The Grange School

OSCARS Inspection report for early years provision

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136040 Unique Reference Number 09 August 2007 Inspection date Nigel Lindsay Smith Inspector

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The Terrapin, Frampton Cotterell CofE Sch, Rectory Rd,Frampton Cotterell, Frampton Cotterell, South Glos, BS36 2BT

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Setting Address

01454 250528 Telephone number oscars.terrapin1@virgin.net E-mail OSCARS Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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Setting Address

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?

OSCARS Out of School Club and Recreation Scheme is run by a voluntary committee made up of parents, the manager and the head teacher of Frampton Cotterell Church of England Primary School. It opened in 1992 and operates from the scheme's own terrapin building at the school. It is situated in Frampton Cotterell, South Gloucestershire. A maximum of 30 children may attend the setting at any one time in the after school and holiday schemes. The after school scheme opens five days a week during school term times from 07.45 to 08.55 and from 15.15 to 18.00. The holiday scheme opens five days a week during al school holidays from 07.45 to 18.00. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 75 children from five to eight years on roll. The after school provision serves children from the school; the holiday scheme serves the local and surrounding areas. Children attend for a variety of sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The setting employs 11 members of staff. Of these, five have 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 good. Children develop good awareness of health and hygiene through established routines such as washing their hands before eating. They benefit from healthy snacks such as fresh fruit and toast. They can help themselves to a drink at any time so that they do not become dehydrated. Children sit together for snacks and to eat their packed lunches, which helps them to develop their social skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected through the staff's first aid training and by the procedures to follow if there are accidents. Parents give permission for emergency medical treatment. There are procedures in place to administer medication and to keep relevant records, although parents are not asked to sign each individual record when a short course of medication is given. This leads to confusion over subsequent administering of medication at home. Children's health is protected through using premises which are kept clean through meticulous practices such as regularly checking and cleaning the toilets, with records, and by using colour coding for cleaning cloths and bowls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy self-contained premises which are very well prepared for a wide range of activities, with sufficient tables and chairs for art and craft, a quiet area, and good space for floor activities. Posters, murals, children's pictures and relevant notices create a very welcoming atmosphere for children to play and relax in. Staff ensure that there is an excellent range of good quality equipment and that it meets safety standards. Children are protected as staff ensure there is a safe environment through a very detailed risk assessment, which includes thorough checks and records of actions taken. Appropriate equipment in place includes locks on the gates, with keys held by staff in case evacuation is required. Risk assessments are also carried out for all venues used for outings. Children learn emergency evacuation procedures through practising fire drills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is thoroughly safeguarded through the comprehensive child protection procedures. There is information available about who to contact if there are concerns, and written arrangements in the event of an allegation against staff. Children are well-protected from unauthorised visitors as entry to the building is monitored by the scheme's closed circuit television system.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enthusiastically choose from and take part in a good range of free choice and organised activities. Thorough and effective planning and preparation by the staff ensures that they are fully occupied and interested in what is offered.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

In the holiday scheme activities are linked by themes such as 'bug's life', where children are able to take part in a bug hunt. They develop imaginative games and use different areas of their room for activities such as making and operating powered vehicles on the floor and sitting together at tables, making Wallace and Gromit figures out of dough. Staff are friendly and

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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 relate well to the children; the children approach them readily and enjoy good relationships with them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children contribute to planning through putting their ideas on the "wall of wishes". Outings include trips to the coast, a farm and to a steam railway. Children enjoy regular fresh air and exercise through making good use of the adjacent school field and adventure playground, and there are regular "wheelie days" when they can bring their bikes and scooters.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's good behaviour is well supported by the staff, who set clear and consistent expectations and have appropriate strategies to manage unacceptable behaviour. Children contribute to a set of rules about their conduct in the play scheme.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop their awareness of different cultures through using a good range of equipment such as multicultural books and puppets, and through activities related to festivals such as a display for Chinese New Year. Parents are not asked, however, whether there are aspects of their religion, culture or way of life which they wish the setting to be aware of. There are thorough arrangements in place to work with children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and to include them in the activities. The setting ensures that the building is accessible to wheelchair users, with ramps and an accessible toilet.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the setting establishing a good partnership with their parents. There is a very clear information pack about the scheme, with an excellent explanatory section for children. Newsletters and the notice board provide updated information. The setting conducts a survey of parent's views and ideas, and responses are very positive about the provision. There are thorough procedures in place in the event of any complaints, with arrangements to make details available to all parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The premises and equipment are prepared well by the staff to make a welcoming atmosphere for children and to enable them to take part in a variety of activities. The good ratio of staff to children means that children are well supported.

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Organisation

Recruitment procedures are thorough and there is an appropriate induction process in place to ensure that staff are familiar with the policies and procedures. Each activity is evaluated afterwards, with the outcomes influencing future planning. Records are retained confidentially and retained for the appropriate time.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom they provide.

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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 the setting was asked to complete the operational plan, formalise arrangements for uncollected children and devise a procedure in the event of a child protection allegation against an adult in the setting. These have all been achieved.

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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 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 that parents sign records of each instance of medication being administered • devise a system to ascertain whether parents wish any aspect of their culture, religion or way of life to be taken into consideration in relation to the care of their 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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