School Lane Kids Club

School Lane Kids Club

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

School Lane Kids Club

Unique Reference Number 206232 Inspection date 14 December 2005 Inspector Sharon Dickinson

p.1

School Lane Kids Club

Setting Address Dronfield County Infant School, School Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 1RY Telephone number 01246 290880

p.1

E-mail

Registered person School Lane Kids Club Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The School Lane Kids Club opened in 1996 and operates from the local Infant School in Dronfield, Derbyshire. The setting is open each weekday from 07.45 to 09.00 and 15.15 to 18.00 during term time. The club also provides care during school holidays from 07.45 to 18.00 each day. All children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. A maximum of 48 children may attend the club at any one time. There are currently 151 children aged from 3 to 11 years on roll. The setting currently supports children with special educational needs, and also children who speak English as an additional

p.2

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 language. The club employs ten staff. Five of the staff, including the manager hold appropriate early years qualifications. Three staff are working towards a qualification. The club is committee run and is a member of Membership 4 Children (formerly the Kids Club Network).

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through consistent daily routines such as hand washing before snack. Effective, regular cleaning routines ensure that the areas used by the children are hygienic thus reducing the possibility of the spread of infection. Children’s health is maintained and the appropriate documentation is in place to support children’s health and care needs, however records of medicines administered to children are not signed by parents to acknowledge the entry. Staff take account of children’s individual dietary needs providing generally nutritious breakfasts and snacks, therefore children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Children attending the holiday club provide a packed lunch which is appropriately stored. Children enjoy snack time. Social skills are encouraged and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

developed and children clearly relish the opportunity to discuss their day with each other. They benefit from drinks being readily available throughout the session. Children regularly participate in a wide variety of active play both indoors and outside, encouraging them to develop control of their bodies and keep fit and healthy. Organised sports activities are planned during holiday periods in line with children’s interests such as football coaching. A quiet area is also provided, enabling the children to sit and relax.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The warm and welcoming environment helps children feel secure and confident within their surroundings. They can play confidently and safely as a result of the ongoing risk assessments undertaken by staff. An intercom system, vigilant staff and effective collection procedures ensure the premises are secure. Staff provide a wide range of well maintained toys and equipment which are stimulating and fun, consequently children are well occupied, challenged and interested in their play. There is ample space and suitable furniture in place for children to rest and play in comfort. The layout of the room enables some children to play actively or noisily in one area whilst other children can benefit from some quieter time for example the book and homework areas. Staff make satisfactory use of time and resources to support children’s learning. Senior staff have a clear understanding of the procedures

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to follow if they have concerns about a child. Newly appointed staff however are not secure in their understanding of child protection and as a consequence, there are

p.3

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 instances when children’s welfare is not fully safeguarded. Also the child protection statement does not include procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation made against a staff member or volunteer.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a positive relationship with staff and their peers, helping them to develop a sense of belonging. They are confident and can play well on their own or with others. Children have activities planned for them that promote all aspects of their development and give them plenty of opportunity to have fun. Toys and play resources are made accessible to children, and they enjoy being able to self-select, and make choices about their play. The routine includes times to be active and quiet times, both structured and free play is offered. Staff organise regular art and craft activities for them which they are able to complete to their own satisfaction. Children’s self-esteem is further promoted as their ideas are sought via an appointed ‘children’s council’ when purchasing new equipment or planning activities so their needs and interests are taken into consideration. Themes are threaded through

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

holiday clubs and visitors or specialist activities are organised to support these such as visits from a fire fighter, magician and clown. Staff offer praise and encouragement to children and sensitively support them in their play and chosen activities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Staff have a good awareness of children's individual needs, including those with additional needs or whom speak English as an additional language, through effective systems to share information with parents regarding preferred care routines. All children are included and have equal opportunities to enhance their learning and play. Some toys and resources reflect positive view of the wider world. Children know the behaviour expected of them and generally behave well. The clubs behaviour management procedures are unclear as they are duplicated within the policy file. However, staff have a consistent and calm approach to unacceptable behaviour. They discuss with the children the impact of their behaviour on others, helping children to understand right from wrong. Children are encouraged to nominate a ‘Child of the Week’ who receives a prestigious plaque and a record is made of their

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

award. A photographic display of club activities helps new parents and children to feel welcome. Systems, including a newsletter and notice board, ensure that they receive ample information. They are kept informed about their child's activities daily and policies and procedures are shared effectively. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s care is enhanced by the management’s efficient and effective organisation

p.4

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 skills. Most documents and procedures are in place to support the appropriate care of the children, these are stored securely and safely in order to ensure children’s privacy. Recruitment and vetting procedures have been up-dated in line with new guidance to ensure that children receive care from suitable adults. There are suitable contingency arrangements in place to ensure children have good levels of support and supervision to enable them to feel secure. The provision meets the needs of the range of children attending.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Both recommendations made at the last inspection have been met. There is a fully stocked first aid box available, the contents of which are monitored frequently and re-stocked as required. Parents are fully informed of the contact details of the regulator and the setting's registration certificate is clearly displayed for their information.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 all staff are aware of child protection issues including indicators of abuse • ensure written policies and procedures are clear and in line with National Standard requirements, particularly in relation to the behaviour management statement and child protection statement • ensure written records kept of medicines administered to children are signed by parents to acknowledge the entry.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.6