Jousters At Oakwood

Jousters At Oakwood Inspection report for early years provision

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EY367033 Unique Reference Number 08 May 2008 Inspection date Kim Wailling Inspector

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Oakwood Primary School, Oakwood Drive, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL4 0XA

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Setting Address

01707 894 650 Telephone number jennie@jousterschildcare.com E-mail Jousters Childcare Limited 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 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?

Jousters Out of School Club at Oakwood is one of nine provisions run by Jousters Child Care Ltd. It was registered in 2007, under its current owners, operating from the dinning room and school hall at Oakwood Primary School St Albans, Hertfordshire. All children share access to the school's outdoor play areas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The provision is registered for 24 children from five to eight years, although children up to the age of 11 years may attend. It is open each weekday term time only from 15:00 to 18:00. There are currently 46 children on roll who all attend Oakwood Primary School. The provision supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Jousters Out of School Club at Oakwood employs six staff members. Two hold appropriate early years or play worker qualifications.

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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 health is well promoted through the daily routine. For example, hand washing takes place before teatime and the club places an emphasis on healthy eating when planning menus. Fruit is available to children at the start of the session to satisfy immediate hunger which is followed mid-session by a teatime meal. This is a relaxed social occasion as children and staff members sit together. Children enjoy a range of foods, for example, difference breads such as tortilla wraps and bagels, with ham and cheese which are offered in generous quantities. Children like the choice of foods offered, particularly the daily selection of salad vegetables, and eat very well. Drinks are served at mealtimes as well as a ready supply of water for children to quench immediate thirst. Individual health needs of children are known and procedures are in place to record the administration of medicines and accidents. However, at the time of inspection

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Helping children to be healthy

visit, one accident slip had not been signed by a parent. This, potentially, limits the effectiveness of the current procedure to safeguard children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to participate in both active and quieter activities. Good use is made of the extensive school grounds where children are able to play imaginative games with friends or be involved in team sports such as rounders. Staff take an active part in the team games and help children learn and consolidate skills such bowling and batting. Younger children, in particular, benefit enormously from this attention and are delighted when, after many attempts, a personal goal such as finally bowling straight to hit cricket stumps, is achieved. Children's need for rest is acknowledged and provision is made. For example, a designated carpet area is created each day which has a collection of cushions, books and comics for children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in designated areas of the host school that provide adequate space, are welcoming and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote children's development, enjoyment and achievement. Resources and toys, many which are newly purchased, are stored safety and are within easy reach. This enables children to choose and follow interests. Good staff deployment and an adult: child ratio that exceeds minimum National Care Standard requirements means that children are within sight or hearing at all times. This means that all designated areas are fully utilised. For example, children are able to play every day in the school grounds which have been carefully landscaped to facilitate different types of children's play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are caring, vigilant and have a sound understanding of child protection issues. Procedures to safeguard children's welfare are comprehensive so that staff are able to take immediate and appropriate action if they become concerned about a child in their care. During the inspection visit, children reported that they felt safe at the club and liked being able to play outside for lengthy periods. They also thought the staff were very good at helping them to learn how to keep themselves safe by reminding them about safely rules when playing team games.

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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 offered a range of adult-planned craft projects and play opportunities and settle quickly to preferred activities such as designing patterns using hammer beads. Boys and girls of all ages play cooperatively with each other and strong friendships are evident. For example, younger children are befriended by older children who invite them to join in with team games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a friendly and relaxed relationship with staff, who take a genuine interest in what the children have to say and clearly enjoy their company. Children report that they enjoy attending the club and would recommend it to other children. They think the range of toys and resources is good and particularly like the outdoor sports equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and included. They enjoy coming to the club and like the activities on offer. Good links with the host school means that initiatives such as the Blue Sky approach to positive behaviour are followed in the after-school club which offers children a consistency of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships on all levels are very good. For example, children are polite to the staff and to each other. Older children, in particular, are very good role models to younger. Information for parents about what the club has to offer is available which includes the procedure for them to follow if they are unhappy with any aspect of the provision. Since registration there have been no complaints about the service that the club offers children and their families which has required the registered provider to take action. Overall, the club has a busy, happy and harmonious atmosphere in which children thrive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by experienced staff who work very hard to provide a good service to children of all ages. They have a clear understanding of what constitutes a good after school scheme and are well supported by both the host school and the registered provider. Complimentary e-mails have been sent to the registered provider by parents expressing their appreciation of the service that the club offers.

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Organisation

Generally all policies and procedures work well to support the efficient and safe management of the setting and to promote the care of children. The manager, who holds an appropriate childcare qualification, effectively leads the staff team. She bubbles with enthusiasm which is reflected in her very positive management style.

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Organisation

Children clearly enjoy attending the club benefiting from the changes that have been made since the transfer to new ownership. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children for whom it provides.

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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

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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 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 all accidents forms are signed by parents.

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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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