YMCA Portsmouth DaycampsOfsted inspection, 13 Aug 2009

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. St Lukes Holiday Playscheme Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 143460 Inspection date 13/08/2009 Inspector Judith Reed

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Setting address St. Lukes Community Sports Centre, Greetham Street, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO5 4HA Telephone number 07789 483 709 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 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

St Lukes Holiday Playscheme has been registered in these premises since 2001. It is one of several schemes run by YMCA Fairthorne Group, and operates out of St Lukes Community Sports Centre in the Sommerstown area of Portsmouth. The playscheme has sole use of the large sports hall. It is open each weekday during school holidays from 8:30 to 17:30. The facilities are accessible to all children and additional support staff are available as required.

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Description of the setting

The playscheme is registered on the Early Years Register. A maximum of 60 children aged under eight years may attend at any one time including children in the early years age range. The playscheme is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The facilities are accessible and care is provided for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Description of the setting

There are several members of staff working with the children and they have all undertaken basic play work training through the registered organisation. The play leaders hold suitable level 3 qualifications.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are well occupied and happy while attending the playscheme. All children join in large group activities and they work together as teams. Children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties are well supported by additional staff. Children and parents contribute to the evaluation of the provision and this information is used to ensure ongoing development and improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop and improve range of resources and activities available during free play  continue to review items available for children to purchase from the tuck shop to follow healthy eating guidelines

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provision

The leader of the playscheme completes an evaluation and takes on board comments from the children, as well as their parents. Ongoing development of the provision is a priority and the completed self-evaluation document helps to effectively focus future planning. Staff talk to parents about their children at the beginning and end of the day. Key workers find out about the children verbally with parents and through the individual registration forms, to ensure their individual needs are met. Parents state that they are very happy with service This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provided and they are pleased at the range of activities offered. Staff liaise with other professionals to support all children as necessary.

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provision

Children are safeguarded as all staff are checked as necessary and they are also fully aware of the safeguarding procedures. Robust staff recruitment procedures are in place. The safeguarding policy and flow charts are displayed at all times and staff receive up to date training regarding safeguarding issues. Children are kept safe by being supervised at all times and appropriate ratios are maintained. Staff are vigilant when taking children out and about. Access to the setting is monitored and any persons not expected on site are challenged. All visitors sign in and out of the sports hall premises. All necessary paperwork is in place to ensure children's health and safety. Careful risk assessments are carried out regularly and this includes a daily check list to ensure the premises are safe. Children are accompanied to the toilets as these are outside the main sports hall.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy opportunities to choose their own activities. They move around the large sports hall and explore many different play activities. Some children particularly enjoy creating imaginative flying machines with intricate construction sets. They 'fly' their creations around the area. Other children use the wooden, building blocks to create house and church shapes. They also watch other children building with the blocks and admire their creations. During free play sessions there are currently no opportunities for children to be creative with paint, glue or play dough. Staff strike a balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities. Many different interesting and exciting activities are planned throughout the school holidays and a programme is available to parents and children. Activities offered include potato prints, papier mache, sensory games, basketball, bowling, swimming, cooking pizza, fruit kebabs, and the fitness challenge. Children are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

brought together for circle time at around 10:00 and 14:00 when they choose their activities as depicted in the programme. During the inspection children are able to choose to take part in a treasure hunt in small teams, or be in a 'Big Play', or do a quiz about sun safety. Staff ensure all children are included in the activities and they are well occupied. Children laugh and giggle as they join in doing forfeits linked to the treasure hunt activity. Those children taking part in the 'Big Play' write a script and create costumes and props. No children chose to do the sun safety quiz. During the afternoon session children will continue with these activities and either visit the local park to find the treasure according to their maps, or rehearse their play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

When children come together at group circle time staff also take the opportunity to reiterate the rules of the provision. They ask the children to tell the new children about the rules. Staff praise and encourage the children as they remember the rules. Children's self esteem is boosted when their work is displayed around the hall. Staff act as good role models. Several children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities attend the scheme and are supported by workers from 'enable ability'. This ensure all children can join in any activities they choose.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Water drinks are available throughout the day and children help themselves as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they wish. Children bring in a packed lunch and staff sit with the children to consume their lunches together. Staff ensure rubbish is placed in the rubbish bin and children rest after lunch to aid digestion. A tuck shop is available to children after lunch and this includes chocolate bars and sugary sweeties. A small range of more healthy tracker bars or fruit biscuit bars are also available, although these are more expensive. Children are not able to choose healthy fresh fruit, fresh vegetable or dried fruit snacks. 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

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