Mytime Active - Unicorn Breakfast and After School Club

Bromley Mytime at Unicorn

Inspection report for early years provision

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Bromley Mytime at Unicorn

Unique Reference Number EY289527 Inspection date 25 January 2006 Inspector Elizabeth Ellen Mackey

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Bromley Mytime at Unicorn

Setting Address Unicorn Primary School, Cresswell Drive, Beckenham, BR3 3GL

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E-mail

Registered person Bromley Mytime 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?

Bromley Mytime registered in 2004 and is run by the Bromley Mytime organisation. It operates from one room in a purpose built building within the grounds of Unicorn school in Beckenham. A maximum of 24 children may attend the after school at any one time. Currently, up to 12 children attend on a regular basis. The after school is open each weekday from 15.25 to 18:00, term time only. Children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area and the school hall. There are presently 2 permanent members of staff working with the children, including the manager, and they both have early years qualifications.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of good personal hygiene because they practice them routinely. For example, they know that it 'stops germs spreading' when they wash their hands before eating meals and after using the toilet. Children benefit from a healthy diet and make choices from a range of healthy snacks, which means they contribute to making decisions about foods that are healthy for them. They enjoy varied and nutritious snacks, these always comply with special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy. Children's independence at mealtimes is actively promoted. They are encouraged to take part in every day activities such as helping to prepare the table or serving their own snacks, which develops confidence and gives them responsibility. Children bring their own water bottles, staff replenish them throughout the session and encourage the children to drink plenty. Children take part

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Helping children to be healthy

in a range of outdoor activities, which develop their physical skills and help them learn about the importance of physical play in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They have access to the school hall for sport and ball games and a spacious outdoor area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure environment. Effective security precautions are in place, for example, the main door is locked and staff ensure parent's sign their children out of the building. Staff escort children to areas outside of the classroom and ensure close supervision at all times. Risk assessments are conducted regularly. However, for some procedures, for example safety testing of portable electrical equipment, the timescale for action is overdue. This undermines the effectiveness of the process to minimise risks Children use a wide range of good quality, developmentally appropriate resources, which are well organised in child height storage to encourage independent access. Staff explain safe practices and reinforce them through agreeing group rules for everyone, for example children are not permitted to go in storage areas. Group rules are displayed and children are involved in the rules agreed, this helps children learn

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to take responsibility for keeping themselves and their environment safe. Staff receive guidance on child protection and health and safety awareness, this is enhanced by the manager's commitment to updating her practice. She has recently updated child protection training, this ensures that procedures are up-to-date and that staff understand their responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children are enthusiastic to attend and relish their time in the setting. They enjoy taking part in an extensive range of well planned, free play activities both inside and outdoor. Activities are organised to give a mix of energetic, creative and quiet play. Detailed plans ensure children enjoy all activities and they offer appropriate challenge. They take into account children's ability and interest; the manager implements them with a high level of enthusiasm, which engages the children. Children become engrossed in the themed activities that stimulate, challenge and interest them. The main themed activity develops initially from the children's interest and children are involved from the planning stage to the end of the project. Children are supported in their play, encouraged to make choices and develop their ideas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff consistently acknowledge children in their achievements. A very good range of resources are available and the excellent use of natural materials gives the children lots of different textures to experience and extends their creative ability and imagination, for example stones, feathers, tissue, egg cartons. Children have opportunities to relax and read a selection of good quality books and have the choice of how they spend their time in the setting. They share responsibility for decisions regarding group activities and staff encourage them to express what they would like to do, this helps them to share and compromise. Children relate exceptionally well to each other. They value and listen to each other and staff encourage them to respect one another, which helps to build positive relationships. Children's artwork is named and beautifully presented, this boosts children's confidence and self-esteem. Children enjoy excellent relationships with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

staff and are eager to talk to them on arrival. This is encouraged by the manager who takes time to speak to all the children together about their day in school, ensuring every child is included. This focuses the children and gives them a sense of belonging. Children are confident, happy and settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children behave responsibly and work very well together. They know what is expected of them because they are included in making the club behaviour rules. The children are acknowledged and their input is valued because of the skilful planning of activities, which includes their ideas and choices. Children enjoy harmonious relationships with the staff, they help one another and are happy to take turns and share. They develop self-esteem and confidence as they voice their opinions, take responsibility and make decisions. Children settle extremely well into the club and enjoy good relationships with their peers. Partnership with parents is excellent. They are welcome in the setting and have information about the club's activities. Staff update parents on arrival and they are extremely satisfied with the care given to their children. The club offers an inclusive service and children's needs are identified to ensure all children are able to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

participate fully. Children's individual needs are well met and their likes and dislikes are respected. This contributes to their sense of belonging to the group.

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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 Children are given clear, consistent boundaries and respond well to the positive behaviour strategies in place. The manager promotes good behaviour through her own calm, gentle but firm approach. She explains to children why they need to do something. For example, to talk to each other and think about different points of view, which helps children to learn about respecting the feelings of others. Children receive meaningful praise for their achievements and encouragement in whatever they choose to do, this builds on their confidence and self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The club is extremely well organised with effective routines in place. The experience and knowledge of the manager and her positive outlook ensure that the activities provided are stimulating and sustain children's interest, promoting their health, enjoyment and achievement. The environment is very well organised and welcoming to parents and children. It is clean, well maintained and suitable for its purpose, ensuring that children's physical care needs and developmental needs are well met. Children feel secure because of the effective management and good organisation. Children really enjoy attending the club and parents are totally satisfied with the service provided. There are effective recruitment procedures in place, which ensure that staff are appropriately vetted and qualified. The induction programme implemented by the Manager ensures staff work well together to promote children's

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Organisation

health, enjoyment and achievement. All records, policies and procedures, which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision and to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children, are effectively maintained and confidentially stored. Overall the needs of the range of children for whom the setting provides are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable. This is the first inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • ensure the risk assessment timescale is met to minimise the potential risk of hazard

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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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