Hucknall National Out of School Club

Hucknall National Out of School Club Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY363246 Unique Reference Number 09 May 2008 Inspection date Esther Darling Inspector

p.1

Hucknall National Primary School, Montague Road, Hucknall, Nottingham, NG15 7DU

p.1

E-mail

Hucknall Pre-School Playgroup Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

p.1

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

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?

Hucknall National Out of School Club registered in 2007. It is based in the Hucknall National Primary School and is provided by a voluntary management committee. The club is open to children who attend the school. The club operates from the club room, which has an attached kitchenette and nearby toilet facilities. Children have additional use of the main hall and access to the school grounds for outdoor play. Opening times are from 08:00 to 08:50 and 15:20 to 18:00 during school term times and from 08:00 to 18:00 in the holidays. The club admits children from four years to 11 years of age. A maximum of 24 children may attend at any one time. There are three staff who work with the children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about how to promote their own good health when reminded to wash their hands before sitting down for tea. The facilities are well maintained and kept clean. Staff use appropriate methods to prevent the spread of infection such as using wipeable table cloths. Laminated photographs with captions such as 'wash your hands' help to reinforce the message

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 of cleanliness in a positive way. Children are treated kindly and cared for when they hurt themselves, which promotes their wellbeing. Accidents are dealt with efficiently by capable staff who hold first aid certificates. Parents are kept suitably informed through the keeping and sharing of efficient records.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Changes are gradually being made to the menu to raise children's awareness of the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet. This includes a greater provision of fresh fruit and vegetables to accompany snacks such as soup and a roll or beans on toast. Other food that is popular with children is still provided, for example, hot dogs and biscuits. Some of this is less beneficial to their healthy growth and development. At tea children choose from water, diluted cordial or fresh fruit juice and can independently access water throughout the session. Children look forward to playing outside daily and many enjoy playing football, pushing prams or throwing giant discs. They have some access to static equipment that promotes balance and coordination.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enter into a designated area of the school which is exclusively used as an out of school facility. The converted classroom is self-sufficient with toilets, a kitchenette and separate entrance. Children's artwork and relevant subjects such as recycling are displayed attractively on the walls, making the environment a welcoming one. The large room is arranged to cater for different types of play and activities, with a separate role play area that is used well by children. The games console area doubles up as somewhere that children may relax. This does not serve both purposes particularly well, however, because children are drawn to play rather than do something quiet such as read. Children play with an adequate supply of toys and equipment at this new facility. Resources are in a decent state of cleanliness and repair. Storage of these is appropriately tidy and organised, so that staff and children may access them safely

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and mostly easily. The amount and range of toys is being increased, although as yet does not fully meet the developmental needs of all the children who attend.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The setting is reasonably secure, and children are safely escorted from their classrooms at the beginning of the session. Visitors are required to identify themselves and sign in their presence and nature of business. Children are only released to persons authorised by their parents, and records show exactly who is present at any given time. Staff deploy themselves very well in order to supervise the children safely. Monthly fire drills are recorded and procedures are on display so that all know what must be done in the event that an evacuation of the premises is needed. Children are protected because there is a thorough and clear policy guiding staff on best practice and what to do in the event that they are worried a child is being abused. This includes reference to the Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures. Staff understand their personal responsibility to ensure that the welfare of the child is paramount and that the

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children participate in a reasonably broad range of activities and are encouraged to make suggestions as to what kind of experiences they would like to be available to them. Each week the children's council meet to discuss this and put forward their ideas to the staff. Children are encouraged to be independent and pour their own drinks. They develop their intellectual and physical skills whilst playing with construction equipment such as the Mobilo, and enjoy the

p.3

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 role play of dressing up and playing with dolls. Children are animated whilst recreating scenarios that reflect their everyday experiences. They are creative with drawing and cutting materials and take up the opportunity to experiment with a new type of painting organised by a visiting play worker. Friendship groups are evident and mixed ages and genders get along with each other well during a game of football. Staff interact with the children and show an interest in what they say and do, which reinforces their self-esteem. Questions are asked and suggestions are made to help children think about what they are doing and learn about what is right and wrong.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally well behaved and are firmly reminded about the boundaries by the staff. Older children remind younger ones how to conduct themselves, such as not to just take a biscuit but to wait. Children know what the rules are and are sometimes praised for personal achievements or good behaviour via the recognition chart that acknowledges personal achievements. Children benefit from good partnerships between their parents and carers and the staff at the out of school club. Information pertaining to the care of each individual child is shared when children start the club. The notice board displays various certificates and keeps parents informed of what is current at the facility. A parents booklet includes some of the policies and procedures that the club follows. Parents are currently consulted on their opinions informally via the new manager who makes herself known to them.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's lives are enriched as they are able to value their own and other cultures through the use of a sound range of appropriate resources that positively reflect a proportion of the wider society. For example children enjoy dressing up in real Indian saris. Images of disability are not yet as evident as race, culture and religion. Acknowledging festivals by tasting foods from different countries makes this aspect of learning enjoyable and relevant to the children. Systems, such as working closely with parents and children, and appropriate training for staff ensure that children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities or specific needs are included and have their welfare promoted.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children receive good levels of support because there are more than enough experienced adults to care for them. Staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities and work well together to promote children's welfare. They are competent and receive the support of the management committee, and this ensures that good recruitment procedures are in place to guide the appointment of new staff. Staff are able to improve their practice through attendance on short courses and an induction procedure prepares them for their roles. The manager does not yet have the required qualification which means that a regulation is not met.

p.4

Organisation

Children's care, safety and wellbeing is fostered because the range of policies and procedures is good and mostly up-to-date. The manager is conversant with them and has a direct influence on reviewing them. Children show a good sense of belonging and clearly feel at home at the club because they are safe, cared for and attend a setting that runs smoothly. However, they are expected to wait at the beginning of the session whilst tea is organised and find this difficult after a day at school. Overall children's needs are met.

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 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): • continue to improve the nutritional value of all meals • continue to improve the range of toys and equipment in order to promote the developmental needs of all children • continue to promote equality of opportunity through the provision of toys and equipment which promote positive images of disability • ensure that the manager has the required qualification relevant to the post and that the routine is reviewed to make the best use of children's time.

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