Invicta After School Club

Invicta After School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Invicta After School Club

Unique Reference Number EY302792 Inspection date 03 February 2006 Inspector Christine Lynne Hodge

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Invicta After School Club

Setting Address Invicta Hall, Stanfield Close, London, SE18 1LA

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E-mail

Registered person Invicta After 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?

Invicta Out of School Club has been registered since April 2005. It operates from 15:15 to 18:00 from Invicta Community Centre, Stanfield Close, Plumstead in the London Borough of Greenwich. The club has use of the hall, toilets and kitchen. Children are collected from Bannock Burn and Gallion's Mount Schools. The club is registered for a maximum of 24 children at any one time. Children over the age of 8 years also attend. There are 17 children currently on roll of whom 9 are under 8 years. The club works to a ratio of 1 member of staff to 8 children.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The provision promotes children's good health and hygiene. Children understand the importance of washing their hands before snack time and after going to the toilet. Children are protected from the spread of infection as sick children are excluded from attending the after school club. Although the building is in need of redecorating staff work hard to ensure that the hall, kitchen area and toilets are kept clean. The club follows the school's non medication policy by not allowing children to bring medication into the club other than asthma inhalers which children are encouraged to administer themselves. Parent's provide written consent for staff to seek emergency medical advice/treatment. Staff's up to date knowledge of first aid helps to ensure children are cared for appropriately in the event of accidents. Children benefit from physical exercise walking from school to the club and taking

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Helping children to be healthy

part in physical activities such as skipping and hula hoops. The club is in the process of applying for funding to make the outside play area safe and suitable for registration. At tea time children benefit from a choice of healthy snacks and drinks which are prepared by staff while children stand and queue. Snacks include sandwiches with different fillings, fresh fruit and raw vegetables and biscuits. Children understand that fruit is good for them however, some parents have requested that children are only offered biscuits and a piece of fruit as they have a cooked meal when they get home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The provision has good procedures in place for keeping children safe and protecting them from harm. On the journey from school children walk in pairs and know that they must not turn around to talk to the person behind in case they trip over. Staff talk to children about road safety. The front door is kept locked to prevent children from leaving the building unsupervised and to prevent unwanted visitors from gaining access. Staff carry out regular risk assessments to ensure that the premises are safe, secure and free from hazards. Children take part in regular fire drills which are recorded. Furniture, toys and equipment are appropriate for their purpose in, satisfactory condition and are checked regularly for broken pieces and cleanliness. Children are protected by the staff's sound knowledge of child protection and the appropriate vetting of staff members.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and thoroughly enjoy their time spent at the after

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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 school club playing together and relaxing in a friendly atmosphere. Children choose what they want to do from a range of activities which include various games, such as Twister, Frustration, Connect 4, Who's Who and Hooked, painting, drawing, circus tricks and table pool. The group has just received a grant and with children's help have devised a wish list which includes a computer, large dolls house, book corner with cushions and lots of new table toys and games. Children benefit from good adult support as staff sit with them and join in games such as Connect 4 and Frustration and take part in activities such as spinning plates and juggling. Staff engage children in conversations and encourage them to talk about events at school and at home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The after school club is open to all children currently attending Bannockburn School and Galion's Mount School regardless of culture, religion, race, language or disability. Children come from a mix of different cultural backgrounds. They learn to respect one another's differences by playing together and talking to one another. Discrimination in any form is not tolerated and this is supported by the club's equal opportunities policy. Comprehensive child record forms provide staff with information to meet children's individual needs. Strategies for managing children's behaviour are consistent with the clubs behaviour management policy which promotes positive reinforcement. Staff act as good role models and have high expectations of children's behaviour. Clear rules and boundaries help children to behave well. Children respond positively to lots of praise and encouragement as they share, take turns and play well together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good relationships with parents contribute to children's care and well being. New parents are provided with a hand book containing lots of information about the after school club including summaries of several policies and procedures. Parents collecting children are greeted warmly by staff and often stop to chat. The after school club has a written complaints procedure however, there is no procedure in place for the recording of complaints as required under the new guidance.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from qualified and experienced staff who are committed to providing a safe, healthy and enjoyable environment in line with the National Standards. Rigorous recruitment procedures ensure that appropriate and suitable staff are employed to work with children and that unvetted staff are never left alone with children. Staffing ratios are maintained at one member of staff to eight children. Good organisation of space and resources allows children to play safely and make independent choices.

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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 All necessary documentation is in place and includes a record of children's attendance and accidents which are signed by parents, signed consent forms and comprehensive child information forms. A set of policies and procedures contribute to the care, safety and well being of the children. The setting meets the needs of all the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • at tea time provide children with the opportunity to spread their own bread and make their own sandwiches and encourage all children to eat healthy snacks • devise a system for recording complaint made by parents.

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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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