Brookside Out of School Care Club

Brookside Out of School Care Club Inspection report for early years provision

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309793 Unique Reference Number 15 November 2007 Inspection date Wendy Fitton Inspector

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Brookside Community Primary School, Bright Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 1NW

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Setting Address

01200 425 564 and 07974 503 851 Telephone number

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E-mail

Brookside Out Of School Care Club 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?

Brookside Out of School Care Club was registered in July 1999 and operates from within Brookside County Primary School, Bright Street, Clitheroe in Lancashire. The school is situated within walking distance of Clitheroe town centre.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club is registered under a management committee and a manager is employed with three other staff members. All staff have appropriate child care qualifications and experience in work with school aged children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children attend various sessions and the group is open term-time only, Monday to Friday from 7.45 to 8.45 for breakfast club and 15.30 to 18.00 for after school club. Children aged from four years up to eight years are on roll and the group is registered for a maximum of 24 at any one time. There are currently 30 children on the register.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children access several areas within the school building including a large hall, the library, a small kitchen and baking area, the music room, entrance reception area, a role play area and outdoor grounds.

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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's good health is promoted as staff take positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and they take appropriate measures when children become unwell. Children know and understand the importance of hand washing. They follow routines for before snack and after using the toilet and they brush their teeth after breakfast. Children talk about dirt and germs on their hands. The premises are clean and well maintained and staff follow food preparation guidelines. Children's medical needs and wellbeing are promoted, as staff follow policies and procedures for sickness, medication, accidents and emergencies. There are up to date first aid certificates and a stocked first aid box is accessible. Children talk about when they have an accident and the treatment given and know that it is recorded in the accident book.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks and snacks in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with any dietary needs. Children enjoy sandwiches, wraps, dips, toast and fruit and can freely access drinks throughout the session. Snack time is planned at the beginning of the session and appropriate plates and cups are available. Children sit together in a large group to settle before playing. Children's individual dietary needs are known to staff and recorded on their personal detail sheets.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted through fresh air, daily exercise and physical play activities. Outdoor play is planned daily after snack and children use bats, balls, skipping ropes and walking stilts. There are opportunities to use the large school hall and play on the bouncy castle, play ring games and team games. Children develop their fine motor skills and hand and eye coordination as they make jigsaws, construct with building blocks, make bead pictures and use one handed tools when cutting out, painting and drawing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children access a really warm, welcoming, secure and child-centred environment. There is plenty of space and access to a range of activities and necessary facilities. Children feel a sense of belonging because they are using the school premises that they are familiar with. There are displays of art work, posters and information that children can relate to and so feel secure. The building is well maintained and children access safe areas for various types of play, for example, the library area, the entrance reception area, the music room, the school hall and outdoor grounds. Children use suitable and appropriate furniture, equipment and toys that are well maintained and conform to safety standards. There are child-sized tables and chairs, carpet areas for comfort and suitable cups, plates and utensils. Children plan their own play activities and enjoy dressing up, playing with dolls, painting, drawing and doing crafts. They can read

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

books, make bead pictures, play board games and use the computer.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and secure because staff take positive steps to promote safety and they take precautions to prevent any accidents. Children are very familiar with the safety rules and procedures, as they talk about road safety and being careful when going to the play ground. They know that staff have to supervise them at all times and that they are not left alone. Children talk about the rules for using the bouncy castle and about not running on corridors inside. Children are protected from harm, as detailed risk assessments are carried out on all areas and equipment used by the children. There are effective booking in and out procedures

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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 and arrival and collection procedures. The front entrance is secure, visitors are booked in and there is appropriate insurance cover for the group.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected and safeguarded because staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities to protect children. Staff know to report all concerns to their manager and a record is made. The manager speaks to parents, if considered appropriate to do so and the head teacher is the designated person to report to the relevant agency. There is child protection and referral information displayed for parents and a written policy is in place. The manager has completed up to date training however, staff are not familiar with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's care, learning and play is well supported as staff are very clear about the main purpose of the provision. The staff provide activities and opportunities to support children's physical, social and emotional development. Children take part in a good range of experiences and opportunities that includes outdoor play and physical activities of football, ring games, bouncy castle and team games. They enjoy role play with dolls and dressing up clothes, they work creatively with craft and drawing materials and extend their learning through free play with jigsaws, board games and construction toys. Children develop good social skills as they play in small groups, help and support younger children and play team games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very secure and confident with the routines and rhythms of the sessions. They play freely with the toys available or participate in planned craft or baking activities. Children share their experiences and talk positively about the group activities and the relationships with each other and staff. Children have good support from staff as they spend time chatting and playing with them. Children are interested and motivated at all times and assist with the weekly planning that responds to their interests and needs. Children comment on what they like to do best and feel confident to approach staff and ask for toys and games. They state that staff are helpful, friendly and kind and that they can talk to them freely.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and welcomed, as staff promote equality of opportunity and recognise and respond to individual needs and interests. All children have equal access to resources and equipment and are able to make decisions about what they want to play with and where they want to play. Children work well together at group activities and are sensitive to children who are quiet or new to the provision. Children learn about diversity and the wider world as they dress up in multicultural costumes, play with small world people and equipment and participate in crafts and celebrations of festivals. Children are fully included and their needs are met, as staff are proactive in ensuring any action can be taken and positive steps to support any children who may have a disability or a learning difficulty, in partnership with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit most where adults adopt a consistent and positive approach to the management of their behaviour. Children respond to the rules and boundaries as they talk about helping and supporting each other. They are clear on the anti-bullying policy and state that children are kind and caring at all times. There are positive strategies in place for dealing with any challenging behaviour and children are asked to sit out of activities, given explanations and asked why they have displayed negative behaviour. Children state that staff are kind and give

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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 lots of hugs and staff are good role models as they speak in a calm, sensitive manner to the children. Children behave well as they are interested and well occupied with what is planned and available for them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children really benefit and feel secure when there are trusting and mutually supportive partnerships with parents. Parents have access to a wealth of organisational information displayed around the main play room. Open evenings are held at the start of the new term and parents are given details of the policies, procedures and general organisation of the sessions. Staff chat to parents on a daily basis and share any relevant information about individual children. A complaints procedure is available and parents are aware of what to do and who to contact if they are unhappy with any aspects of the service. Parents comment very positively on the evaluation questionnaires and state that the environment is safe, children are exceptionally happy, a good range of activities and healthy snacks are provided and that staff are open, friendly and supportive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safe and protected as all adults are suitably vetted, qualified and experienced in child care. The manager is fully aware of her role and responsibilities and ensures that staff are monitored through one-to-one appraisals and accesses relevant training to provide good care for children. The current staff team have been consistent for a number of years and have qualifications in early years practice. Children's needs are fully met through the effective organisation of space and resources and so children can play, relax and eat in comfort and safety. There are four members of staff who work directly with the children and this includes a manager and a deputy. There are good contingency arrangements in place in the event of emergencies. Sessions are planned according to the ages and interests of the children on roll and staff supervise children in small groups or a large group during the regular routine activities.

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Organisation

Children's welfare, care and learning is well maintained because all records, policies and procedures are maintained and up to date for the efficient and safe management of the provision. Records are stored confidentially in a locked cupboard. Previous records have been retained and are accessible if necessary. All regulatory records are up to date and include children and staff personal details and emergency contacts, attendance details, accident, incident and medication details. All organisational policies are linked to the National Standards and are reviewed regularly in accordance with any changes in legislation. Parents sign consent for any additional activities, photographs, medication and emergency treatment.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the provider agreed to provide an incident recording procedure that is separate from the accident records. There is now a hard back notebook used to record any incidents. Children's welfare is now enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004, 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

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 provider is required to have procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and to keep a record of complaints and their outcome.

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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): • update staff knowledge in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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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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