Jesters Kids Club

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Jesters Kids Club CIC Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY370434 Inspection date 28/10/2008 Inspector Patricia Mary Champion

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Setting address Horseshoe Farm, Main Road, Bicknacre, CHELMSFORD, CM3 4EX Telephone number 01245 222384 Email enquiries@jesterskidsclub.org Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

Jesters Kids Club CIC is run by Jesters Kids Club Community Interest Company. It was originally established in 2001 and registered under new ownership in 2008. The club operates from a purpose-built building situated in the village of Bicknacre, Essex. All children share access to a secure, enclosed, outdoor play area. There is a ramp leading to the premises, which means that it is accessible to people with disabilities. There are eight places for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. A maximum of 30 children aged under eight years may attend the out of school club at any one time. The club opens five days a week all year round. Sessions times are from 07:30 until 08:45 and 15:15 until 18:15 during school term times. During the holidays the club opens from 07:30 to 18:15. The out of school club is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the setting

There are approximately 200 children aged from four to 12 years on roll. The out of school club serves the local community and surrounding areas. The setting supports a small number of children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Description of the setting

The club employs 10 permanent members of staff, of whom five of the staff hold appropriate early years, play work or teaching qualifications. There is one member of staff with Qualified Teacher Status. There are two staff currently working towards a recognised early years or play work qualification. The setting receives support from the local authority and '4Children'.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children have a wealth of opportunities to take part in interesting, fun activities within a vibrant and very stimulating environment. Staff recognise that each child is unique and strive to ensure that experiences are fully inclusive and tailored to meet individual children’s needs. The children provide information about their interests and enthusiasms from the outset and are fully consulted about many aspects of the provision. However, recent management changes and reorganisation of staff impact on outcomes for children. There are breaches of specific welfare requirements in relation to staffing arrangements and safeguarding and promoting children’s health.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the early years provision requires significant improvement. The registered person is given a Notice to Improve that sets out actions to be carried out.

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further?

To comply with the requirements of the EYFS the registered person must take the following action by the specified date:

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further?

 ensure that there is always at least one person who has a current paediatric first aid certificate on the premises at all times when children are present (Promoting good 28/11/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 health) (this also applies to the compulsory and voluntary childcare registers)  obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (Promoting good health) (this also applies to the compulsory and voluntary childcare registers) 28/11/2008  ensure that there is at least two adults on duty in the setting at any time when children are present (Staffing arrangements) (this also applies to the compulsory and voluntary childcare registers). 28/11/2008 To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure that the system for recording visitors is consistently maintained  ensure that the safeguarding children policy is in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board's guidance and procedures  ensure that all practitioners have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities (this relates to their knowledge of the setting's policies and procedures)  develop further the links with other settings that children attend within the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

The management of the setting is not effectively safeguarding children’s welfare. A manager has recently stepped down and there is now an acting manager in place who is working towards a Level 3 qualification. Although new to her role the acting manager has the relevant experience and is developing her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage through training. She is supported by the registered providers of the setting and the staff team. Although the management team show awareness of the strengths and weaknesses in the setting and have well-targeted plans to bring about further improvement to the provision, action is not always taken in a timely way. While there are many opportunities for staff to attend training courses, priority has not been given to arranging first aid training. Consequently, staff do not hold current paediatric first aid certificates. There are occasions when there is only one member of staff working with children on the

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provision

premises. Arrangements for safeguarding children are inconsistent. There is an appropriate recruitment, vetting and induction procedure for new staff. All the required written policies are in place. However, some staff are insufficiently vigilant and do not follow the setting’s procedures when dealing with the day-to-day running of the club. For example, the record of visitors to the premises is not consistently maintained. The safeguarding children policy has not yet been updated to meet the guidelines of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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provision

The partnership with parents and carers is friendly and very helpful. Good quality information is provided for the families that use the club. Display boards include information about planned activities and there is a very informative and easily accessible website. Parents receive newsletters by post or email and there is time This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 for discussion with staff when they arrive to collect their children. There is a parents’ forum for sharing views and suggestions. Parents speak positively about the care provided and appreciate the wide variety of experiences offered to the children. The staff are now starting to build links with other professionals providing for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure continuity in care and learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy, confident and settle quickly when they join the club. Staff ensure that they provide a good balance of adult-led and child-selected activities that excite children, keep them totally absorbed and help to build their knowledge and skills in all areas of learning. Children choose to flow freely between indoor and outdoor play and the environment has been effectively organised to give children the opportunity to play actively or relax. Each evening after school children join activities that interest them such as arts and crafts, gardening, cooking, games and multicultural experiences. They tenderly look after the pet guinea pigs and are knowledgeable about aspects of their care. During holidays children choose popular films and interesting pursuits are then planned linked to themes, such as cooking moon rock cakes, icing biscuits or designing space rockets. A key person system has recently been set up to ensure that children’s individual needs are met. The key

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

persons have started observing children and assessing their achievements and progress. Activities are evaluated, staff appraisals are held and children and parents are regularly consulted to obtain their views and suggestions. Risk assessment is routinely undertaken regarding the premises, equipment, activities and outings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children build positive relationships with each other and the staff. Interaction is lively and staff act on children’s ideas and value their contribution to discussions. Sensitive support is provided for children with learning difficulties or disabilities. The older children look out for the newer and younger children and children from different schools mix and make friends. An emphasis is put on respecting and valuing each other as individuals and children show great pride in sharing their achievements with their friends. Children nominate each other for award points if they feel that someone has been particularly kind. Staff provide positive role models and children behave well. They are very keen to help staff with simple tasks such as sweeping floors or wiping tables. Children learn about personal safety when they practise fire drills and staff work closely with children to ensure they understand the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

importance of healthy hygiene practices. A varied menu is provided with healthy options and most staff are aware of medical needs and special dietary requirements. Although staff record every time that medicine is administered, the records do not meet the requirements of the setting’s medication policy as prior written permission is not obtained from parents each and every time medication is given. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Inadequate

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Inadequate How well are children helped to be healthy? Inadequate How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report. 28/11/2008

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report. 28/11/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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