Northern Out of School Hours Club

Northern Out of School Hours Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Northern Out of School Hours Club

Unique Reference Number EY294654 Inspection date 03 October 2005 Inspector Michael, David Charnley

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Northern Out of School Hours Club

Setting Address Northern Primary School, Burnley Rd, Bacup, Lancashire, OL13 8PH Telephone number 01706 874 154

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E-mail

Registered person Julie Shaw 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?

Northern Out of School Hours Club has been registered since October 2004 to provide before and after school care for 24 children aged from 4 to under 8 years. The club operates in the school's dining area with kitchen facilities used for preparing snacks. There is access to an enclosed outdoor play area for the purpose of providing physical activity. Hours of operation are from 07.45 to 08.30 and 15.20 to 17.30 hours, five days a week during term times only. The group is individually owned by Julie Shaw who is the day-to-day manager of the club. Children attend from Northern Primary School on Burnley Road in Bacup with a

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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 total of 42 currently on roll aged from 4 to 11 years. The Club employs three staff, two of whom are relevantly qualified including the person in charge, with one member working towards an NVQ level 2 qualification in Early Years Care and Education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because staff exercise good hygiene practices in accordance with health and safety guidelines. These include wiping down tables with antibacterial sprays before children sit down for their snacks and taking active steps to protect children when they are ill. As part of the club's routine children wash their hands at regular intervals and are secure in their knowledge that it helps prevent the spread of germs. Children confidently make their toileting needs known to staff and use provisions to assist them such as soap and paper towels, hence developing their independence. Children are well nourished since they are provided with a generous range of snacks and drinks that includes portions of fruit. They enjoy sitting together at snack time and sharing their experiences of the day, hence develop good social skills in a relaxed atmosphere. Staff are vigilant in ensuring any foods offered comply with

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Helping children to be healthy

individual dietary requirements, therefore ensuring children's health is not compromised. The good range of physical activities on offer contributes to children maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Outdoor activities regularly feature with children enjoying group games that include cricket and football. The use of equipment such as hula hoops, skipping ropes and elastics aids children's ability to learn new skills and manoeuvre in different ways.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised in a building which has good safety and security precautions in place. For example, the inclusion of an intercom system is effective in preventing unwanted visitors. Staff keep children safe both on and off the premises because they understand and comply with health and safety regulations. This includes organising fire practices and implementing the setting's procedures relating to, for example, the safe collection of children. In line with the risk assessments carried out periodically staff take positive steps to minimise identified hazards. This good practice enhances children's safety on the premises. Children use a good range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate resources to support their play. These are checked regularly and organised to encourage children's independent access. Children have sufficient space that gives

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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 them scope for free movement and well spread out activities. They subsequently move around safely and with confidence. Staff explain to children the procedures to follow should there be a fire and the importance of picking up dropped items to prevent others falling and hurting themselves. Children show responsible behaviour as they alert staff when they need to use the toilet. This helps children learn to take some responsibility for keeping themselves safe. The protection and wellbeing of children is assured with staff having a good understanding of their duty to act on any child protection concerns. The written child protection statement covers the required elements and is known to staff.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children at the club enjoy a varied range of activities which are planned according to their ages, abilities and interests. This results in them having fun and participating well in their chosen pursuits. The opportunities for children to express themselves creatively using a wide range of media and materials is well fostered. Children respond well to challenge. They show great enthusiasm as they choose an array of colours to produce pictures as part of a national competition. They enjoy being able to sit together, sharing their ideas and comparing their art work resulting in a harmonious atmosphere. Children like to play independently using their initiative well, to build objects of their own choosing. They show delight with the finished product, for example, a child who builds a tank using construction materials. Staff are hand to acknowledge this achievement. Children are encouraged to develop their imaginative

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills through role play using props and materials to act out scenes such as the role of the fire fighter. Positive relationships are formed between staff and the children who are happy and settled. This is because staff are attentive to individual children, valuing their contributions and taking a genuine interest in what they are doing in their play. Children are given lots of encouragement by committed staff that helps them succeed and achieve. This results in children developing good levels of confidence and self-esteem. Children make their preferences known as they alternate from one activity area to another. The practice of rotating play materials and resources ensures that the stimulation levels of children are maintained. Children comment that they are happy with the range of choices available to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children from all backgrounds are made to feel welcome at the setting with staff being friendly and good natured. Staff value and respect what children have to offer as individuals, contributing to children's sense of belonging. There is a good commitment to non gender stereotyping that allows children equal access to play materials and resources, however, their understanding of the wider world is hindered because the range of planned activities in this area is insufficient. Good attention is

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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 paid to ensuring children with special needs are included in the full range of activities on offer. This involves careful planning and close liaison with parents to promote their welfare and development. Staff lead by example, emphasising the importance of being kind, friendly and respectful towards one another in their play. The club rules are clearly laid down as a means of prompting good behaviour. These are known to the children and are respected. They learn to take responsibility for their own behaviour as they help to tidy away equipment and use good manners at snack time and during their play. Children respond well to meaningful praise and this helps to raise their self-esteem and confidence. The idea of a display board with certificates awarded to children is a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

good means of reinforcing positive messages to children as to how they should behave at the club. Positive working relationships are formed with parents. The good settling in policy, for example, means that children with the support of their parents can familiarise themselves with their surroundings before they make the decision to register as a club member. There are good opportunities for informal exchanges of information, which ensures that children are cared for in accordance with the parents' wishes. Policies and procedures are readily available with a notice board displayed indicating to parents the types of activities their children have engaged in. Staff receive many thank you cards and positive comments from parents indicating a good level of satisfaction.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Staff assume their roles well which serves to ensure children are appropriately cared for in the setting. Children receive good levels of adult attention with staff establishing routines that children are familiar and happy with. There is a good commitment to improving child care practices with staff accessing training courses. Staff communicate with each other on an informal basis making sure that any areas of concern or practice issues are addressed as they arise. In planning the session's activities staff take on board the ideas and suggestions of individual children so that they have a sense of club ownership. Space and resources are, in the main, organised effectively resulting in children's freedom of movement and choice in a relaxed environment. The required documentation is generally well organised, up-to-date and stored in confidence. This contributes to the safe and efficient management of the provision. Staff have a sound

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Organisation

awareness of the setting's policies and procedures which serve to protect children whilst being cared for on the premises. On the basis of the evidence collected at this inspection the needs of the children are met.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since the Club was first registered in October 2004. 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): • make accessible to children a range of activities and resources that reflect cultural diversity and disability

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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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