John Paxton Junior School

Crocodile Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Crocodile Club

Unique Reference Number 110667 Inspection date 23 June 2005 Inspector Tracy Bartholomew

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Crocodile Club

Setting Address Stockcross Primary School, Chapel Road, Stockcross, Berkshire, RG20 8LD Telephone number 0774 784 8523

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E-mail

Registered person Crocodile 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Crocodile Club is the after school club for Stockcross Primary School. Stockcross is a rural village to the northwest of Newbury. The club is based on the school premises and operates from the school hall with access to toilets, kitchen facilities and a large out door area. The club provides care for children aged up to eleven years. There are currently 22 children on roll, ten of whom are aged under eight. Children attending the club also attend the school. The after school club supports children with special needs. 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 club opens Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 15:15 and 17:45,term time only. The club is run by a committee who employ five part time staff. The supervisor, who works every session and another staff member hold level II childcare qualifications. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop good independence in their personal care and show an awareness of their own needs. Suitable facilities are available for children to develop their self-help skills. Staff promote children's health through a strong awareness of hygiene procedures. Children benefit from a healthy and well balanced diet; staff demonstrate an understanding of the children's dietary and individual needs. Children have independent access to drinks, the setting takes account of the wishes of the parents when providing snacks and drinks. Children are enthusiastic and competent in their physical activities; they move confidently within the environment. The children are actively involved in a wide range of activities, which helps to develop their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment that offers facilities for a range of activities, which promote their development. Equipment provided is of high quality and appropriate to the children's age. Children have sufficient, suitable toys and play materials available for indoor and outdoor play; this enables them to develop their emotional, intellectual, social, creative and physical skills. Staff protect the children’s well-being and recognises their responsibilities towards the children in their care, to ensure that children's welfare and safety are paramount.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, relaxed and enthusiastic within their environment; they arrive happy and keen to take part in all structured and free activities. The staff have good relationships with parents and cooperate well to ensure they meet each child's

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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 individual needs. Children are motivated and become engrossed in a wide range of developmentally appropriate activities, indoor and out, which promote good levels of challenge. Children respond well to changes in the routine, they know the routine well and are encouraged to take care in the environment. Staff knowledge and interaction with individual children allows them effectively to meet their needs. Children develop good self-esteem and behaviour through positive relationships with staff and appropriate behaviour management skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and treated with equal concern within the setting. Play is organised and monitored well to ensure children have access to the full range of activities. This ensures children feel relaxed and self-confident whilst in their play. Children benefit from staff that use a consistent and positive approach to their behaviour. The staff establish clear boundaries, which promotes the welfare and development of the children. Staff work in partnership with the parents to meet the needs of all the children attending. Staff seek the views of the parents and ensure that they are fully informed in relation to the aspects of their child care and achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Although children's care needs are in place, there are insufficient qualified staff to ensure the development of the children. The staff ensure un-vetted people do not have access to the children whilst at the setting, to protect the children whilst in their care. The staff demonstrate understanding of their roles and are fully aware of their responsibilities. All staff work together well to promote children's enjoyment and achievements. However, procedures are weak in regards to accidents, records are not maintained and signed by the parents; this has a potential impact on the children's safety and well-being. This means that the needs of all children who attend are not met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The out of school club has taken on board actions and recommendations made at last inspection, they have implemented policies and procedures to protect the children and staff and the group have extended their equipment to include positive images of cultures and abilities.

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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

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • develop and implement an action plan that sets out how staff training and qualification requirements will be met • maintain a written record of any accidents that occur within the setting These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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