The Terrapins Out of Hours Club

The Terrapins Out of Hours Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347902 Unique Reference Number 28 April 2008 Inspection date Ruth Tharme Inspector

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Swindon Village Primary School, Church Road, Swindon Village, CHELTENHAM, Gloucestershire, GL51 9QP

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E-mail

Rebecca Mary Wilkes 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?

The Terrapins Out-of-Hours Club was registered in 2007. It operates within the grounds of Swindon Village Primary School. Children from the school attend the setting. The group is open five days a week after school, and from Monday to Thursday before school during term times. There are currently 22 children on the roll, eight of whom are under eight years. The setting supports children with learning difficulties or disabilities. There are four members of staff who work with the children, all of whom have relevant childcare experience. The manager holds a level 3 qualification in play work.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Standards of hygiene are high so children's health is safeguarded. There are effective hand-washing procedures in place, staff wear gloves when handling food and care is taken to ensure that surfaces are cleaned appropriately. Continual opportunity for outdoor activity means that children have frequent access to fresh air and exercise. They particularly enjoy football and hockey.

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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 Staffing arrangements ensure that a qualified first aider is always on the premises. This means that children have access to emergency treatment should it be required. An exclusion policy limits the possibility that children with infectious diseases spread illness to others. Children who fall ill whilst at the setting are treated appropriately. Parents are contacted at the earliest opportunity. Documentation is of a good standard which means that an accurate record is maintained of any accidents or of any medication administered to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are well met. Staff are well informed about individual requirements and take steps to ensure that children eat a healthy and well balanced diet. They enjoy toast, cereals and fruit when they arrive from school. Drinks are readily available throughout the session so children are able to access them for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are clean and well maintained, providing a safe and comfortable environment for young children. The main playroom is large and airy so children have plenty of space for their activities. The setting is well equipped which means that children have access to a wide range of resources and toys. Practitioners carry out checks each day to make sure that equipment is safe for children to use. There is a high level of risk awareness so staff members are able to implement suitable strategies to keep children safe. They are well deployed to ensure that children are appropriately supervised at all times. The risk assessment programme is used effectively to identify and address potential hazards. Evacuation procedures are carried out regularly which means that adults and children are aware of what to do in an emergency situation. An alarm on the main entrance alerts staff when the door is opened but some children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are able to open the door for themselves which means that it is possible for younger ones to leave the premises unsupervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Practitioners are well informed about the possible indicators of abuse so they are able to recognise a child who may be at risk. They are clear about the procedures to follow to ensure that such a child is appropriately protected. All staff members are required to attend child protection training. The written policy is not up to date and therefore does not ensure that staff have current information readily available to take immediate action to protect children should they need to do so.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy taking part in craft, sports, games and role-play activities as staff plan and provide a wide range of stimulating experiences for them. Observations are recorded and reflected on in the daily diary enabling practitioners to ensure that children take part in a good variety of activities over time. All activities are readily accessible to all which means that children are able to make their own choices about how they spend their time at the club. They make suggestions for events and activities using the communication board. This means that staff are able to build on children's own ideas and interests. Consequently children display high levels of involvement in activities such as cross stitching or team games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and demonstrate good levels of self-esteem. The key worker system promotes the forming of positive relationships and enables children to express themselves

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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 freely. They demonstrate a clear sense of belonging as older children are caring and responsive to the younger ones, involving them in their play, for example inviting them to play football.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have their differences acknowledged and valued as practitioners take account of their individual needs. They implement the equal opportunities policy for the benefit of all, encouraging children to take part in activities of their own choosing and make use of resources which promote positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability. Those with learning difficulties or disabilities are effectively supported as staff members adapt their practice to ensure that their needs are appropriately met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have good manners and are well behaved. This is because there are clear ground rules and staff set a good example. Children are rewarded with stickers and certificates which encourages ongoing good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. The welcome pack provides them with clear information about the setting, and the notice board and newsletters ensure they are kept up to date. Staff take time to speak with parents on a daily basis and have arrangements in place to hold one-to-one discussions if needed. This means that they are kept suitably informed of their children's progress. There are clear procedures in place for dealing with complaints and the poster for parents is clearly displayed so any concerns raised are dealt with appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Staff members have relevant qualifications and experience to provide good quality care for children. Most hold, or are working towards level 3 qualifications in playwork. Effective employment and induction procedures ensure that they are suitable for their roles.

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Organisation

Good use is made of staff to ensure that children are well supported and supervised at all times. Suitable ratios are maintained throughout. The times of arrival and departure are routinely recorded for all staff and children, providing an accurate record of attendance.

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Organisation

All documentation is stored securely to maintain confidentiality. Records are countersigned by parents to acknowledge that relevant information has been shared. The certificate is clearly displayed by the entrance which means that parents have access to information about the conditions of registration.

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Organisation

The provision meets the need 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 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): • improve the promotion of children's safety by ensuring that they cannot leave the premises unsupervised and by updating the safeguarding procedures to reflect current arrangements

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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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