Whacky Kids Club

Whacky Kids Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344008 Unique Reference Number 21 November 2007 Inspection date Sheena Gibson Inspector

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Woodville County Infant School, High Street, Woodville, SWADLINCOTE, Derbyshire, DE11 7EA

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Setting Address

01283 552 277 Telephone number blunt44@btinternet.com E-mail Elaine Anne Blunt Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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Setting Address

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?

Whacky kids Club is one of seven settings run by individual ownership. It opened in 2006 and operates from Woodville school in Woodville, South Derbyshire. The club has use of the school hall, yellow classroom, the library and associated facilities. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. A maximum of 48 children may attend the out of school club at any one time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club is open each weekday from 15:00 to 18:00 during term time and 8:00 to 18:00 during holiday periods. There are currently 50 children from three to under eight years on roll who attend for various sessions; children over eight years also attend. Children come from the local area. The club employs four staff. All staff hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained setting. A very detailed policy effectively guides staff practice and positive steps are taken to promote children's good health. For example,

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 separate cloths are used for different tasks and toilets are checked for cleanliness. Children are learning how good hygiene practice contributes to their health through routines and activities. For example, they are encouraged by staff, to flush the toilet and wash their hands; older children are praised for being positive role models to younger children. Good procedures are in place to reduce the risk of illness spreading. For example, parents are informed not to bring poorly children to the club and are contacted if a child is unwell whilst attending. These positive procedures ensure that children's good health is maintained. All staff have undergone first aid training and they swiftly attend to children who have a minor injury. A detailed accident form is completed, which parents are asked to sign, ensuring that appropriate care can be continued.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children who need to continue a course of medication are appropriately catered for as the setting has procedures for administering medication. However, for some medications a blanket permission is used, which potentially impacts upon children's welfare. Children have regular opportunities to be active. For example, they use the school playground for playing cricket, football, badminton or playing with sports equipment and having races. Indoors, the school hall provides sufficient space for physical activity such as table tennis or playing with small pieces of sports equipment. Children are suitably nourished at the setting and have a combination of hot and cold teas. These are appropriately prepared and stored, with staff who handle food maintaining a food hygiene certificate. The setting considers children's specific dietary requirements as well as nutrition when planning the menus, benefiting children's health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a welcoming environment that is secure and attractive to them. They have facilities that help them to play and have fun, sit quietly, eat comfortably and manage their own personal needs. Security of the building positively supports children's safety. The school hall is in good order and pleasantly decorated with posters and pictures. Staff generally set out activities prior to children arriving at the club so that it is immediately inviting for them. Toys and equipment are enjoyed by all children. They are of good quality and easily accessed. The setting takes positive steps to ensure that toys and equipment are beneficial to children for example, in relation to, age suitability, size and safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is prioritised. Detailed risk assessment and on-going daily checks mean that potential hazards are minimised. There are good systems in place for the collection of children to ensure that they only leave with people who are suitable and authorised to take them. They are safely transported to and from school either by foot or by vehicle as staff follow detailed procedures. They learn to safely evacuate the building through periodical fire drills and learn about playing safely within the environment, for example, through gentle reminders from staff about not running in the school hall. Children's welfare is effectively maintained in relation to child protection. The manager has a good understanding of the indicators of abuse and what to do if there is a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy attending the club. They are confident, eager to join in and have good relationships with the staff and each other. They enjoy time spent with their peers or working within small groups. They co-operate well and encourage each other when playing games such as card games or in the role play area. They access a suitable variety of activities

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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 that contribute to re-enforcing their skills whilst having fun. For example, they problem solve and count during a card game, they also make symmetrical coloured patterns using pegs. Children are the primary decision makers in relation to what they do during the session, which benefits their independent decision making skills. However, sometimes this results in children not always being involved in a good variety of activities that effectively challenge and stimulate them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's imagination and creativity are fostered when making up games in the home corner and developing ideas when constructing. For example, they involve themselves in a game where they take their 'baby' to the doctors and use the play stethoscope to listen to it's heart; they also enjoy building a 'hover car' from Lego. They enthusiastically recall their favourite activities such as craft and construction. They continually use language confidently to discuss the activities, make up games and chat to staff about their day. Some children really enjoy to just sit and relax in the quiet area where they put on headphones to listen to a story, following along in the book.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected within the club, by the staff and each other. Detailed information is sought regarding needs and preferences prior to children starting at the club. This enables effective steps to be taken to support children's individual needs and promote inclusion. A detailed equal opportunities policy guides staff practice effectively in meeting the diverse needs of the children. Children are consulted about what they want to do, supporting independence and decision making. Their views about the club and activities are sought, helping their future enjoyment and promoting mutual respect with staff. They enjoy taking some responsibility within the club such as being the 'helper' at tea time. This clearly gives them self-confidence and fosters their self-esteem. Positive steps are taken to ensure that children who have a learning difficulty and/or disability are able to be fully included in the setting and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

that the care provided is consistent and beneficial.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are involved in the developing of rules and boundaries within the scheme. Consequently, they are very well behaved and respond positively to staff. Purposeful praise is often given and children enjoy receiving a sticker for positive behaviour; any unacceptable behaviour is dealt with appropriately and consistently by staff. The club develop very good relationships with parents, which effectively supports children's care and well-being. Detailed information is given to parents, in the form of a handbook that includes, for example, relevant policies and procedures, also the contact details of the regulator. The parent notice board has comprehensive information displayed, including menus and the clubs self-evaluation. All working documents are in place with parents; parents views are sought regularly, through such means as questionnaires and a parents forum.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare is enhanced through good organisation in the club. They are cared for by staff who know them well and as a result children are confident and have a positive approach to attending. The staff in the club are well qualified and have good experience; all staff have undergone appropriate checks, which positively supports children's welfare. Systems for the recruitment of staff are robust and on-going checks ensure that staff continue to be suitable

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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 to work with children. Children benefit from the adult to child ratios being maintained. Continued staff evaluation within staff meetings and appraisals result in improvements in practice and positively impact upon children's care and enjoyment of the club.

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Organisation

Space is used creatively to support children's enjoyment. For example, the school hall is set out so that there is somewhere to sit quietly and places to play at floor level or on tables. Tables are positioned to dissuade children from running through the hall but still allowing plenty of space to move around freely. Extremely comprehensive policies and procedures are in place, which staff familiarise themselves with. This ensures that practice is consistent and effective in supporting children. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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): • ensure that prior written permission is sought before each occasion that medicine is administered • consider the planning and organisation of activities to ensure that children always receive a good variety that are sufficiently stimulating and offer some challenge.

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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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