BrownLow Childcare Club

BrownLow Childcare

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

BrownLow Childcare

Unique Reference Number EY260012 Inspection date 10 February 2006 Inspector Lynn Dent

p.1

BrownLow Childcare

Setting Address Limes Avenue, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1QL

p.1

E-mail

Registered person Kaleidoscope In Action 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Brownlow Childcare Club opened in 2003 and is one of a number of day care provisions run by Kaleidoscope in Action in the East Midlands. It operates from a mobile classroom, hall, dining hall, and grounds within the grounds of Brownlow Primary School in Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. A maximum of 29 children may attend the club at any one time. The club opens each weekday during term time from 8.00 to 8.45 and 15.15 to 17.30 and each weekday during the school holidays from 8.00 to 18.00. All children share access to a secure outdoor play area.

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 There are currently 60 children from 3 to 8 years on roll. Children come from Brownlow school. The club currently supports children with special needs. The club employs four staff of which two, including the manager, holds a recognised qualification and two members of staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The club receives support from the local authority.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is maintained as practitioners have a secure knowledge of good hygiene and ensure that procedures for maintaining this are implemented on a daily basis. Following accidents children receive good care as practitioners are qualified in first aid and update their knowledge when required. The risk of infection is minimised because the setting implements clear procedures for parents to follow when their child is ill. Clear incubation periods are implemented in line with the health service recommendations. Children have completed a topic on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Consequently, they understand and can clearly explain the benefits of this. Children know they need to drink lots of water and fruit and vegetables are good foods. They understand that too much coffee and sugary foods are bad for them and they need to participate in regular exercise. Drinks are made available for children at snack time

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

and children independently access this at will. During hot weather and after exercise children are offered drinks more often to maintain good hydration. Practitioners are very aware of children's dietary needs and preferences as they are detailed on their records. Consequently, these are met. For example, products containing nuts are not used. Practitioners are trained to administer specialist medicines, for example an Epipen. Practitioners plan well to ensure children have good opportunities and actively participate in and enjoy physical exercise on a regular basis. They use an adventure playground, skipping and ball games to develop their balance and coordination. When bad weather does not allow outdoor play physical exercise, alternative arrangements are made by using the hall to play team games to supplement children's opportunities to exercise. Children play with a range of equipment and participate in craft activities which help to develop their hand-eye coordination. For

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

example, children skilfully use tools to make jelly fish with craft materials. Children can rest and relax as a quiet area of the building with beanbags, videos and books are provided and practitioners are pro-active in ensuring children rest when they are tired.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is well maintained because the setting's clear policies and procedures are effectively implemented. Practitioners complete a daily risk assessment of the premises and equipment which comply with safety regulations.

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 Therefore, children can safely access a wide range of resources which are in good condition and help to support their play. Practitioners are aware that an external gate in the main outdoor play area is not locked to comply with fire regulations. However, they make sure this is kept closed and ensure children do not play in this area. Practitioners are vigilant when children do not arrive for their after school session. They effectively implement clear policy and procedures to ensure the child has not got lost or gone home. For example, checks are made with the child's teacher to ascertain if they have attended school and if they have gone home during the day. If this shows a child should be at the club, then checks are quickly made of the premises and further action taken to contact parents.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are aware of rules which keep them safe. They can clearly explain the fire evacuation procedure as this is regularly practised. Children know they must always tell an adult if they are going to the toilet. Consequently, practitioners know where children are at all times. A record of visitors and children's attendance are in place. Therefore, practitioners know who is on the premises at all times. Children's welfare is generally maintained well because the person in charge clearly understands and can implement the local child protection reporting procedures. However not all staff are confident in these procedures. Therefore, children may be at a higher risk when the person in charge is not on the premises. Practitioners can implement the clubs internal procedures and are confident to contact the owner for advice.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled, motivated and confident in the welcoming environment. They enjoy themselves and actively participate in a range of free and planned activities for sustained periods of time. For example, children confidently play games and spend time designing art work on computers. A good range of craft activities give children opportunity to develop their creativity. For example they make jelly fish and produce art displays which help to make the room appealing to children. Older children take good account of younger children. For example, they help them with games and involve them in their play. Consequently, children develop a respect for each other. Children use their initiative and imagination well to successfully extend and instigate new activities. They play with construction sets and talk about what they are building, often linking it to their prior experiences. Activities and resources are

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

well planned and adapted to ensure they are developmentally appropriate and challenging. Younger children play simple games, for example 'Guess who?'. Older children play games that require them to use strategic thinking. Children receive good opportunities to play alone, in small groups and as a whole group. This means they have well developed social skills and show caring behaviour towards each other. Outdoor play gives opportunities for children to participate in team games. Therefore, they further develop cooperative play. Practitioners are skilled and successfully interact with children to support their development, play and learning. Therefore, children show respect for and are confident to approach them for advice. For example, a child wanted to play on a computer. He politely asked a practitioner if he could do this. The practitioner advised

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 the child to ask another practitioner as she was monitoring the time children played on the computers. The child took this advice and was able to take his turn on a computer. Good team work and effective use of questioning skills by practitioners ensures children's interests are met. This means children's opinions are actively sought through discussions and questionnaires about what they enjoy about the club and how they would like it to develop. These are then put into practice or new resources provided when it is practical to do so.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a range of opportunities to develop an understanding of the wider world in which they live as they participate in a wide range of stimulating activities which help them to learn about this. For example, they make cards at Christmas and lanterns for Chinese New Year. Consequently, they develop knowledge of diversity and learn to respect those who are different to themselves. Effective organisation ensures that children have equal access to all experiences and resources which promote non-stereotypical images. Children with special needs are supported well by practitioners to control their emotions and reach their full potential. For example, children are quickly given reassurance when they become upset. Children are aware of the daily routines and know the practitioners well. Consequently, they have a well developed sense of belonging and are happy to be at the club.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy mutually respectful relationships with the practitioners and each other. Therefore, they have good self-esteem and confidence. Consequently they instigate discussion, voice their opinions and make informed choices and decisions. Children show very good behaviour and know what is expected of them because they are informed of the rules which practitioners manage consistently. Consequently, children successfully manage their own behaviour. Children share and play harmoniously together. Showing care, concern and have a good awareness of the needs of others. For example, older children happily involve younger children in their play. Partnership with parents and carers is good. Their opinions are welcomed and respected by the practitioners. For example requests for children not to participate in certain activities or eat certain foods are acknowledged. Parents receive concise information about the club at induction and regular newsletters. Therefore, they are

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

kept informed of the clubs' current changes and general information. The club is pro-active in consulting with parents. Daily discussion and an annual questionnaire are used to identify the current strengths and areas of development. Consequently, new resources are purchased when possible. Updated policies and procedures are now available in a folder and available at the setting for parents to access at any time. Detailed information is collected about the children at induction. Consequently their individual needs are identified and met.

p.5

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 Children are well cared for by suitable staff because robust recruitment and vetting procedures are implemented. Thorough induction procedures ensure all practitioners understand and successfully implement the settings clear policies and procedures. Therefore, this underpins and promotes children's learning and play. Care of the children is developmentally appropriate and they receive a good service. The management positively shows a commitment to training. Consequently, practitioners are positively encouraged to continue their professional development, two practitioners are currently completing relevant childcare qualifications. All practitioners are dedicated to ensuring children can enjoy themselves in a safe, stimulating environment and work well together as a team to achieve this. They have

p.5

Organisation

a high regard to promote children's health and enjoyment. Clear planning ensures children receive a wide range of stimulating and interesting activities which are adapted to meet their individual developmental stage. Policies and procedures work well in practice to ensure children are kept safe. However, on the day of inspection the number of adults caring for children at the beginning of the session was not sufficient. Therefore, this poses a potential risk to children's welfare. Documentation is well organised and clearly presented. However, attendance records for practitioners do not currently identify hours of attendance. Confidentiality is well maintained because all records are stored inaccessible to others. Leadership and management is satisfactory, they have implemented changes in the policies and procedures in accordance with new regulations and the recommendations from the last inspection. Therefore, this shows a commitment to

p.6

Organisation

continual improvement of the service provided. Consequently, overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the registered person agreed to improve organisational procedures to ensure staff are suitable to work with children and ensure a named deputy is in place; to improve recording systems and ensure Ofsted are notified of significant events. The registered person has generally met the actions set by improving procedures, record keeping and informing Ofsted of new employees. Therefore, the care and well-being of the children is enhanced.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.6

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

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 able to put the child protection procedure in place in the absence of the person in charge • ensure the daily record of attendance includes staff caring for the children, showing the hours of attendance • make sure the group never exceeds 26 children and minimum staffing ratios are met to ensure that the care of children over 8 years does not adversely affect the care of the children under 8 years old.

p.7

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

p.7

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.7