The Alpha Club

The Alpha Club Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY381503 Inspection date 29/06/2010 Inspector Narinder Dohel

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Setting address Montbelle School, Milverton Way, LONDON, SE9 3EY

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Telephone number 07939 528 678 Email alpha-chains@fsmail.net Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as

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you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way. Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

The Alpha Club opened in 2008 and is part of the Alpha Chains group of out of school provisions. It operates from Montbelle School in Eltham in the London borough of Greenwich. A maximum of 26 children aged from three years to under eight years may attend the club at any one time. The club is open each weekday from 3.15pm to 6.30pm, term time only. Children have access to a secure outdoor play area. There are 22 children on roll, six of whom are within the early years age group. The club accepts children who attend the school. The club employs three members of staff, two of whom are suitably qualified and one volunteer is training for qualifications. The setting receives support from the Early Years Childcare Service termly since it opened. It is registered on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The club meets the welfare needs of the children of the early years age range well, and their learning development needs satisfactorily. The quality of relationships ensures that all children enjoy and are engaged in the activities provided. The staff review their work at the end of sessions and have satisfactory capacity to improve further.

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further?

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

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further?

 be clear about the strengths and areas of development and have a plan in place to focus on improvement areas  ensure that the planning and children's records clearly show progress in learning over time against the six areas of learning  ensure that all children have resources and opportunities to experience and explore a wider range of cultures.

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the early years provision

The Alpha Club is friendly and welcoming and provides a secure and enjoyable environment for all children. Procedures for safeguarding are good. Staff take great care in ensuring that all children in the setting are safe both inside and outside the building and carry out risk assessments. They have developed a range of policies including anti bullying, equal opportunities, special educational needs and/or disabilities and complaints. Staff and children are clear about medical and dietary needs of all/other children.

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the early years provision

Staff ensure that they get to know the children well. They record progress in line This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with the early learning goals in the Early Years Foundations Stage Framework. Information is shared verbally and in a communication book with staff in the school and on some occasions this has led to further support for children. Children's records show that there is a focus on the range of activities they engage in and how much they enjoy them. Older children include the younger ones in their activities which contributes positively to the learning experience for younger children. Staff meet for a review at the end of sessions and agree what needs to be planned for future sessions depending on what the children have enjoyed.

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the early years provision

The manager has started working with the local authority childcare services in writing a self-evaluation on the work of the play club. At present this describes some of the work of the club and identifies some areas for improvement such as the development of multicultural resources and experiences, and better communication with partners. It also shows a number of some strengths such as communication with parents, awareness of healthy eating, enjoyment and seeking children's views. The manager and staff are motivated to seek further improvement and are becoming increasingly aware in how they could be more effective in focusing the setting's efforts on priorities as well as recognising their strengths. Consequently, the capacity to improve further is satisfactory.

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the early years provision

Relationships between children, staff and parents are positive and a clear strength of the club. A communication book is available for parents should they wish to record or leave any messages, this shows that parents trust and appreciate the care that their children receive. The club takes into account the views of parents and children, even the youngest children have a written record of their likes, dislikes, views and ideas for improvement, as well as discussion groups. The parents newsletter provides clear and relevant information about what is going on at the club and invites their views.

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the early years provision

Leaders and managers have good and regular communication with partners such as the school and the local authority early years service in improving care and provision for all children. This is particularly effective in addressing any concerns about children.

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the early years provision

The accommodation is good and resources are adequate and fit for purpose. The outdoor space is spacious and provides a range of areas including a covered space, activity and climbing areas, playground markings and grassed areas.

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and outcomes for children

The provision for children is satisfactory in all respects and good in some. Staff have a growing understanding and knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. Observations and documentation show that children clearly enjoy attending The Alpha Club, take part in activities and enjoy being with each other. The youngest children were observed making their own choices about what they wanted to engage in, from cooking food in the role play area to making play dough with an adult, using a laptop for computer games and using a children's keyboard to compose tunes. Planning is organised under the six areas of learning and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 planned for over time. Planning does not always include the purpose of activities and it is not clear how the observation notes relate to the areas of learning. While there are summaries of children's capabilities against the areas of learning these

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and outcomes for children

are not dated thus making it difficult to assess progress over time.

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and outcomes for children

There are many opportunities for speaking and listening both with adults, and through interactive resources such as the home corner, Wii, musical instruments and computers. There were also opportunities for reading and writing, although book and resource provision was limited in helping children to understand and experience a range of cultures and the wider world. Photographs show children engaging in building, shapes and counting. Provision for developing skills for the future is satisfactory.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe and are very aware of safety. Their good behaviour and social skills lends to the safety of the environment. Children help and know about each other. This was demonstrated during 'teatime' when children were keen to talk about their friendships, siblings and eating habits. Teatime also demonstrated children's understanding and good choices about healthy eating. They knew to wash their hands and were keen to eat a range of fruit and vegetables along with their freshly prepared slice of pizza. They also helped themselves to water throughout their time at the club. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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Stage

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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