Betley After School Club

Betley After School Club Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY229502 Unique Reference Number 20 February 2008 Inspection date Sarah Jane Rhodes Inspector

p.1

Betley C of E Primary School, Church Lane, Betley, Crewe, Cheshire, CW3 9AX

p.1

Setting Address

01270 820286 Telephone number morrisruth@hotmail.com E-mail Ruth Elizabeth Morris Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Betley After School Club is one of three privately run settings. It opened in 2002 and operates from the school hall, a classroom and the library in Betley Primary School in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire. A maximum of 24 children may attend the club at any one time. The club is open each weekday from 08:10 to 08:50 and 15:15 to 17:30 during school term time. All children share access to an enclosed outdoor play area.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 25 children aged from three to 10 years on roll. Children come from a wide rural catchment area. The club currently supports a number of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club employs three members of staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications and one is working towards a qualification.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment. They enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Being active is strongly encouraged. Outdoor activities such as the use of adventure climbing equipment and running or ball games are provided to encourage children to be physically active and try a physical challenge. Most children join in enthusiastically as the staff support and monitor their play. During inclement weather the children can use the school hall for active games. Children develop their physical skills and have a positive attitude towards exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through the club's routines. They are able to use fully refurbished hand washing facilities and are independent in their self-care skills. They know that they need to wash their hands before eating their snack, to ensure germs from their hands do not contaminate the food. Children's medical needs both in an emergency and with regard to ongoing medication are met through the use of accident and medication procedures that are understood by all the staff, despite medication having not been given in recent years. Clear procedures for sick and infectious children help prevent the spread of infection and keeps children healthy.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a varied and generally nutritious diet. They have planned access to drinks at the beginning of the session ensuring they are not left thirsty. The club provides a varied after school snack, for example, tuna wraps, sausage rolls, cheese or fruit. All dietary requirements are discussed with parents but no special diets are currently catered for. The children are able to select what they wish to eat from the serving bowls and plates. The appetizing presentation and appropriate encouragement from staff at meal times, helps children develop a positive attitude to healthy eating.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, brightly decorated, child friendly environment, where general risks to children are limited through staff vigilance and the group's safety procedures. However, the environment is far from secure. The play areas have low fences and gates are unlocked to allow parents to collect children from activities the school is running, staff safeguard the club's children by constantly supervising them when they are outside. Inside the front door of the school is not secure and this allows parents and other people to access the main building without staff's knowledge until they reach the room being used for the club that day. Risk assessments are completed annually and emergency evacuation procedures are fully understood by staff and practised each term. Staff also explain safe practices to children such as how to use the climbing equipment appropriately. This helps children develop an understanding of

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can access a satisfactory range of resources, appropriate for the interests of primary school children. These are adequately presented by staff. Children can also ask for other activities they wish to undertake. Unfortunately they are unable to have direct access to the club's toys themselves due to the limitations of the storage facilities.

p.3

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 Staff have a secure understanding of child protection procedures and reporting processes, which ensures children are well protected. All staff have had a full induction into the club's child protection procedures, which ensures that staff fully understand their responsibilities in protecting children from harm.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children enjoy their time at the club, all arrive happy and eager to participate. They are able to access an adequate range of activities both inside and outside which contribute to their enjoyment of a constructive leisure time. On the day of inspection after a social snack time, children played outside on the adventure play equipment and then moved inside for card games. The children find the range of activities provided stimulating and fun. They enjoy using the construction blocks, drawing and craftwork the most, along with outside play whenever possible.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children and staff work together to plan the activities. Staff pick up on children's interests, for example, making valentine's or mother's day cards. The children are supportive of one another and help each other with tasks such as learning to play a card game. Their strong relationships with each other and the adults help them develop a positive sense of self and positive self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed and play a full part in the club because staff value their contribution and respect their individual choices. All children regardless of gender or ability are encouraged and enabled to take part in their chosen activity. Limited resources with positive images of culture, gender and disability are available. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents including any special requirements and consistent communication and information exchanges take place. The club currently cares for children with physical disabilities; staff recognise and meet any additional needs where this is required.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's behaviour is good. They respond positively to boundaries set by the staff because staff treat them with respect. Also they take part in setting the rules and understand why certain rules are in place. They are polite to all and cooperative with each other. They help each other if they get stuck on an activity, for example, playing a card game. Staff use praise and encouragement constantly with the children and find they rarely need to deal with negative behaviours.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a positive partnership between staff and parents. The staff take time to encourage parents to gain information about how the club operates through discussion and reading the parent policies pack. However, the complaints and child protection policies have not been included in the pack and so parents are not made adequately aware of these. If staff need to exchange information with parents they do this verbally at the beginning or end of the session ensuring they are working together to meet the child's needs.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. There are adequate staff recruitment and vetting procedures which ensure children are satisfactorily protected. Most staff who work with the children are qualified and additional training courses have been attended. For example, all have attended first aid and food hygiene training and some have attended activity training for those working with older children. This contributes to the quality of care and experiences provided for children. New procedures to monitor that staff remain suitable to care for children have been introduced along with an annual appraisal system.

p.5

Organisation

Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of children. Appropriate guidance is given by the provider to ensure that staff are clear in their roles. Most legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being is in place and is regularly reviewed. However, the attendance record held at the club does not have a record of the names of staff caring for children each day, therefore, it does not clearly demonstrate how the adult to child ratio's are met. Also, sensitive data including details of children's addresses are not securely stored when left at the school between sessions, leaving a risk that they may go missing or be viewed by people other than club staff members.

p.5

Organisation

The premises are adequately organised although security has not been addressed fully. Indoor and outdoor spaces are laid out to give children acceptable play opportunities. Children are at ease and confident to choose between activities and enjoy their leisure time. Overall, children's needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment for their child. These written agreements are in place and so parents are now fully aware of what action will be taken in an emergency.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.6

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): • improve the security of the building to ensure staff are able to effectively manage access to the premises • provide parents with access to information about the complaints procedure and child protection policy • ensure personal data is kept in a secure place • keep a record on site of the names of staff caring for children each day.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6