Fair Play After School Club

Fair-Play

Inspection report for early years provision

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Fair-Play

Unique Reference Number EY300203 Inspection date 05 January 2006 Inspector Lynne Kathleen Talbot

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Fair-Play

Setting Address Icknield Walk First School, Poplar Close, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 7EZ Telephone number 01763 243392 + 07905 001403

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E-mail

Registered person Leonie Campbell 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?

Fair-Play is registered as an Out of school club and holiday care provision. It is sited within Icknield Walk Lower School, in Royston, Hertfordshire. The group registered in March 2005. The provision operates from one main room and has additional use of the school hall. There is access to enclosed outdoor play areas and the playing field. The provision offers care for 20 children during term-time and 30 children during holidays. They can support children with special educational needs and children for whom English is a second language. The provision serves the local community and currently accepts children from three schools.

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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 three staff, including the manager, of whom two staff hold appropriate early years and play-work qualifications with one staff member working towards an appropriate qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a comfortable, clean environment where there are facilities to offer space for a range of activities and play opportunities. Children are developing a good understanding of the importance of personal hygiene, for example, washing their hands before snack time and after outdoor activities although increased opportunities to care for personal needs are required. They enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks, including fresh fruit and vegetables, and hot snacks such as toast, spaghetti and homemade shepherd's pie. They participate in developing menus and learn about the range of nutrition required for healthy development. Children enjoy an extensive range of physical activities which contribute to their good health, they are beginning to understand the relevance of this area. For example, they thoroughly enjoy participation in sports and active play to extend their physical

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Helping children to be healthy

wellbeing. They develop control of their bodies and improve their physical skills and co-ordination as they participate in structured activities such as basketball, football and a variety of sports. Afterwards they recognise their thirst and seek drinks independently to replenish their fluid levels. The children make good use of the outdoor play areas where there are regular opportunities to use larger equipment and to make use of the playing fields for a wealth of structured and child-initiated games. Their independence is consistently promoted, within safe boundaries, as they move freely in the building monitored by staff with the use of electronic communication aids. Children's general health and safety is supported by relevant paperwork and records. Staff have given this much thought and there are clear, practical policies and procedures which underpin all areas. They have developed procedures for all issues

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Helping children to be healthy

such as the administration of medication, preparation of food, dealing with children who become ill, and making sure that staff always have current first aid qualifications. These well-executed measures ensure that children's health can be promoted at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children access a welcoming environment using equipment that meets safety standards, where their work is creatively displayed, and resources are well organised and easily accessible. All areas used by children are checked by staff, both before and during each session, enabling staff to identify any hazards and take immediate steps to remove or minimise these. However, on occasion, these checks need to be more vigilant. Children have an understanding about taking responsibility for their

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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 actions and keeping themselves and others safe. They are given clear and consistent explanations by staff and understand the importance of issues such as not running inside, using equipment safely and taking turns in order to prevent accidents. Children independently select toys and activities from a range of appropriate and inventive activities such as beadworks and craft resources that stimulate older children. They take part in gathering spilt items demonstrating that they recognise both responsibility and safety issues. Children's safety and welfare, using the premises, is given a high priority as staff liaise with other users of the rooms, through message books, to ensure that hazards and risks are identified and removed, thereby increasing the quality of the environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because staff understand child protection issues and the appropriate steps to follow. There are robust procedures for induction of suitable staff and their ongoing suitability whilst employed by the group. However a review of recruitment procedures is required inline with updated regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of children at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the setting, both when attending the after school sessions and the holiday care scheme. They are very settled and confident in choosing activities throughout the sessions. They relate very well to each other and respond to the support and interaction from the staff. Children's independence is promoted as they freely make decisions about resources and activities, and initiate new choices through the 'bright ideas' sheets. Children enjoy stimulating activities that cover all areas of development, encouraging them to explore and learn about their environment. An example of this is the topic on the 'African village' where they explore different homes, masks and other crafts. They are aided in their learning by the staff who encourage children's understanding and build on their knowledge through appropriate planning, discussion and instruction. Where children require one-to-one help, staff are quick to recognise this and offer

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

gentle support at an appropriate level enabling children to achieve alongside their peers. Children are able to relax and enjoy their time at the setting as there is a clear recognition that this is out of school hours care, with an emphasis on having fun. All children are offered appropriate challenge within the activities, and staff make good use of open questions to encourage them to think further. Staff are particularly attentive and know the children well. This ensures that activities are always adapted so that children are purposefully occupied and are able to participate meaningfully. Children ask staff to join them at activities and demonstrate their confidence and enjoyment in both adults and other children's company at sports and other activities.

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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 All children are equally welcomed and play a full and active part in the setting because staff value and respect their individuality. Staff have a clear understanding of the importance of promoting equality of opportunity, ensuring that this theme runs through all areas and offering good roles models. Children are offered a range of opportunities which promote their understanding of society and increase their awareness of other cultures and ways of life. These include activities related to cultural celebrations and involvement in the local and wider community. Children are kind and considerate to each other and to staff. Their behaviour is exemplary throughout the sessions as they choose their activities and competently organise turn-taking and sharing with the assistance of timers and lists. Children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

demonstrate very good social behaviour and freely use terms such as, 'excuse me', and 'would you mind if'. Children are helped in this by staff who set consistent boundaries for the children and act as excellent role models, reinforcing positive behaviour. Children have worked out their own ground rules, producing these and supporting them with participation in star charts for all to emphasise the caring attitudes across all activities. Children who have special needs are able to have their requirements clearly identified to ensure that children are fully included in the activities and routines. Children's development is supported because there is a commitment to involving parents fully in the setting. For example, parental questionnaires are issued regularly where they, and their children, may comment on any aspect of the group to assist continual development. This positive approach ensures that parental views are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

valued, standards are maintained and high quality care can be provided for each child.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare and safety are promoted through the setting's policies and procedures, and the staff's practical knowledge and daily implementation of these. There is, however, a need to review and update organisational procedures to ensure that the National Standards continue to be met in line with recently updated information. There is a thorough induction process for new staff, providing information and support. This continues through the staff assessment and appraisal system, which ensures that all training needs are identified and staff are able to work appropriately with all children. A highly appropriate level of training is held which assists staff in planning appropriately for this specific care provision and age group. Children's overall welfare is promoted by the dedication that the staff have in their role and responsibilities, they act as positive role models and are motivated to pursue

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Organisation

continued good care. All sessions, both during term-time and holidays, are well planned, with a balanced range of opportunities offering both leisure and adult-initiated themed works throughout the day. Staff pay attention to what children are doing and ensure that they are always given sufficient time and resources to complete their activities and tasks.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Overall, the needs of the children attending are being met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made since registration. 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): • develop opportunities for children to understand personal health and take responsibility for their physical needs • improve knowledge of procedures to protect children's health and safety • develop and increase the frequency of the fire evacuation procedure to ensure that the safety and welfare of children is maintained • review and update organisational procedures in line with regulations and the National Standards to continue effective care and protection for children.

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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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