Outer School Ltd

Outer School Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY348670 Unique Reference Number 12 June 2008 Inspection date Kathryn Margaret Clayton Inspector

p.1

Kirton in Lindsey Primary School, 22 Cornwall Street, Kirton Lindsey, GAINSBOROUGH, Lincolnshire, DN21 4EH

p.1

Setting Address

01652 6648 778 Telephone number outerschool@btconnect.com E-mail Outer School Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Outer School Kids Club Ltd is based in the Kirton Lindsey Primary School in Kirton Lindsey, a village in North Lincolnshire. It operates from Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 09.00 and 15.30 to 17.45 during term times and from 08.00 to 18.00 during school holiday periods only when there is a demand from parents. It is registered to take a maximum of 21 children and there are currently 46 children on role. Children have access to a playroom and hall, with associated facilities, the school playground and school field. The club is a limited company and non-profit making organisation who employ two staff and receive support from the local authority.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's personal hygiene routines are effectively promoted within the setting. They are encouraged to wash their hands at all appropriate times. Children going to the toilet take a toilet pass which reminds them to flush the toilet and wash their hands. Liquid soap and hot air dryers are available in the toilet area. Hygiene routines within the club promote children's good health, for example, play areas are checked for cleanliness before children arrive and

p.2

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 tables are prepared using antibacterial wipes before teatime. Children start to learn about the benefits of eating healthily through activities and displays that promote healthy eating, regularly drinking water, brushing their teeth and taking exercise. Teas provided are healthy and nutritious and include fresh sandwiches, homemade coleslaw, crunchy vegetables and fresh fruit. Children have a choice of fillings and vegetarian options are available. Children regularly drink water which is readily available in individual bottles stored in the out-of-school club refrigerator.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children's good health is promoted because they are very active and spend some time outdoors during each session. They play on a large partly concreted and grassed playground that is accessed directly from the playroom. They use a good range of small equipment including hoops, pushchairs, balls, bats and a cricket set. Children thoroughly enjoy learning skipping rhymes and taking part in energetic group skipping games. Documentation relating to children's health is accurately maintained, for example, the accident record and there is a member of staff on duty at all times who is trained in first aid.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a bright and attractive environment which they have made their own and meets their needs well. For example, there is a comfortable quiet area where they can relax, a place where they display their own drawings, a craft and homework area, two computers and a large floor area that is carpeted where they can play freely. Although the school toilets that are used by the children attending the out-of-school club are clean, they are not in a good state of repair or decoration. Children independently choose from a range of toys and play materials that are easily accessible and clearly labelled. Children are involved in deciding what resources are purchased in the setting, therefore helping them to feel ownership of their club.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children remain safe in the out-of-school club because there is a daily risk assessment of the premises and other safety measures are effective. For example, staff are always aware of how many children are using the toilet because children talk to the staff and take an individual pass with them when they go. This also promotes children's independence and gives them a sense of responsibility. The exit doors are secure and a buzzer system is used when parents arrive to collect their children. The fire safety equipment is regularly checked and children start to learn about some aspects of maintaining their own safety as they are involved in the regular evacuation of the premises. Children are safeguarded because staff keep up-to-date with current policy, have undertaken training and are aware of what to do and who to talk to should they have any concerns about a child.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children come calmly into the out-of-school club after their school day, they play very well together in friendship groups of different ages, and older children relate very well to the younger children. For example, an elder child initiates a game of cricket with a child who is much younger. Children respond very well to the caring staff group who are sensitive to their needs. This helps them to be confident, friendly and enthusiastic about their club. Staff plan a good range of activities over a period of time, with the focus being that children make their own choices about what they do.

p.3

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 Children enjoy indoor and outdoor play. Activities undertaken include the celebration of events, craft activities such as making masks, playing games, completing puzzles, dressing up and construction. Children concentrate well and are fully engaged in the activities they choose. One example of these is 'Atelier', an activity when children have the opportunity to explore different collections of materials, for example, natural materials and use them creatively in any way they choose to. Children make interesting patterns, groups of materials or representative pictures. This activity is very effective in allowing children to express their creativity in different ways.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very positive atmosphere where they are well-known and their individual needs are met. They have completed their own self-portraits alongside pictures of the staff members, which can be seen as they come into the club. This helps them to gain a sense of belonging. Children's awareness of diversity in society is increased as they take part in activities, such as finding out about 'Australia Day', or how to say happy new year in different languages. The setting have good links to the local community who help to fund resources and were involved in the opening ceremony.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well because positive behaviour strategies are used to reinforce acceptable behaviour. For example, children take part in activities where they have identified behaviour that is unacceptable, such as hurting their friends. Club rules are all positive and are clearly displayed for children and parents. Parents are kept well informed about the setting; they receive useful leaflets when their children enrol and there is a wealth of written information displayed within the playroom. Staff also talk to parents at the end of each session, send out newsletters and have an open door policy. Parents and children's views are actively sought, for example, the setting send out a questionnaire to parents and children asking for ideas for improvement. There are clear procedures in place to follow should parent make a complaint.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Director's roles and responsibilities and photographs are displayed within the setting, therefore parents are fully aware of the management structure. The setting were finalists for local childcare and enterprise awards in 2007. There are thorough appointment, vetting and induction procedures in place as well as good support and development opportunities for staff. Relief staff have access to a file which allows them to easily have an overview of the organisation and the running of the sessions. Children are cared for by staff who have made a commitment to undertake ongoing training and development. Examples of the training undertaken include health and safety, building relationships with parents, and training in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.4

Organisation

Staff organise their time well, spending the sessions directly with the children as other tasks have already been organised, for example, the school kitchen prepare the teas. Staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities and this means that sessions run smoothly. Documentation is very well organised; all policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and support the clear ethos and organisation of the club. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.4

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

p.4

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. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the toilet facilities are in a good state of repair and decoration.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5