WASP @ St. Marks

WASP @ St. Marks Inspection report for early years provision

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EY361416 Unique Reference Number 02 July 2008 Inspection date Julie Firth Inspector

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St. Marks C of E Primary School, Aviary Road, Worsley, MANCHESTER, M28 2WF

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E-mail

Jane Dalton 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?

Wasp @ St Marks was registered in 2007. It operates from a pre-fabricated building, which is situated in the grounds of St. Marks C of E Primary School in Worsley, Manchester. Children have access to two rooms, the school playground, side fields and associated facilities. The club serves the children from the primary school who attend for a variety of sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club is registered for 32 children aged from three to eight years and there are currently 33 children on roll. The group supports children with learning difficulties or disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club opens five days a week term time only. Sessions are from 07.45 to 09.00 and 15.30 to 18.00. There are four staff who work with the children of whom all hold suitable childcare qualifications to level 3 and 4. The group receives support from Salford Sure start.

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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 are well protected from illness and infection because the staff conscientiously follow current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines. There are good routines in place for the cleaning of the premises and staff ensure that equipment is regularly cleaned, and surfaces wiped down with anti-bacterial spray after meals and messy play. Children clearly understand simple good health and hygiene practices and they all wash their hands before handling food, and after using the bathroom. They speak about why they have to wash hands to prevent germs. They are fully aware of their hygiene routines when they arrive at the club from the classrooms. Staff are suitably qualified in first aid to enable them to appropriately treat children with minor injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily indoor and outdoor routines include activities to help children develop physical skills and promote a healthy lifestyle. They make good use of the outdoor play area participating in football, basket ball, running in the fresh air and competing in team games, such as musical statues. Furthermore, children enjoy organising games under the parachute.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children understand the importance of having regular drinks to stay hydrated as they help themselves to the jugs of water available at each session. Staff ensure children have access to juice in the playground as they get hot during physical activities. Children enjoy nutritious snacks and are given a variety of fruits to taste. Snack times are happy social occasions where children relax and enjoy each others company. The children's dietary requirements are met well as staff work with parents in finding out their child's requirements and respectfully follow these.

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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 welcoming and stimulating environment. An informative notice board for parents is available in the entrance and children's art work is displayed around the walls of the room. The two rooms inside the building are organised appropriately to allow children to safely access different play areas. They confidently choose from an accessible, wide range of toys and equipment that are age appropriate. Children develop independence as they choose from equipment which is easily accessed on low tables, open cupboards or at floor level around the room. They confidently ask for toys that are not out. The resources are clean, safe and well maintained to ensure the children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children move around in a safe environment where risks are identified and minimised. The school respond quickly to any maintenance requests and all necessary checks are carried out on the building and facilities. There are procedures for signing children in and out of the club and children are aware of the procedures when leaving their classrooms. They have opportunities to practise fire drills, reminding them what to do in the event of a fire or an emergency evacuation. Furthermore, there is a lost children's policy and good procedures for the safe collection of children. Staff constantly remind children of their boundaries when playing outside and older children constantly take responsibility to assist the younger aged children helping them to play safely.

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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's welfare is protected because staff have a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. A detailed child protection policy is in place in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. The manager and the operational manager have recently attended safe guarding children training for managers. They also ensure that staff keep up to date with their training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Staff support children and skilfully plan a wide range of activities, following a weekly programme with regular new themes introduced. Children are motivated in a good balance of adult and child led opportunities. They are happy and play harmoniously together in the relaxed and friendly environment. They relate well to staff and talk positively about their experiences in the club. Children are asked every evening to participate in the planning of the sessions and are asked to write on the activity sheet.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play imaginatively in role play in the home corner and dress up. Creative opportunities allow children to explore a variety of activities, as they make purses, decorate biscuits, play scrabble, squeeze play dough and join in bingo. They create their own designs when making pictures and produce art work for a frieze. All board games encourage the taking of turns, and promote their knowledge and skills. Children talk positively about their experiences and objects when their parents come to pick them up, and are reluctant to leave their friends. They have the choice to do their homework in the club and join in with outdoor games. Activities are planed for children of all ages and the staff are trying hard to initiate new ideas to stimulate the older children in the club. However, this is not fully developed to challenge them at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive good staff support to ensure they all feel included and they follow a structured routine in the club. Planned activities, such as celebrating different festivals, exploring different countries and access to resources enhance children's awareness of diversity. Children create a wall display of expression and phrases indicating how they feel, ensuring everyone is valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and say please and thank you at snack time and during group activities. The staff are good role models, they speak calmly and quietly to the children and have good strategies in place for achieving appropriate behaviour. Children contribute to the making of ground rules and they are aware that certain rules and respect are required to maintain a safe and fair environment where they can play happily and have fun. Staff promote children's self-esteem and confidence as they praise their efforts and are rewarded when they undertake responsibility.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff have built up good relationships with parents and create a welcoming atmosphere. Positive feedback from parents indicates a high level of care is provided. A detailed brochure displays information about day to day events and policies within the club. They receive verbal feedback on a daily basis about their child's activities and are asked to participate in regular questionnaires. A written complaints procedure is in place and is available to parents. This effective communication between parents and staff provides consistency for children in their care.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The operational manager, the manager of the club manager and the staff are extremely committed to improving the quality of care the club provides for the children. The operational manager has clear aims and objectives and ensures staff are qualified, consistent and continue to attend regular training in order to ensure highly effective childcare. She liaises well with the manager and all staff are very aware of their responsibilities as team members and work extremely well as a team, responding to the children's needs. They have an excellent understanding of the National Standards and continuously monitor and evaluate their practice.

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Organisation

Planning is in place and activities offer children a wealth of experiences and fun. The club have recently taken over the premises and everyone is working very hard organising the environment before the children enter the club, and throughout the session to meet the individual needs of the children attending. Staff adhere to a comprehensive operational plan demonstrating that they regard the well-being of all children. They work very close with the school and parents keeping them well informed of their effective procedures. Rigorous, robust recruitment, induction and vetting procedures are in place to ensure children's safety.

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Organisation

Records and documentation are highly detailed to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of each child is paramount. Comprehensive policies are regularly revised and shared with parents.

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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. 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 by 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): • continue to develop activities that challenge the older children.

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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 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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