Kids United's PlaystationOfsted inspection, 19 Sept 2005

The Playstation

Inspection report for early years provision

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The Playstation

Unique Reference Number EY294338 Inspection date 19 September 2005 Inspector Jane Pamela Berry

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The Playstation

Setting Address Butterstile CP School, School Grove, Prestwich, Manchester, Lancashire, M25 9RJ

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E-mail

Registered person Kids United Ltd Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School 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 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?

Kids United Ltd, at the playstation out of school club changed ownership in 2004. The group operate from Butterstile County Primary School in the Prestwich area of Bury. The group is registered for 40 children aged from 3 to 8 years and places are restricted to the children attending the School. The provision also has a holiday club which is registered for up to 72 children. The times of operation are 07.45 to 09.00 and the afternoon session is between 15.15 to 17.30. There is a main hall, a dining room, and a foundation stage

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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 classroom used by the children. Toilet facilities are accessible in all areas that are used by the children. The school's playground is utilised as an enclosed play area. In total there are five members of staff, most of whom hold or are working towards a relevant qualification in play work or childcare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The meals are generally wholesome and meet the needs of the children attending, however, not enough use is made of fruit and vegetables in the children’s diets. Children are developing their communication skills as they socialise at mealtimes, however, activities involving children making their own snacks are not encouraged enough. This minimises opportunities for the children to develop their self-help skills and to increase their first hand knowledge about food products. The children have regular access to sugar free juice when they are thirsty. The children are secure in their relationships with carers who communicate with them very well, meeting their emotional needs for warmth, love and security. Children are well protected through procedures minimising cross infection, such as the sickness and the hygiene policy being strictly adhered to. Children benefit from a clean and

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Helping children to be healthy

hygienic environment, where they are free to play safely. They visit the toilets independently and wash and dry their hands, showing that they are aware of the importance of effective personal hygiene routines. Children have good opportunities to learn about healthy living outdoors, for example their health is well promoted through exercising their large muscles outside in the fresh air. They thoroughly enjoy playing with the sports equipment, for example, they become engrossed in a game of skipping with their friends. There are many activities that are of benefit to the children in the outdoor play area, such as, ball games, wheeled vehicles and imaginative play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well protected by staff who supervise them well. They benefit from all personnel being assessed as suitable to be around children. The children have access to toys and equipment that are well maintained and are checked to ensure that the safety and quality is maintained. Children are aware of some aspects of safety, for example, they understand to handle the sports equipment with care so as not to hurt anyone. Children enjoy spontaneous opportunities to play games and complete jigsaws. The opportunities are however, currently unplanned and are insufficiently organised to promote and sustain the children's interest in health and safety. Children are not learning about crossing the road safely or stranger danger, for example. Informal risk

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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 assessments and high levels of staff on duty reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring as children play. The children are reminded to take care when playing outdoors, enabling them to think about the effects of their actions upon others. They are well supervised both inside the building and outdoors which minimises risks. The gate, however, is not always secured when children use the outside area, which is a potential risk that is not suitably controlled.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy spontaneous opportunities to play a varied and interesting selection of games and activities. The opportunities available to the children include the use of information technology, crafts and imaginative play experiences. Children have positive and stimulating experiences and are appropriately supported by the adult carers, for example they enjoy building with a varied selection of construction sets. They enjoy the freedom to talk and to interact with their friends. They share their games readily, encouraging everyone to participate. Children are happily engaged and are busy with their self chosen occupations. The staff and the children enjoy one another's company. Children come in to the setting happily and eagerly choose an activity from the selection on offer. Children report that they particularly enjoy the range of sports and outdoor activities that are available. Staff

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are flexible in adjusting the routine to ensure children have an opportunity to take full advantage of popular activities, such as the play station. The staff have a sound knowledge of the children's individual needs, through the relationships that are securely established with children and their parents. They are particularly aware of and skilled in meeting their emotional needs, as they develop the children's inner confidence and positive self esteem. The children are forming strong friendships and are developing good communication skills, as they talk about events at home as they play. Children’s imaginative development is developing well as they engage in role play and small world activities. They enjoy acting and use their imagination well, making up their own plays and story lines. Children's individual creativity and design and making skills are well developed through art work. The resources available to the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children however are not always readily accessible, causing inconsistencies in the care provided. At the time of the inspection, planning to meet the children’s needs was under review by the newly appointed manager.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the good relationships that are established from the outset between staff and parents. Staff manage the varied age range very well. They use positive strategies that support and develop the children's ability to resolve any problems and children respond well. They are well mannered, courteous and polite.

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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 They socialise easily and show respect for others in the group. The children are helpful and tidy away their belongings, showing consideration for the resources they use during play. Children with additional needs have a trained coordinator, although there are no children currently identified as having additional needs. There are children from other cultures in attendance the environment however does not reflect the multi-cultural society and is not fully inclusive. This minimises children's access to experiences of the wider community. Children also have insufficient opportunities to learn about other lifestyles and traditions in planned activities. Parents are made welcome and have access to policies and procedures on the notice board. The good relationships between staff and parents ease the transitions

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Helping children make a positive contribution

for children and help them feel wanted and valued.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The Staffing levels are consistently maintained ensuring good ratios are in place to support the children. Young children benefit from high levels of interaction with adults, who are aware of the setting’s policies and procedures. Staff attend training events to improve the quality of the services offered. All the required documentation is in place which promotes the wellbeing of the children. Policies are well written and are effectively implemented. The child protection procedure contains all the necessary information to ensure children are protected. The staff work cohesively as a team which results in a calm and happy environment. The owner works closely with the staff identifying areas for improvement. All staff are fully aware of their own and the roles and responsibilities of others. Areas identified for self-improvement within the club are highlighted in an action plan. As a result of

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Organisation

these minor omissions, some children are not provided with sufficient challenges, to sustain and develop their interests. The planning for children’s needs was not satisfactorily in place for the start of the new term, however, overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 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): • extend children's learning about healthy living through activities and refreshments • ensure the outdoor area is secure whilst the children are outdoors and conduct risk assessments for all eventualities • ensure children have access to activities that raise their awareness of different lifestyles

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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