Chelmsford YMCA @ Baddow Hall

Chelmsford YMCA @ Baddow Hall Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357418 Unique Reference Number 25 April 2008 Inspection date Patricia Mary Champion Inspector

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Baddow Hall Junior School, New Road, Great Baddow, CHELMSFORD, CM2 7QZ

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Setting Address

01245 354873 or 0793 4444920 Telephone number

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E-mail

CHELMSFORD Y.M.C.A. (TRADING) LIMITED 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?

Chelmsford YMCA @ Baddow Hall is one of five out of school clubs run by Chelmsford YMCA. It opened in 2007 and operates from two adjoining rooms in a demountable building within the grounds of Baddow Hall Junior School in Chelmsford. All children share access to a secure, enclosed, outdoor play area. A maximum of 20 children may attend the out for school club at any one time. The club opens five days a week during school term times. Operating times are from 15:00 until 18:00.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently six children aged from five to 10 years on roll. The club serves the children who attend Baddow Hall Infant and Junior Schools. The setting supports a small number of children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The out of school club employs two staff, both of whom hold appropriate early years or play work qualifications. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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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 cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands before eating food and after visiting the toilet. There is liquid soap and paper towels available to prevent the risk of cross-infection. Children's health is protected by the clearly written policies and procedures covering health and hygiene issues. Information regarding communicable illnesses and exclusion periods is held on the premises. There is always a first aider on site and a well-equipped first aid box. Appropriate records are kept of accidents and when medication is administered. Staff are well aware if a child has an allergy or medical need.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and are offered a balanced diet. They are fully encouraged to learn the benefits of healthy eating through discussion with staff and being fully involved in choosing their snacks and light meals from an eight week rota. A range of fresh fruit is provided and the menu for the evening meal is displayed in the kitchen. Children have regular and independent access to drinking water throughout the after school club session. Activities are also linked to the healthy eating programme and children discuss the food that is good for you as they play the 'Greedy Gorilla' game.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of opportunities for exercise and physical play, which contributes to their good health. They play actively, for example, playing energetic games of football in the outdoor area behind the premises. Staff kick the ball to the children and they enthusiastically pass the ball with strength and accuracy. There are also opportunities for the children to use the school playing fields and the climbing apparatus in the school playgrounds. Appropriate restful space with cosy cushions is provided to allow children to relax or play quietly in comfort after their day in school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to safe indoor and outdoor play environments because staff undertake thorough risk assessments and take appropriate steps to minimise the risks posed by identified hazards. Staff are vigilant about the security of the children. The entrance door remains locked throughout the session to prevent unauthorised access and to ensure that children do not exit unnoticed. Visitors to the club are carefully monitored and children are closely supervised. Children are protected because written procedures have been devised to cover all eventualities. The staff have plans to develop the outdoor area so that it enhances children's play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to be aware of potential safety hazards and take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. For example, they are all familiar with the procedures for evacuating the premises swiftly and they recognise the rules and routines of the club that help to keep them safe. They know not to touch kitchen equipment and they tuck their chairs under tables to prevent tripping hazards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a suitable range of safe toys and play materials. All play equipment is frequently checked for damage and cleanliness. Children also have access to the school's sports equipment stored on the premises.

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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 Children are safeguarded by staff who have a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures. There is a clearly written policy, which follows the guidelines of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and is shared with parents. This ensures that staff act in the best interests of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have good opportunities to participate in a stimulating range of activities which sustains their interest, sparks their imagination and keeps them entertained throughout the session. They spend time concentrating and persevering with their tasks. Children play imaginatively with small world play, acting out scenarios with play figures in the dolls house. They respond to challenge as they take part in board games and compete as they score goals in football matches.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy good relationships with each other and staff, who support their play well. For example, staff play and work alongside the children as they take part in creative activities. They make pictures depicting images of knights and dragons on stained glass windows during activities celebrating St Georges Day. Children and staff are proud of their achievements and the pictures are displayed during the session so that children know that their efforts are valued.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Weekly planning is linked to themes and topics and is shared with the other Chelmsford YMCA out of school clubs. The staff are flexible and ensure that activities are matched to the children's interests and also allow for the spontaneous play experiences that the children devise. However, staff do not currently reflect and evaluate the activities they provide to enhance children's play and learning experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is an enthusiastic and cheerful atmosphere in the club and staff are keen for children to have fun in a relaxing environment. Staff give good support to children, question them effectively and provide increasing challenges. Consequently, children are willing to attempt new experiences and are well motivated to participate in the club.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging because staff treat them with respect. They develop self-esteem and confidence as they voice their opinions, make choices and take decisions. All children are highly valued as individuals. Staff find out children's likes, dislikes and interests from the outset. There are well thought out policies relating to equality and diversity. Systems are in place to support children with learning difficulties or disabilities. Close liaison with parents ensures that children's individual needs are met. All children participate in the activities and the premises has been adapted to meet their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are polite and understand the need for responsible behaviour. The club involves children in helping to set the rules, so that children own the rules, know what is expected of them and behave well. Children play harmoniously by taking turns, sharing and remembering to say 'please' and 'thank you'. They negotiate and solve any disagreements by themselves. The older children show respect and great care and concern for younger children. Staff are good role models, they are calm and consistent with the children. Reward schemes such as sticker charts help to boost children's confidence and self-esteem.

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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 Children learn about the wider world as they take part in topics and activities linked to festivals and traditional events. For example, children celebrate St Georges Day and recently created a display linked to the London marathon. They play with toys and look at books and posters that promote a positive view of the wider world and help children respect and appreciate the differences and similarities between themselves and others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the friendly partnership with parents. Plenty of information is displayed in the premises, newsletters are distributed and copies of policies and procedures are available. Parents are invited to complete questionnaires and make suggestions so that the quality of care is maintained or improved further. Parents make complimentary comments about the club and appreciate how well children are supervised, the differentiated activities that keep children occupied and the good healthy snacks.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a conscientious staff team who are appropriately qualified and experienced. They are protected because there are robust recruitment, vetting and induction procedures for new staff. All staff have been checked and cleared through the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). Each member of staff is given a handbook with the club's policies and procedures. A new manager has just joined the setting and is currently completing checks through Ofsted. The very effective staffing levels ensure that the younger children attending the club are offered plenty of support. Regular staff team meetings take place and there is an appraisal system. The overall organisation of space, time and resources is good and this provides positive outcomes for children.

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Organisation

All the essential documentation that contributes to the smooth running of the after school sessions is in place. There are comprehensive policies and procedures, which are used effectively to promote the welfare, enjoyment and safety of the children. Staff are well aware of the need for confidentiality and paperwork containing details about the children is securely locked in a filing cabinet.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • develop a system for monitoring activities to enable staff to use evaluation and observations to enhance children's play and learning experiences.

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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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