Children All Together (CAT 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. Children All Together (CAT Club) Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY370582 Inspection date 20/03/2009 Inspector Patricia Mary Champion

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Setting address c/o Ace Room, Buttsbury Junior School, Norsey View Drive, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0QR Telephone number 07929 043236 Email crogers01@sky.com 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

Children All Together (CAT Club) is privately owned. It originally opened in 1997 and moved into the current premises in 2008. The club operates from a demountable classroom within the grounds of Buttsbury Junior School, Billericay, Essex. All children share access to an enclosed, outdoor play area. They also have use of the ICT suite within the school. Access to the premises is via a ramp to the front of the premises. A maximum of 26 children may attend the out of school club at any one time. The club opens Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 09:00 and from 15:00 to 18:30 during school term times. When there is a demand a holiday club operates from 07:30 to 18:30.

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Description of the setting

There are currently approximately 80 children aged from four to 11 years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The club serves children attending Buttsbury Junior and Infant Schools, St John's School and St Peter's School. The club supports a small number of children who have learning difficulties or who have English as an additional language. This provision 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

The club employs 14 staff, of whom seven of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years, teaching or play work qualifications. There is one member of staff that holds Qualified Teacher Status and there is one staff member currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from the local authority, '4Children' and the Billericay Out of School Consortium.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The staff interact well with the children and create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. All children are encouraged to be active participants in the range of activities offered and are consulted about many aspects of the provision. Activity planning and assessment ensures that experiences provide challenge and are generally matched to children’s needs and interests. Good communication with families contributes to ensuring the needs of the children are met. The management of the club continually review practice and ensure that any improvements made are well-chosen and carefully planned.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure that staff use their observations of children's progress to identify next steps and ideas for future activities linked to the areas of learning  develop use of the outdoor area to enhance children's learning in all areas  ensure that policies and procedures are in line with the requirements of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

Children’s care is positively supported by the effective staffing levels. Clear recruitment and vetting procedures ensure children are well protected and cared for by staff with a secure knowledge and understanding of their needs. Regular training events are attended to develop knowledge and skills further. Self- evaluation accurately identifies the strengths of the setting. The manager is making good progress in ensuring the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is fully embedded in the provision and makes certain that continuous improvements are made. Both children and parents are involved in the evaluation process. The monthly children’s council meeting provides interesting ideas for new resources and activities. Questionnaires are devised to gather the parents’ views and suggestions. Notices are displayed and newsletters are distributed. Parents make very positive comments about the care provided.

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provision

Space and resources are used thoughtfully to give children interesting and fun projects and tasks. The daily routine is efficient. Staff have early access to the premises so that they can set up equipment prior to children arriving. Children are safeguarded because staff are vigilant about their security and fully aware of their child protection responsibilities. Risk assessment is undertaken to ensure that children remain safe. Staff can deal effectively with any emergency or illness that may affect a child in their care. Up-to-date first aid and food hygiene certificates are held and the first aid box is readily accessible. All the required documentation for the safe day-to-day management of the club is in place. All paperwork containing information about the children is securely stored with a high regard for confidentiality. The range of written policies and procedures ensure the needs of all the children are met. However, some policies have not yet been fully reviewed

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have the opportunity to take part in a comprehensive range of indoor activities each day. They enter the after school club confidently, immediately make decisions about their play and remain busy throughout the sessions. Children of all ages respond well to challenge. They play competitively against their friends on the pool table and when playing computerised electronic games. Opportunities are provided within the timetable for children to do any homework set by their schools. All of the youngest children attending the club have been allocated a key worker and a system for observing and recording children’s achievements and progress has been set up. However, staff are not consistently using their observations to identify children’s next steps or to inform future activity planning linked to the EYFS.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are friendly and well behaved. They support each other during activities and routines, for example, by working together to construct intricate models or by serving the meals to the youngest children. They learn about the wider world when This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they look at books that reflect positive images of culture, gender and ethnicity and discussions are held about each other’s similarities and differences. Children with English as an additional language and children with learning difficulties are well catered for so that they are happy and fully included in the activities on offer. Activities are linked to special events such as Mother’s Day. Children use their own initiative during creative activities. They are given the materials and initial ideas and they are then allowed to use their own imagination to create highly individual

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

pieces of artwork or presents to take home. Children's creations are also displayed so that they know their efforts are valued. The outdoor area is used well to promote children’s physical development. There is superb climbing equipment where children can demonstrate their agility and balancing skills. The management of the club has already identified a need to develop further the outdoor area, so that children have access to more activities and experiences linked to all areas of learning while playing outside.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s welfare and medical needs are met well. They play in a clean and safe environment. A varied healthy menu is provided at breakfast and evening meal times and children are enthusiastic about tasting new foods and drinks such as fruit smoothies and a variety of fresh vegetables. Children have a good understanding of the importance of hygiene routines. They learn about the importance of keeping themselves safe and they behave responsibly on the walking bus to and from school. Both children and staff wear fluorescent jackets to remain visible. Children are attentive when they follow instructions and they cross roads safely. Staff collect the youngest children directly from their classrooms and have developed links with the teachers to provide continuity of care. 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

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is 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? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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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: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met 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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