Little Cherubs Kids Club

Little Cherubs Kids Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY358721 Unique Reference Number 09 July 2008 Inspection date Jill Nugent Inspector

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Cheshunt Boys Club, Stanhope Road, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, EN8 7DJ

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E-mail

Little Cherubs Kids 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?

Little Cherubs Kids Club registered in 2007. It operates from a youth centre in Waltham Cross. It is open from 07.45 until 08.50, and from 15.15 until 17.45, every weekday during term time. It caters for children from local primary schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 16 children aged under eight may attend the setting at any one time. The club supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A total of three members of staff work with the children, alongside volunteers and students. The manager and one member of staff hold relevant early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well as there are appropriate medical procedures and records in place. If children become ill they are made comfortable and a parent contacted in order 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 protect others from infection. In the event of an accident children are well taken care of as staff are trained in first aid and ensure that they have good access to equipment. Staff are attentive to hygiene and follow written guidelines, in particular with regard to food hygiene. Children are aware of the importance of cleaning their hands before eating. These procedures contribute to keeping children healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about a healthy lifestyle through the provision of healthy and nutritious meals and a variety of opportunities for regular physical activity. They talk about the benefits of healthy eating and keeping fit. At tea time children enjoy a range of interesting foods served with salad vegetables and fruit. Children with special diets eat appropriately as all adults are aware of their needs. Drinking water is made available at all times so that children avoid the risk of dehydration. They have much fun as they take part in sports and games in the large hall which help them to develop physical skills and build self-confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. There is comfortable seating where they can relax and they have good access to toilets. They benefit from the provision of a separate eating area for snacks and meals. Staff make a variety of resources easily accessible to children and set out a selection every day in the playroom. There is a good range of books, toys and games and these are checked regularly for safety. The manager ensures that the premises are safe for children by carrying out regular risk assessments and safety checks. Children are secure because there is restricted access to other parts of the building and a secure entry system on the main door. However, the procedure for recording visitors does not show clearly when they are present in the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to be aware of their own personal safety when playing and eating, although staff are not always vigilant about reinforcing safety rules so as to ensure that children always move around the premises safely. There are good fire precautions in place and children practise an evacuation plan so that they know what to do in the case of an emergency. Children walk safely to and from school as they are closely supervised and wear high-visibility vests. Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues. They know what to do if they have any concerns regarding child protection. They ensure that children only leave the club with a known adult. Therefore, children are well safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and happy at the club. They are eager to join in play activities as soon as they arrive and enjoy much choice. They gain confidence as staff join them in organised activities, for example, playing games with children or helping them to make things. Staff explain clearly to children how to participate in activities. They encourage children to learn new skills, for example, in creative and cookery activities. Children have fun as they join in group activities but also have time to play independently or relax.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children particularly enjoy the wide range of interesting activities that are on offer each week. They like to draw, cut and stick freely and also make special items, such as spinners, bookmarks and masks. They explore paints creatively and enjoy experimental activities, for example, investigating musical bottles, a vinegar volcano or planting seeds. Children respond

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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 enthusiastically to staff's suggestions. They especially like the cookery sessions when they make a selection of different foods, for instance, cheesy tarts, fruit kebabs and bread.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued in the setting as staff gain their views about the play opportunities on offer and ensure that all children are included in all activities. Children develop good relationships with the staff and enjoy talking with them while they play. Staff get to know children well and keep a check to ensure that they are safe and content in their care. Children show a sense of belonging and a busy, happy atmosphere prevails. They learn to respect each other's needs and explore diversity through using resources which reflect differences in society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are appropriate procedures in place for supporting children in the setting with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play harmoniously with, or alongside, others. They relate well to each other when playing in groups, for example, suggesting ideas to each other as they devise imaginary games. They are encouraged to be aware of their boundaries because, together with staff, they have devised a 'Children's charter' setting out rules for the setting. In this way children learn to behave responsibly in different situations. They develop good personal independence, especially at mealtimes when choosing for themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff work in partnership with parents and carers. There is information available about the provision on the notice board and a welcome sheet includes details of the club's key policies. Parents complete registration forms which include all the necessary consents. Staff are always available to talk with parents and recently conducted a survey to gauge their satisfaction. This will be repeated at regular intervals so that parents' views can be continually taken into account. Parents and carers are pleased with the quality of care on offer.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The club's policies and procedures work well in practice to promote the outcomes for children. The policies are detailed, and clear, and the provider has ensured that they are specific to the setting. She updates them regularly so as to include any new requirements. The attendance registers are well maintained. The written planning is kept up to date and carefully evaluated to guide future plans, for instance, to introduce a wider variety of objects for a weighing activity. Children's individual interests and needs are taken into account through collecting evidence of their involvement in a variety of planned activities. This documentation provides a very good framework for children's care.

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Organisation

Staff meet together to plan the play programme and are committed to the ongoing improvement of their practice. There are procedures in place to monitor their professional development and since the previous inspection staff have attended a number of training courses, including Safeguarding, Food Hygiene and Observation and Assessment. They make good use of their time, being involved with the children and using the space available to good effect. Children enjoy being able to move freely around the setting, choosing activities and interacting with others.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the club was asked to: ensure that staff have induction training and are deployed effectively; review the organisation of resources and daily routine; and carry out risk assessments of the premises and the walk to, and from, the local school.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider now has appropriate procedures in place for staff induction and deployment. She has improved the organisation of resources, and the daily routine, and she has carried out the relevant risk assessments. This response has contributed to a marked improvement in the outcomes for all children.

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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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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): • review the procedure for recording visitors to the setting and ensure children are encouraged to be aware of personal safety at all times.

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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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