The Afterschool Club LtdOfsted inspection, 9 May 2008

The Afterschool Club Ltd Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY356000 Unique Reference Number 09 May 2008 Inspection date Sheila Harrison Inspector

p.1

Mill End & District Community Association, Church Lane, Mill End, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 8HD

p.1

Setting Address

01923 773938 Telephone number debby@theholidayclub.net E-mail The Afterschool Club Ltd 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?

The Afterschool Club opened in 2007 and is one of three clubs run by the The Afterschool Club Ltd which was established in the area in 1997. The club runs from a community hall in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire and the premises consist of two halls, kitchen and toilet facilities. The club have the use of a fenced area of tarmac and a secure area of grass.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 55 children may attend at any one time and there are currently 70 children on roll. The club is open term time from 07:45 to 09:00 and 15:00 to 18:30. The club accepts children aged from four to 12 years. The club employs 15 members of staff across the three settings. At this setting there are four members of staff present at each session and additional staff are on duty if required. Half the staff have an appropriate childcare qualification.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have valuable chances to exercise in the fresh air. They report that they greatly enjoy playing outside in the large field where they have space to play vigorous games including

p.2

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 football. They can organise their own small games of rounder’s using small plastic cones, bats and balls. Children have access to the tarmac area in most weathers to play on the scooters and bicycles. They have many chances to develop their physical skills indoors. They have regular fitness sessions, play skipping games together and games of hopscotch using the purpose made mats.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are suitably nourished as they have a choice of sandwiches and fruit on arrival at the setting after school. In the morning there is a fitting range of breakfast cereals, fruit and toast with a variety of spreads. Older children are caring about the needs of others as they independently offer to pour the drinks at tea time. They learn about healthy eating through an activity on food tasting. Drinks are freely available indoors and outside.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning to be healthy as staff prompt children to wash their hands before eating. Staff involved in food handling follow suitable procedures to avoid the spread of food poisoning. Children are protected after an accident as many staff have suitable first aid certificates and follow adequate procedures when children have injuries. There are some procedures to protect children from the effects of the sun although these rely on the parents providing suitable clothing. This potentially comprises children’s health in the hot weather.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and secure environment. Adequate steps are taken to minimise the risks in the premises and staff undertake daily safety checks. There are efficient systems to report any defects to the premises and record visitors. Children use suitable and safe equipment with sufficient space to move freely. There are separate areas for playing at the tables, on the floor or for quiet play and homework. The resources are appealing to children and appropriate to their age and stage of development. Toys are regularly checked to ensure they are complete and safe.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe as staff generally walk to and from school with the children. When staff use a car to transport children between settings they are measured to ensure the correct car seat or restraint is used. There are secure procedures for the collection of children from the club with a pin number system. Staff are vigilant in supervising the children safely. They use walkie-talkies to be in easy contact with the staff and children playing outside.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to keep themselves safe as they regularly practise the emergency evacuation plan. They develop a sense of road safety by participating in activities in the playground using the props such as traffic lights and a zebra crossing which they have made themselves. The risks of activities are assessed and children are reminded to look behind them before using a pool cue. Roller skates were withdrawn after staff reviewed the accidents recorded in the accident book.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm as staff have an adequate understanding of child protection procedures. They have sufficient written information and follow suitable recording and reporting policies.

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and busy. They are well supported in their play as they benefit from good interactions with staff. Staff have a warm rapport with the children. They become engrossed in a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. Staff support children in skipping and a catching games outside. Children choose from an interesting range of resources organised by the staff. They enjoy the pool table and the wide range of electronic games. Children report they enjoy drawing, board games and playing outside.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are beginning to take active part in the setting. Their views are requested and inform the purchasing of new equipment. They are pleased with the new bicycles and games provided after the last survey.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as the staff know the children’s personalities well. They are encouraged to become sensitive and respectful in their interactions with others as they raise money for national charities. They report that they feel confident to describe their concerns to the staff and these will be suitably dealt with. Children negotiate and take turns. Older children in the breakfast club generously give a turn of an electronic game to a young child.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about the local community as they have visits from the local police. They can discuss matters of interest to them, for example, protecting themselves from the unwanted attention of others. They have some chances to learn about the wider world as staff prepare information on the countries growing the fruit they tasted as part of their healthy eating project. Staff demonstrate that children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are adequately supported within the setting.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff develop effective links with parents to ensure individual needs of the children are met. Parents comment that the staff are very supportive and care for their children well.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall children’s needs are met. There is generally an effective organisation. Staff understand and usually follow the setting’s acceptable policies and procedures to take appropriate steps to protect children and promote their well-being. However, some records are not easily available for inspection and this potentially limits the safe management of children. Staff work co-operatively as a team and have a sound knowledge and understanding of childcare. Staff undertake professional childcare qualifications and attend a range of short courses. Information from these courses is used to make changes to the setting.

p.4

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

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 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.

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

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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): • ensure children are suitably protected from the effects of the sun • review the organisation of the records to ensure the efficient and safe management of the provision.

p.5

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.5

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.5