ChipsOfsted inspection, 3 Aug 2005

Chips Summer Playscheme

Inspection report for early years provision

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Chips Summer Playscheme

Unique Reference Number 127801 Inspection date 03 August 2005 Inspector Alison Reeves

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Chips Summer Playscheme

Setting Address Richard Whittington Jmi School, Thornbera Gardens, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 3NP Telephone number 0797 523019

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E-mail

Registered person Chips Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day 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 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?

CHIPS Holiday Play Scheme opened in 1996. It operates from the dining room, hall and a double classroom in Richard Whittington School, Bishops Stortford. The play scheme serves the town and surrounding villages. There are currently sixty eight children on roll, twenty three of whom are aged between three and eight years. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The play scheme is for children with disabilities and their siblings. The group opens for thirteen days over a three week period during the summer holidays. Sessions are from 10:00 until 15:30.

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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 Thirty three part time staff and volunteers work with the children over the course of the scheme. The number of staff at each session depends on the number of children and their individual needs. Eight staff have early years qualifications. Two staff are currently on training programmes. Volunteers have a variety of qualifications and experience.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health within the setting is supported appropriately by staff that have a secure knowledge of the club’s health and hygiene procedures. Many children are independent in self-care skills. Children understand simple good hygiene practices. For example, children wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals, some children need reminding and assistance which is always given, many understand why it is important and can explain that it is to prevent the spread of germs. Children enjoy physical exercise and learn about the importance of activity in a healthy lifestyle as they join in free-play and organised activities in the school playground and sensory room. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks as a way to maintain their health. They gain less understanding of the value of good nutrition as they select a snack of biscuits or crisps because more nourishing

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are secure and confident in the well-organised club environment, staff understand the policies and procedures which ensure children's safety whilst at the play scheme. For example the effective use of risk assessments ensures the safety of a potentially vulnerable group of children. Staff have identified a number of potential risks or dangers, for example, unlimited use of the large school playground. They have fenced a small secure outdoor area next to the classroom which includes sand and water play. This gives children scope to play outside at any time with their support worker. Children use suitable and safe equipment. For example, resources are selected to appeal to a diverse group of children of various ages and abilities. Equipment and resources are robust ensuring they withstand extensive use. Children bring their own specialist equipment such as wheelchairs, custom built buggies and standing frames.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a hoist for lifting children, which staff are trained to use. This means children have the equipment they need to enable them to access activities and have their personal care needs met effectively Children understand CHIPS' safety rules; consequently, they are aware of how to protect their own well-being and be considerate of others.

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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 The senior staff team have a clear understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a child protection concern. The remaining staff have a sound knowledge and know where to seek support with the procedures. Children's welfare is therefore safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are confident, self-assured and show enormous enthusiasm whilst in the playscheme’s welcoming environment. They enjoy this time during the school holidays and at the weekend Saturday club when they can relax or be active in accordance with their needs and interests. There is an extensive range of robust, well-maintained resources which are used well to interest children and develop their play and learning. Children show a great deal of interest in what they do. For example, children are enthusiastic, settling for long periods at activities such as puppet making, junk modelling and collage, the railway track and bouncy castle. A very good selection of materials is available for creative and craft activities with children able to explore a variety of media. Many children take an active part in activities which they self select. Music is popular with children engaging in making,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

listening and responding to music. They are superbly well supported by the staff that are skilled at encouraging children to extend their experiences and at listening and communicating by talking and signing with children. This effective communication means children can express themselves clearly to their support worker who is then able to respond positively. Staff regularly evaluate the activities they provide to ensure the children take part in activities that appeal and are of benefit, promoting their well-being and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are welcomed and play a full part in the playscheme because staff value and respect their individuality and the family context for each child. Children with special needs integrate very well within the group. Equipment and resources are adapted to ensure all children are able to participate fully. The children respect and understand that some children need extra help and willingly support those who do. Their behaviour is extremely good. Staff support children in sharing and turn taking. They have high expectations and set consistent and realistic boundaries for all children, which helps them learn to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour. Staff increase children’s understanding of right and wrong, they respond to gentle reminders to care for their environment, the play scheme resources and each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children have extensive opportunities to play and explore their environment, they learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through planned and spontaneous activities, visitors to the play scheme and outings to local places of interest. For example the visit from the local fire crew is a popular and enriching

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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 experience for the children. This positive approach supports children's developing understanding of themselves, their immediate group of friends and the wider community. An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children’s well-being. For example staff actively seek parents’ views about their children’s needs and interests before the children start at the setting, and on a regular basis throughout their time there. Staff ensure that all parents know how their children are settling in and enjoying the play scheme. This means parents feel included and involved in the play scheme whilst they benefit from some often much needed respite care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The premises are well organised. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. The deployment of staff effectively supports children. The trustee and senior staff use thorough recruitment procedures and check that staff have suitable qualifications and experience. The staff handbook supports the induction programme and good teamwork makes sure all staff work together well to promote children’s health, enjoyment and achievement. Rigorous procedures ensure that all staff are secure in their knowledge of important policies that impact on the day to day care of the children. All legally required documentation which contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed and updated. The trustee and senior staff regularly review policies and reflect on the organisation and effectiveness of activities and outings, to ensure they continue to

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Organisation

provide high quality care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All recommendations from the last inspection have been appropriately addressed. Risk assessments are in place and used effectively to provide and maintain a safe environment. The child protection policies now include clear procedures to follow in the event of an allegation against a member of staff. Appropriate hygiene procedures are followed to minimise the spread of infection and cross contamination. Records are clear and include all the relevant information. These measures make the playscheme a safer place for children and staff.

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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

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 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): • improve snacks to include healthy options for children.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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