Wacky Snacky Club

Wacky-Snacky Club Inspection report for early years provision

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251706 Unique Reference Number 18 June 2008 Inspection date Margaret Elizabeth Roberts Inspector

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c/o All Saints Primary School, Vicarage Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8JE

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E-mail

Wacky-Snacky 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 satisfactory. 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 Wacky-Snacky Club opened in 1998. It operates from the hall and two classrooms in All Saints Primary School, situated in Newmarket, Suffolk. A maximum of 20 children may attend the out of school club at any one time. The out of school club is open each weekday from 7.30 until 8.35 and 15.00 until 17.00 for 39 weeks of the year. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 40 children from five to under eight years on roll. Children come from the local catchment area. The out of school club currently supports a number of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The out of school club employs six staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well because the premises and areas that children have access to are kept in a clean hygienic condition. Children demonstrate that they are aware of the importance of personal hygiene by washing their hands before eating without needing to be prompted by staff. For example, when they are invited to the tea table they immediately go to

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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 the hand washing facilities to wash their hands. Children's medical needs are accommodated because at least one member of staff trained in first aid is on duty during the session. Parents give written permission to allow for medical treatment to be given or advice sought ensuring that children's needs can be met in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a social occasion at meal times where they sit together at a table. During tea time four children at a time help themselves to a variety of healthy food, filling pitta bread with ham and cheese and tucking in ravenously to a good selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. They have access to fresh drinking water to ensure that they do not go thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's large physical skills are promoted through outside play which is offered at each session contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Access to the school playing field gives them the opportunity to run freely in a safe environment. They have extremely great fun when offered water play using a water slide and water pistols. Children who have forgotten their swimming costumes to enable them to join in with water play are found alternative activities, so that they are not left out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The out of school club uses the primary school premises which are warm and welcoming. They are very well maintained and allow for adequate space in which children can play freely. Large floor cushions allow for those children who are tired after a busy day at school to rest or relax in a quiet area. Children have access to all the school facilities which include nearby toilet and washing facilities. Children's independence is promoted as they freely select from a variety of activities and play opportunities, with storage of a further range in a cupboard also accessible to children. Furniture, toys and equipment are all good repair.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely because staff ensure that hazards to children on the premises both inside and outside are minimised. Risk assessments are taken at the beginning of the session by staff and the school authorities ensure that the premises are safe and secure. Children are supervised well by staff ensuring their safety at all times and there are systems in place for managing access to the school premises. Children learn about personal safety through taking part in fire drills that are held by the school and also by the out of school club.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can be protected should abuse or neglect be suspected because staff have undertaken training in safeguarding children. Procedures are in place for staff to refer to should they have concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time spent at the club particularly when playing outside where they are allowed the freedom of space. Laughter can be heard from all over the playing field, with children who do not attend the club looking wistfully on as they watch their peers sliding on the water slide, getting completely wet from the water fountains. During registration time in the music room children animatedly talk with staff and each other looking forward to the activities they are about to take part in. After outside play children come into the school hall where staff have planned and provided a basic range of activities for them to access. Although there is a cupboard with extra activities children do not access this themselves and therefore it inhibits their choice of play opportunities. Staff support children in their play listening to

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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 them and joining in with the activities. Children are interested in what they do and sustain interest at self-chosen activities. They share and take turns which helps them to learn about what is right and wrong. For example, during tea time there is only space for four children to eat at one table together. When they are invited by staff to come and eat there is no argument and children do not try to encroach on another's space.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern during their time spent at the club. They have access to a range of activities for both genders. Children's individual needs are met through information contained on their registration forms which informs staff of any special requirements. Children who may have learning difficulties/disabilities are welcome into the club and arrangements would be made to ensure that they have access alongside their peers to the facilities, activities and play opportunities provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave exceptionally well. They are kind to one another and very polite to staff and visitors. The school environment encourages good behaviour and children respond positively to staff. For example, when spirits are running high because they have been playing outside, staff ask children to find something to do and they immediately engage themselves in an activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with information about the setting through the operational plan, policies and displays on the notice boards both in the music room and hall that are used by the club during opening hours. Children benefit from the relaxed relationship that parents have with staff. Parents come into the hall to collect their children and are able to informally speak to members of staff about their children. Parents state how pleased they are with what is offered and how their children love attending the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare is promoted because staff ensure that the organisation of the setting meets their needs satisfactorily. Most staff hold a relevant qualification and have childcare experience, working within the school setting during the day. Although the registered person is aware that all staff employed must be deemed suitable to work with children there is no written procedure for future committees to follow.

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Organisation

There are accurate systems in place for registering children ensuring that they can be accounted for at all times, which further enhances their safety. All relevant documentation is in place and the setting has a working set of policies and procedures for staff to refer to, which has a positive impact on the care children receive. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the registered person was asked to request written parental permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment; provide a stimulating and welcoming environment to children, ensuring that the range of activities promotes their development; ensure that the fire drills that are carried out comply with those recommended by the Fire Safety Officer; plan and provide a range of activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities; ensure the resources

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Improvements 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 provided reflect equality of opportunity; maintain an accurate record of children's attendance showing hours of arrival and departure and review and amend policies and procedures paying particular attention to the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious; safeguarding children which should include a procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation against a member of staff and the details of the regulator in the complaints policy.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The registered person has made good improvements. Children's health and safety have been improved because positive steps have been made. Parental permission is now obtained for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment; a policy has been developed for the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious; fire drills are taken which comply with those recommended by the Fire Safety Officer; an accurate record of children's attendance showing hours of arrival and departure is now kept; children are safeguarded because the policy includes a procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation against a member of staff and the details of the regulator in the complaints policy.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's development is enhanced because staff have made improvements to the planning and provision of activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities ensuring that the resources provided reflect equality of opportunity and provide a welcoming environment to children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 1 April 2004 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 satisfactory. 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): • continue to improve the planning to provide a range of activities and play opportunities giving children as much choice as possible • ensure that there are effective procedures in place for the recruitment and vetting of staff

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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 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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