Cookies After School Club

Cookies After School Club Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY356870 Unique Reference Number 17 April 2008 Inspection date Susan Patricia Birkenhead Inspector

p.1

Tim Parry Community Centre, Wroxham Road, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3NR

p.1

E-mail

Jacqueline Ann Cook Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

p.1

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

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Cookies After School Club is one of two clubs owned by the private provider. It opened in 2007 and operates from the annexe room in the Tim Parry Community Centre, which is situated in the Great Sankey area of Warrington. A maximum of 24 children may attend the setting at any one time. The out of school club operates from Monday to Friday in term time only from 07.30 to 09.00 and 15.00 to 18.00.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 36 children aged from four to under eight years on roll. Children attend from two local schools. The out of school club is willing to provide support for children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club employs four staff. Of these, three, including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection by using antibacterial sprays for cleaning surfaces, not caring for children when they are ill and handling food safely. The children recognise the importance of washing their hands before snacks and explain that, 'We do this because we get germs on our hands which could make us ill'. Staff are suitably aware of the procedures for the administration of medication, which they demonstrate through discussion. However, the systems for recording medication do not clearly reflect parental consent for administering medication. A good supply of materials is in place for the treating of minor injuries and the majority of the staff have completed first aid training, which contributes well to the protection of children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular access to the public park adjacent to the building. They enjoy using the fixed apparatus which contributes to the development of their skills for balancing, jumping and climbing. They organise their own football game and take part in group games using the parachute. However, outdoor play materials and opportunities indoors are limited, therefore restricting children's experiences.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to a wide variety of snacks which contain some healthy foods such as tuna, pasta and fresh fruit. However, they receive a high proportion of less healthy snacks, such as crisps, hot dogs, donuts and noodles as recorded on the weekly planner. Children have access to a drink of their choice at snack time and can request a drink at other times. However, children do not access drinking water independently and, as a result, after physical play they did not receive a drink.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment that is suitable for the purpose and sufficiently organised. The one main room is set out before the children's arrival with play materials on different tables for them to access independently. In addition children can request alternatives of their choice. The display of information, children's artwork and photographs contributes to the welcoming environment and promotes the children's sense of belonging. Play materials are stored within the room; however, the restricted storage space limits the resources the club can provide. As a result the outdoor equipment consists of a skipping rope, football and parachute, and imaginary play materials are minimal. The safety of the play materials is checked daily as the staff are setting out the room and tidying away, contributing to the children's safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children stay safe because of the effective practices the staff follow. The completion of daily risk assessments ensures risks to children are minimised. Children learn about potential hazards and the consequences of their actions and are alerted to 'stranger danger' during discussions. Keeping safe is positively promoted as the children practise road safety when walking to and from school and in the winter they wear high visibility jackets. They regularly practise fire evacuation and document the necessary details.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff positively safeguard the children's welfare because staff complete the necessary child protection training. They clearly demonstrate through discussion the signs of abuse and the

p.3

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 procedures they follow should they have concerns about a child in their care. The written policy contains the necessary information and parents receive a copy.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children arrive happily from school and are settled and secure whilst attending the club. They know the routine and on arrival from school they wash their hands and eagerly wait for their snack as they sit together at the table. They engage in adult- or child-initiated play and in the main show interest in all they do. They play a game of 'Battleships' with staff or each other and all children show interest in the magic set, demonstrating the skills they learn. Children take part in the planned project where they recreate the world flags using felt pens following the poster on display. They can sit quietly, choose to watch the television, complete their homework or take part in computer games for limited periods. Drawing materials are accessible to children at all times and during the beginning of the week they become involved in creative activities using different resources, which include making models from beads.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's activities are approached flexibly and the weekly planner is used to reflect a basic outline of the topic rather than the associated activities. Children make decisions for themselves and in the main select what they want to play with from the sufficient range of resources set out or they can request alternatives. However, there is a limited range of play materials or opportunities which capture older children's interests. This means that unless they are playing outdoors they show little interest in other resources. Children receive appropriate support from the staff interaction and involvement in their play, particularly indoors, which encourages them to have fun and enjoy the company of others in a relaxed environment. As a result, children show respect for the adults and each other.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued well as individuals and have equal access to play and activities without stereotyping. The good level of information on record enables the staff to get to know the children and ensure their individual needs are met. Children further develop their understanding of diversity through the suitable approach towards the celebration of some festivals, such as Chinese New Year and Easter. They complete projects and learn about the wider world during activities and discussions which include recreating world flags, which they display. However, the play materials which reflect positive images of diversity are restricted to one game. The club is willing to accommodate children with learning difficulties or disabilities and recognises the importance of working closely with parents or carers to support the children's individual needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive methods for managing their behaviour, which are outlined in the written behaviour policy. Children assist in establishing the boundaries by developing the club rules on display and individually recall which rule they contributed, therefore promoting a sense of ownership. Children clearly recite the rules to abide by before going out to play to ensure they stay safe. Staff intervene and explain to the children if their behaviour is inappropriate. As a result, children behave well. Staff work well together to ensure a consistent approach is maintained. Staff praise the children's good behaviour and achievements, which builds their self-esteem and confidence. They play cooperatively and recognise the need to share resources fairly, taking turns when playing computer games.

p.4

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 Positive relationships develop between staff and parents, who when necessary receive verbal feedback about their child's well-being and activities. Parents took time to share their observations during the inspection. They conclude that their children enjoy attending the club and are happy with the play and activities they take part in, commenting that, 'The staff do a good job'. Parents receive a copy of the club policies which they acknowledge they have read by signing the statement in place. Parents’ wishes are taken account of because they consent to certain aspects of children's care, which includes the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment, the taking of photographs and the persons they authorise to collect their children. As a result of these practices, staff safeguard the children’s welfare and respect the parents’

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

wishes. The manager has a basic understanding of the procedures for handling complaints, although a system for recording the details is not in place.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Appropriate systems for the recruitment and selection of staff ensure they are suitable to work with the children. They supervise children closely as they play outdoors in the park, which is open to the general public, therefore protecting them from persons not vetted. Most of the staff hold relevant qualifications, have experience and are willing to attend additional training.

p.5

Organisation

Most of the necessary documentation, which contributes to the children's health, safety and well-being, is in place, appropriately organised and available for the inspection. However, a system for monitoring visitors to the setting has not been developed, not all entries to the accident record are acknowledge by parents and consent from parents for the administration of medication is agreed verbally and, therefore, not recorded. Staff complete the daily register, outlining the hours children and staff are present and parents sign their children out on collection. The well written policies and procedures are reviewed regularly and provide detailed information regarding the club's practices and procedures. All documentation is stored securely and systems for the recording of information respect individual confidentiality.

p.5

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 current snack provision to promote more healthy foods for the children and ensure they have independent access to drinking water • further develop the range of play materials accessible to children with particular reference to outdoor and imaginary play • ensure appropriate play materials are accessible to children of all ages to capture their interests • further develop resources which reflect positive images of diversity • further develop the systems for recording information to include written parental consent for the administration of medication, a visitors' record, and a complaints record, and ensure parents sign against all entries to the accident record.

p.6

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.6

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.6