The Henry Box School

Happy Faces Out Of School Care

Inspection report for early years provision

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Happy Faces Out Of School Care

Unique Reference Number 138210 Inspection date 05 December 2005 Inspector Linda Close

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Happy Faces Out Of School Care

Setting Address Dundonald Primary School, Dundonald Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 3QH Telephone number 020 8542 5685

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E-mail

Registered person Karen Reddy 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?

Happy Faces Out of School Care was registered in 1992. It is based in Dundonald Primary School in the Wimbledon area of southwest London. The provision is privately owned and managed. It serves children who attend Dundonald Primary School and Wimbledon Chase Primary School. The holiday playscheme serves children who live locally but may not attend either of these schools. The local authority is the London Borough of Merton. There are currently 31 children on roll, aged 4 to 11 years, although not all attend every session. The group meets in a first floor room, situated in a building which is set on one side of

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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 the school playground. The room is used by school groups during the school day. There is a kitchen adjoining the playroom and there are toilet facilities on the ground floor of the building. Outdoor activities take place in the school playground which has seating areas and fixed equipment in a fenced enclosure. Weather permitting, the children are taken to the local park nearby. There are two members of staff who work with the children. Additional support is provided by the organiser to maintain the correct ratio of adults to children. Of the staff, one has appropriate qualifications and is working towards a National Vocational Qualification in playwork at level 3. Another has extensive experience but is not qualified. The after school club is open from 15:20 to 18:00 every weekday during

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

school term time. The playscheme is open from 08:30 to 18:00 on weekdays only, for several weeks of the main school holidays. Children attending the holiday playscheme enjoy twice weekly outings to places of interest.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about good hygiene at the after school club. They routinely wash their hands when they arrive before sitting down together for their evening meal. They also know they must wash their hands after messy activities and after using the toilet. Children are collected early if they are unwell to avoid the unnecessary spread of infection. Records of medication and accidents are correctly kept. Children's health is generally safeguarded because there are two first aiders on the premises. Both have attended training, although not all of their training is specifically linked to the care of children. Children enjoy tasty meals that are freshly cooked on the premises. They eat pasta and sauce with relish and enjoy fresh fruit afterwards. The table is set before sessions begin and it provides a welcoming sight for the children when they arrive after their busy day in school. Staff are kept informed about any food allergies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have easy access to drinks throughout their time in the after school club. Children have good opportunities to take part in energetic games in the playground. They also enjoy healthy exercise in the park, adjacent to the school, when weather permits and if there is sufficient daylight after school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a bright, attractive playroom. They have ample space to play and relax. The furniture is in good condition and it is the correct size for children to sit and play in comfort. They have easy access to a good range of toys and resources that suit both boys and girls of varying ages. They play with toys that are clean, safe and maintained in good order. There are quite steep steps up to the playroom but the children are well supervised and the handrail is sturdy. Fire drills are planned to

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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 promote children's safety and the routine is displayed for staff. However, the evacuation practise is not always carried out on a regular basis. Children are safe in relation to child protection issues because the provider is well informed and understands her role and responsibilities. She has a good understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of child abuse and has knowledge of the procedures to follow if she has any concerns. She shares her knowledge with the staff so that they all know what to do if they are concerned.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arrive at the after school club happily. They are relaxed and eager to tell the staff about what they have been doing in school. Children eat their food with obvious pleasure then quickly choose from a good range of activities. They can go outside to play ball games or remain indoors for free play and table top activities. The children clearly enjoy their play and art and craft activities. They are preparing for Christmas at the time of this inspection, with several fully involved in making attractive presentation boxes for their parents. They are given good quality art and craft materials and they take a pride in their creative work. Other children enjoy worthwhile construction play and some children play group games, such as Bingo, which they play with a seriousness that belies their years. The children benefit from a good range of planned activities that meet their needs well. The pleasant atmosphere

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

in the club shows that the children are busy and content. Children attending the holiday playscheme enjoy two outings each week to places of interest in and around London. A range of interesting activities are made available to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Continuity of care for the children is supported well as the staff find out about each child's individual health and dietary needs at registration. Children with special needs are made welcome at the club and they are included in all activities. All children are assured of equal access to all that the club has to offer. Staff provide valuable support for children who are learning English as an additional language. Parents are kept well informed about day to day affairs at the after school club, through notices, letters and informal discussions with the staff. Parents particularly appreciate the reminders passed on from school by the after school club staff concerning important matters, such as sports equipment and costumes for school plays. Parents report that they are very happy with the provision and find it reassuring to know that the children are safe and well cared for when they are at work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are content and well behaved at the after school club. They are interested in their activities. They enjoy the food, art and craft activities and their freedom to make

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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 choices. They understand the rules and are confident that they are safe from bullying in the setting. Children are invited to make their own written requests and comments via an 'Ideas box'. They gain self-esteem and self-confidence from having a say in what they will eat and what activities they can enjoy.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The setting meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides. The provider ensures that all members of staff are suitable to work with children. Children are supervised at all times in the indoor and outdoor areas. The provider ensures that sufficient staff are present to maintain a correct ratio of adults to children. A contingency plan is in place to provide suitable staff to cover unexpected absences, should these occur. Activities are planned in advance and necessary resources are prepared to ensure the smooth running of the club. Staff attend worthwhile training to assist them in developing their work with the children. Records and other documents are in place, with most of the necessary detail included, to promote the safe and efficient management of the setting for the children. However, the fire log shows that fire evacuation practise has been

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Organisation

overlooked this term and some information is missing from the statement that details what staff must do in the event that a child is lost.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to address five issues, four of which concerned documents and one related to safety in the kitchen. Children's records are now stored in a secure place which ensures confidentiality. A record is kept of visitors to the setting which meets regulations and helps to keep children safe. Information for parents now includes contact details for Ofsted which they can use if they wish to register a complaint. There is a clear procedure for uncollected children. A policy is in place regarding lost children but not enough details are included about what steps should be taken if a child is lost. The kitchen has been refurbished and now has a half door that is bolted to prevent children from entering this room. This promotes their safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There has been one complaint made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The complaint related to National Standards 1 and 2; Suitable Person and Organisation. Concerns were raised about the ratio of staff to children and staff qualifications. The complaint also related to National Standards 11 and 13; Behaviour and Child Protection. Concerns were raised about the restraint of children and their personal safety. An Ofsted inspector made an unannounced visit to the setting on 11th November 2004. Appropriately qualified staff were present and the ratio of staff to children was correct. An action was made to ensure the security of the outdoor play area. Two further actions were made about the lack of a policy or procedure for the

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 restraint of children and about developing staff knowledge of the physical restraint of children. The provider continues to be suitable for 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 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): • add further detail to the statement about steps to be taken by staff if a child is lost • ensure that fire evacuation is practised on a regular basis.

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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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