Park Out of School Club

Park Out of School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Park Out of School Club

Unique Reference Number EY280538 Inspection date 31 October 2005 Inspector Lorraine, Susan Fay

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Park Out of School Club

Setting Address Park Primary School, Rutland Street, Colne, Lancashire, BB8 0QJ Telephone number 01282 863 225

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E-mail

Registered person Park Out of School Club 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?

Park Out of School Club opened in 2001. The club operates from within the Park Primary School. The school is situated within easy access of the town centre of Colne. The club is privately owned and is managed by a committee. The out of school club has use of facilities within the junior building which includes the main hall, a large classroom, toilet facilities for males and females and a secure outdoor play area. There is a kitchen for the preparation of meals and snacks. Staff are also able to access staff facilities within the school including the office. The out of school club is registered for 24 children aged from 4 to under 8 years.

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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 Older children may also attend. There are currently 79 children on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs. There are currently no children attending with English as an additional language. The club operates five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 07.30 until 09.00 and again from 15.15 until 18.00. During school holidays the club operates from 08.00 until 18.00. There are three permanent staff members with additional staff to call upon when required. The supervisor holds an appropriate level 3 qualification. The setting is well supported by the committee and is a member of the 4Kids Network Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a satisfactory range of activities which contribute to their good health. Staff ensure that children follow appropriate routines which minimise the risk of infection and cross contamination. Staff lead by example. As a result children learn the importance of hand washing at appropriate times throughout the session. Children take responsibility for their own hygiene and are motivated when attending to themselves in the bathroom. The older children assist the younger ones. This means that children develop independence. Staff follow routine practices in relation to keeping the premises, toys and equipment clean. Children can therefore play in clean surroundings without potential risk to their health. Staff make good use of the outdoor play area. They plan a range of team games and physical play activities. Children are able to develop their physical skills as they play,

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Helping children to be healthy

for example, group games. Children learn the importance of physical exercise in relation to keeping their bodies fit. They enjoy the fresh air following a day in school. Children enjoy a range of healthy foods. Staff show a positive awareness of healthy eating which is reflected in the menus they provide. Children chose from a variety of cereals at breakfast time. Snacks after school include fresh produce, for example, fresh fruit. During the Halloween party children are provided with a nutritious food buffet including wholesome sandwiches, rice cakes and fresh salad. They bring their own packed lunches during holiday times. Children develop independence as they are able to access drinking water throughout the session. At the beginning of the placement, staff gather information from parents relating to children's dietary requirements. Staff use this information to ensure that children's dietary needs are

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Helping children to be healthy

met, in particular any reported allergies or food intolerances.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay safe because staff pay appropriate attention to their safety both within the setting and during outdoor play. Risk assessments are adequate and are regularly updated. A satisfactory safety policy is shared with all staff. This means that

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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 all staff are aware of their responsibilities. The premises are secure and an appropriate system is in place in relation to collecting children from school. Children's safety is further enhanced via a range of safety features including socket covers and the regular maintenance of electrical appliances and fire fighting equipment. Children are supervised during activities, however, they are not supervised when visiting the toilet. This impacts on the safety of children as the toilet area is a distance away from the main play room. Equipment is maintained to a satisfactory standard and is accessible to children. A system is in place for the reporting of faulty equipment. This means that staff remain vigilant and have the safety of the children in mind when setting out equipment and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

activities. Children learn the importance of keeping a safe environment by helping to tidy away toys at the end of the session and participating in regular fire drills. Practitioners keep records up-to-date which has an impact upon the safety of the children. Emergency contact details are well documented and accident records are clear. Staff can therefore readily contact parents should an accident or incident occur. Staff provide, in the main, an environment in which children feel secure and safe. As a result, children are content and happy to enter the setting after school and during the school holidays. There is a child protection policy which is made available to staff and parents. Staff have a clear knowledge of child protection procedures which assists in ensuring the well-being of the children in their care. However, the policy lacks clear guidance on the procedures to follow should an allegation be made against a staff member or

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

volunteer. This will impact on the wellbeing and safety of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy and achieve because practitioners provide a wide range of quality play opportunities. Staff plan exciting activities of a recreational nature for both indoor and outdoor play. Staff place a high emphasis on children having fun whilst attending the out of school club. Children develop great self esteem as they are given the opportunity to self-select resources. Staff encourage children to be proactive in choosing their own resources. As a result, children smile and are extremely happy as they move around the setting in order to explore the equipment. They take great delight in participating in craft activities. They make pumpkin pictures for the Halloween display using shiny paper. Children are encouraged to be creative. They bake biscuits and are delighted to take the finished product home. Staff take full part in activities. Children and staff laugh out loud as they dunk for apples during the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

organised Halloween party. Staff are extremely approachable to children and take great interest in all that children tell them. Children tell the Inspector that they "enjoy the exciting activities" and that they are "never bored". Children enjoy a variety of outdoor play experiences. They take great delight in participating in team games. Children run around taking in the fresh air which is most welcome following a day in school. Some children prefer to take part in quieter activities. However, there is limited furniture which allow children to relax, for

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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 example, when looking at books. During the morning session children choose from a variety of interesting table top activities. The atmosphere remains relaxed in order to prepare children for a day in school. During the holiday club children enjoy a range of activities outside of the school premises. They look forward to trips to the park and local places of interest. As a result children learn about the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to make a positive contribution as they are made to feel valued and welcome within the setting. Staff display a satisfactory understanding of equal opportunities. This is reflected in their practice and the club's written policy. Children play well together in groups. They respond to each other in a kind and understanding manner. The older children assist the younger ones which in turn gives them a sense of autonomy and reflects a caring approach. Staff listen to children, for example, they are eager to tell staff about their day in school. Children learn about the wider world through a series of books, games, jigsaws and craft activities. Children make four leaf clovers when celebrating Saint Patrick's day. Children with special needs are integrated well within the group. Staff ensure that any additional equipment or support is sought. This enables children to get the best from

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their time within the club. Children are generally well behaved due to staff being positive role models who set realistic boundaries. Children respond to the praise offered by staff, for example, after helping to tidy toys away at the end of the session. Satisfactory relationships are fostered with parents from the onset. Parents have access to all policies and procedures which enables them to keep abreast of the settings ethos, aims and objectives. Reliable links are formed between parents, staff and the committee. Parents are represented on the management committee. This form of communication keeps parents appropriately informed of their child's time at the club. Parents speak positively about the setting and its reliability.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The out of school club is generally well managed. There is a rigorous procedure in place which ensures that all staff working in the club are suitable to do so. This, as a result, keeps the well being of children a top priority. Staff are appropriately supported via an induction and informal appraisal system. Training is made available and appropriate training courses actively sought by the management team and the committee. The ratio of staff to children ensures that children are appropriately supported. Staff organise resources well. This ensures that children benefit greatly from a variety

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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 of indoor and outdoor activities. Staff provide a firm balance of planned activities and child-led activity. This means that children look forward to their time at the club. Documentation in general is kept in a good order, organised and up-to-date. All policies and procedures are shared with parents. Policies and procedures in the main reflect the positive care given to the children who attend this club. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection this setting agreed to develop staff's understanding and knowledge of equal opportunities and to provide children with an appropriate range of activities and resources which promoted equality and anti-discriminatory practice. They also agreed to maintain the children's toilets to a reasonable standard and to make parents aware of any accidents. A clear equal opportunity policy is shared with all staff. Staff's understanding of the policy and procedures are reflected in their everyday practice. Children are provided with a range of resources and activities which reflect anti discriminatory practice, for example, jigsaws, games, books and imaginative play equipment. All children are able to access all resources. This practice ensures that individual children's needs are well met. The children's toilets are kept to a good standard. This means that health risks to children are minimised. Parents are kept informed on any accidents relating to their

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Improvements since the last inspection

individual children. Children have individual accident records which are shared with and signed by parents. As a result parents are kept fully informed should any accidents occur.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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 that children are supervised at all times • ensure that the child protection policy includes clear procedures to follow should an allegation be made against a staff member or volunteer • ensure that children are provided with appropriate furniture on which they can relax and enjoy quieter activities.

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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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