The Meadows Out of School ClubOfsted inspection, 7 Mar 2006

The Meadows Out of School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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The Meadows Out of School Club

Unique Reference Number EY254469 Inspection date 07 March 2006 Inspector Sue Hill

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The Meadows Out of School Club

Setting Address The Meadows School, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HS

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The Meadows Out of School Club

Telephone number 07952 478087 or 07833 351155 mob

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E-mail

Registered person The Meadows 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 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?

The Meadows Out of School Club is run by the same committee as The Meadows Holiday Club. It opened in 2003, and operates from a classroom in the school. It is situated in the centre of the village of Bitton, near Bristol. The club is open each weekday from 15:30 to 17:45 during term time only. Children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 75 children aged from 4 to 11 years on roll. Children come from the school. The club currently supports a number of children with special educational needs. The club employs four staff, all of whom hold appropriate early 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 qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children are independent in self-care skills. Children's health within the setting is supported appropriately by staff, who have a secure knowledge of the club’s hygiene procedures. They hold current first aid certificates and appropriately manage accidents and the administration of medication, and sharing the records with parents. Children thrive because staff follow highly effective procedures and practices which meet children’s physical, nutritional and health needs. They enjoy physical exercise and learn about the importance of activity in a healthy lifestyle as they join in free-play and organised activities in the school playground. However, opportunities

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Helping children to be healthy

for physical activity are limited during poor weather. All are able to rest and be active according to their needs. Snack times are social occasions as all children sit together at the table and talk to each other and staff. Children are encouraged to choose fillings and make their own sandwiches. They help themselves to easily accessible drinks throughout the session and enjoy fresh fruit at snack time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Staff provide a warm and welcoming environment where children are relaxed and happy. They are enthusiastic about playing with the toys and are proud to see their work displayed on the boards. The rooms are attractively arranged, and staff regularly change toys and activities throughout the session. Children can independently access activities from a good range of safe and interesting toys and equipment. Children are able to access a good, safe outdoor play area. The outside play equipment is suitable for all ages, and children are kept safe by the use of safety surfaces and careful supervision by staff. Children are safe as they are closely monitored and able to move around freely in a spacious and well maintained setting where most risks are identified and minimised. Staff use risk assessments and regular practices of fire evacuation procedures to further ensure safety. However, although children are secure and confident in the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

well organised club environment, staff have given limited thought to what to do if a child is lost or uncollected. This could compromise children’s safety. Children are very well protected by staff, who have a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures and give top priority to children’s welfare. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because staff are extremely vigilant and children are

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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 aware of their own safety. Those with special needs are safe and fully included because of the sensitive adult support and adaptations to resources and activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are enthusiastic, interested and well occupied in the club’s welcoming environment. They enjoy this time at the end of the school day when they can relax or be active in accordance with their needs and interests. They enjoy the opportunity to get messy and be creative. Resources are plentiful and varied. They are well supported by staff, who are skilled at encouraging children to use their imagination and voice their ideas, all of which are valued and praised. Children spend their time freely, with some organised activities developing their concentration, and enjoy role and imaginative play, for example making a den and having a picnic in it. Children are actively engaged, working in groups or alone as they wish. They are relaxed and having fun. Exploration with play dough and paint help children represent their feelings and ideas and develop their sensory experiences in a variety of ways

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

appropriate to their age and ability. Children's displayed work boosts their confidence and self esteem as they take pride in their achievements. Children and staff are involved in planning; however, there are no ongoing assessments to ensure that activities are enjoyed by all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The group provides a good range of resources and planned themes to promote a positive view of the wider world thus enabling children to learn positively about differences and to develop an awareness of their own environment, for example celebrating Chinese New Year, making a welcome sign in different languages. Children are valued and respected as individuals, and the wide range of activities are adapted to each child's stage of development. Children with special needs integrate well with the group. Equipment and resources are adapted to ensure all children are able to participate fully. All children respect and understand that some children need extra help and willingly support those who do. Praise and encouragement are given for positive behaviour. As a result, children know the boundaries. They are polite, well behaved and show concern for others. They benefit from consistent boundaries and staff's calm approach. Children are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

happy to take turns and share and are well behaved. They know what is expected of them because they discuss and help write the club behaviour rules. Children enjoy mutually respectful relationships with staff and each other. They develop self-esteem and confidence as they voice their opinions and make choices and decisions. Relationships with parents are friendly and they are made welcome. Parents are informed of the group’s policies and procedures, and information is recorded on their wishes with regard to the care of their child. New children are made

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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 welcome by introducing them to staff and children and supporting them in joining the activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Children feel at home and at ease within a well organised and inviting environment. This means they are confident to initiate and begin to explore their own play. Activities and toys are well presented encouraging children to explore and initiate play. Indoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. They feel secure as they follow familiar routines and receive individual attention. The registered person uses effective recruitment procedures which ensure that staff are appropriately vetted and qualified. Staff attend relevant training courses regularly using the knowledge gained to support children's learning. The induction programme and good teamwork make sure all staff work together well to promote children’s health, enjoyment and achievement. The level of record keeping is satisfactory; for

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Organisation

example, the register shows when children, staff and visitors are present. Policies and procedures are generally used effectively to promote children's welfare, care and learning. The group are aware of the amendments to the standards made in October 2005; however, these have not yet been fully implemented.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the group agreed to make a policy available regarding actions taken if a child was lost. This has been partially achieved as there is now a brief statement in the prospectus for parents and known to staff. However, there is still some risk to children as the policy lacks detail.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A concern was received in June 2005 relating to National Standard 1: Suitable Person. A provider investigation was requested. The response indicated that the National Standards are being maintained. The provision continues to be qualified for registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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

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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 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): • further improve safety by ensuring all required policies are in place, especially policy regarding actions taken if a child becomes lost or is collected late • ensure that changes detailed in the amendment to the standards dated October 2005 are implemented, with particular regard to complaints

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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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