Acton Park Childrens Centre

Acton Park Childrens Centre Inspection report for early years provision

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EY229733 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2007 Inspection date Christine Bonnett Inspector

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East Acton Lane, Acton, W3 7ER Setting Address

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E-mail

London Borough of Ealing 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?

Acton Park Children's Centre is one of 14 settings run by Ealing Play Services. It opened in 2006, and operates from a purpose built building within Acton Park, in the London borough of Ealing.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 29 children may attend the centre at any one time. The after school club is open each weekday during term time from 15:00 to 17:45. Children attending East Acton Primary and Derwentwater schools only may attend. The open access scheme is open from 10:30 to 17:30 Monday to Saturday, and 12:30 to 17:30 on Sunday. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The after school club currently has 10 children aged from four years to under eight years on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club employs five staff, all of whom hold appropriate 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 benefit from having their club in a clean and well-maintained building. The cloakrooms are equipped with liquid soap and warm air dryers to enable children to wash their hands effectively at appropriate times. They understand why it is important to have clean hands before eating. Children's health is further promoted as systems are in place to manage any accidents that may occur. Staff qualified to administer first aid are at the club at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy plenty of opportunities to benefit from physical exercise, as the club is situated in the park. Children are carefully supervised when playing in the park. A secure, enclosed play area is also available and is well-equipped with high and low-level apparatus to promote physical development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children attending the after school club enjoy a range of snacks that take account of their individual dietary needs. The variety offered includes fresh fruit, brown bread and pasta, with water to drink. Children's independence is not routinely promoted as the food is prepared by staff in the kitchen. They do not have the opportunity to gain a sense of achievement and pleasure from being able to help meet their own needs. Children sit around the table with staff to serve and eat their meal, and a social occasion is created.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is important to staff. Risk assessments are carried out on all parts of the premises, and visual checks are done each day to ensure children are not exposed to any obvious safety hazards. Appropriate fire precautions are also in place. Security of the building is good. No-one can enter the building without being greeted by a staff member, and children cannot leave unseen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The club room is welcoming to children and parents as children's art and project work decorate the walls, and interesting information is displayed for parents. Children benefit from having an enormous range of play equipment and resources available for them to enjoy. As well as equipment and activities set-out appealingly for them, children are also able to independently self-select what they wish to use from open-fronted shelving. The extensive range includes items to interest younger children, such as a home corner. All toys and equipment are clean and in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted as staff have a good understanding of child protection matters. They have attended appropriate training and understand the process for identifying, recording and reporting concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arrive at the after school club happily, and quickly settle in to routine. They join in the planned activities, or select alternative play materials. The wide variety of fun and stimulating activities and resources available ensures all children are able to find something that interests them throughout the session.

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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 Staff treat the children with kindness and respect. They listen to what they have to say, and give warm support when necessary. Therefore children become confident to approach staff and express their needs. In addition, the staff create a relaxed environment in which they laugh with the children and enjoy their company.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children using the open access scheme are also able to join in with the activities and make use of all the available resources. The parents stay with their children and talk together while the children play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The range of outdoor play equipment allows children to challenge and dare themselves as they enhance their physical well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behaviour is very good because they are interested and engaged in meaningful activities throughout the session. The chill-out area and thinking area are used, if necessary, for children to reflect upon any unacceptable behaviour they may have exhibited. In addition, the club rules are written by the children and so have meaning for them. Consequently, children feel secure, as they know the boundaries for good conduct. Children are treated with respect and kindness by staff who take an interest in their wellbeing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are welcome at the club. Additional support would be obtained to ensure the welfare of the child was fully promoted. The range of resources reflecting different cultures and beliefs enable children to learn about the world in which they live. Project work is done focussing on 'Black History Month', Chinese New Year, Eid and Christmas, amongst others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All parents and carers are made welcome at the club. Those with children attending the open access scheme are able to sit comfortably and talk with others as they watch their child play. A wealth of relevant information is available for them to consult. The policies and procedures of the club are also available for parents to read. Staff make sure all relevant information is passed onto parents whose children attend the after school club to ensure consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy their time in a well organised environment that promotes their wellbeing. They are able to make decisions and choices about what they play with, which fosters confidence and good self esteem. Parents and staff work closely to ensure the individual needs of each child are met.

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Organisation

Children's welfare is safeguarded through the maintenance of good documentation. However, the attendance register lacks all the required detail. Written polices and procedures are put into practice by staff to ensure the children are well cared for.

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Organisation

The high ratio of appropriately qualified staff also helps to ensure the well-being of the children, as they apply their experience and knowledge to their work. Children receive good support from highly motivated staff. This helps to give the children a positive experience both at the after school club and open access scheme. Consequently, the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 club was required to promote the welfare of all children by devising a statement about children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities that conforms to current legislation, and also to amend the behaviour management policy to include how instances of bullying would be managed. Both of these requirements have been completed, and are made available to parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The club was also required to ensure the complaints procedure contained contact details of the regulator. This has also now been achieved to enable parents to report any concerns about the club.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A further requirement was made to enhance organisation at the club. Staff records were required to be readily available at inspection. All necessary information relating to the recruitment of staff are now held on site and made available at inspection to help safeguard the children.

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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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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): • promote children's independence at snack time • ensure children's surnames are recorded in the attendance register.

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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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