Short Circuits Care Club Limited

Short Circuits Care Club

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Short Circuits Care Club

Unique Reference Number EY294130 Inspection date 25 January 2006 Inspector Helene Anne Terry

p.1

Short Circuits Care Club

Setting Address Hollingwood Primary School, Hollingwood Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 4BE Telephone number 07901952731

p.1

E-mail

Registered person Short Circuits Care Club Limited Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Full day 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?

Short Circuits Care Club Limited opened in 2004. It operates from a portacabin in the grounds of Hollingwood Lane Primary School, Bradford, West Yorkshire. A maximum of 19 children may attend the setting at any one time. The care club is open each week day, term time from 07.30 to 09.00 for the breakfast club; 09.15 to 11.30 for the playgroup; wrap around care is from 11.30 to 15.15 and afterschool care is from 15.15 to 18.00. During school holidays a holiday club is run from 07.30 until 18.00. All the children share access to an enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 61 children aged 2 to 11 years on roll. The setting caters for

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 children who attend Hollingwood Lane Primary School and who come from the rich multicultural local community. They attend at various times and days throughout the week. The setting supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language. The care club employs 6 staff. Of these 2 members of staff hold relevant early years qualifications to level 2 or 3 and 1 is working towards a level 3 qualification.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment where effective procedures and practices ensure that children's physical, nutritional and health needs are fully addressed. The staff provide support and guidance to ensure that children develop a good understanding of hygiene, such as, encouraging them to wash their hands after toileting and before eating. Children are protected well from cross infection through the use of thorough hygiene practices and a comprehensive sickness policy that is given to parents. Individual wipes and bed linen are used and toys and equipment are appropriately maintained. A good balanced healthy diet is offered to the children promoting their health and development. They are offered meals, drinks and snacks regularly throughout the day. Older children enjoy using the self service breakfast system, where they can help themselves to the different cereals available. All children have fruit during the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

sessions, encouraging good eating habits. Drinks are readily available throughout all sessions. Menus are displayed for parents' and children's information. Children are also beginning to understand about food that is good for them as they are encouraged to make healthy choices. Individual dietary needs are fully considered to promote their well being. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. They have regular access to physical activities both indoors and outdoors; such as the use of small bikes, and bats and balls. Older children have access to the schools playing fields. Records to maintain children's health are well maintained, including accident, medication records and written permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move around safely and freely in a secure environment both indoors and outdoors, where risks are minimised, owing to staffs' good awareness of safety issues. Children have access to the necessary facilities to promote their development and furniture and equipment are well maintained. All safety features are in place or

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 are available for use and children are kept safe on outings because the staff follow good procedures and practices. Children use a satisfactory range of developmentally appropriate resources, some of which are easily accessible, enabling choice and promoting independence, such as child height furniture and storage systems. Some toys are brought out as children request specific items if they do not want to play with resources made available to them, enabling free choice. Older children freely choose from the cupboards. The children's welfare is adequately addressed. The staff have a good understanding of child protection issues, some having attended training. However, the groups child protection procedures do not include a statement on procures to follow should a member of staff be accused of abuse. Staff with first aid training are on the premises

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the child friendly environment, where they have good access to a satisfactory range of activities, which enhances their development in most areas. They make satisfactory use of the Birth to three matters framework to improve children's achievements. However, they do not use individual development records, or observations of the children to plan the next steps for children's development. Activities and resources available in the setting are age appropriate for the different age groups attending. Interests of the older children who attend the before and after school club and holiday club are followed, this enhances their involvement in the activities and enables them to initiate their own learning. Children enjoy helping themselves to the activities from the cupboards around the room, boosting self-esteem. The organisation of the resources within the playroom slightly

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

impedes the younger children's development. They do not have access to resources in particular areas to enhance specific areas of development; in particular the role-play area. Interaction between the staff and the children is very warm, and trusting relationships have been developed, which increases children's sense of well being and confidence. Children receive lots of cuddles, and playful interactions were observed as staff and the older children took part in role-play together; performing in the X Factor. A strength of the setting is in developing children's personal, social and emotional development. Older children are kind, considerate, share well, take turns, and have good manners. Younger children are learning to develop these skills through activities and good staff role modelling. Young children are beginning to develop their mathematical skills as they count well and are differentiating between

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

size, when they point out which is the small, medium and large bear during story time. The setting has recently had a number of new children start the playgroup sessions. Staff are fully aware of these children's needs. Children are comforted and distracted into taking part in the activities. Parents are contacted if children become distressed. Children are learning good independence skills. They take pride in performing little

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 tasks, such as giving out plates and cups to their peers. They also help staff tidy up and attend to their own personal hygiene; younger children being supported well by staff.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are effectively met and welfare is promoted through a variety of means, including information received from parents at the gradual induction of the child. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world and people's differences and similarities through activities and resources that positively represent different cultures. However, resources that represent disability are limited. Staff actively promote equality of opportunity. They represent the cultures of the children attending and include a male member of staff. Bi-lingual members of staff are employed and they help children who speak English as an additional language to integrate well. The staff have a very good awareness of positive behaviour management techniques to enhance children's well being and their social development. Younger children are beginning to learn to share, take turns, use good manners and staff were observed to

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

give explanations and use lots of appropriate praise and encouragement, thereby boosting self esteem and confidence. Reward systems are also used to congratulate children on there achievements. Children are valued and well respected, which impacts on the positive behaviour observed. The partnership between parents and staff is very good. Children are cared for according to parents' wishes which promotes continuity of care and their well being. The systems in place to ensure information is shared with parents or carers is done through regular discussions and individual needs are fully addressed. Parents receive very good information about the setting, including policies and procedures and regular newsletters. Parents are encouraged to give their views on the setting in the form of questionnaires. This enhances the quality and continuity of care for the children.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space, resources and deployment of staff are used effectively to meet the needs of the children and enhance their well being. Satisfactory procedures are in place to ensure that staff are suitable to care for children and adult child ratios are consistently maintained. Numbers of staff present to care for the children varies depending on numbers of children present during the various sessions. Most staff are appropriately qualified to care for children and they are supported well through a good training programme. There is a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place. These underpin the setting effectively and ensure children's well being and safety. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

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. There are no complaints to report.

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • extend the child protection procedures to include a statement on procedures to follow should a member of staff be accused of abusing a child • develop systems for incorporating observations of what children can do to develop and inform future planning of activities • improve the organisation of resources within the play room • extend complaints procedures in line with new regulations • develop resources representing positive images of disability in society.

p.6

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.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