Wacky Snacky Club

Wacky-Snacky Club Inspection report for early years provision

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251706 Unique Reference Number 16 November 2007 Inspection date Margaret Elizabeth Roberts Inspector

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c/o All Saints Primary School, Vicarage Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8JE

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E-mail

Wacky-Snacky 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Wacky-Snacky Club opened in 1998. It operates from the hall and two classrooms in All Saints Primary School, situated in Newmarket, Suffolk. A maximum of 20 children may attend the out of school club at any one time. The out of school club is open each weekday from 7.30 until 8.35 and 15.00 until 17.00 for 39 weeks of the year. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 40 children from five to under eight years on roll. Children come from the local catchment area. The out of school club currently supports a number of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The out of school club employs five staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children's medical needs are compromised should they require any necessary emergency medical treatment or if advice needs to be sought because the setting has not requested written parental permission for this to occur. Accident and medication records meet regulations and parents sign permission for the giving of medicines. Staff are trained in first aid and have access to a

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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 first aid box. Children are not protected from the spread of infection because the setting has no policy about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious or a procedure for contacting parents should a child become ill when attending the setting. The premises are clean and children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered breakfast in the morning and tea in the afternoon. Although improvements have been made to the menu, meals offered are not always nutritious. For example, sandwich fillers offered include jam and although fruit is available staff do not encourage children to eat the fruit. Children have a choice of drinks at mealtimes and are able to use the school water fountain, which ensures that they do not go thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

During the colder weather children's large physical skills are not promoted because they have very limited time outside. For example, they have ten minutes in which to run about in the school playground but are not provided with any large apparatus to extend their skills. Children's eye-hand coordination skills are impeded due to a lack of implements to use such as scissors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The organisation of the space and the limited amount of resources available does not create a stimulating or welcoming environment for children to enter. For example, tables are positioned to the sides of the room with activities still in lidded boxes, which are not always appropriate to the ages and individual developmental needs of the children attending. The premises are clean and well maintained by the school authorities, but the out of school club does not always have sole use of the areas that they use during the hours of operation. This has a negative impact on what children may enjoy because activities and play opportunities have to be cleared away to allow for other users to enter the main play area. Should children wish to rest after the school day, they are unable to do so because there is no designated area or appropriate furniture for them to relax without disturbance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely because the school authorities take reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children on the premises are minimised. Children are supervised at all times by the out of school club staff and there are systems in place for managing access to the school premises. Children are protected in the case of a fire because fire fighting equipment is available. However, fire drills are rarely practised so children do not learn how to conduct themselves in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have undertaken training in safeguarding children which helps them to protect children should abuse or neglect be suspected. The setting has a policy in place for staff to refer to but this does not include a procedure to follow should an allegation be made against a member of staff. This results in children's welfare, safety and protection not being completely paramount.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is inadequate. Children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities are not promoted effectively because they do not take part in a wide range of activities. Staff do not plan activities or provide resources effectively so that children can take part in energetic play or have quiet times when they can relax in a quiet area. Children show that they are disinterested in the activities presented by sliding on cushions around the room instead of being actively engaged in an activity. They are unable to sustain interest in self-chosen or adult-led activities because they lack challenge

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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 for the older child. They make very limited decisions and choices about their play and learning because they are not encouraged to choose freely from the store cupboard.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Limited interaction between staff and children inhibits their confidence and self-esteem. Staff walk around the room or sit at a table waiting for children to approach them and not inviting them to take part in what is provided such as making paper aeroplanes. There is little opportunity for the asking of questions which promotes children's thinking and listening skills. Children's independence is not encouraged because staff do not allow them to do things for themselves. For example, staff serve children at mealtimes, pouring out the children's drinks and spreading butter on their toast. Staff put out activities and tidy them away with little input from children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. Children do not learn about equality through their play because they do not have access to a full range of resources and activities. This is because play and learning opportunities do not reflect the wider world or diversity. For example, children do not have access to books, role play situations or equipment that reflect positive images of culture, gender or disability. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are welcomed into the group and arrangements can be made so that their needs can be accommodated.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because they are aware of the expectations that are required within the school perimeters. They are polite to adults, opening doors and waiting to be spoken to. They play well together and build positive friendships with their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents state in questionnaires that they are happy with the provision because it provides a service which enables them to follow their own pursuits. They have access to the policies and procedures of the setting which gives them basic information about how the out of school club is run and what they can expect their children to take part in. However, should they wish to make a complaint the information given in the policy is incorrect and the poster giving the regulator's contact number displayed on the notice board is covered by other paperwork.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children's welfare is not fully promoted because the organisation of the setting and the deployment of staff is ineffective. Although staff have relevant qualifications they have an insecure knowledge and understanding of good quality childcare and fail to comply with the National Standards. The provision does not always meet the children's needs and limits their potential to develop. The insecure registration system means that children cannot always be accounted for and puts them at risk should the building need to be evacuated in an emergency.

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Organisation

The setting has a working set of policies and procedures, some of which is out of date or does not meet regulations. Not all relevant documentation is in place and this has a negative impact on the care the children receive. Overall, children's needs are not met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to make sure the play space is welcoming to children when they arrive by preparing activities and arranging furniture as soon as possible; provide a wider range of activities and play opportunities; updated documents to be maintained

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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 on the premises and include the name and address of the registered provider (committee members); obtain parents' permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice; and a system to record each dose of medication administered with parents' signature acknowledging the dosage.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's care has not been enhanced because the provider has made insufficient improvement. The organisation of the play space and the limited amount of activities and play opportunities available does not create a stimulating or welcoming environment for children to enter. Although some documents have been updated and now include the name and address of the registered provider and a system to record each dose of medication has been implemented, children's medical needs are compromised because the provider has not requested written parental permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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.

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • request written parental permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • provide a stimulating and welcoming environment to children, ensuring that the range of activities promotes their development • ensure that the fire drills that are carried out comply with those recommended by the Fire Safety officer • plan and provide a range of activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities • ensure the resources provided reflect equality of opportunity • maintain an accurate record of children's attendance showing hours of arrival and departure • review and amend policies and procedures paying particular attention to the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious; safeguarding children which should include a

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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 procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation against a member of staff and the details of the regulator in the complaints policy. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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