R A B Late Play Club

R A Butler Schools Late Play Club Inspection report for early years provision

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203876 Unique Reference Number 11 December 2007 Inspection date Lynn Clements Inspector

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R A Butler School, South Road, SAFFRON WALDEN, Essex, CB11 3DG Setting Address

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01799 523651or 01799 528607 Telephone number

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E-mail

The Trustees of R A Butler Schools Late Play 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?

R A Butler Schools Late Play Club was registered in 1997. It operates from two classrooms situated within R A Butler Primary School. The setting is registered to care for a maximum of 50 children at any one time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The after school and breakfast club provide care during term time, Monday to Friday from 07.45 until 09.00 in the morning and 15.30 until 18.00 in the afternoon.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 135 children from four and a half to 11 years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

11 members of staff work with the children. Five staff, including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications. The setting receives support from '4 Kids'.

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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’s good health is promoted and cross-infection is minimised. Staff ensure that children build on their existing understanding about the importance of good personal hygiene. Children wash their hands before snack and meals which they know helps to protect them from germs. Paper towels are used to limit cross-contamination. Staff have completed first aid training. This enables them to deal with accidents or emergencies and ensure the correct action is taken and good care and attention is given. Records are in place of any accidents or incidents and these are shared with and signed by the parents or carers to keep them fully informed. This also ensures that children receive appropriate care when they go home. Health related documentation is in place and updated as required enabling staff to meet children's medical needs and changes as they occur. A clear sick child policy is in place to help prevent the spread

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Helping children to be healthy

Drinking water is available to children at all times. This ensures that no child is left thirsty. Children enjoy fresh fruit on arrival at the setting and then during the afternoon they all take tea together in the main hall. Food is provided by the primary school in partnership with the late stay club. Staff are careful to record specific dietary needs which protects children from eating foods which could harm them. Staff have completed food hygiene training and procedures are implemented in practice which keep children safe from cross-contamination. Children enjoy meal times which are a social occasion. They learn about healthy foods and have good opportunities to make suggestions about the foods they like to eat or try, such as porridge for breakfast when the weather gets cold.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of opportunities to engage in physical activities. They build on existing skills as they use single handed tools and equipment with competence and control. Children have access to a fully enclosed outside area where they enjoy activities on a larger scale than is possible indoors. All children are able to rest or be active according to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are suitable and provide plenty of space for children to play safely and move around freely. Staff carry out daily checks. However, formal risk assessments are not in place and health and safety training has not been accessed to ensure that staff have an understanding of requirements for the environment in which they work, to ensure children remain protected from hazards. The setting is bright and cheerful. Children's creations are displayed well and provide an opportunity for them to develop a sense of achievement as their see their hard work is appreciated. Toys, equipment and resources are stored at child-height. This enables them to make their own decisions and selections. There is a range of furniture which is the correct size. This ensures that children can play in safety and comfort.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety equipment, such as socket covers, fire blankets and fire alarms are in place and kept in working order. This helps to keep the setting safe for the children. All equipment and toys are checked and cleaned to make sure they remain in good condition for the children to use. A clear fire evacuation procedure is in place and fire drills are practised. This ensures that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Children learn to keep their setting tidy, which

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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 helps to prevent tripping hazards and enables them to take responsibility for themselves and for the resources and equipment they use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Overall, staff have a sound understanding regarding safeguarding children. Training is in place and staff update their knowledge periodically. Staff take their child protection responsibility seriously and know how to make referrals to social services if they have a concern. This helps to ensure that children's welfare remains paramount.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Staff plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. Children are extremely confident and secure in their setting. They make their own decisions about the activities they want to explore. They enjoy developing their imaginative ideas, creating dens and role play scenarios based on real and imagined experiences. For example, children make pretend meals in their playhouse or visit their play shop to buy provisions. Children move freely around the setting. They use the computer with increasing awareness and understanding, creating Powerpoint presentations about their club, which they share with families and friends.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing outside, where they climb, run, jump and balance. They negotiate pathways and join in larger group games, such as the parachute. This enables them to build on their team work and turn taking skills. Children develop their creative ideas as their make three-dimensional models and use a wide variety of creative media, exploring colour, texture and shape. They sing and dance and devise competitions, such as their talent contest based on 'The X Factor' television show. Children behave extremely well, showing care and consideration for each other. All children are able to investigate activities and play opportunities without fear of failure. Staff support children and provide an environment in which they can relax, run off steam and play safely at the end of a long school day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle well and are confident and independent; they are interested in the resources available and are eager to take part in activities at their own pace. Staff ensure that opportunities are adapted to meet individual needs. There is no bias in their practice in relation to gender, race or disability. Children have good opportunities to explore the wider world. Staff provide books, resources, toys and artefacts which reflect other cultures and beliefs and enable children to explore their ideas and develop their understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Whilst there are currently no children on roll with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, staff have clear strategies in place to ensure that they work with families in the best interests of the child. Staff also work closely with primary school staff which enables them to provide consistent support for the children as they move between their classroom and the after school club.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff and children work in partnership to devise clear and fair rules in the club. Children take ownership of this as they discuss being kind, sharing and taking turns. Children show care and consideration for others, making room at activities or asking others to join in their games. Staff use a range of developmentally appropriate strategies to promote positive behaviour, including plenty of praise and encouragement to raise children's confidence and self-esteem. Children's behaviour is very good.

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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 Staff provide clear information for parents about the club. A helpful range of policies and procedures are also shared along with a prospectus. Notice boards and newsletters ensure that parents are kept informed about forthcoming events. A clear system is in place to deal with complaints. This ensures that any concerns relating to the care of the children are dealt with effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Robust procedures are in place for the appointment of staff. Ratios are met at all times. Staff inductions are in place to support new members of staff. Regular appraisals are undertaken to ensure that existing staff continue to work appropriately with the children. Training is updated as required. Clear staff deployment is in place. Registers are in place showing clear arrival times, however, times of departure are not consistently maintained. This impacts on staff ability to ensure that each child is accounted for and protected from harm.

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Organisation

A helpful range of policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents and carers to promote the smooth running of the setting and provide positive outcomes for children. However, the safeguarding children policy requires updating to reflect changes in legislation and ensure that procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer are clear. In addition the medication policy requires updating to show clearly how the administration of medicines is conducted within the provision.

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Organisation

All records are stored securely and confidentiality is respected. Overall, the needs of children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the provider has improved outcomes for children. Permission is now in place enabling staff to administer medication safely. A record system has been developed to ensure that any medicines administered to children are accurately recorded.

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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.

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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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Complaints 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

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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 health and safety training is in place and that staff have an understanding of health and safety requirements for the environment in which they work • ensure departure times for all children are consistently recorded • ensure that all policies and procedures are updated regularly, this refers in particular to the safeguarding children and the medication policy.

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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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