Westbank LOFAS

Westbank LOFAS Inspection report for early years provision

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EY364789 Unique Reference Number 08 April 2008 Inspection date Sally Hall Inspector

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Westbank, Farmhouse Rise, Exminster, EX6 8AT Setting Address

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01392 824 752 Telephone number lofas@westbankfriends.org E-mail Westbank Community Health and Care Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care, Crèche 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?

Westbank LOFAS Club has operated since 2004 and re-registered in 2007. It operates from a large community hall in the Westbank Healthy Living Centre in Exminster and serves the local area. There is a secure, enclosed outside play area and the group also has use of the extensive adjacent playing field. The out-of-school club is registered to care for up to 30 children, aged under eight years. The crèche provides care for up to 15 children and is open for up to two hours a day. Children aged from four to 11 years attend for a variety of sessions. The setting is open each weekday during term time from 15:30 until 18:00 and during school holidays from 08:00 until 18:00. During term-time, staff collect the children from their respective schools and walk them to the hall. There are 60 children on roll who are supported by seven members of staff, who either have appropriate child care or teaching qualifications or are working towards

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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 cared for in a very clean environment. They have easy access to the toilets enabling them to be independent and are reminded of the importance of washing hands, for example, before snacks. The staff are vigilant in sterilising the tables before meals. Children receive appropriate care in the event of being unwell. Parental consents are in place to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and are easily accessible in the event of an emergency. The staff have completed first aid training and first aid kits are accessible and are taken on outings and when collecting children from school.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have healthy snacks provided which include fruit, and a variety of choices of toast, crumpets and bread sticks. Children's dietary needs are known and well catered for to ensure they do not have anything that they are allergic to. Staff are sensitive to ensure children's preferences are catered for, they know what they like and dislike, for example, no butter on toast. Children bring packed lunches and items are stored in the fridge, they are encouraged to eat their savoury items first. Children have a choice of drinks at snack times and are able to help themselves to drinking water at any time, this ensures they remain well hydrated particularly after physical activities. Children have good social skills and their awareness to what is healthy is promoted with displays on the wall and through discussions.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of opportunities to be physically active in the hall, and due to its size can play with soft balls without impacting on children engaged in table top activities. They enjoy fresh air daily and play in the secure outside play areas, walk to the building after school, and regular visits to the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have plenty of space to play indoors and outside. The atmosphere is very relaxed and welcoming. The hall is very bright and children's work is displayed on the walls. Children are supervised well at all times. There are good systems in place for meeting them from school. Parents are able to contact the staff on the mobile telephone if there are any changes in their collecting arrangements or if their child is not going to be attending. Children are booked into sessions in advance and the attendance register clearly shows the times children are present. Overall, sensible precautions have been taken to ensure a safe environment, for example, the door is alarmed and children have no access to the kitchen. However, chairs are stacked so they could pose a risk. Clear procedures are in place in the event of an emergency, appropriate fire equipment is in place and fire drills are regularly carried out and recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have a broad range of toys and resources that are rotated to provide challenge and meet the different interest of the ages of children attending. Children know they can ask for additional toys and resources to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected by the staff's knowledge of child protection procedures. They have completed training and have a comprehensive policy in which to refer to which is displayed for parents to see. They are aware not to leave children with any one who has not been vetted.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and confident, they relate well to the staff and interact well with each other. The sessions are organised to ensure that all children's interests are met. Children make their own choice of what they want to do and are encouraged to join in craft activities. They show interest in what each other are doing, for example, commenting on cards and crowns being made. Children participate in group games, such as parachute games, football, role-play, cooking and craft activities. Children attending the after school club are able to relax at the end of the school day, have activities planned and do their homework. During the summer holidays outings and theme days are planned to provide children with a broad range of play opportunities. Children share and take turns well. They are able to use computers at agreed times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave very well, they listen to instructions and are caring towards each other. They are good mannered and respond well to members of staff. Children are all treated equally and new children are given support to ensure they are familiar with the routine and quickly settle. They receive praise and encouragement and are keen to share their news with staff, for example, at snack time. Children with learning difficulties receive appropriate support and staff are very sensitive to ensure all children are involved and included in activities and games. However, resources to raise their awareness of diversity are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are kept well informed on a daily basis of how their child has been. Any problems are discussed and the staff ensure good consistency of care with the parents, for example, agreeing behaviour management strategies. Parents' views are sought through questionnaires and the response they have received is positive. There is a notice board with relevant information for parents to see and they have regular newsletters.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by staff that work well as a team and are clear of their roles. They have in-house and external training. They all take an active role in organising and planning the sessions and have books to refer to for ideas and use books to give children ideas when they participate in craft activities. The staffing ratios are good ensuring children receive individual attention. They show an interest in what the children are doing and encourage children to say what they would like to do. Children are confident to express themselves and say what they like doing at the club. They benefit from the very calm and well organised environment which enables them to be secure and happy as they play.

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Organisation

Children's records are all in place to support their care, for example, dietary needs and parental consents. The staff are confident in meeting the National Standards and the regulations. Documentation including the policies is regularly reviewed. The notice board ensures parents are informed of the daily activities and current information including what to do should they have concern.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of 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 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): • ensure chairs are appropriately stored so they do not pose a risk • increase resources to raise children's awareness of diversity.

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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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