C.A.L.M.S. (Care at Leyland Methodist School)

School)

Inspection report for early years provision

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School)

Unique Reference Number 502192 Inspection date 23 November 2005 Inspector Lynne Naylor

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School)

Setting Address Leyland Methodist Infant School, Canberra Road, Leyland, Preston, PR25 3ET Telephone number 01772 431 914

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E-mail

Registered person C.A.L.M.S. 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?

C.A.L.M.S. out of school service registered in 2001 and operates from rooms within Leyland Methodist Infant School and rooms within the adjoining school, Leyland Methodist Junior School. It is operated by a committee and serves children who attend the schools. A maximum of 56 children may attend at any one time. The service is open each school day, term time only, from 08.00 until 09.00 and 15.15 until 18.00. All children have access to secure outdoor play areas.

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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 There are currently 92 children aged under 8 years on roll. The service employs 14 staff; of these, 11 staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years or teaching qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children easily and independently access the toilets from each room. They practice good routines of personal hygiene. They know that washing hands helps to prevent the spread of germs. Staff protect children’s health by taking steps to minimise the spread of infection. They have up to date first aid training that enables them to carry out appropriate treatment in the event of injury. Most of the consents, policies and procedures are effective in ensuring continuity of care between staff and parents through good communication and appropriate action. Children do not bring medicine to school, consequently, they do not arrive at the club with any to administer. Therefore, it is not necessary for parents to sign a general consent for medicine to be administered. However, asthma inhalers are kept in the school and children access their own, if and when necessary. There is no written

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Helping children to be healthy

consent for this from parents, although staff record the self administration in the medicine records. This system does not fully protect children's health. Children's health benefits from vigorous exercise in the fresh air. This is because, weather permitting, outdoor games are thoughtfully organised. Two types of snack are offered to the children as they arrive, after school. These meet the individual dietary needs of the children. Children look forward to their snacks and are given sufficient opportunity to develop their independence and self care skills. Children choose whether to have toast which is served in the classroom or snacks such as crackers, bread sticks and raisins which are served in the hall. They develop good eating habits with the provision of healthy snacks and drinks. They have some appreciation of the type of foods that keep them healthy.

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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 warm and welcoming environment, which is clean and well maintained. Ample space is available to organise the resources, which enables children to move around freely and safely. Children independently select toys from a good range of clean, safe equipment brought out of the store room, by staff, prior to each session. Toys and equipment, which are regularly checked for safety, meet the needs of the children who attend. Children are kept safe through staff's vigilance and good practice. They move freely and safely in buildings where hazards are effectively minimised. Fire drills occur regularly so children are aware of evacuation procedures. Safe collection procedures,

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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 with use of code names, ensure children leave with a known adult. A full written risk assessment is available and induction systems ensure new staff are aware of the procedures required to protect children and keep them safe. Children are aware of safety rules. Occasionally, they are gently reminded, by staff, of rules such as picking up dropped toys, which encourages them to take responsibility for their own actions and the safety of others. Staff are very much aware of potential hazards and take positive steps to ensure children are kept free from harm. Children develop a good understanding about safety in the setting. Staff explain the reasons behind the need for rules and encourage children to develop their own understanding of why boundaries are set. Children's welfare is safeguarded because staff demonstrate a clear understanding

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of potential signs of abuse and neglect; also of whom to contact in the event of identifying a child protection concern. The setting's written statement is well understood by staff and contains most of the required elements. The procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation against a member of staff is not clear in the documentation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children engage well in activities which are planned according to their ages, abilities and interests. This results in them being purposefully occupied. Different types of activities are set up, in the three rooms used each evening. In practice, this offers children a wide range of activities over the week but a narrower range each evening, dependent on which room they are allocated on the rota. Over the week, children's ability to express themselves creatively is fostered appropriately with opportunities for them to use a range of media and materials. They enjoy being able to sit together at the table, sharing their ideas and comparing their work in a harmonious atmosphere. They can use the computer or simply relax, in comfort, in the library. Children like to play independently, using their initiative, for example to build objects of their own choosing. They play together imaginatively with small world equipment such as a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

dolls house, cars and train set. Also, in the role play area such as the café, a good range of equipment and props enables children to use their own imagination. Positive relationships are formed between staff and the children who are happy and settled. Staff are attentive to individual children. They value their contributions and take a genuine interest in what they are doing in their play. Children are keen to show staff what they have made. Staff in turn acknowledge their achievements resulting in raised levels of confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and are treated with equal concern. They are given suitable opportunities to increase their knowledge about the world around them,

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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 through discussions with staff and planned activities. Resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability are less evident on a daily basis. However, children enjoy activities based on their own festivals and celebrations. They also learn to respect the views of others through discussion and planned age appropriate craft activities linked to the festivals of others, such as at Chinese New Year and Diwali. Staff lead by example, emphasising the importance of being kind, friendly and respectful towards one another. Children know and understand the rules which are consistent. They help to tidy away equipment and use good manners at snack time. Children play harmoniously together. They effectively negotiate with each other and take responsibility for their own behaviour. They are very well-behaved, polite, take

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Helping children make a positive contribution

turns and show concern for others. Children respond well to meaningful praise and this helps to raise their self-esteem and confidence. The group has a caring ethos. Children’s individual needs are effectively met. This is because staff obtain the relevant information from parents in order to be in a position to give appropriate care. Parents are provided with sufficient information that includes access to the setting’s policy statements and some procedures. Regular newsletters also help to provide parents with essential information about the provision. However, a system to record and share complaints with parents has not been implemented. Parents are warmly welcomed and chat to staff when they collect their child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Staff are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities, which serves to ensure children are appropriately cared for in the setting. Children receive high levels of adult attention with staff establishing routines in which children are familiar. Children are kept safe and healthy since staff show a good commitment in keeping up to date with training. Children benefit from the good systems of communication in place. This involves staff addressing any areas of concern or practice issues as they arise. Staff value the ideas and suggestions of individual children, which assists in the planning of craft activities. Space and resources are well organised to keep children safe. However, the practice of rotating rooms and play materials limits children’s decision making and ability to make choices. The required documentation is well organised, stored confidentially and with a couple

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Organisation

of very minor exceptions, is mainly up-to-date. This contributes to the safe and efficient management of the provision. Staff have a sound awareness of the setting's policies and procedures which serve to protect children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection, three recommendations were raised relating to informing

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Improvements 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 Ofsted of relevant changes; ensuring registration arrangements show when staff are present and making sure the premises are secure and that children are unable to leave unsupervised. Since the last inspection, all three recommendations have been considered. The system of informing Ofsted of relevant changes is more effective and the attendance register now includes staff's attendance, clearly showing their times of arrival and departure. The recommendation relating to the security of the front door has been considered. There is a security pad entry system on the door, consequently, visitors must ring the bell and be vetted to gain entry. The handle on the main door is low, which means children could choose to open the door and leave the building. However, this possibility is included in the written risk assessment and children are kept safe

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Improvements since the last inspection

through staff's vigilance and close monitoring of their whereabouts.

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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 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): • review the medicine administration procedures to include self administered medicines such as asthma inhalers • review policies and extend, where necessary, in particular the child protection policy, so parents and staff are well informed about the procedures; and implement a system for recording and sharing complaints with parents.

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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 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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