Yaxley Out Of School Club

Yaxley Out Of School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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221646 Unique Reference Number 26 June 2008 Inspection date Denise May Smith Inspector

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Bentley Avenue, Yaxley, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE7 3ZT Setting Address

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E-mail

Yaxley Out Of School Club 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?

Yaxley Out of School Club opened in January 1995. It operates from a purpose built building situated on the premises of Fourfields Primary School in the village of Yaxley, Cambridgeshire. A maximum of 52 children may attend the group at any one time. The club is open each weekday from 08.00 until 09.00 and 15.00 until 17.30 term time and 08.00 until 17.30 in school holidays, with the exception of four weeks in the year. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 40 children aged from four to under eight years on roll and 35 children over the age of eight. Children attend from three different schools within the village.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club employs seven members of staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications and one of these is working towards a further 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 good. Children’s physical needs are well met because staff follow effective procedures and practices. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own personal care and can independently access the toilet and washing facilities. Staff are active in promoting good hygiene practices and consult with parents about the children's health needs, keeping appropriate records on site. However, the existing consent which enables staff to seek emergency treatment for children is not written in line with the National Standards so does not underpin the care provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children help themselves to a nutritious range of food at breakfast and tea-time, such as ham and chicken with pitta bread or chicken wraps together with a range of fresh fruit and vegetables. Before school children are offered breakfast, such as toast, waffles and a choice of cereals. Drinks of fresh fruit and water supplement these meals. Children help to devise the menus. Any suggestions they have are built into the planned meals, such as ‘chicken soup’ and ‘bananas and custard’. Children are learning social skills and enjoy the interaction with their friends and staff during meal times. They can access drinking water at all times during the session, helping themselves from the jugs of water provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a good range of activities to promote their physical development. They have good opportunities to access the outside area as they play ball games, play actively and access the school environment. They make use of the school’s Astro-turf, the trim trail and playing field. Physical games and active activities are organised indoors if the weather is poor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Staff are vigilant and take steps to reduce the risk of accidents by carrying out daily risk assessments on the premises and equipment. Children learn about using resources safely. They carry out their own basic written risk assessments which helps to develop their awareness of how to keep themselves safe. Children attend from three local schools and systems are in place to ensure all children arrive at the club in safety. Fire fighting equipment is in place and regularly tested. Children and staff take part in monthly fire evacuation practises to develop their understanding.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe, secure and welcoming environment. Good use of the available space enables them to move freely around the two playrooms as they confidently access the well-maintained resources and play materials. Sensitive support is provided for the children who have had a busy day at school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by staff who have a clear understanding of child protection procedures and keep local contact numbers accessible. Parents can access information about the club's child protection policy to keep them informed of the procedures in place. Staff share information about accidents and incidents with parents promoting children’s welfare and maintain all of the required documentation relating to the safeguarding of children. However, the record relating to existing injuries is not sufficiently developed so does not totally support the children’s welfare.

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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 in their relationships with staff and benefit from good interaction. Staff listen and respond well to them, supporting their play. Children make themselves at home in the club as they busy themselves with activities and play with the good range of toys and games, such as construction sets and art and craft activities. All children are able to make choices in their play. They select toys and resources from the accessible shelving and storage trays.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children work together as they sit and play, taking turns with the games. Children from the three different schools play happily and cooperatively together. They enjoy using the wooden train set to make a large track around the floor, working out how to join the ends of the track together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s attitude to play and learning is positive and they take an active role in planning the activities provided. Staff listen and respond well to the children’s ideas. For example, the children wanted to organise a sports day so the staff supported their ideas and facilitated this event. Staff join in with the children as they play with the toys and board games, but do not impose themselves on children who are playing together, happily chatting as they draw and colour.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During the school holidays the children take part in many fun activities based around themes. They dress up for a medieval event complete with horses and knights in armour and take part in many activities relating to the circus. The staff run a gardening club and the children have recently organised their own talent contest. Overall children are provided with time to be active or to rest, to play or talk with their friends and they take part in many fun, stimulating activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are all treated with equal concern. Staff ensure that all children are able to take part in the varied activities available. They make sure they find out children’s individual needs, likes and dislikes so that they can ensure their differing needs are met. Staff show a proactive approach in caring for children who may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children learn to value diversity as they use a good range of resources which are reflective of other cultures and through the planned activities including, themes and art and craft activities. Both boys and girls are encouraged to experience the whole range of play materials, equipment and resources available.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are helped to learn what is right and wrong. The children devise the club rules which are displayed and referred to should the need arise. Staff help children to think through unwanted behaviour and the impact this has on others. Children are considerate to each other and use their own initiative to be helpful, such as by undertaking small jobs to help the staff. This positive behaviour is rewarded with the stickers reinforcing their good behaviour. Children are treated with courtesy and they respond politely, so the atmosphere is conducive to relaxation and enjoyment. If any behavioural incidents occur, they are managed in positive ways. Their parents are advised when they collect their children, to encourage a consistent approach in helping children to learn about acceptable behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from good relationships between staff and parents ensuring children are cared for in line with parents' wishes. Parents receive information about enrolment, staffing and

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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 activities as well as copies of all policies and procedures. Information about children's activities and their well-being is shared in a good verbal exchange with staff, as parents collect their children. Parents feel that the club offers a valuable, flexible service which they really appreciate.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The senior management of the club has a clear sense of the purpose regarding what they want to provide for the children; safe and reliable care, relaxation, social opportunities and interesting activities for the children. This is reflected in a comprehensive set of policies which are available for both staff and parents. Children are cared for by an appropriately qualified and experienced staff team who are committed to further training for the benefit of the children. All staff are fully vetted and suitable recruitment procedures are in place to ensure that children’s welfare is promoted.

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Organisation

Time, space, staffing and resources are organised well to meet children's needs. Activities are set up in readiness for children's arrival from school. These resources are easily accessible, allowing children the free choice and independence which enhances their play. Refreshments are readily available so that children are re-energised and ready to play. Good staff to child ratios ensure children receive the support they need.

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Organisation

Careful records are kept of both staff and children's attendance. Documentation is mostly used effectively to underpin the care of the children, although some records are not totally in line with the National Standards. Records are stored securely and retained for appropriate periods of time. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the quality and standards of care was judged as inadequate.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider agreed to take action to ensure that all of the National Standards were met. Good progress has been made and the recruitment process is now robust ensuring that the adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so. The provider has worked hard to secure training for the staff team and the staff within the club now exceed the minimum levels of required qualifications.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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): • ensure that the required written permission for emergency medical advice and/or treatment is written in line with the National Standards • develop further the system for recording any existing injuries that the children may arrive with at the club.

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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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