Whitwell Parish Playscheme and Afterschool Club

Whitwell Playscheme

Inspection report for early years provision

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Whitwell Playscheme

Unique Reference Number 207281 Inspection date 01 August 2005 Inspector Susan Riley

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Whitwell Playscheme

Setting Address Whitwell Primary School, Southfield Lane, Whitwell, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 4NW

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E-mail

Registered person Whitwell Playscheme 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 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?

Whitwell Playscheme is managed by a committee of volunteers. It opened in 1997 and operates from Whitwell Primary School, based in the centre of Whitwell. A maximum of 50 children under 8 years may attend the setting at any one time. The playscheme in addition also offers places to children over 8 years. The playscheme opens 3 days during the Easter school holiday and for 2 weeks during the summer school holiday. Sessions are from 09.30 to 15.00. All children share access to a enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 108 children from 4 to under 12 years on roll. The playscheme

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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 serves the local community, although a minority of children attend from outside Whitwell. Children attend a variety of sessions. The playscheme employs sixteen part-time staff who work with the children. Thirteen of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years or teaching qualifications. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because practitioners follow current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines. They are cared for in premises that are clean and welcoming. Children are familiar with the hygiene routines and wash their hands appropriately throughout the session. They are independent in self-care skills. Practitioners take appropriate steps when handling food and maintain the environment to prevent the spread of infection and minimise risks to children. The snacks offered to children contribute to their good health and a varied choice of fruit is offered. Children are well protected with regard to accidents as most of the practitioners are first aid trained. There are good systems in place when dealing with any accident. For example they have a designated first aider who has received additional training, and is contactable at all times by a walkie talkie. Parents sign an

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Helping children to be healthy

acknowledgment of an accident that happens to their child, but this is not maintained within the accident records kept by the setting. Children have access to physical activities and time outdoors because practitioners plan this within the daily routine. All children are encouraged to join in events such as the sports extravaganza which encourages them to work cooperatively together as a team. They enjoy taking part in the wide range of physical activities that are offered and willingly join in group games such as rounders, football, tennis, which allows them the be active and develops their coordination.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe environment. There is sufficient space for children to play, rest and eat comfortably. Suitable play equipment and resources are well organised and kept in good order which allows children to play in safety. Children can reach the toys and equipment easily and have free choice, which encourages their independence. They gain a sense of belonging as they are warmly welcomed by practitioners and have their own name labels ready to wear. Practitioners deploy themselves well around the areas used by the children, to ensure they are safe and well supervised at all times. Daily risk assessments are carried out by practitioners, ensuring that equipment and areas used by the children are suitable and safe.

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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 Children are protected because practitioners understand their role in child protection and are able to put appropriate procedures into practice. However, they are not aware of what to do in the event of an allegation being made against a staff member or volunteer. Appropriate systems are in place to ensure children are cared for by adults who are vetted and have the relevant experience, knowledge and skills. Effective procedures are in place to ensure that children are only collected by agreed persons. An evacuation procedure is in place and is practised regularly, to enable children to stay calm in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are enthusiastic and happy. They enjoy their time at the playscheme and freely select activities according to their needs and interests. All children take an active part in the group events, for example the sports extravaganza and talent show. This develops their self-confidence and gives them a sense of belonging. Children’s questionnaires are completed at the end of each playscheme and practitioners actively respond to comments made. Practitioners use the information to inform the planning of future activities. Children are recognising that their comments are valued and that practitioners listen to them. Children are confident to approach the practitioners to ask questions or for help and support. They acquire new knowledge and skills as they complete their art and craft activities, or learn how to throw a wellie effectively. Children relate very well to their peers and adults, and good relationships are in place. The practitioners are skilled at

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encouraging children to extend their experiences, and at listening and talking with them. This raises children’s self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are cared for by practitioners who work with parents to meet individual needs and ensure all children are fully included in the provision. Children enjoy each other’s company and are at ease in their play. Their good behaviour is appropriately fostered by the practitioner’s sensitive intervention and positive reinforcement. Children are actively involved in making their own choices during play and assist in tidying away when activities have finished, which develops their independence. They have developed very close relationships. For example, they support and encourage each other, and the older children help the younger children when taking part in the team activities. Children’s awareness of the wider world is raised as they take part in activities such as making an African wall hanging.

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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 The provision is very well organised to enable children of all ages to feel welcome and settle easily. The separate grouping of children for the start and end of the session helps children to settle and build up positive peer relationships. Procedures are in place to protect children from unvetted persons, and correct staff ratios are maintained at all times. As a result children are well supervised and their welfare is protected. Most policies and procedures are appropriate and satisfactorily support the organisation and care of the children. Required documents are accessible and stored confidentially. This means that overall, the needs of all children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a number of actions and recommendations were agreed with the setting. The provider now has procedures in place to ensure Ofsted is informed of all persons caring for children. This ensures that children are kept safe and cared for by suitable people. The provider agreed to conduct a risk assessment on the premises to ensure the safety of all children and adults. This is now completed daily by practitioners to ensure all areas and equipment is safe for the children. The use of walkie talkies by practitioners ensure children are well monitored as they go from area to area. Children’s safety has improved as the provider has established new policies and procedures; these are, what to do in the event of a child being lost or uncollected, if a parent has a complaint or concern and child protection. All practitioners have read the new policies and procedures and this has raised their awareness of keeping

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Improvements since the last inspection

children safe. Children’s health and hygiene has improved as the provider has reviewed the lunch time eating arrangements. The children have plastic tablecloths and eat picnic style, thus ensuring that food does not make contact with the floor. The displaying of the registration and the public liability insurance certificates, offers reassurance to the parents that their children are being appropriately cared for. The practitioners now request written consent from parents for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment, this ensures that children are cared for according to parents wishes at all times. The provider agreed to ensure that the parents sign all accident records. The system they have devised and implemented is not suitable, as the signed record is not kept by the practitioners.

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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 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 the record which is maintained of accidents is signed by parents • ensure the child protection statement includes procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer.

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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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