Extra Time Out of School Club

Extra Time Out of School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357982 Unique Reference Number 29 April 2008 Inspection date Karen Cockings Inspector

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Darton Primary School, Station Road, Darton, BARNSLEY, South Yorkshire, S75 5AD

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E-mail

Amanda Jane Grosse 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?

Extra Time Out of School Club was registered in June 2007 at its current premises, having previously been registered in the old school building, just across the road. The club now operates from the community room at Darton Primary School's new premises, in Darton, Barnsley. The setting also has use of kitchen and toilet facilities, access to the school hall and to the playground for outdoor activities. Extra Time Out of School Club is one of three settings run privately by the same individual owner in the Barnsley area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The provision offers a breakfast club on school days between 07.30 and 08.15, after school care until 18.00 and holiday care between 08.00 and 18.00 every school holiday, with the exception of bank holidays. The club is registered for a maximum of 24 children between three and eight years, although children attend up to the age of 12 years. There are currently 96 children on roll. The setting supports a number of children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are three members of staff who work directly with the children, all of whom have a relevant qualification. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend outdoors. They organise games of football, play hide and seek and use equipment, such as hoops, rackets and skateboards with increasing skill. They have access to a large area of the school's playground, where there are covered spaces and seating areas for children who may not wish to take part in active play. In warm weather other toys and activities are brought outside, so that children can have more choice about what they do. There is also occasional access to the school hall where active games are organised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff prepare a variety of snacks for children, which often include fresh fruit and vegetables. The day's menu is written up on the board for children to see and to make choices. For example, they decide whether they will have a sausage roll or fresh fruit. During the holiday play scheme, children bring packed lunches, which are stored in the refrigerator until needed. Staff find out about any special dietary requirements or allergies and make sure that foods served are appropriate. Children all sit down together at snack time as staff find that this arrangement works best. In some ways, this disrupts children's play and restricts choice, although it provides an opportunity for children to sit together sociably. Children have been used to more independence and responsibility at their old premises, where they remember helping to clear the table and to wash dishes. They do, however, help to make their own sandwiches and there

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Helping children to be healthy

are jugs of juice set out for them to help themselves if they are thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

The environment is clean, warm and comfortable. Staff follow safe hygiene practice when preparing foods, such as wearing plastic aprons and making sure that tables are cleaned well. They encourage children to wash their hands before they eat and after using the toilet. The setting's policy regarding the care of sick children is shared with parents, so that they understand that alternative arrangements should be made if children have an infectious illness. All staff have attended first aid training and accidents are recorded. Written permission is obtained from parents for seeking emergency treatment and for administering medication.

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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 secure and welcoming environment. The room is suitably furnished with some comfortable seating if children wish to relax after a busy day in school. Toilet facilities are clean and accessible, and there is a suitably equipped kitchen adjoining the play room, where snacks are prepared. Staff ensure that children are properly supervised when playing outdoors, although there are times when the collection of other children involved in extra-curricular activities, makes it difficult for staff to monitor their own group of children. Staff use a walkie-talkie system to communicate with each other if some children are inside and some outdoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The club has a satisfactory range of toys and play materials to provide children with a variety of play experiences. Some construction toys are stored in a low level storage unit so that children can safely make their own choices. Other toys and games are in nearby cupboards and children generally ask if they would like additional equipment to be brought out. There are plans to further develop the range of equipment, especially for outdoor play, as more storage becomes available.

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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 Children develop an understanding of how to use the environment and equipment safely. For example, they know that they need to stay in certain areas of the playground where staff can see where they are. They become familiar with emergency evacuation procedures because fire drills are practised with them and a record is kept, enabling staff to identify and address any difficulties. Risk assessments are completed in relation to the use of indoor and outdoor areas and for any planned outings during the holidays.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as there are procedures in place for dealing with any child protection concerns. Staff have attended some additional training in this area and there are guidance materials available. However, procedures for dealing with any allegations against a member of staff lack clarity, particularly in relation to the stage at which relevant authorities are informed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arrive happily, chatting together about the events of their day. They are familiar with routines and confident to make choices about what they want to do. Some quickly get out the boxes of construction toys and begin to make models, while others are happy to sit together in small groups chatting. Staff tend not to plan many activities after school, preferring to follow the lead given by the children. In preparation for the holiday period, however, they seek children's views and involve them in the planning of outings and activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play cooperatively together and enjoy each other's company. For example, they successfully negotiate for themselves shared access to the construction materials, agreeing how many each should have. Children are polite and friendly. Many are eager to talk about their club and what they like to do. They say they enjoy coming, because 'it's good' and some say they like to stay as long as possible. They speak about the suggestion box which they can use to share their ideas for new activities and resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate positively to adults and to their peers. They know that their achievements are valued because, for example, their models are carefully put to one side so that they can continue with them later. They are working together on an achievements board where they will set goals for themselves and show how they are taking steps to reach them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to develop a sense of belonging as they work on pictures for display and know that their suggestions are valued. Staff take children's individual needs into account, especially when planning outings during the holidays, to ensure that all children are included. Although resources reflecting diversity are currently fairly limited, children and staff are working together on a display to show different cultures and varying needs within society. Activities, such as tasting different foods, are also planned and on occasions visitors are invited into the setting to talk to the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good and they interact positively with each other and with the adults who care for them. There are some agreed ground rules that are discussed and agreed with children. They know that they can make their own suggestions about what should be expected of them. Staff thank children for their help and acknowledge children's achievements.

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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 Information is shared effectively with parents, both verbally and by means of the notice board and newsletters. The collection of policies and procedures is on display and easily accessible to parents if they wish to find out more about how the club operates. They are also invited to use the suggestion box to share their ideas and views. A written complaints procedure is in place, although it does not fully reflect current regulations, particularly with regard to the sharing of the complaints record with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and at ease in the comfortable environment. Staff make appropriate use of space and resources, to support children's care, learning and play, although the group is still becoming familiar with their new environment. Recruitment and vetting systems are in place to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children. They attend additional training to enhance their practice and develop new skills. For example, some have completed courses about child protection and about managing children's behaviour.

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Organisation

A comprehensive collection of policies and procedures help the setting to run smoothly. They are regularly reviewed and updated where necessary. Record keeping systems are in place and contribute to children's safety and well-being.

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Organisation

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

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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.

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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): • improve planning when using the outdoor area, to ensure that risks to children are minimised

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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 • review policies and procedures in relation to child protection to ensure that procedures for notifying other relevant bodies are clear • further develop the range of resources and activities to help children appreciate each other's similarities and differences • develop the complaints procedures to ensure they fully reflect current regulations.

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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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