WASPS (Wacky After School Playscheme)

Playscheme)

Inspection report for early years provision

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Playscheme)

Unique Reference Number 509330 Inspection date 06 July 2005 Inspector Jennifer Turner

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Playscheme)

Setting Address The Annexe, Bartley Green School, Bartley Green, Birmingham, West Midlands, B32 3QJ Telephone number 0121 422 2801

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E-mail

Registered person Ann Brenda Marley 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?

WASPS Out of School opened in 1996. It operates from three rooms within a community building on the grounds of Bartley Green Junior and Infant school. It is one of a privately owned chain of out of school clubs. The out of school club serves the local area of Bartley Green in Birmingham. The after school club is registered to care for 40 children from 4 to 8 years and the holiday club is registered to care for 70 children aged 4 to 8 years. There are currently 60 children from 4 to 8 years on roll. The group also cares for children up to 12 years of age. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group is open five

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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 afternoons a week during school term times. Sessions are from 15:15 until 17:50. The holiday cub operates during half terms, Easter and Summer holidays with sessions from 08:00 until 17:30. There are 22 staff, part time and full time, who work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ Level 2 or 3. The setting is a member of The Kids Club Network (KCN).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop their independence as they attend to their own personal care and hygiene . They understand the importance of hand washing in reducing the spread of infection. Staff ensure that the procedures and routines are consistently applied resulting in children's health and care needs being effectively met. They wipe down tables before children are offered snacks and maintain good food handling practices. Children enjoy a healthy and nutritious diet, because staff offer them opportunities to choose healthy snacks and allow them to make their own sandwiches and drinks using a range of healthy foods during a planned healthy eating week. Children are proud of the event which still has an impact on what they have to eat and several of them often remind their parents about providing healthy lunch boxes. They are able to help themselves to water throughout the session and particularly when they

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Helping children to be healthy

engage in physically active sports sessions. Details of children's dietary needs are recorded and they are consulted about the snacks that are offered at the club. Children explore, test and develop physical control in stimulating daily indoor and outdoor experiences. For example they enjoy playing football, tennis and other sporting activities, which contribute to their development. All children are able to relax, rest or let off steam following the rigours of the school day according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected from the risks of accidental injury, because staff are diligent and proactive in ensuring they are safe and secure in their care. Children are cared for in an environment which is suitable, ideal and where they have sole use. Children are reminded about simple rules, such as why they should walk in the building, staff know this helps children learn the importance of safety in their daily routines. Detailed risk assessments are carried out and staff ensure that these are reviewed regularly. Children are supervised well as they move around the building, and outdoors staff position themselves to keep a watchful eye on them as they play. Children have access to a good range of toys, furniture and equipment suitable to their age and stage of development. These are well organised at child height to

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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 encourage independence. Staff include the checking of equipment in their daily risk assessments including any new equipment purchased. Children are kept safe on outings through the rigorous safety procedures used by staff. They keep a record of all children and staff that are out of the building, lower the adult child ratio's and have detailed policies in the event that a child was lost or not collected. Children are very well protected by staff who have a good understanding about child protection, know how to recognise the possible signs and symptoms and when to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary. They ensure that parents are aware that the children are their first priority and they make the policy available to them. Children are cared for by staff who have been vetted appropriately, enjoy their

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

roles and have the relevant experiences and skills to care for them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time in the out of school club and are making good progress in their learning, leisure and personal development. They arrive eager and ready to participate in a good range of exciting activities in accordance with their needs and interests. Many children take an active part in the various outdoor activities while others select quieter activities, such as imaginative play, art and craft or board games. They are well supported by staff who are skilled at encouraging children to extend their experiences and at listening and talking to them. Through the development of a club committee children are very involved in what happens in the setting. They are able to plan themes, events and decide what the club needs in relation to new equipment and resources. Children value this approach which has created a close and caring relationship between them and the staff as well

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as a strong sense of trust. Children are confident in knowing that the staff value and respect their ideas. Children share their achievements with the staff and each other, taking pride in their efforts such as when they won the healthy eating initiative award. They talk proudly of the club and how they look forward to going each day. Both children and staff regularly evaluate the activities provided to ensure all children are occupied, suitably challenged and to promote their well-being and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the out of school club where they play a full part in the life of the provision, because staff value and respect their individuality. They have good opportunities to learn about themselves and others through planned and spontaneous activities. This contributes to the development of their awareness of the wider world and the diversity of society as they engage in various activities or go on outings to places of interest. This positive approach fosters their self-esteem and confidence as they are able to voice their opinions and make choices and decisions.

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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 Children's behaviour is exemplary and they know what is expected of them, because they discussed and helped to write the club behaviour rules. Staff have high expectations and set consistent boundaries and older children in particular are encouraged by staff to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children's understanding of right and wrong is increased as they respond to gentle reminders to care for their environment, the club resources and each other. A good partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being in the out of school club. Parents view about their children's needs and interests are actively sought before they start the group. Staff ensure that all parents know how their children are getting on through daily discussions with them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The registered person uses effective recruitment procedures which ensures that staff are appropriately vetted and qualified. Children's health, enjoyment and achievements are very well promoted because of the effective staff induction programme and good teamwork which ensures all staff work together. Space, activities and resources are organised to enable children to enjoy and participate fully in the activities offered. Children are confident to initiate their own activities and because they are at ease with staff they are able to ask for help. Children's health, safety and welfare are promoted through written policies and procedures held by the group although, recording of accidents and medication are not always maintained in line with current guidance. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous care inspection recommended that the out of school devise a written statement about special needs which should include current legislation and guidance. The group has devised a policy statement which is now in line with current legislation and guidance. As a result, the needs of children with special needs are fully met and they are offered an inclusive service.

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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

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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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 records of accident and medication are maintained in accordance with guidance.

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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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