Little Cherubs Kids Club

Little Cherubs Kids Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY358721 Unique Reference Number 29 January 2008 Inspection date Jill Nugent Inspector

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Cheshunt Boys Club, Stanhope Road, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, EN8 7DJ

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E-mail

Little Cherubs Kids 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Little Cherubs Kids Club registered in 2007. It operates from the youth centre in Waltham Cross. It is open from 07.45 until 08.45, and from 15.20 until 17.45, every weekday during term time. It caters for children from the nearby primary school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 16 children aged under eight may attend the setting at any one time. The club supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A total of three members of staff work with the children. The manager and one member of staff hold relevant early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted adequately. Medical administration forms are available for children who need medication whilst attending the club and accident records are completed appropriately.

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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 Staff are suitably qualified in first aid and ensure that they have good access to equipment. If children become ill they are made comfortable while awaiting collection so as to protect others from infection. Staff are generally attentive to hygiene. Children are cared for in a clean environment and tables are wiped for tea-time. Children are aware of the need to make sure their hands are clean before cooking and eating. These procedures contribute to keeping children healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered a range of meals at tea time. The two week menu includes foods such as burgers, pasta and sandwiches. However, there is little choice each day, particularly of healthy options such as fresh fruit and salad vegetables. Children with special diets have their needs met appropriately as staff request information regarding dietary needs. Children are offered a choice of drinks but during the session only fruit squash is easily accessible and no fresh drinking water. This is not sufficient to help prevent the risk of dehydration. Overall children have few opportunities to learn about healthy eating as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy opportunities for physical play in the large hall. They have fun playing with balls and balloons and this helps them to keep fit. They like to join in group games, for example, dodge ball, which encourage them to increase their physical skills. However, there are few organised games which enable them to enjoy physical activity in this way.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in a spacious environment with good access to a hall, playroom and attractive eating area. Staff make use of a large new kitchen to prepare food safely as children do not have access to this area. The large playroom has some comfortable seating but otherwise is not set out so as to interest children in a variety of play activities. The choice of resources is limited and if these are not put out for children they are difficult to access in a low storage box.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety whilst at the club is not promoted adequately. Staff have not carried out a risk assessment of the premises in order to identify any potential risks to children, nor have they carried out a risk assessment of the 15-minute walk to and from school, despite some accidents having occurred. If risks are not highlighted and action not taken to minimise them there is a potential risk to children whilst attending the club.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are secure on the premises as the main door is kept locked and visitors to the building can be checked through the glass frontage. There are good fire precautions in place and regular fire practises are organised so that children know what to do in an emergency. However, children are not always encouraged to be aware of personal safety during play. For example, they are not warned of the dangers of jumping around on furniture or running around the hall.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues. The manager has knowledge of local safeguarding procedures and has the necessary information to enable her to seek advice if having any concerns. Staff ensure that children are only collected from the setting by a known adult. Children's safety when out walking is enhanced through the wearing of luminous jackets which ensure that they are easily visible. Consequently, children are generally well safeguarded.

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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 satisfactory. Children are settled and quite happy at the club although they often amuse themselves and devise their own games. They become quite absorbed in self-chosen activities at times, for example, building models using lego bricks. They particularly enjoy creating pictures using a collection of paper, glue and mark-making materials. Children gain confidence and independence as they help each other find bits and bobs to extend their pictures. They enjoy each other's company and develop close relationships.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff have a tendency to supervise children and rarely interact with them to encourage participation in games and activities or to enhance their play. There is a lack of organised activities for children to take part in and so their choice is limited. Children show an interest in cooking activities but are unable to participate to any great extent due to staff's ineffective organisation. They do not have the facility to relax quietly with a book if they wish. Overall there are limited opportunities for children to choose from a range of interesting activities suited to their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children generally feel valued as staff keep a check on their well-being and respond to their requests. All play activities and resources are available to all children. Children show a sense of belonging and have fun as they play. They like to chat with each other at tea time, although they are often kept waiting for food and become noisy and potentially disruptive. Staff do not encourage children to be independent through preparing or accessing food and drink themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have few opportunities for making choices within the setting. There is a limited choice at tea time and a restricted range of resources and activities generally. Children mix well with each other during play and share resources happily. They are developing an increased awareness of diversity through participating in activities based on festivals. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities receive appropriate support as staff find out about their particular needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff do not have effective strategies in place for managing children's behaviour. There are no set rules within the provision so children are unaware of their boundaries. They become bored at times, and consequently boisterous, and this has an impact on their personal safety. They generally respond satisfactorily to staff if reprimanded. However, this has no lasting effect as there are no strategies for encouraging positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff have a satisfactory working partnership with parents and carers. Parents receive information about the club's procedures and some key policy statements. They complete registration forms and supply emergency contacts for children. Staff exchange information on a daily basis when children are collected from the club. Parents are generally satisfied with the care offered to their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The club's policies and procedures do not work in practice to promote the outcomes for children. Staff are generally well-qualified and ensure that all necessary training is kept up to date. The

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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 attendance registers for children are well maintained. The manager has introduced a set of written policies to replace the few policy statements originally available. These have been adapted so that they are specific to the club. However, there is no induction process in place for staff as yet and so they are unaware of the contents of these polices. As a result staff are not yet able to put the written policies into practice. Consequently there is no overall framework for children's care.

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Organisation

Staff do not make good use of their time, or the available space, to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children. At free-play times staff are not deployed effectively across the various rooms and this impacts on their ability to organise interesting activities and interact with children. Staff offer a limited range of resources and this limits children's choice, impacting on their overall enjoyment. The set routine for the session does not allow sufficient time for children to participate in free choice and directed activities. Staff keep children waiting while finding resources or preparing food and this also impacts on children's behaviour. This ineffective organisation results in children receiving unsatisfactory care in many areas.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • carry out risk assessments of the premises, and the walk to and from school, and take action to minimise any identified risks • ensure that all staff have induction training and are deployed effectively during club sessions • review the organisation of resources and the daily routine in order to meet children's needs

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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 These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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