The Badger Club

The Badger Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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The Badger Club

Unique Reference Number EY222502 Inspection date 19 September 2005 Inspector Karen Ling

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The Badger Club

Setting Address Scout Hall, The Old School, West Road, Ovingham, NE42 6AQ

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E-mail

Registered person The Badger Club Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School 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 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 Badger Club has been registered since 2002. It is located in a part-renovated former school building a short walk from the centre of Ovingham village. The club is registered for a maximum of 26 children aged from 4 to 8 years, although children up to the age of 14 years may attend. The group is open 07.30 until 08.40 and 15.00 until 18.00 Monday to Friday during term-time, and 08.00 until 18.00 during school holidays. The provision takes children from the local primary and middle schools in the main, however during holidays children from any school may attend. Children have access to a main playroom, adjoining hall and toilets. These are all

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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 located on the ground floor. There is also a kitchen for storage and preparation of snacks and drinks. Outdoor play takes place to the rear of the building and at local parks. A large field not far from the building is also used. The provision is run by committee members. There are six members of staff, of these three hold a level three qualification in playwork and one is working towards the level three qualification. The Badger Club has recently received a level two award from the Aiming High quality assurance scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a good range of physical activity at the club. On arrival from school some children choose to join in group games in the large hall, using the parachute for example. Others show skill and concentration as they skip or play ball games. They make the most of the outdoor space behind the building with staff giving good supervision at all times. Here they have fun as they play running games and climb the small trees. The local parks and playing field are also visited by children for physical activity particularly during the holidays. A mix of healthy snacks and sweets are offered to children each session. Most of the children liked the melon that was served and enjoy the variety of snacks offered. Their suggestions are taken into consideration by staff when menus are prepared. Each session children are able to buy sweets from the tuck shop. They are served by

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Helping children to be healthy

older children who do not consistently observe good hygiene practices. Although many children look forward to tuck shop time, this does not promote or help children learn about and develop a healthy living style.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and clearly enjoy coming to the Badger Club because staff provide a friendly and welcoming environment. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimized because staff carry out daily risk assessments to ensure the premises are safe for children. The range of equipment and resources are in good condition and well suited to the age range of children attending. Staff's clear understanding of the policies and procedures in place regarding children's outings enables them to take care of children well when off the premises. Children show developing awareness of road safety, for example, as they play outside and they complete activities from time to time which help to increase their safety awareness further. The area to the rear of the building is accessed by vehicles while children play and procedures currently implemented do not fully minimize risks. Children are well protected by staff who have a clear understanding of child

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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 protection policies and procedures which are in line with the local Area Child protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. At the Badger Club children take part in and enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences. Throughout the session they are able to choose active or more quiet activities and play with friends or on their own if they choose. For example, they have lots of fun in the hall as they take part in parachute games. Those children who choose to paint, read or complete puzzles show perseverance and patience as they contentedly complete their tasks. Children new to the club are helped to settle and enjoy their time by being placed with a partner who can look after them and show them where things are. Children have developed a friendly rapport with staff and confidently ask questions and make suggestions such as which activities they would like in the future. They get on well with each other and behaviour is very good with the older children giving support and encouragement to the younger ones. For example, children share

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

resources and take turns with games and equipment. Staff give good support to children, interacting well and involving themselves in children's games. They organise games and outings and ensure that all children's needs are met. As a result children's confidence and self esteem is nurtured.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed to the club and the good relationships that exist with staff are effective in helping children to settle and be content. Staff show respect for children's different needs and treat children with equal concern. Children are helped to understand differences and the diversity of society through multi-cultural activities and celebrating different festivals, such as Chinese New Year. Children are supported appropriately with staff giving praise and encouragement for their efforts. Staff value children's contributions. For example, they help to devise rules for the club and make posters which are then displayed. Staff set good role models and in turn children follow set boundaries and understand right from wrong. A good rapport exists with parents and staff prepare information in a range of ways to keep parents informed about the provision. The informal verbal exchange that takes

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Helping children make a positive contribution

place as children are collected also helps to keep staff and parents informed about how children are enjoying their time at the club.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The provision is well organised with staff having a clear understanding of their roles

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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 and responsibilities. This enables sessions to run smoothly, children are settled and happy and as a result the needs of the range of children for whom care is provided are met. Policies and procedures are very detailed and give clear guidance to staff and parents on how the club operates. Children benefit from qualified and experienced staff, however there is no key worker system in place to provide consistency and continuity in the link with children and their parents. Staff reflect on their practice, attend training and continually look at ways of improving the quality of care they provide. This is reflected in their recent achievement of a level two quality assurance award.

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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 that hygienic practices are observed at all times when food is being served • promote healthy eating patterns more positively by consistently providing a choice of nutritious snacks • improve outdoor safety procedures further by assessing the risks to children from on coming traffic and take action to minimize these • ensure a workable key worker system is in place so that consistency and continuity of care is maintained.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website:

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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 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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