Apricot Out Of School Club

Apricot Out Of School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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EY352820 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2008 Inspection date Emma Bright Inspector

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Priory Park Infant School, Almond Road, ST. NEOTS, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DZ

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E-mail

Sunhill Daycare ltd 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?

Apricot Out of School is one of several provisions run by Sunhill (Europe) Limited. It opened in 2007 and operates from a mobile building in the grounds of Priory Infant School in St Neots. A maximum of 25 children may attend the club at any one time. The club is open five days a week from 07:30 to 09:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00 during school term times. It also provides a holiday playscheme during the school holidays from 07:30 to 18:00. The field surrounding the building is used for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 53 children aged from four to 11 years on roll. Children from the Priory Infant and Junior Schools attend all year round and other children use the club during school holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The club employs three staff. All of whom hold appropriate qualifications.

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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's good health is promoted and they are protected from cross-infection. They understand about the importance of personal hygiene and competently wash their hands before meal times and after using the toilet. Children's medical needs are met as parental consents for first aid or the administration of medication are obtained and all staff hold current first aid certificates. If the children become unwell whilst they are in the care of the provision, clear records and procedures are in place to make sure that they are well cared for.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and staff help them to learn about making healthy choices through a range of practical activities, such as helping to prepare their own sandwiches at tea-time. This helps children to understand how the food they choose contributes to their good health. Parents provide their child’s packed lunch, which is suitably stored so that food remains fresh. However, a healthy eating policy is not in place to share with parents to further promote children's health. Children’s individual dietary needs are met as clear information is gathered from parents about allergies or special dietary requirements and this ensures children can eat safely.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities and make good use of the outdoor area to participate in active games such as ‘Bulldog’. Children develop manipulative dexterity in creative activities and they confidently use a range of tools during the session such as, scissors, felt tips and stamps. In addition, they enjoy playing table football, which helps to develop their coordination. Children have space to relax in the ‘comfy’ corner with their friends. This ensures that all children benefit from physical activity and quiet time so they are happy and content.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children’s safety is effectively promoted; risk assessments and daily checks are carried out to ensure any risks are identified and minimised. This means children move around safely and independently under the constant supervision of the staff. Children learn to keep themselves safe as staff explain the dangers to them, which help children to develop their understanding of hazards and to take responsibility for themselves. Children's safety in case of fire is considered for example, children practise the emergency escape plan so that they all know what to do in the event of an emergency evacuation and are familiar with the routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's overall welfare is protected by clear procedures and documents that promote their safety. For example, all staff attend regular child protection training to ensure their knowledge is up-to-date. Staff have a secure understanding of child protection procedures, which are in line with those set out by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. They are confident to act in children's best interests in the event of concerns for their welfare, which means that children are well protected and kept safe from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a warm and welcoming environment, where their artwork is valued and attractively displayed for others to see and enjoy. This promotes their confidence and self-esteem, whilst contributing to their sense of belonging. Children confidently select a good range of activities and resources, which have been well chosen to support their play and this

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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 means they can follow their own interests. All resources and equipment are regularly checked by staff to ensure they are in good condition and safe for children to use.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and they clearly enjoy their time at the club as they talk excitedly about upcoming events such as ‘Water play day’. Staff plan and provide a varied range of stimulating activities and resources; this reflects children’s abilities and interests because they contribute to the planning on a daily basis. This means children readily pursue their own interests and become busy and involved in their chosen activity. Staff respond positively to children’s ideas and opinions, treating what they say with respect, which contributes to children’s sense of belonging and promotes their self-esteem. Children enjoy the fun atmosphere of the club, where they can choose to relax in a quiet area, or they can join in with the activities if they wish. This ensures they can make their own choices about what they want to do and their individual needs are met. Staff work very well together as a team to support children's play

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and provide plenty of opportunities for fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show great enthusiasm in what they do and enjoy the resources on offer which support their independent play. For example, they explore their imagination through role play as they gather materials and make ‘den-like’ structure called ‘Hotel Minoe’. Children act as receptionists booking in ‘guests’ and attending to their needs such as providing ‘room service’. Arts and crafts are a popular choice and all the children enjoy drawing, colouring and creating necklaces from pasta shapes which they carefully paint. In addition, they thoroughly enjoy messy play and take great delight in squeezing the ‘gloop’ between their fingers. Children demonstrate pride in their achievements and eagerly display their artwork for others to admire.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children behave well and demonstrate a clear understanding of what is expected of them as a result of familiar routines and consistent expectations. For example, children respond well to strategies such as using a 'waiting list' for popular resources. This helps children play well together and learn to develop positive relationships which means that everyone enjoys their time at the setting. Children's individual needs are clearly understood by staff as the setting gathers clear information from parents to ensure these needs are well met and this contributes to children's well-being. Children access a range of appropriate resources and activities, which help them to develop positive attitudes towards diversity. Systems are in place to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, which ensures they are supported appropriately and their needs are respected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationships between the staff and their parents. Clear and detailed information is gathered from parents, which enables staff to provide appropriate care and this ensures that children feel secure and settled. All policies and procedures are in place to share information with parents and carers. Although there is some information for parents it is not always readily available so parents are not fully informed about the setting and activities. Parents also have opportunities to present their views through the use of questionnaires and they have daily opportunities to discuss their child with staff.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are kept safe because rigorous recruitment and vetting procedures ensure that adults are suitable and have appropriate skills and knowledge to work with children. All of the required documentation, which ensures children's welfare, is in place. Clear and up-to-date information for staff is in place, which ensures that all members of the team are secure in their knowledge of their roles and responsibilities. Staff attend a range of training opportunities, which means that children benefit from practices which are in line with current ideas and legislation.

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Organisation

Children's care is enhanced by the good quality organisation; they benefit from a well prepared environment that promotes positive outcomes for all children and enables them to make decisions and pursue their own interests. Children are happy and confident because staff develop warm and caring relationships with them. Staff work well together and demonstrate great enthusiasm for creating a stimulating and interesting environment for all children. Overall children's needs are met.

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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): • develop a healthy eating policy to share with parents • continue to improve the written information for parents so that they are fully informed about the setting.

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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 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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