YMCA Hawker Centre Holiday Playscheme

YMCA Hawker Centre Playscheme

Inspection report for early years provision

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YMCA Hawker Centre Playscheme

Unique Reference Number 152887 Inspection date 13 February 2006 Inspector Amanda Jane Tyson

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YMCA Hawker Centre Playscheme

Setting Address Lower Ham Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 5BH

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E-mail

Registered person Kingston And Wimbledon YMCA Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care, Crèche

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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 Hawker centre is run by the YMCA and it serves mainly the local community and surrounding areas. The centre is also used by members of the public and other community groups. The organisation provide three child care services for school aged children; a breakfast club; after school club; and holiday scheme. In addition, there is a crèche for under 5's. The breakfast club and crèche operate from one room with an integral kitchen. There is an adjacent playground for outdoor play. The holiday scheme, and after school club operate from the main hall. The crèche room is available for their use in the

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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. The playscheme in the school holidays runs from 08:30 - 17:30 Monday to Friday. They usually go on one outing per week. The crèche runs throughout the year from 09:30 - 12:00 Monday to Friday for parents using the centre facilities. The breakfast and after school club runs term time only from 07:45 - 09:00 and 15:00 to 17:30 . A mini bus is used to transport children to and from school. The centre employs 10 members of staff to work with the children. This includes 2 coordinators, who are responsible for the running of; the breakfast club and crèche; and the after school and holiday club. In addition there is a centre manager who has overall responsibility for all 4 provisions. Out of the 10 staff members, 5 hold level 2 and 3 qualifications in child care and playwork, 2 are working towards level 2 National

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Vocational Qualifications ( NVQ) and the remaining staff are equipped with a variety of skills, experience and sports coaching qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. School aged children thoroughly enjoy taking part in the wide range of activities which support their physical development and encourage an active and healthy lifestyle. For example, staff teach the children to do warm- up exercises, such as before playing hockey, to help protect them from muscle injury. The children are developing a fondness for healthy foods because fresh fruit and raw vegetable snacks are provided daily, and they are encouraged to drink plenty of water. Staff exploit opportunities to explain why, after preparing cake mixture, children should not 'lick the bowl' because of the dangers of contracting salmonella from raw eggs. They are helped to understand the importance of ensuring high standards of hygiene to minimise the risks of cross infection, for instance, washing their hands thoroughly and tying long hair back during these exciting cooking activities. Baby toys are regularly

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Helping children to be healthy

sterilised in the crèche kitchen, which is kept hygienically clean. Staff keep a supply of clean linen so that babies attending the crèche can sleep comfortably in a travel cot, if required. However, the 'healthy lifestyle' message, which is well promoted by the staff working with the children, is compromised by the visibility of members of the public smoking on the premises. For example, young people can be clearly seen smoking in the bar area, as the children pass through a communal area en-route to the crèche. Babies nappies are changed, if required, on a floor mat, which although satisfactory, is not ideally comfortable. Older children attending the crèche are able to use a child sized toilet, but arrangements for responding to the occasional accident rely heavily on parents being contactable on the premises. This may cause unnecessary distress to a child, if for example, they have to wait for a parent to return, because spare

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Helping children to be healthy

supplies of underwear are not available.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 children's health is protected because staff follow clear policies procedures if they are unwell, have an accident, or need medicine. The staff are vigilant to the health needs of individual children and have made sure that a rigorous system is in place to minimise identified risks, such as, allergic reactions. A sufficient number of staff have been trained in first aid so that they can respond quickly to any minor accidents, some emergencies, and injuries.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment with suitable facilities to meet their needs. They play with a wide range of toys and resources, which are safe and in good condition. The staff ensure high levels of supervision, and demonstrate particular vigilance in making sure that the children are protected from un-vetted members of the public. For example, staff escort the children who attend the out of school care schemes, to the public toilets. Although the gate leading to the riverside public path is un-locked, the children are well supervised during outdoor play in an enclosed tennis court. Potential safety risks have been well considered and comprehensively addressed in written safety procedures, which are practised by staff to good effect. The numbers of staff required to escort the mini-bus driver are assessed daily, depending on expected numbers from each school. The children wear identifiable caps and badges

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

with the organisations name and telephone number on, when they go on trips, and there is a rigorous procedure for responding to a missing child. All visitors, parents, staff, and children, are signed in and out, which means that, in the event of an emergency evacuation, everyone is easily accounted for. The children's welfare is safeguarded because most staff have attended child protection training, and demonstrate a secure understanding of the procedure to follow, if they are worried about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy coming to all three of the out of school care schemes: breakfast; after school; and holiday club. They are eager to greet staff and friends and settle confidently. Many children do not want to go home, particularly when parents arrive earlier that expected. They can choose between indoor or outdoor activities, and are well supported by staff who join in play and help them to learn new skills, for example, playing chess. The children squeal with delight when groups of staff join in physically active team games, such as, hockey and football, and they confidently seek staff out to express their interest in specific activities. A wide variety of arts and crafts are featured in planning, and the children are keen to participate in these themed activities. However, resources and equipment are stored in a cupboard which is not accessible to the children. They can therefore only choose from a selection of

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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 resources provided by staff, which restricts opportunities for them to use their own ideas and imagination. The range of activities and resources is generally good. For example; the children took turns in twos on the play station; 14 children eagerly participated in an exceptionally well organised cooking activity; others were absorbed in board games with staff; performed solo songs on the karaoke; and the remaining children were throwing themselves around on the bouncy castle. The club organises a trip once per week during the holidays, and activities are often linked to a theme, for instance, Chinese new year. Many children attend more than one of the schemes. Those that attend the breakfast club, report that they like meeting in the crèche room because it is small and they 'get to chat to their friends before going to school. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

relationships between the staff and children are very strong and affectionate. Staff are skilled in the way that they adapt their responses, from robust activity and fun, to quiet times with individual and small groups of children. Interesting and supportive conversations evolve. Young children who attend the crèche are interested and motivated to play and learn because activities are well presented and resources are interesting and of good quality. The children join in singing and experiment with musical instruments, they become absorbed as they assemble train track pieces, and investigate the dolls house accessories. The little outdoor playground is purposefully designed for under fives, and provides good opportunities for children's developing gross motor skills. The consistent staff team provide a secure environment for these very young children, most for whom, it is their first experience of group care and parental

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children from a variety of ethnic, cultural, religious and social backgrounds are welcomed within all four of the provisions. Whilst the organisation is Christian based, Christianity does not feature any more significantly than any other religion. For example, the children learn about Hindu and Muslim religions, and festivities, such as, Chinese New Year, as well as Valentines day, and Christmas. Toys and resources reflect positive images of race, gender, and disability. The concept of respect for others, regardless of their differences, and caring and sharing, are promoted through the organisations mission statement, which is well reflected in practice. Staff show profound interest in what the children have to say, of their thoughts and feelings, and they are praised regularly for their efforts and achievements. Staff understand the differences between the children, particularly for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

example, in relation to gender and when the children's confidence is challenged. The children's individual needs are well met, because they are valued as individuals, and effective arrangements are in place to offer them appropriate support when needed. For example, good provision is made for those that need to 'let off steam' after a busy day in a structured environment, and a conscious effort is made by staff to ensure that girls have equal access to activities and resources which are frequently dominated by the boys. Away from the audience of particularly confident girls, and with high levels of adult encouragement, a group of previously apprehensive, but 'interested' boys, found the confidence to try out the karaoke with delightful results.

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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 The children behave exceptionally well, they are polite and sociable, which was well demonstrated by their pro-active contribution to the inspection process. They play cooperatively together, and strive to maintain their good behaviour, which is well encouraged by the settings 'golden rules' and incentive chart. The children benefit from the friendly relationships the staff form with parents and carers. They trust the staff implicitly and have no hesitation in sharing confidential and sensitive information about their child. This enables the staff to respond appropriately. For example, by agreeing methods for managing challenging behaviour, and supporting special educational needs. As a result, the children receive consistent care and support. Parents and carers are well informed about how

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Helping children make a positive contribution

each scheme operates, and of most policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are cared for by staff who have suitable qualifications, or relevant experience. Adult to child ratios are consistently above the minimum requirement. Staff are therefore able to regularly give children individual attention, which contributes to their general well-being. Leadership and management is strong; the roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, the staff work exceptionally well together, and are well deployed to provide high standards of care to the children. Effective personnel and recruitment procedures ensure that the staff are all suitably vetted, and well supported to develop their skills and experience through an established appraisal system and good training opportunities. However, a process to determine staff suitability in relation to health has yet to be devised. The schemes all have familiar routines that ensure the children have time to rest,

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Organisation

play and eat. A well defined area in the crèche room protects non-mobile babies from toddlers, and good use is made of this room outside of the crèche hours. Appropriate records and documentation are in place, stored securely, and used well to safeguard and promote children's welfare. Overall therefore, the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection for care, five actions were issued against the national standards. These related to; standard 7, health; standard 6, safety; and standards 1 and 2, organisation. All the actions have been met. Accidents are comprehensively recorded, dated, and signed by parents to acknowledge the entry. A written policy has been devised, and a procedure implemented, which relates to protecting children from cross infection by operating a 24 hour exclusion period for infectious diseases. Risk assessment procedures are rigorous, well understood and implemented by staff. A total of 10 out of 11 staff have been suitably vetted, and 1 staff member is awaiting clearance. Staff deployment is well organised. They work a variety of full and part time hours, which

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 enables absences to be effectively covered at short notice. The organisation continue to support staff in gaining relevant qualifications.

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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 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 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): • devise and implement a procedure for ensuring that staff are medically fit to work with children • update the procedure for making a complaint, so that it reflects the new regulatory responsibilities of providers • make play resources more accessible to the children, so that they can help themselves and make their own decisions

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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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