wide range of activities on offer which include a cinema area, computer games and art and craft. Interaction between children and staff is extremely positive and children are well supported in their play. Staff are skilled at taking the time to listen and acknowledge the children, as well as allowing them time to enjoy socialising with their friends in their own way. This helps to build upon children’s existing good levels of self-esteem, enthusiasm and confidence. Children benefit from access to a range of different art and craft activities enabling them to make items to take home, for example, jewellery and bead mats. A display board is provided for the children to display their work, if they wish to and staff readily praise all the children’s efforts and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s behaviour is exemplary; they are polite and well-mannered and play well together helping each other where necessary. Children are very aware of the boundaries and rules in place and through daily discussions, staff remind the children of the behaviour rules in place when playing outside. Children readily share and take turns; they are aware of the five minute rule in use for the scooters and readily give the scooter they were using to another child after five minutes. Children have a sense of belonging, as they have made a welcome poster for the parents and visitors to see, as they come into the hall. They readily make gifts for the staff and their friends. Children with a learning difficulty or disability are supported by the staff who ensure they can participate in the activities offered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have many opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through planned activities and a range of resources for instance, dressing up clothes, role play items and books. All festivals and children’s birthdays are celebrated. Staff know the children well and are readily available to listen, if children wish to talk to them about how they are feeling and any concerns they may have. Children benefit from the good partnership, that the staff have with their parents. All required consent forms are in place to ensure that children receive care appropriate to their individual needs. Parents comment to the supervisor how happy their children are, and most children come back each holiday and also attend the breakfast and after school club as well.

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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 benefit from the good organisation of the club and the dedicated supervisor and staff team in place. They effectively organise the space available to allow children to initiate their own play and to access an excellent range of opportunities. This encourages their independence and allows them to self-select experiences that both interest and challenge them. All regulatory requirements are met to promote the efficient management of the club. All policies and procedures are in place and are presently being updated by the chairperson and committee, to further promote the care and welfare of the children.

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Organisation

Staff evaluate the enjoyment of the children attending and the activities they provide by asking the children to draw their favourite activities and experiences. All children’s comments are addressed to ensure the ongoing enjoyment for all the children who attend. The register clearly shows which children are in the club. However, some children’s times of attendance are not always recorded. A staff appraisal system is in place and is used effectively to highlight any training needs of the staff. The committee readily agree to send staff on training if required to further update their knowledge of childcare and to gain relevant qualifications. The setting 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 three recommendations were made. These were to ensure a daily risk assessment takes place and action to be taken is written down, to provide ample resources to challenge the children and to provide resources to promote positive images of culture, gender and disability. These recommendations have now been addressed and as a result further promotes children's safety, learning and welfare.

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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 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): • further improve the fire evacuation procedures by practising them with the children to ensure new children are aware of the procedures

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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 • record times of attendance for all children

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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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