The Children`s House

Children`s House After School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Children`s House After School Club

Unique Reference Number 152924 Inspection date 01 November 2005 Inspector Victoria Vasiliadis

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Children`s House After School Club

Setting Address Pitshanger Lane, Ealing, London, W5 1RP

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E-mail

Registered person Sue Murphy 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 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?

Children's House After School Club opened in 2000. It operates from the school hall, library and also has use of the school playground. It is situated in North Ealing Primary School which is set in a residential area of Ealing. The group opens each week day during term time only, from 15:15 until 17:45. There are currently 44 children from 4 to 11 years on roll, of these 21 are under 8 years. Children attend for a variety of sessions and are only admitted if they attend the school.

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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 There are five members of staff employed to work with the children, with three working on a part time basis. Over half the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. The setting receives support from the Local Authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a selection of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies. For example bats and balls. These outdoor games improve children's physical development. The setting has in place clear and concise written cleaning and hygiene procedures. However, these are not always implemented by staff to ensure children are in an environment that reduces the risk of infection. The tables are used for a variety of activities and are not cleaned before children eat their snack on them, staff do not wash their hands before preparing snacks and do not encourage children to wash their hands before eating. Children benefit from a satisfactory selection of snacks. These take into account special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a suitably organised environment. The arrangement of the resources and equipment means that children can move around safely and freely. Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. Staff are aware of the settings child protection policy and have a clear understanding of the reporting procedures if abuse is suspected. The scheme has in place clear and concise written records which staff have familiarised themselves with to ensure the safety of the children in their care. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimized within the setting which has satisfactory safety and security precautions. Staff monitor entrances at the end of sessions to ensure children are collected safely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are engaged throughout their time within the setting, in general they play happily with each other and younger children share and take turns. Children have access to an adequate range of resources such as board games, construction toys

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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 a selection of creative activities. They benefit from resources that are stimulating, challenging and age appropriate in order to extend their learning and enjoyment. Children are provided with sufficient opportunities to develop their physical skills as they have regular access to the outdoor area where they are able to play with bats, balls and run around. Children are comfortable within the setting. They confidently settle in the environment provided by the club. Children are spoken to in a warm, positive and respectful manner by the staff.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally well behaved and polite in response to the expectations of staff. They are encouraged to take turns, share and to have regard for others. Staff's management of children's behaviour is appropriate. Children are provided with a limited selection of resources that reflect positive images of diversity and the wider community. However, children do have some opportunities to discuss different festivals and participate in art activities such as making diva lamps for Diwali. The staff have an adequate understanding of the needs of children with special needs and have clear written policies and procedures in place. Appropriate procedures are in place to share information with parents. This contributes significantly to children's well-being. Information is shared verbally at the end of each session.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The premises are suitably organised. Indoor and outdoor space is set out to maximise play opportunities for children. Most legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being are available. However, a written log of complaints is not in place and adequate staffing ratios are not always maintained. Over half the staff hold a recognised childcare qualification. Staff are adequately deployed meaning that children are satisfactorily supported in activities and clear policies and procedures ensure children's safety. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were made about the staff's handling of food and written procedures and polices. The setting has completed updating the relevant policies ensuring appropriate procedures are now followed when caring for children

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Improvements 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 and keeping parents informed. However, the setting has still not addressed the issues about the handling of food. This results in children not being in an environment which reduces the risk of infection as staff do not always wash their hands before preparing and serving food.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 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 appropriate cleaning and hygiene procedures are implemented when preparing and serving food • ensure adequate staffing ratios are maintained at all times • maintain a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request

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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: 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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