Dunkirk Fun Club

Dunkirk Out of School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Dunkirk Out of School Club

Unique Reference Number 254524 Inspection date 15 December 2005 Inspector Diana Pidgeon

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Dunkirk Out of School Club

Setting Address Marlborough Street, Dunkirk, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2LE Telephone number 0115 9153273

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E-mail

Registered person Dunkirk Out of School Club Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day 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?

Dunkirk Out of School Club has been registered since 2001. It operates from the Dunkirk Primary School in Nottingham and is provided by a voluntary management committee. The club is open before and after school during term time. Breakfast session is from 08:00 to 09:00 and after school is from 15:30 to 18:00. A lunchtime club for 3 to 5 year olds attending the nursery is provided between 11:30 and 13:00. A holiday club operates from 08:30 to 17:30 during school holidays and inset days. The sessions are mainly attended by children from the school and nursery, although in school holidays children attend from the wider community. The facility operates from both the main school building and nursery site. Children use the secure school

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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 grounds for outside play. The facility is registered to care for a maximum of 32 children at any one time. There are currently 70 children from 3 years to 11 years on roll. This includes children with special needs and those who speak English as an additional language. Children attend at different times to meet individual needs. There are 6 staff who work with the children. Of these, 5 hold appropriate early years qualifications. The club is a member of 4Children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. Opportunities for daily vigorous play outdoors help children develop a positive attitude towards exercise and aid their physical development. For example, younger children enjoy riding wheeled toys and using small equipment such as hoops which they practise rolling across the nursery playground. Older children enjoy organised games, such as football, in the playground after school. Throughout the year children experience lots of activities such as swimming, bowling, tennis and dance workshops which introduce them to different ways to have fun and keep fit. Careful consideration is given to promoting children's understanding of the importance of eating healthily. Children who eat school dinners are offered healthy choices, such as fish with vegetables and fresh fruit. In the after school club children

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Helping children to be healthy

make choices from the menu provided. For example, they choose from a range of different fillings for their baguette or jacket potato. Some children are beginning to enjoy the salad accompaniment and fruit because staff encourage them to try different tastes and talk about the benefits to their health. Children's continued good health is suitably promoted because staff follow sound hygiene procedures to prevent cross-infection. Food is prepared and served appropriately. Children are learning some important hygiene messages, such as not to eat food that has fallen on the floor. They have less understanding of the importance of washing their hands before eating and do not do this routinely, meaning that they may be at risk from germs on their hands.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. High priority is given to keeping children safe. They are cared for in a secure, warm and well-maintained environment. Regular risk assessments are undertaken, ensuring potential hazards are minimised. Careful organisation of the space, furniture and equipment in the club enables children to move freely and independently between different activities and play areas, always under staff supervision. Consequently children feel safe and secure.

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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 toys and equipment are in good condition and appropriate for the full age range of the children attending. They have ready access to a broad range of activities and play materials that are set out for them each session. In addition they make choices from further items that are stored on shelves or in cupboards, which promotes their independence. Children who play a game of dominoes return the pieces into the box when they have finished, showing respect for the toys and equipment. Children are developing a good understanding of keeping themselves safe. For example, they explain how to evacuate the building in an emergency and remind others to pick up marbles from the floor so that no one slips on them. Children learn important safety messages as they visit the local fire station and receive visits from a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

community policeman. Staff have a sound awareness of their individual responsibilities towards protecting children from abuse or neglect and a clear understanding of who to contact if they were to have any concerns. As a result, children are protected and their welfare safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy many different activities in the club and spend their leisure time in ways that interest and engage them. As a result, children are happy and confident. Daily planning is in place and this enables staff to provide a suitable variety of opportunities, according to the session times. For example, children who attend the lunch club are provided with some quiet activities after they finish eating, so that their food will digest. Children attending after school are offered opportunities to be really active before they eat. Activities in the holidays are well-planned and include opportunities for outings, both locally and further afield. These provide children with experiences such as visiting the seaside and going to the cinema. Overall, the activities provided interest and challenge the children. Some children relish opportunities to be creative and use the materials provided to create their own

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

designs on festive baubles or to make salt-dough decorations. A group of mixed-age children rise to the challenge of building a marble run using the construction set and they work co-operatively to refine and improve their ideas, showing great pride in their achievements. Quiet activities, such as playing with the dolls house or reading books and comics, allow children to relax and unwind. Children benefit from having a stable staff team who work with them. Good, warm, friendly relationships are in place which help children feel at ease. Children are confident to approach staff because they know they will be listened to and have their needs met. Staff play with the children, so promoting a happy and fun atmosphere.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children feel welcome because there is a very positive ethos of inclusion throughout the club and staff work hard to ensure every child's needs are met. For

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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 example, staff ensure they learn sufficient key words in the children's home language to help new starters feel secure. This means staff can explain the food options so that children who do not have a secure command of English are able to make informed choices. Effective liaison with the school and parents ensures continuity of care for children with special needs and allows them to fully participate in all activities. Children's opinions are sought and valued, which ensures they play a full role in the club. They contribute towards the planning of activities, negotiate the code of behaviour and evaluate how well they have enjoyed certain activities or outings. There is a suggestion box provided in the club, which means they can always make their feelings and thoughts known. Children help to make the club rules, which are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

displayed. They are based on care and kindness and this is evident in the way the children behave towards one another. Children use good manners and show respect towards the adults and each other. They begin to take personal responsibility, such as clearing away their own plates after a meal. Older children willingly help the younger ones without being asked, for example showing them how to connect the construction toys together. Children's behaviour is skilfully managed by the staff who clearly reinforce when children behave well. For example, when the younger children sit well at lunch they are praised and rewarded with a sticker. Any challenging behaviour is swiftly deflected by staff who help children to become involved in an activity. Good relationships are established with the parents. Staff are friendly and make time to talk with parents as they bring or collect their children. Information about the care

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Helping children make a positive contribution

provision is available to them through a variety of ways, such as written brochures and newsletters, notice boards and the school web site. This ensures parents are kept well informed and promotes continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit because there is a clear sense of purpose and direction with regard to the care provided. The voluntary committee work hard to ensure the smooth running of the setting. However, they have a limited understanding of keeping Ofsted informed of significant changes and consequently appropriate vetting has not been completed on all members of the committee. Although some internal checks have been undertaken and contribute to safeguarding children, this is a significant omission. Good recruitment and induction procedures ensure skilled and qualified staff are employed to work with the children. The staff team is highly motivated and work effectively to meet the children's needs. Adults are deployed well so children receive appropriate levels of attention. Staff relate well to the children and ensure they have fun. Children's safety, care and welfare is supported by the appropriate use of

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Organisation

documentation. Records are clear, up to date, accessible and stored securely. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that two aspects of documentation were improved. The setting have rewritten the complaint procedure to include Ofsted contact details and provided written evidence that staff hold appropriate criminal record bureau disclosures. This has contributed to evidencing how children are kept safe and improved the information for parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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): • establish effective procedures to ensure Ofsted is informed about any significant changes or events, including changes to the registered person • raise children's awareness of good hygiene practices, with particular reference to washing their hands before eating.

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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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