Chelmsford YMCA @ Westlands Primary School

Chelmsford YMCA @ Westlands Primary School Inspection report for early years provision

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EY290962 Unique Reference Number 02 October 2007 Inspection date Lisa Paisley Inspector

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Westlands Primary School, Beeches Close, Chelmsford, CM1 2SB Setting Address

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E-mail

Chelmsford YMCA 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?

Chelmsford YMCA at Westlands Primary School out of school club is run by the Chelmsford YMCA. It opened in 2004 and operates from a local primary school in Essex. A maximum of 96 children may attend the provision at any one time. The out of school club is open each weekday from 07.30 to 09.00 and 15.00 to 18.00 term time and 07.30 to 18.00 during the school holidays. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 17 children aged from four to under eight years on roll. Children come from the local area. The club currently supports a number of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The out of school club employs two staff. The staff including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. There is one staff member who is currently attending training.

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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. Well-established hygiene routines ensure children's health is protected. Staff follow appropriate procedures and practices that protect children from the spread of illness and risk of infection. For example, the monitoring of hand washing and regular cleaning of surfaces. All staff hold valid first aid qualifications and are experienced in taking appropriate action in the event of an accident or when a child is unwell. Procedures for the recording of accidents and obtaining parental permission to administer medication are managed appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied range of physical activities both inside and outside on a daily basis that contribute to their good health and help develop control and co-ordination of their bodies. They enjoy making obstacle courses and participating in ball games and they use of a varied range of equipment in the school playground. They develop co-ordination, batting, throwing and balance skills when playing with skipping ropes, bean bags, hoops, bats and balls. Children rest and relax according to their needs on the carpeted area using floor cushions.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and good arrangements are made to support them. Children develop an understanding of a well-balanced diet through the very good range of snacks that are offered, such as pitta breads with dips, fresh vegetables and fruit and warm snacks during the winter months, for example, beans on toast. Activities promoting healthy choices develops children's understanding further. Children independently access drinks from jugs of fresh water during the session and at snack time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Staff assure children's safety as they play in a safe and secure environment. Daily visual checks and a regular review of hazards underlie and support procedures that effectively safeguard children's welfare. These include arrangements for the collection of children within the school, the security arrangements of the premises, recording of visitors and the procedures for the collection of children by parents and authorised persons.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The varied range of resources and equipment are maintained safely within the well-maintained premises that offers one main play area and use of the outside play space. Resources and equipment are appropriate for the age and range of children who attend. Staff develop children's awareness of their own personal safety through guidance as to how they use new equipment, regular reminders of evacuation procedures and fire drills. Children's personal safety is promoted further by walks around the school boundary so that children know the designated play. Children co-operatively tidy away toys and games and sweep up sand to prevent tripping.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as staff have a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and are aware of the appropriate procedures to be followed. A written policy is in place, this includes relevant information such as the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB). The registered provider is responsible for fully safeguarding children by ensuring that all child protection concerns are dealt with promptly. Parents are informed of the group's responsibility regarding child protection reassuring parents of their child's welfare.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arrive happily at the after school club and become quickly absorbed with self-chosen activities. Flexible planning of the session enables children to make choices between a varied range of resources and to participate in planned craft and art activities. Children have fun and enjoy themselves; painting detailed portraits using a wide variety of colours, creating small scale murals on subjects of their own choice and building large scale construction sets.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children mix well and build positive, friendly relationships with each other and staff. Older children are very involved and interested in encouraging some of the younger children to join in with their imaginary role play, for example, the home corner. This friendly interaction is encouraged by staff spending time playing with the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are appropriately supported if they wish to complete their homework. Staff thoughtfully support children of all ages, abilities and stage of development to join in and feel a sense of achievement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's self-confidence and positive self-esteem is developed through staff listening to and valuing their suggestions, ideas and thoughts and feelings. They benefit from the good relationships between themselves and the staff, who know them well. Consequently, children's individual needs are effectively supported. Activities linked to events such as 'Diwali' help promote an awareness of the wider world, however, this is not fully developed as there is a limited selection of toys and play experiences. Consequently, children's learning of the wider world is not fully developed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and or disabilities are included and their needs well met. Staff seek daily information from parents and carers to enable them to adapt activities and routines to ensure that their children have access to all activities and play opportunities to promote their welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good; they play co-operatively together and relate well to each other. They benefit from the clear, calm and consistent boundaries provided by staff and clear role-modelling of behaviour. Children are respectful towards each other and adults, and develop positive self-esteem through the encouragement and praise given by the adults around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the relaxed and friendly relationship between parents and staff. A parent information pack, clearly displayed policies and procedures, newsletters and the accessibility and willingness of staff to share information with parents ensures they are well-informed about the after school club and their children's experiences. Parents value the care given to their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are supported by experienced and qualified staff, who are deployed effectively and know the children well. The layout and organisation of the after school club gives children space to move safely, independently and to participate comfortably in a varied range of activities.

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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 However, the organisation of activities and the layout of the room are not monitored or evaluated to ensure good practices are maintained. Children confidently self-select toys from storage containers at children's height or as set out prior to their arrival or on request, if stored out of reach.

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Organisation

Robust systems for the recruitment and checking of staff and induction procedures ensure that staff are suitable to work with children. Staff are committed to developing their knowledge and skills through training and regular discussion. Staff are well-supported by the management team.

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Organisation

Staff have a secure understanding of the National Standards and through this promote children's welfare. The policies and procedures are reflected in practice and consistently followed; thus promoting and safeguarding children's well-being. Documentation is well-organised, used appropriately, accurate and maintained confidentially and kept securely.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed, to ensure there is an area available for children to rest or play quietly and ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. A designated area is available for younger children to rest and soft cushions have been purchased to ensure that it is conducive for children. The group have obtained some resources, however, this needs further development to ensure diversity is consistently and positively promoted. Overall, improvements have been made to the care provided for children attending the provision.

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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): • develop further the range of resources and play experiences to reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability

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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 • devise a system to monitor and evaluate the overall organisation of the setting to ensure good practices are maintained.

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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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