Extratime @ Hill Park

Extratime @ Hillside Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355983 Unique Reference Number 03 July 2008 Inspection date Shan Gwendoline Jones Inspector

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Hillside School, Foredown Road, Portslade, BRIGHTON, BN41 2FU Setting Address

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0560 1165 690 Telephone number info.extratime@yahoo.co.uk E-mail Extratime Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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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?

Extratime@hillside is run by extratime, a registered charity. The provision was re-registered in 2007 and operates from one main play room within Hillside School in Brighton, East Sussex. They provide out of school care and a holiday play schemes. A maximum of 24 children may attend the out of school and holiday play scheme at any one time. It is open from 15:15 to 17:30 hours Monday to Friday, term time only and 08:45 to 17:30 in school holidays. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play areas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently six children aged from four years to under eight years on roll. Over eights also attend the club. The majority of the group have identified learning difficulties and disabilities. At the time of the inspection their were no under eights present.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The out of school club and holiday play scheme employ 13 staff. Eight of the staff hold appropriate early years qualifications and some are working towards a qualification.

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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. Thorough systems are in place for recording accidents and administering medication. As the need arises, children receive good first aid treatment as several staff hold a current first aid certificate. In addition, staff are trained in specialist care such as gastro feeding.

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Helping children to be healthy

The setting promotes adequate levels of health and hygiene, however the floor and cupboards in the main playroom were unclean. The room was cluttered limiting the space for the children, particularly for children who had mobility difficulties.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff ensure that children stop regularly to have a drink and that they understand the benefits of drinking water especially during physical exercise. The scheme provides snacks, and staff encourage children to adapt their tastes to enjoy a more nutritious and balanced diet, which incorporates; sandwiches, marmite, cheese, crackers and fruit. Staff introduce different tastes to the children with exotic fruit tasting, such as dragon fruit, mangos and passion fruit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children relish the exercise outdoors in the fresh air every day as they engage in a range of games, for example, football, they also enjoy frequent trips to the local parks. The activities contribute towards keeping children healthy and developing their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. There is a sufficient range of toys and play equipment, which are well used by the children; the equipment is safe and routinely maintained for safety and cleanliness. The club has access to the main school. Good use is made of the sensory room to interest and calm children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective systems are in place for the safe arrival and departure of children, and to ensure they cannot leave the premises unobserved. Staff are suitably deployed both inside and outside the building. Thorough risk assessments are carried out on the transportation of children and on all venues before any trip is undertaken. A clear evacuation procedure is in place and children experience fire drills on a regular basis. However, the fire blanket is not wall hung as per the manufactures instructions and the fire extinguisher is not positioned safely out of children's direct reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. Staff have a satisfactory understanding of the procedure to follow with any concerns and have attended training. They are fully aware of the types of abuse and signs to look for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Evidence suggests staff offer high quality adult-child interactions and are extremely supportive of individual needs. Staff interact well with the children; they laugh, join in games and have fun with them as well as giving support when needed. Consequently, the children are confident to approach them and express their needs. Staff communicate effectively with the children to develop their listening skills. Children openly ask questions and staff respond with great interest.

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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 Children have the opportunity to explore independently a wide range of resources and equipment that are stimulating and fun, such as dressing-up clothes, board games and construction. They particularly enjoy indulging their imaginations in art, craft and cooking activities. Children have a splendid time experimenting with the different effects of paint. Staff plan the activities to meet the needs of all the children in their care, whatever their age or ability. Although they have freedom of choice in their play, the day is strongly structured to provide the security of routine and boundaries that the children need.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During the holiday play scheme children benefit from trips to the animals rescue park, the beach and various parks with summer activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and are given appropriate praise and encouragement to enhance self-esteem and develop a good self-image. Time is given to children to enable them to gain a sense of achievement, such as completing a chosen activity at their own pace and ability. Children have opportunities to learn more about the world around them and have enjoyed a range of activities including their Chinese New Year celebrations. Children dressed as dragons with food tasting sessions using traditional Chinese bowls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the staff's adherence to the scheme 'The Three Strikes' policy. Staff are aware of children's individual care and health needs and they work closely with the school and any relevant external agency. This helps ensure the children are all appropriately cared for. Positive strategies are used to lower children's anxiety levels and prevent challenging behaviour. In extreme circumstances, to protect the child, and others, physical intervention may be used. Staff are trained in safe holding techniques, and parents are informed should an incident occur.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnership with parents. Comprehensive information is available about the club's policies, procedures and activities. Regular newsletters, information displayed on the notice boards and face to face contact ensures that parents and carers are well informed about their child's care and learning. Children benefit from the friendly interaction between practitioners and parents, which is enhanced by the key-person system.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. All of the required records, procedures and policies that contribute to the care, safety and well-being of the children are in place. They are being accurately maintained and are stored securely for confidentiality. Management are currently reviewing the policies and procedures to ensure the layout is more user friendly. Incidents that may occur are recorded on a sheet at the back of the daily attendance register. These are signed by parents/carers, however the layout of the form does not afford confidentiality.

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Organisation

Rigorous recruitment procedures are in place and children benefit greatly from the staff's commitment. Children are relaxed and feel a sense of belonging because staff treat them as individuals and show respect and concern. The high ratio of appropriately qualified staff ensures the well-being of the children. Their complex needs are understood by staff who have the required knowledge, skills and understanding to give children a positive experience.

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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 Children are settled and happy as they have fun at the after school club. The setting 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 complaint 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): • review the system for recording incidents to ensure confidentiality is maintained. • ensure the main playroom used by the children are more thoroughly cleaned prior to use and free of unwanted clutter. • ensure the fire blanket is wall hung as per the manufactures instructions and the fire extinguisher is positioned safely out of children's direct reach.

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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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