Denim Out Of School Club

Denim Out Of School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360015 Unique Reference Number 15 July 2008 Inspection date Anne Felicity Taylor Inspector

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Bridgetown Primary School, Byron Road, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, Warwickshire, CV37 7JP

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Setting Address

01789 205092 Telephone number admin@2053.wgfl.net E-mail Polkadot Day Nurseries Ltd Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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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

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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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Denim Out of School Club at Bridgetown School opened in 2007. It is one of five out of school facilities run by Polkadot Day Nurseries Ltd. It is based in a large inner hall within Bridgetown Primary School in Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire. The club also has the use of the school hall. A maximum of 26 children may attend the club at any one time. The club is open on week days from 15.15 to 18.00 in term time. Children have to access to designated outdoor play areas to the rear of the school site.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 87 children aged from five to 11 years on roll. The club is open to pupils of the school, and they can attend for a variety of sessions. Children from other schools are welcome to attend if they are brought to the setting by parents or carers. The club currently supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is able to support children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are three members of staff who work with the children. Of these, two have appropriate early years qualifications and one is working towards a qualification.

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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 outstanding. Children's health is promoted extremely well, and hygiene practices are supported and encouraged very well and, therefore, children stay healthy. Staff have an impressive knowledge of health and hygiene procedures and ensure that children are made aware of the need to follow good hygiene routines. Children are independent in self-care skills and recognise the importance of hand washing. Easy access to well-resourced and clean facilities is valuable when encouraging independence. Staff are careful to offer gentle reminders to younger children to wash their hands after using the toilet. Staff have attended food hygiene training and this is reflected in their everyday practice, for example, the daily monitoring of refrigeration temperatures, and ensuring tables are thoroughly cleaned before and after use. Clear and comprehensive procedures are in place to ensure that children’s best interests are considered

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Helping children to be healthy

should they become ill or have an accident. Staff hold current first aid certificates and first aid boxes are accessible and properly stocked and checked. Excellent procedures are in place for passing messages from school to parents and carers regarding the children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are extremely well nourished because they are provided with a superb variety of healthy foods and freely accessible drinks. There is an extensive four weekly menu in place, and parents and children are consulted about what they would like to eat and drink. Children's health and welfare is taken into consideration as their individual dietary needs are noted and carefully respected by all staff. Children are constantly reminded to help themselves to a drink, or use their water bottles, particularly after exercise and outdoor play. This means that the children's learning about keeping themselves healthy is reinforced. Children and staff sit together to enjoy a picnic tea outside. Tea time is a marvellous social occasion, with older children helping younger friends with spreading toppings on their muffins. Children display consideration as they pass around vegetable sticks and fresh and dried fruit, and as they help to clear away

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Helping children to be healthy

plates on to the trolley. Staff are skilled at encouraging children to eat healthily and to try new foods. They discuss healthy eating and the children are developing an impressive understanding of keeping themselves healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a very broad range of activities which contribute to their physical development and well-being. They have easy access to outdoor play areas and have plenty of space to run about after their school day. Children plan their team games and outside play with enthusiasm and great anticipation. They can choose from lots of activities including races, 'duck, duck, goose', football, hopscotch and skipping. They have enormous fun as staff join in with many of the activities, taking turns in the football team, and turning the rope for complicated skipping routines. The variety of equipment available offers the children many marvellous opportunities to develop new skills, for example, spinning spheres.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in the inner hallway/work area of several classrooms within the school. The building is well maintained and clean. There is plenty of clear space, including for table top games, construction and track building, and art and craft activities. A low level work surface, plus a refrigerator and a sink give staff a very good food preparation area. There are adjacent toilet facilities and direct access to outdoor play areas. Children are greeted individually as they arrive in the setting after school ensuring feel welcome and valued. An extensive range of very

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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 good quality toys and resources are available in sufficient quantities to support children's play extremely well. Excellent procedures are in place, and carried out, for safety and cleaning checks of the building and all toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A commendable level of safety is a top priority for all staff. Children are protected because staff complete regular comprehensive safety checks, and written risk assessments are completed and reviewed. The premises are safe and secure. First-rate monitoring of visitors and the accurate registers that are checked regularly ensures children are safe. Children are aware of any safety rules and have an admirable understanding of why rules are in place, for example, as they inform staff as they move from outdoor to indoor play. This understanding is enhanced further as they complete the regular fire practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit because there is a clear and comprehensive child protection policy and procedure in place. All staff undertake regular training, and they are confident about their child protection duties and responsibilities. Therefore, children are kept safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children attending the club are happy and having lots of fun. They participate in a superb range of play opportunities both inside and outside, which complement their learning and development. Children settle down quickly within the familiar routines, chatting to staff about what activities are planned, what is for tea, and when they can go outside. Children are keen and excited anticipating activities, and staff display commendable skill as they encourage enthusiasm, yet keep the environment calm and safe. Children play happily with table top games, for example, 'shopping list', enjoying being competitive and spending time with friends. They concentrate brilliantly creating shapes and patterns with beads, chatting happily about their day at school and the school concert taking place in the evening. Imaginative and creative play feature prominently in the children's play. They develop elaborate scenarios as they dress dolls, create

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

car tracks and make dinosaur lairs. Children have recently taken part in a local competition, 'Creating Crazy Pets', and many of them are justly very proud of their art work being published. Children are always happy to help out at the club, learning an enormous amount from the tasks they complete, and the superb example set by the staff. For example, children wash their hands and wear protective clothing as they help to prepare the fruit for tea, gaining knowledge of why it should be washed and handling cutlery very carefully. Children enjoy excellent activities to raise their awareness of improving their health and well-being, for example, making fruit smoothies. First-class resources are plentiful and many of them are stored where children can easily gain access. Consequently, children demonstrate impressive levels of independence and are able to initiate their own play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children form impressive relationships with staff and their peers. They benefit from the stable staff team working alongside adults coming in to complete specific activities, for example, a football tournament. Children are asked their opinions about planning and are regularly consulted regarding daily events. Therefore, they have excellent levels of self-esteem and know that their opinions are valued. They plan bird watching sessions and are extremely excited about 'Fun Week' at the end of term, with apple bobbing and hair braiding. All activities planned by staff and children are evaluated, and a system is in place which links them to the Early Years Foundation Stage. This enables staff to adapt and change play to meet the needs of the children extremely effectively, ensuring lots of fun as the children learn, play and socialise.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Staff treat children with equal concern and take immense time and trouble to find out about each child's individual needs and requirements, therefore, children feel valued and develop a deep sense of belonging. All children are welcomed into the setting and the staff display an admirable commitment to inclusion. Activities are varied and planning is flexible. This means that children's interests are invariably taken into account, which helps the children to gain a positive attitude towards others. The club's policy for equal opportunities gives clear and comprehensive guidance to staff and reassures parents that any individual needs will be met sensitively. Staff have a commendably positive attitude towards providing care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and they are willing to work with parents and other professionals to meet children's needs, and ensure they are included in all the activities offered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and busy and, therefore, they behave extremely well. Children develop the club rules and staff are skilled and consistent in reminding the children about acceptable behaviour. Mixed age team games actively encourages the children to be considerate to younger friends and to develop a kind and caring manner towards others. Positive attitudes in the setting are encouraged because staff provide excellent role models and they reward good behaviour and kindness with praise and encouragement. They help to create a calm and purposeful atmosphere and they encourage children to share and to take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive a comprehensive information pack about the childcare offered by the parent company as a whole, and this club in particular. Policy documents and the National Standards are easily available for reference. Staff have developed extremely strong relationships with parents who are very positive about the setting. They feel welcome and value the excellent communication between parents and staff, which benefits their children so much. They are delighted to receive daily verbal feedback from staff about their children's care and achievements, alongside daily information put on the white board, for example, the tea menu and activities available. They are encouraged to make suggestions to improve and develop the club through regular questionnaires. This contributes very effectively to the happy atmosphere and overall well-being of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Exemplary procedures are in place for the recruitment and vetting of all staff, which ensures that staff have the appropriate knowledge and skills to care for children. Staff to child ratios are carefully monitored and maintained at a very good level, supporting the children's care, learning and play. Staff work extremely well together as a team, complimenting each other's skills. They are committed to improving their practice, having regular staff meetings and appraisals. Their training needs are monitored carefully, and staff complete short courses and formal qualifications, with the full support of senior staff.

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Organisation

Children appreciate the bright and welcoming environment. The main area is appropriately set up to offer children plenty of space for an excellent range of chosen play experiences, for example, tables and chairs for board games and clear floor space to allow play with construction toys. Regular use of the outdoor play areas gives the children marvellous opportunities to get plenty of fresh air and the freedom to expend energy at the end of their school day. Resources and activities are very effectively organised to encourage independence and choice.

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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 All the required documentation to ensure the safe and effective management of the setting is in place and maintained in an impressive and efficient manner. Staff are vigilant and thorough when completing registers, and visitors are monitored. All records are kept confidential. 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.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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