Shipton Buddies

Shipton Buddies Inspection report for early years provision

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EY358372 Unique Reference Number 08 April 2008 Inspection date Penny Wood Inspector

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The Old Pre-school, Muscott Close, Tidworth, SP9 7TX Setting Address

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0198 0843501 Telephone number reedsmitheman@tiscali.co.uk E-mail Amanda Elizabeth Smitheman Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care, 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 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?

Shipton Buddies after school club was registered in 2006. The club is situated in a temporary building in the village of Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire. The provision is registered to care for a maximum of 16 children aged between four and eight years old and currently has 31 children aged between four and 12 years old on roll. The club is open during school term time from 08:00 until 08:50 and 15:15 until 17:45 and during school holidays between 08:30 and 17:00. Children are taken to and collected from the nearby primary school. There are six members of staff, three of which have an appropriate childcare qualification and three are working towards a qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from appropriate procedures in place which restrict the spread of germs and infections. For example, they wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating. The setting’s policy of excluding children when they are sick limits the spread of illnesses. The staff ensure the toys and premises are clean and suitable for children’s use.

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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 All staff complete first aid training to ensure children receive appropriate medical care in the event of accidents occurring. Written consent from parents enables staff to seek further medical attention in the event of serious injury or illness. Records of accidents and medication administered to children inform parents of the care their children receive.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular opportunities to participate in physical exercise in the enclosed outdoor area. Sunhats provided during hot weather protect children from the harmful effects of the sun, with children encouraged to apply sun cream when necessary. Children have free access to drinking water throughout the session ensuring they do not become dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

During the holiday play scheme children enjoy snacks which include biscuits and healthier options of fruit and cheese. For lunch, parents are required to provide a packed lunch which is stored in the refrigerator to ensure it remains fresh. In the before and after school sessions, the group provide suitable foods such as cereals and toast for breakfast, and wraps or sandwiches for teatime, with a hot option available after school during the winter months. Children enjoy coming together in groups, happily chatting to one another whilst eating. Records of children’s allergies ensure they only receive foods that are suitable for their individual dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from premises which are available for their sole use. The group are able to mount wall displays and to hang some of the children's pictures, making the environment welcoming for children. However, the building is not always maintained at an adequate temperature to ensure children are suitably warm. Children enjoy access to a suitable range of age appropriate toys and activities, all of which are checked at regular intervals to ensure they are safe for children’s use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Within the building some precautions have been put in place to minimise the risk of harm to children. However, some hazards remain, such as rubbish in the outdoor play area and accessible cleaning fluids in the kitchen. Good measures are in place within the outdoor play area to prevent children from leaving through the gate, although the front door is not locked at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from regular practises of the fire evacuation procedure. Clear guidelines are in place for children and staff, ensuring they are aware of the procedure to follow and the action to take in an emergency. Emergency exits are kept clear and the group have fire extinguishers in place and a fire blanket available, although this is not wall mounted to aid it’s quick deployment. Staff have a good understanding of the child protection policy and the action to take in order to promote children’s welfare and safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities and play opportunities. They are settled within the group and are forming good relationships with each other and staff. Children play well with each other during both small and large group activities. Older children are particularly sensitive towards the younger children, and invite them to join in with games such as football.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are aware of what resources are available to them and enjoy the freedom to choose what they would like to play with. They readily access the activities provided, particularly arts

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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 and crafts and outdoor play. Children attending the holiday play scheme enjoy opportunities to venture away from the setting on outings, with trips planned to local farm parks and nearby beaches.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing their awareness and understanding of the wider world through the celebration of cultural festivals. Staff encourage parents to share their knowledge and experiences with children during these times. However, there are limited resources available which depict positive images of race, culture and disability to enable children to broaden their understanding of diversity. All children are welcomed into the group, with appropriate systems in place to ensure all children’s individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The group practise a no bullying approach, with wall displays and posters reinforcing positive behaviour. Staff encourage children to resolve their differences and only intervene when necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive good information regarding the group’s policies and procedures. The daily sharing of information informs parents of the care their children receive and offers parents the opportunity to inform staff of issues which may affect the level of care required for their child on that day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Children benefit from staff who are either qualified or undergoing relevant training. Appropriate recruitment and induction procedures ensure staff are suitable to work with children and are aware of their role and responsibilities. On joining the group, staff are expected to undertake in-house training within areas such as child protection to ensure they act in-line with the group’s policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The group organise the environment appropriately and provide a good range of activities and play opportunities. Parents receive their own copies of the policies and procedures upon joining the group. Children’s records maintain confidentiality and are available for inspection. All regulatory documentation is in place and contains appropriate detail.

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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 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 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): • ensure the premises are maintained at an appropriate temperature • review the systems for risk assessing the premises to ensure all hazards are identified and take action to minimise any risks • ensure resources which depict positive images of race, culture and disability are readily available

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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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