Foxhayes Playclub

Foxhayes Playclub Inspection report for early years provision

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EY368492 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2008 Inspection date Sara Bailey Inspector

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Exwick Heights Primary School, Exwick Lane, EXETER, EX4 2FB Setting Address

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E-mail

Foxhayes Playclub 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?

Foxhayes Playclub is a committee run out-of-school club, situated at Exwick Heights Primary School, Exwick, Devon. The club has its own sole-use classroom within the school premises and shares the use of toilet facilities. It also has use of the school grounds and various specialist rooms around the school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club is registered to care for up to 30 children, aged from three to eight years. Children up to the age of 11 years are welcomed. There are currently over 150 families on roll, approximately 100 children attending on a part time basis are under eight years of age.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club is open from 08:00 to 09:00 and from 15:00 to 18:15 on weekdays in term-time. In school holidays and on inset days care is provided on weekdays from 08:00 to 18:15. There are 11 staff working with the children, eight of whom have appropriate child care qualifications. The joint play leaders hold a level 3 qualification in play work, three staff hold a level 3 in early years and one is working towards this, three staff hold a level 2 qualification in play work, one member of staff is working towards a teaching degree. The club supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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 through the staff's established routines and procedures. For example, the tables are cleaned using anti-bacterial spray before and after snack-time. Children routinely wash their hands before sitting at the table, using liquid soap and hot air dryers to prevent the risk of cross infection. Most staff hold valid first aid certificates and a first aid box is easily accessible to enable staff to deal with minor accidents effectively. All accidents are accurately recorded and shared with parents. Consent for emergency medical treatment is part of the registration form. This ensures consistency of care and that children's good health is given the utmost priority in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy and nutritious snacks and drinks. Children are very hungry after a day at school and enjoy the substantial snacks on offer. For example, they have a few pieces of toast with different toppings, fresh fruit and raw vegetables. A variety of different breads, fruits and vegetables are provided on a rota. Children have easy access to drinking water, milk and occasionally juice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thoroughly enjoy being active whilst at the club, spending long periods of time outside at their own request. They play with a variety of bats and balls in a fully enclosed playground area. They participate in games with their peers and staff such as netball and football or run around.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally safe within the brand new school setting as visitors to the school are monitored, as well as those to the club. Electronic gates, visitors book and vigilant staff ensure the safety of children. Young children are collected by staff from the nursery and infant classes. Older children make their own way to the club but door security is monitored effectively, most of the time, to supervise children arriving and using the toilets. A daily risk assessment is completed. However, it fails to identify all risks in the room such as, anti-bacterial spray stored in a low cupboard, which is accessible to children and a heavy door that poses a risk to children’s fingers as they wait for staff to take them to the toilet. Children have safe access to a range of toys inside and outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as key staff are aware of signs and procedures to follow in the event of being concerned about a child. Although not all staff are familiar with the child protection policy. The policy contains all relevant information; however it is not specific in setting out the procedures if an allegation is made against a member of staff. Procedures are in place to record existing injuries and concerns regarding child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children of all ages are very happy and settled at the club. They arrive enthusiastically and full of excitement. There is a constant buzz of interaction and fun as children play. Children clearly know the routine and line up promptly on arrival to wash their hands ready for snack. Snack-time is a very social occasion, with children of all ages mixing together well. Young children from

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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 the nursery are appropriately assisted by staff to spread their toast, whilst older children are more independent.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in counting how many children are present to help staff complete the register, this makes them feel important and have a sense of belonging. They are also encouraged to participate in children's meetings to discuss topics and activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Planning covers a variety of craft, cookery and play both inside and outside. Children can be busy or relax with books, television or computer games. Very young children are well supported in their play to ensure their individual needs are met alongside older, more able children. For example, bird pictures are made using felt pens, feathers and glue-sticks. Younger children are assisted and ideas suggested whereas older children are able to be more independent in their play and choices. Staff monitor time on the computer games to ensure equality of opportunity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have equal opportunities in all they do. For example, boys and girls have equal access to all toys and activities, young children are supported to play inclusively alongside older children. The club has some resources which reflect positive images of diversity but mainly learn about other cultures from exploring celebrations and festivals such as Diwali and Chinese New Year. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are well supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is generally good. Children of all ages play well, share and take turns. Staff monitor boisterous behaviour and intervene when necessary. Staff are positive role models to the children in the way they talk to each other and the children. They show respect to the children and clearly value them and their opinions through children's meetings. Club rules are agreed by children and displayed for all to see. Staff record behaviour incidents appropriately and share with parents effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from an informal partnership between their parents and staff. A parent pack provides information about the setting and policies. A notice board informs parents about procedures and staff qualifications. A complaints procedure is in place, however, it does not record the correct address and telephone number for Ofsted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Children benefit from the staff's good organisation of time and resources. For example, the room is well laid out to encourage children to self select toys and activities. The staff collect children and mark them off to ensure children's safe arrival to the club. They prepare the tables for snack before the children arrive, which makes good use of time. Staff are well deployed and generally supervise the children well both inside and outside. Children play in an environment that is generally safe.

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Organisation

All documentation is in place although policies are rather muddled at the moment due to the move to new premises. Many of them are in the process of being updated to reflect current practices, for example, child protection policy and complaints procedure. These are not always effectively shared with staff as part of their induction. Registers are clear and accurate, showing

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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 how ratios are maintained. The registration certificate is clearly displayed and evidence of staff's suitability and qualifications are held on file.

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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 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): • review all policies and procedures to ensure they are detailed, accurately reflect current requirements and effectively shared with parents and staff • ensure the daily risk assessment identifies and addresses all potential hazards within the setting.

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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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