Or-Kids

Or-Kids Inspection report for early years provision

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EY358773 Unique Reference Number 03 June 2008 Inspection date Jill Lee Inspector

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The Community Centre, 17 Rowan Avenue Mews, Netherton, Huddersfield, HD4 7WH

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Setting Address

07835 733 984 Telephone number janet72002@yahoo.co.uk E-mail Jeannette Moore Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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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

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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?

Or-Kids was re-registered under new ownership in 2007. It is a privately managed organisation and operates from the community centre in Netherton, near Huddersfield. Children are cared for in two main playrooms and have access to a grassed, outdoor play area, adjacent to the building. Children are collected from Netherton Infant and Nursery School and South Crosland Junior School.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 24 children may attend the out of school or holiday provision at any one time. The club is currently caring for 25 children. It operates from 07.45 to 09.00 and 15.20 to 18.00 during term time. The service may be available from 08.00 to 18.00 during the school holidays, if there is sufficient demand.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are three staff employed to work directly with the children, all of whom hold an appropriate qualification in play work.

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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 good. Children enjoy physical activity most days. They thoroughly enjoy outdoor play time at the park or in the school grounds en route to the club, letting off steam after the school day. An 'outdoor activity' bag provides a variety of stimuli for different outdoor activities, like skipping, balls and hoops. Children play cooperatively and involve others well. Staff also introduce a variety of group games, often using the big parachute, and organise some active games indoors when it is not possible to play outside.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. They learn good hygiene practices which help to keep them healthy, as they spontaneously go to wash their hands before helping with the baking activity and help wipe the tables before snack time. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children appropriately, although the updated consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has not been obtained from all parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual health and dietary needs are met as parents' wishes are appropriately considered. Staff promote healthy choices and fresh fruit is routinely offered, so that children can always select a healthy option at snack time. Staff encourage children's involvement in planning menus, preparation of snack and tidying away their own dishes. A favourite snack is 'making our own pizzas'. Snack time is relaxed and sociable, as children sit together to share news about their day. Children are able to access drinking water or sugar free squash independently. The club has achieved the Kirklees Healthy Choice Gold Award, which recognises high standards in hygiene and the promotion of healthy food options.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure, child-friendly environment, which allows them to play safely and move around freely. They have access to a good range of safe and age appropriate resources. Staff are deployed well to ensure children are safely supervised in all areas. They conduct clear risk assessments on a daily basis, which helps to minimise the risk of accidents. The club has sole use of the premises whilst it is operating. Staff have a clear understanding of their responsibilities, and arrangements for collection of children and walking back to the club are well considered.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children clearly understand expected behaviour and routines. They learn to be considerate to each other and take account of the needs of younger children as they play. Appropriate supervision encourages children to behave in responsible ways. Staff understand the need to balance risk and safety, so that activities are interesting to children. Staff regularly revisit safety rules in discussion with children. For example, they talk about the rules for safe behaviour outdoors, before they go out to play on the community grassed area adjacent to their club. There are clear procedures in place for safe evacuation and these are practised with children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff understand their responsibility to protect children. There are clear systems in place to record any concerns, although incident and existing injury records are not consistently signed by parents. Staff have information about the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children Board, but have not accessed training to update their understanding and help them become

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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 fully familiar with their responsibilities within these. Children are confident to make any concerns known to staff, enabling them to feel safe and secure in the club.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the club and enjoy attending. They talk very positively about their friends and what they like doing. The atmosphere in the club is very calm and relaxed; children are busy and contented. There is a 'home-from-home' feel as children are able to relax on the settees watching television or curl up under the duvet on the settee if they feel tired or unwell. There is always a quiet area where children can read or do homework. There is a good balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities and staff are deployed effectively to encourage children in their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The play environment is organised to offer children a good range of different activities at each session. Resources are put out by staff, as it is not very safe for children to access the store cupboards independently. Children confidently ask staff if they want other activities out, like the car mat. They have negotiated with staff to bring in their own 'game-boys', as these are very popular. Staff are very responsive to children's ideas and suggestions, although the planning process does not actively involve them or routinely reflect their interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in their chosen activities with energy and lively enthusiasm. They become very engrossed in activities they enjoy. They love baking and make 'crispy chocolate buns' for tea. Children love drawing, creative activities and 'junk' modelling, which are always freely accessible. They play quietly together with their friends, making up stories with the small world resources. The 'den box' is very popular. Children cooperate well and actively involve others, encouraging them to join in. They enjoy playing board games and older children teach younger ones the rules of games, like draughts.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children behave very well; they are polite, confident and self-assured. They learn to understand acceptable, cooperative behaviour, as they negotiate what they want to do with their friends and make sure everyone is happily involved. Children's interactions with staff are warm and trusting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show a real sense of belonging to the club. Staff know children very well and sensitively support their individual needs. Children are able to make independent decisions about what they want to do. They are very much at ease in the club environment and are confident in seeking support from staff. Staff respect the children's own ideas and welcome their suggestions. For example, children suggest new ideas for snacks and their ideas for activities are taken into account. Some activities are planned, and resources are available, which help to increase children's understanding of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive lots of warm praise and are encouraged to be helpful and kind. The out of school club rules are clear and simple, so that children are very clear about expected behaviour. A parent commented in a questionnaire that staff are always 'very firm but fair'. Children learn to play together very harmoniously, as they share toys and plan games. Staff actively help them to resolve difficulties, if they arise. Children are actively encouraged to participate fully in daily routines and help with everyday tasks, like preparing snack and tidying away the toys.

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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 Parents and children are asked to share information about their needs, likes and dislikes. Policies and procedures are clearly displayed for parents' information. Parents develop very positive and comfortable relationships with staff, promoting children's sense of security. In a questionnaire, a parent commented that the club provides 'excellent care and lots of fun'. Information is shared well with parents on a daily basis. Some written consents from parents do not clearly reflect what has been agreed, for example, allowing older children to walk independently from school to the club. Parents feel confident about raising any concerns with staff. The complaints procedure reflects current guidance and the Ofsted poster is displayed. There is a system in place for recording of any complaints, but it is not in a format that readily

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Helping children make a positive contribution

allows the record to be shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The out of school club is well organised to promote children's welfare and safety. Activities are planned to take account of children's varying needs and they are offered a well balanced range of play choices. Staff are deployed effectively and careful risk assessments are in place to monitor children's safety. Staff work together well as a cohesive team. They plan access to appropriate training opportunities and routinely review their practice.

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Organisation

Comprehensive policies and procedures relating to care of children are in place. Recruitment procedures are robust, so that staff are appropriately vetted and have suitable skills and experience to work with children. All required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is mostly implemented effectively. Parents' wishes regarding their child's care influence day to day practice and written agreements are mostly clearly recorded.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of 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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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

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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): • become fully familiar with the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children Board • involve children more actively in planning of activities, so that the daily play environment clearly reflects their interests and enhances their choices for independent play • ensure systems in place for required recording are implemented appropriately and review the detail in written agreements with parents.

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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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