Bright Stars Care ClubOfsted inspection, 3 Apr 2008

Bright Stars Care Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY361943 Unique Reference Number 03 April 2008 Inspection date Carol Ann Dixon Inspector

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Whitegate End Primary School, Butterworth Lane, Chadderton, Oldham, Lancashire, OL9 8EB

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Setting Address

07701003508 Telephone number baglinsarah@aol.com E-mail Sarah Jayne Baglin 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 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?

Bright Stars Care Club operates from Whitegate End Primary School. It is situated in a residential area of Chadderton, Oldham. It is registered to care for 30 children at any one time. It is open each weekday from 07.30 to 09.00 and 15.00 to 17.30 term time only and from 07.30 to 17.30 for holiday care. It is closed for one week at Christmas. There are two play rooms for children. There is a secure enclosed outdoor play area. Children come from the local community. The setting supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities and children who have English as an additional language. There are currently 43 children aged from four to 10 years on roll. There are four members of staff working with the children and all of these hold appropriate childcare qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s health is protected because effective procedures are in place to help keep them well and protect them from cross-infection. Tables are cleaned with antibacterial spray before meals and children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The premises are warm

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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 and maintained to a good standard of cleanliness. Accidents records are in place and well maintained. There is always a member of staff present with up to date training in administering first aid.

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Helping children to be healthy

Packed lunches are provided by parents in the school holidays. The group provides the children’s snacks and light meals. A varied diet is provided that includes fresh fruit and savoury snacks. Children receive food and drinks in sufficient quantities to meet their needs. Fresh drinking water or sugar free squash is readily available for children to quench their thirst. Children participate in activities that help reinforce the benefits of healthy eating. They have made their own fruit kebabs and smoothies and created displays of healthy foods.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children benefit from fresh air and exercise and take part in regular outdoor activities using the outdoor play area. They enjoy being timed with a stop watch when participating in races and hunting for bugs using magnifiers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Posters and children’s artwork are displayed on the walls to help make the main base room interesting and child friendly. Potential risks have been identified and appropriate safety precautions put in place to minimise them. These work very well in most areas to ensure that children are kept safe. However, one safety issue was identified at this inspection where a double plug socket within the children's reach was exposed. This compromises the safety of children on the premises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Written fire procedures and fire-fighting equipment are in place. Practise fire drills and fire safety discussions ensure staff and children are proficient in emergency evacuation procedures. Children are beginning to take responsibility for their own safety as they discuss the importance of not running indoors and are reminded by staff about using equipment, such as scissors in a safe manner.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are constantly and directly supervised at all times to ensure they are kept safe. Children choose what to play with from a range of resources that are suitable for their age and stage of development. The staff team is trained in safeguarding children procedures and have a sound understanding of what to do if they have concerns about a child’s welfare. However, staff are less confident about the procedure for handling allegations of abuse against a member of staff.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children participate in a wide range of enjoyable and interesting play opportunities and activities. The club is organised to reflect that school children are spending their leisure time there. They have lots of choice and participate in a good range of activities that are predominately designed to be fun. Playing outside, role play and creative activities are firm favourites. They also enjoy playing board games with staff and each other; these games help children to learn rules, play fairly and take turns. All staff members have good relationships with children and are friendly and approachable.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have well developed imaginations and quickly become engrossed in role play activities. They act out make-believe scenarios, dressing up as chefs and waitresses in the role play café.

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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 They excitedly offer the menu to their 'customers' and take the order as the chef busily prepares the food in the kitchen.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s creativity is promoted at the group. They have regular opportunities to paint and their pictures of spring flowers are very bright and inspiring. The views of children are valued and actively sought when staff are preparing written plans, however, written records do not clearly demonstrate when children have contributed to them or initiated their own play activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a range of resources and books that provide and promote positive images of gender, culture and disability. Parents are consulted about children's individual needs and staff ensure that these are met. Children participate in activities that help them to consider and value diversity, and to respect others. For example, they made lanterns and dragons to help them find out about the Chinese New Year celebrations and created self portraits to recognise and value their individual differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children attending the club have agreed a set of rules that are displayed on the wall to remind them of the expectations for their behaviour. Staff praise good behaviour and are positive role models for the children attending. Children regularly participate in group activities, such as playing board games and team sports, that help them to cooperate with their peers. Children play well with each other, they negotiate, share, are kind to each other and behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Information about children and the club is effectively shared with parents through daily discussions and informative notice boards. There is a written complaints policy and comprehensive procedures for staff to follow to investigate any concerns raised.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled at the group. They freely choose from the toys and activities that are designed to be enjoyable and fun. Required records and documentation are in place, well maintained and retained for inspection. Staff are well deployed; they play an active role in supporting and encouraging the children's play and learning.

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Organisation

Regular meetings ensure staff work together to continually review and develop practice. Regular attendance on short childcare training courses and those leading to recognised qualifications is enabling staff to constantly develop their practice, skills and knowledge to improve outcomes for children. Effective induction, recruitment and selection procedures are in place to assess and ensure the suitability of staff.

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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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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

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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): • further develop written records to demonstrate more clearly when children have planned or intitiated their own play • improve staff's knowledge and understanding of the procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against a member of staff or volunteer • ensure that low level plug sockets are made safe.

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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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