CHIPS Saturday Club and Playscheme

CHIPS Saturday Club and Playscheme Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355522 Unique Reference Number 30 July 2008 Inspection date Cheryl Langley Inspector

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Millbrook Junior Middle & Infant School, Gews Corner, Cheshunt, WALTHAM CROSS, Hertfordshire, EN8 9BX

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E-mail

Children's Intergrated Playschemes 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The playscheme registered in June 2007. It is one of the C H I P S (Children's integrated playschemes) groups operating in Hertfordshire from the Millbrook Primary School, Cheshunt. The playscheme uses the nursery classroom, one primary school classroom, the hall, outside courtyard area and the school field. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and their siblings attend the playscheme. It is also open in the hall on a Saturday. They welcome children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

CHIPS at Millbrook School are registered to care for a maximum of 30 children from three years to eight years and also take children up to age of 15 years of age, at any one time. They currently have 95 children on roll. There are 11 members of staff working directly with the children, including the manager, fifty percent of whom, hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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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 are protected from infection and taken care of if they need medical attention. Good hygiene practices are followed and high numbers of staff have current first aid qualifications. Procedures are followed to ensure the children's health is maintained and that they receive consistency in their care. For example, accidents are recorded and shared with parents and medication only administered with parental consent.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children understand suitable health and hygiene practices. They wash their hands at appropriate times to prevent the spread of germs and wear suitable clothing in the hot sun. Children are aware of the importance of having regular drinks to quench their thirst. Those children that need additional support for their care needs are helped by the staff. Children are nourished with regular healthy snacks and lunch. To keep the children safe and not compromise their health all staff take account of the wishes of parents and work with them closely to provide snacks that appeal to the children as well as meeting their particular dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have great fun with the physical activities and play equipment on offer. They balance and co-ordinate their bodies to climb over, under and through the soft assault course, jump up and down on the bouncy castle, control footballs or activate programmable toys. Children manoeuvre sit-on rides freely or with assisted equipment. They delight in making marks with paint using their hands or creating sandcastles with damp sand.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel welcome in the stimulating environment both inside and outside. An exciting range of toys and activities keeps them interested and engaged throughout the day. Most of the furniture and equipment is suitable in its design and condition for children to access all the activities on offer. However, a lack of provision for those children who require additional support to sit or be mobile compromises their independence and the continued development of their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff check the premises and equipment regularly to minimise hazards and keep the children safe. Accidents are evaluated and changes made to stop any recurrence and avoid the children coming to harm. Sensitive reminders from the staff encourage the children to protect themselves and others. For example, children play ball games in the outside area only and take turns on the large play apparatus to avoid accidents. Suitable procedures are in place to support the children's safety such as obtaining parental consent to attend outings and for their children to be collected by other authorised adults.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded. Staff have an understanding of child protection issues and the steps to take should they be concerned about a child in their care. All visitors to the premises have to sign in and out and the staff are vetted to ensure their suitability to work with children.

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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 good. Children are confident. They are happy to try new experiences such as reflexology or painting their hands to make prints. Staff praise them for their achievements which develops their self-esteem. Their creations are valued and put on display. For example, a rainbow frieze adorns the wall made by the hands of many of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are creative. They use their imaginations during art and craft activities or for imaginary play. Children enjoy dressing up as different characters, creating stories using toys as props or make junk models with pieces of card. They explore and investigate different mediums such as sand and water. Children compare the consistency of wet and dry sand. They have fun making sand castles and sand prints with moulds.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

An exciting range of events are planned to provide variety and enjoyment as well as developing the children's knowledge. For example, an ambulance crew are welcomed with enthusiasm and children have fun taking a ride and listening to the siren. Children have a good range of choices in the inside and outside areas. They take part in physical activities and quiet play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff and volunteers listen and value what the children say. They have a sense of fun and are affectionate. Children feel comfortable and relaxed and enjoy their time at the playscheme. Positive relationships are formed between the children and staff. They join in the activities, play games together, share books or relax in the sensory room to have conversations. Most of the play is child initiated and drawn from the children's choices, complimented by inspiring planned activities for a wealth of fun and enjoyment during the summer holiday.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The partnership with parents is generally effective. However, the lack of information about some of the children means that their enjoyment is hindered, as staff are not fully aware of their abilities or needs. Systems to ensure children from diverse backgrounds or speakers of English as a second language access the provision are insufficient, which may mean that some children are missing the opportunity to take part in this scheme. Positive and complimentary feedback has been given by parents for the care and enjoyment experienced by their children when they attend. Children's views are also valued and respected and information is gathered in an appropriate way to gauge their experience when they attend. Parents have the opportunity to discuss their children with the staff at the end of the sessions or contact the staff over the telephone during the day for an update. A range of information is available about the provision

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to keep parents up-to-date with the activities and routine and support the children's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. They respect the needs of others. For example, they share, take turns and are polite. Suitable strategies are in place to manage behaviour to suit the relevant age and ability of the children. As a result children understand what is right and wrong. A calm and friendly atmosphere is maintained in this large group and children feel relaxed and secure. Positive images of difference are promoted through the resources, discussions with staff and activities. Children become aware of the differing needs people have.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children’s needs are met through generally effective organisation. However there are times when the deployment of staff means that children are left unsupervised in some of the rooms. There is therefore, the potential for them to be at risk. Robust vetting procedures ensure the adults employed are suitable to work with children and provide a range of experience to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Acceptable policies and procedures to take appropriate steps to protect children, promote their well-being and support their development have been devised. Confidentiality is adhered to, to respect the children and parents.

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Organisation

The committee and staff have a clear sense of purpose and commitment to continual improvement. Staff meet regularly before and after sessions to plan and share ideas. Space is used well, providing an enjoyable range of activities and play for the children to choose from both inside and outside. Children benefit from the positive working relationships between the staff and young volunteers who make a valuable contribution. As a result they enjoy their time at the playscheme in a warm and friendly environment. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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. 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 satisfactory. 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): • provide furniture and equipment which is appropriate for its purpose to help create an accessible and stimulating environment for those children who need additional support with their mobility • develop the systems in place to promote equality of opportunity, this refers to liaising with parents to ensure all children have access to the resources and activities available and that the diversity of the provision reflects the local community

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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 • make sure staff are deployed effectively within the premises to ensure the safety, welfare and development of the children.

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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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