Rascals After School 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. Rascals After School Club Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY304994 Inspection date 24/02/2009 Inspector Jill Steer

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Setting address East Preston Youth Club, Lashmar Road, East Preston, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN16 1ES Telephone number 01903 772000 Email 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

Rascals After School Club is privately run and opened in 2005. It operates from the youth club building adjacent to primary and junior schools in East Preston. Children have access to an enclosed outdoor play area. The club is open each weekday from 07.30 until school entry and from school end to 18.00 term time only. During school holidays the club operates from 08.00 until 18.00.

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Description of the setting

A maximum of 40 children may attend the club at any one time. There are currently 223 children on roll, this includes 17 in the early years age range, 133 aged from five to under eight years and 73 children aged over eight years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are eight members of staff, four of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications to at least NVQ level 3.

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Description of the setting

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. The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Activities are well organised to ensure the needs of the children in all age ranges are considered and included, to the extent that they play both alongside and with each other, harmoniously. Not all documentation is maintained in line with the latest requirements and staff are not well deployed to ensure the safety of themselves or the children at all times. The setting have begun to reflect on their practice to identify strengths and weaknesses although not all recommendations from the previous inspection have been fully addressed. Partnership working is constantly being developed to improve the continuity of care for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 deploy staff effectively to ensure the safety of children and adults  support children in developing an understanding of the importance of making healthy choices about food

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 maintain an accurate daily record of both children and staff including their hours of attendance (Documentation), (also applies to the compulsory part 24/03/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register)  provide parents with details of how to make a complaint to Ofsted (Promoting and Safeguarding children's welfare) 24/03/2009

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provision

Staff are suitably qualified and experienced to care for the children and provide an interesting program of activities for them. Most have attended first aid training in order to meet their needs in case of illness or injury. Many staff have attended training in child protection so they are confident to identify any possible signs that children may be at risk of harm. Policies and procedures are in place to guide staff to report concerns and so protect children. However, the organisation of staff means some are working alone, in separate areas of the setting which does not ensure they, or the children, are safeguarded at all times. The management have begun to reflect on their practice to identify strengths and weaknesses in order to continue to improve the care and outcomes for all children.

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provision

All the required policies, procedures and documentation are in place to guide and inform staff and parents about working practices. However, children's and staff daily attendance is not accurately recorded to show when they are present and the complaints policy does not inform parents about making contact with the regulator. Partnership working is key to the setting as they act as messengers, passing information about the children between parents and schools, although they do not yet share information about children's development to ensure they help children to make good progress. Staff get to know the children and families well to meet their individual care needs. The setting works in partnership with other local providers for charity events and fund raising.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy getting involved with a wide range of activities and games both after school and during school holidays. They can either drop their suggestions and requests for activities into the 'Ideas box', or just ask a member of staff for what they want. This ensures children can make choices if they want to do something other than what has been provided. Some resources and activities are introduced which link with topics studied each term in the schools the children attend. This supports children's learning and enables them to further explore familiar topics. Children are supported after school by the staff who sit with them as they complete their homework and by discussing their school work as they play. Children confidently move between activities, happy to seek out their friends and support them in one of the many tournaments that take place. For example, quizzes on the computer and sporting events which result in the winner receiving a

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Some games are organised so children play safely within their own peer group such as contact sports like football. Other games such as rounders are enjoyed by This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children of mixed ages and team captains happily choose children of varying ages to join their team. Many physical activities are organised for children who prefer to be active in the outdoor area, such as trampolining, ball games and sit and ride toys. For children who prefer, there are many computers available with games such as caring for a pet animal or singing. Children use their imaginations in the role play area and are creative at the craft table. They freely access many resources of varying colours and textures to create their own artwork, chatting amiably to each other as they do so.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy many cooking activities such as making popcorn and flapjacks which they eat at snack times. However, the popcorn is then coated with salt or butter which are unhealthy options. Fresh fruit is always offered as a healthy alternative but staff attempts to encourage children to choose it are ineffective. Children bring their own packed lunches during school holiday periods which they all sit together to eat in a sociable atmosphere, happily chatting to each other. However, no information is provided to parents or children to advise and encourage a healthy content so children develop good dietary habits. Children eagerly wash their hands before eating, reminding each other of the need to do so.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well. They form friendships with each other and members of the staff team and treat each other with respect. Older children readily offer support to younger children, for example whilst making flapjacks, offering to hold the bowl still so the stiff mixture can be stirred. Staff encourage children to think about keeping themselves and each other safe by providing clear guidance and rules such as being aware of how they handle the snooker cues, and not running indoors. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 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 or the last inspection.

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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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