The Dell Out of School Club

The Dell Out of School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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The Dell Out of School Club

Unique Reference Number 509666 Inspection date 16 August 2005 Inspector Cheryl Langley

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The Dell Out of School Club

Setting Address c/o Morgans School, Morgans Road, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG13 8DR Telephone number m07958521201 E-mail dellt462@thegrid.org.uk m0795821202 Registered person The Dell out of School Club Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

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The Dell Out of School Club

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 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?

The Dell Out Of School Club opened in 1991. It operates from Morgans School in Hertford. There are currently 230 children from 3 to 11 years old on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group opens 5 days a week and offers the children of Morgans School a Breakfast Club from 7:45 am until 9:00am and After School Club from 3:00pm until 6:00pm. There is also a lunch club from 11:30am until 12:55pm and an afternoon session called Dellytots for morning nursery children offering wrap around care from 12:55 until 3:25pm. These children may stay to the Dellytots Late Club until 6:00pm.

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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 Children from other schools may attend the Holiday Playscheme running from 8:00am until 6:00 pm. The inspection took place during the holiday playscheme with 47 children in attendance. The Dell has achieved recognition for the Herts Quality Standard Aiming High Level 3 quality assurance scheme. Twenty Nine members of staff work at the Out of School Club over different sessions. Over half the staff have early years qualifications of level 2 or 3.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They play in the school grounds, pick strawberries and go on woodland walks to benefit from the fresh air. Children experience a broad variety of physical activities using both large and small equipment. For example, they have fun riding bikes, playing cricket and tennis or going swimming. Inside they enjoy snooker, marble painting and colouring. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are cared for in a welcoming environment where they understand the importance of regular cleaning routines to keep them safe and healthy. Children have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after messy play or going to the toilet. Children learn about keeping their bodies healthy through interesting activities and topics. They have fun creating a healthy heart café, cooking healthy foods and

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Helping children to be healthy

designing chef's hats. They are aware of the benefits of wearing hats in the hot sun and applying sun cream to prevent sun burn. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise. They know which type of food is good to eat and how to take care of their bodies. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day and eat fresh fruit and vegetables. The staff take account of the wishes of parents, they work with them closely to provide nutritious meals that appeal to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is a high priority and they are cared for in different areas of the school and school grounds where risks are identified and minimised. They move around safely, freely and independently and adhere to ground rules to keep them safe. Children know not to climb furniture and take turns on large play equipment so they do not fall and hurt themselves or others. The staff help children understand how to keep themselves free from harm inside and outside of the premises with regular discussions, activities and leading by example. Children learn to be aware of strangers and know to always have a member of staff in sight. They practise codes

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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 for crossing the road safely on outings and know how to evacuate the building quickly to avoid danger in the event of a fire. There is a range of safe, developmentally appropriate resources accessible to the children. This enables them to independently select their play and activities safely. The staff have the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. They have an understanding of Child Protection issues. Although the relevant information to enable them to follow the Area Child Protection Committee procedures and government guidance is not available to all members of staff.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a very broad variety of exciting play and activities which are child led or planned and organised by the staff. They receive adult guidance to give them extra support if needed but their independence is promoted as much as possible. They respond well to challenges along with a range of stimulating play to aid their development. For example, they enjoy finding out how long it takes for them to complete the exercise training circuit. They benefit from a range of activities which help develop their knowledge and skills. Children play activity games which help them with their matching and sequencing skills or adding and subtracting. They practise weighing when they prepare recipes for cooking. Growing flowers and vegetables and observing the wildlife on walks teaches them about the natural environment. Regular use of creative materials such as pencils, crayons, paint and glueing with different mediums encourages the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children to represent their ideas in a variety of ways. They have a number of opportunities to express their feelings and experiences through role play with drama workshops and dressing up with blankets. The children enjoy marbling paper to make a book and designing table mats. They use their own initiative to enthusiastically construct camps using pegs, curtains and blankets with the aid of trees and bushes. Children have the opportunity to try new experiences on a good range of planned outings and activities, such as tennis coaching, roller skating and making their own working bow and arrow. Their confidence and self-esteem is developed with frequent praise and encouragement which is given at appropriate times. Children's sense of belonging is promoted by the staff who know the children well and value their achievements which are displayed and shared with parents. They make positive relationships, finding new

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

friends at the playscheme, on outings and at the different activity centres used.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are provided with a good range of resources and activities to promote a positive view of the wider world. They enjoy books and puzzles and activities to

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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 celebrate different festivals and cultures. This helps to increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children are valued and respected. Their individual needs are well met as they follow the daily routine of the playscheme which is discussed with parents. Children behave very well. They understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and the age appropriate methods used by the staff to manage behaviour. Children are considerate, share, take turns and are polite, remembering to say please and thank you. They are provided with a range of opportunities to socialise which helps them make positive relationships with children of different ages and adults. Realistic challenges are set to stimulate the children and keep them interested in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This promotes their confidence and self-esteem. They feel relaxed and secure and able to make independent choices about what they want to do. Children benefit from a good partnership between the staff and parents who exchange information. They are welcome to speak to staff at any time and have sight of all policies and procedures. Parents are aware of all the activities and play available and share their children's achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's needs are met through effective organisation and good communication between the staff and with parents. Space and equipment is prepared so that children can access resources easily and independently which enables them to make choices about their play. A balance of child led activities and organised play ensure children have a range of different enjoyable experiences whilst they are at the playscheme. They benefit from routines which make them feel secure and relaxed and meet their needs. Children play, eat, drink and rest as they need to. Documentation is stored securely and information shared appropriately with parents. All of the required policies and procedures are in place to help keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children benefit from the staff's knowledge and experience which they continues to update with relevant training. All permanent

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Organisation

members of staff have current first aid certificates and over half have early years qualifications. The Dell Out of School Club have achieved the Herts Quality Standard Aiming High Level 3. Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

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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): • make sure all members of staff are aware of Area Child Protection Committee Procedures and the government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused'.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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