Netherfield Infant School (Welbeck Federation of Schools)

Sparrow Farm Out of School Care

Inspection report for early years provision

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Sparrow Farm Out of School Care

Unique Reference Number 122498 Inspection date 14 November 2005 Inspector Linda Close

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Sparrow Farm Out of School Care

Setting Address Sparrow Farm Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 2LW

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E-mail

Registered person Sparrow Farm Junior school 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?

Sparrow Farm Out of School Care operates from within the grounds of Sparrow Farm Junior School and Stoneleigh First School, which are both on the same site. The Head teacher of the Junior School is a member of the committee that is responsible for the Out of School Care registration. The club is located in a single storey, self-contained building. The club also serves the pupils of Nonsuch Primary School, which is easily accessed across the school playing fields. Every weekday during school term times there is a breakfast club which is open from 07:30 to 08:50 and an after school club that runs from 15:00 to 18:00. There is also a

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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 holiday play scheme that runs during part of the main school holidays. The holiday play scheme is open on weekdays only from 08:00 to 17:30. Children over 8 years also attend the scheme and they are included in the registered numbers. The club is managed by a team of 13 qualified and experienced child care staff, all of whom have completed first aid training. They are assisted by a Manager, who is supernumerary, and additional volunteer helpers. At present there are 30 children on roll at the breakfast club and over 100 on roll at the after school club. Most children attend part-time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is supported well because all members of staff attend first aid training and suitable first aid kits are kept to hand in all areas of the school that are used for Out of School Care. The contents are checked and replenished regularly. Children are protected from the unnecessary spread of infection because parents know that children who are ill should not attend until they are well. Children benefit from daily energetic outdoor play, sports training sessions and enjoyable adult-led games in the school hall. Every child is encouraged to take part in vigorous play for at least some part of each session. Children benefit from the good standards of hygiene that are maintained at the setting. They remove their shoes on entry to keep the floor surfaces dry and clean for play. Their toilet facilities are checked and cleaned before, during and after sessions. Table tops are cleaned before food is served and children understand why they must

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Helping children to be healthy

wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet facilities. Staff prepare snacks and drinks on clean work surfaces. Children's individual dietary needs are well known to the staff. Children clearly enjoy their snacks and drinks. However, the selection of food available at the Breakfast Club and the After School Club is not sufficiently healthy or nutritious. Many children leave the Breakfast Club to go to school having just eaten sweetened cereals or toast with chocolate spread which could be detrimental to their dental health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is carefully safeguarded by the staff working in the Out of School Care groups. Children's safe arrival at school and the clubs is assured because the staff escort both older and younger children to and from the two primary schools and the junior school. Staff know in advance which children are expected at the groups each day and they keep attendance records which they also sign. Prompt enquiries are made if children do not attend when expected which further promotes their safety. Children are supervised by staff at all times. Security of this large school site

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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 is being addressed. Outdoor lighting has been installed recently to promote safe movement around the site for staff and children. A grant has just been received by the out of school care group, some of which will be used to further enhance security systems to ensure children's continued safety. The premises and furniture are safe and suitable for the children. The setting is kept very clean. It is well-lit and sufficiently spacious for the children. They also have the use of hard and soft outdoor play areas and a new school hall for games. Children are safe in relation to fire hazard because they are involved in regular drills. They are safe indoors because the staff carry out frequent checks and risk assessments. Children are not assured of being warm enough in the colder months of the year in all

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

rooms used. The room where they eat and play table top games is pleasantly warm but early in the morning the Quiet Room is not warm enough. Children's safety is supported well in relation to child protection issues. There is a clear policy and procedures available for staff, these are also included in the file of information for parents. Staff know what signs or symptoms could suggest abuse and would inform the Manager straight away for appropriate action to be taken.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are consulted about their interests and the staff use this information to plan future activities. Breakfast Club children play quiet games indoors after they have eaten, during the relatively short period available before they are taken to school. They have free access to a good range of card and board games or they can watch television or choose an electronic game. After school activities are varied and suitable for the age range attending. Staff actively encourage all children to take some healthy exercise either in the play areas outside, in the school hall or at the sporting activity groups arranged by the school. The children are supported very well by the staff who promote fairness and fun. Children benefit from the energy and enthusiasm that staff bring to the games, particularly in the hall. The children enjoy a good range of activities indoors which can include homework if they wish. Primary school children enjoy a quiet story time at the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

beginning of the afternoon session. All children enjoy quieter art and craft activities after their vigorous play which gives them time to relax and unwind after their long and busy day. Holiday Play Scheme activities were not observed at this inspection. However, the same competent staff team cares for the children. Suitable outings and a good range of activities are planned for the play scheme.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The Manager and her staff have established a particularly effective partnership with

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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 parents and carers. Children benefit from the continuity of care that is supported by the regular exchange of information between the setting and the parents. Staff are made aware of any health matters and of other delicate issues that may influence the children's general sense of happiness and wellbeing. They unobtrusively observe and support the children very well in the setting. Parents report that the high quality wrap around care provided by this setting enables them to study and work. Parents say they are confident in the knowledge that their children are safe and happy. Places for out of school care are in demand and there is a long waiting list. Parents are invited to attend celebrations and special events at the Out of School Club. They lend their valuable support to the setting in practical ways such as offering IT services

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and through raising funds for new equipment. Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff are good role models and they are firm but very kind. Children know the rules of the club. They respond well to positive praise and their self esteem is nurtured. For example, staff comment on sensible behaviour and kind actions that they notice, particularly with individual children who have found it difficult to cooperate in the past. Children gain confidence from knowing that their views are heard. They are given opportunities to feedback their likes, dislikes and opinions to the staff. They take part in meetings with the staff and can influence decisions about future planned activities thus they feel a sense of ownership in the setting. Children are respected as individuals and each one has the opportunity to take part in all activities. The staff have taken the trouble to find out about multi-cultural celebrations taking place in the school and have extended these learning

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Helping children make a positive contribution

experiences for the children in the After School Club. Children with special educational needs are warmly welcomed to take advantage of Out of School Care. Staff work with parents very well to ensure that individual needs are met. They discuss care requirements in advance in preparation for the attendance of children with special needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting meets the needs of the range of the children from whom it provides. Children's welfare is ensured as all necessary documents and records are in place and are carefully maintained. The Manager of the setting retains records for at least two years after children have left the setting. Secure storage of records for staff and children ensures confidentiality. Policies and procedures are all in place and made easily accessible to parents and carers. Children are safe as all members of staff are checked for suitability or properly supervised until clearances are received. Activities are well planned to stimulate children and keep their interest. Recruitment and induction procedures ensure that staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities. The Manager conducts appraisals and actively encourages staff to train for professional development. She liaises with Early Years staff which helps her

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Organisation

to keep abreast of developments in childcare and play-work. The Manager ensures that a correct ratio of staff to children is maintained at all times. She delegates the

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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 cleaning of the accommodation and the ordering and organisation of resources to other members of staff who meet their responsibilities very well. Most aspects of the running of the setting are well organised. However, the inefficient heating in one of the playrooms and the limitations in the provision of healthy food and drink have been identified but not yet successfully addressed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection staff agreed to ensure that children cannot access the kettle. Additional worktops have been fitted since the last inspection which puts the kettle out of easy reach if it is used. In practice the kettle is rarely used when children are present and staff are vigilant to ensure children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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): • promote healthy eating at all of the Out of School Care groups and give due consideration to children's dental health • ensure that the Quiet Room is warm enough for the children who attend the Breakfast Club in the colder months of the year.

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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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