Slaithwaite After School Club

Slaithwaite After School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Slaithwaite After School Club

Unique Reference Number 311421 Inspection date 31 January 2006 Inspector Cathleen Howarth

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Slaithwaite After School Club

Setting Address Community Centre, Bankgate, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD7 5DL Telephone number 01484 846727

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E-mail

Registered person Slaithwaite 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Slaithwaite Out Of School Club registered in 1992 and is run by a voluntary management committee. The club operates from rooms within Slaithwaite Community Centre. A maximum of 40 children may attend the club at any one time. The club is open weekdays during term time from 15:00 - 18:00. The Holiday Play Scheme is open weekdays from 08:00 - 18:00. The club is closed for bank holidays and usually the week between Christmas and New Year. All children have access to a soft play area and a former school yard. There are currently 57 children aged from 3 to 11 years on roll. Of these, 23 are

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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 under 8 years. Children come from four local schools during term time. The Holiday Play Scheme takes children from a wider catchment area within Kirklees. The club currently supports children with special needs. The entrance to club is ramped for wheelchair users. The committee employs eight staff to work with children including school escorts who are available for other duties. There is also a student volunteer to assist. The person in charge has an appropriate qualification and three staff are working towards a qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are sufficiently protected from infection and are taken care of if they have an accident or become ill. This is because staff follow some environmental health and hygiene guidelines. Accidents are recorded and countersigned by parents to promote continuity of care. Children stay healthy because staff maintain satisfactory levels of hygiene and cleanliness in areas used by children. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before snack and after using the toilet. Some children take part in physical indoor activity, such as football at the top end of the main hall. This enables them to develop some muscle tone and coordination. Children have limited opportunity to engage in quiet, relaxing activities. This is due to high noise levels in the adjoining main hall. As a result children attending for long periods are unable to rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children choose from a sufficient range of nutritious food and drink, such as cheese or beans on toast, hot chocolate, juice or water. There is limited provision for the safe storage of lunch boxes during summer play scheme. Mealtime is treated as a social occasion. Self-help skills are encouraged like setting the table, serving, selecting and clearing away. This encourages children to respond well to mealtime routines to promote their physical and emotional well-being. One member of staff has obtained the Foundation Food Hygiene certificate and food preparation procedures are sound.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning to discover boundaries and limits such as using the soft ball for indoor football and not running through the club, in order to keep safe. Their play environment is kept safe by staff with sound understanding of the need for a balance between freedom and safe limits. For example, children know not to leave the building unsupervised. Children are learning to tidy up to encourage them to take responsibility for themselves and others safety. They have safe and independent access to a wide range of age-appropriate toys, furniture and resources to support their play. Children play with resources and equipment that are of suitable design and

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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 condition, which staff check regularly for repair and replacement. Children are kept safe outside, such as walking from school to the club. Escorts continually reinforce road safety and appropriate staff ratios are maintained. Children learn to keep themselves and others safe and avoid accidental injury, for example, they are sufficiently aware under fives are unable to play with toys and equipment designed for older children. All fire safety precautions are in place. For example, no blocked exits, adequate smoke detection and fire fighting equipment that is regularly serviced. Children practice emergency evacuation procedures to encourage them to take responsibility for themselves. The current public liability insurance is displayed for parents to view. Children are protected because staff sufficently understand their role in child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection. They are able to put appropriate procedures into practice, if necessary, such as recognising signs of abuse and neglect, recording concerns and reporting these to the appropriate agencies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Staff plan a wide range of age appropriate indoor activities such as children's quizzes, the marble run and hide and seek. Children access and use a good range of play materials labelled for easy self-selection that supports their overall development. There are clearly defined areas to support different activities such as ball games and table top activities such as art work. Children find their resources fun, interesting and challenging which helps to focus their attention on the broad range of play opportunities available to them. Children build on their natural curiosity as learners developing their language, for example, through role play, dressing up as the police, Miss Piggy and furry bear. They develop their mathematical thinking, such as through activity books, jigsaws, water and sand play. Children use their imagination when playing with musical instruments and dancing to music.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop good levels confidence and self-esteem by engaging in stimulating activities such as baking and eating what they have made, like rice crispy buns. They develop meaningful social relationships through sound meal time routines; roll the dice and board games. Children show great interest in what they do, for example when they persist in their self chosen activity such as completing homework without prompting. They use their initiative when they move freely from one activity to another. Children acquire new knowledge and skills through interesting trips and outings during holiday play scheme, such as trips to The Fun Factory, Laser Quest, Eureka and ten pin bowling. Children thoroughly enjoy their trips to the cinema. They respond well to challenge such as helping staff organise the summer barbeque. Children relate well to their carers when they are asked to tidy up.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern, for example all children have free access to age appropriate toys and equipment. Children are beginning to develop some awareness of diversity and the wider community through their toys, books, musical instruments, play materials and DVD's. Staff have appropriate knowledge and understanding of inclusion and appropriately adapt activities to meet children's level of ability and understanding. However, only limited information has been obtained from parents with regard to knowing how to reinforce some children’s specific goals. As a result progress and development for some children is not fully supported. Staff are aware of the support services available to them through the Local Authority such as Area SENCO. Children mostly behave well. Staff use age appropriate strategies such as explanation and distraction to manage a broad range of children’s differing

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour. Incidents are recorded and countersigned by parents to keep parents informed about their children’s welfare. Children have agreed, written and displayed club rules on the notice board, which in the main they adhere to. Children’s good behaviour is not consistently recognised and valued as there is an emphasis on managing boisterous behaviour. As a result children sometimes gain more attention from behaving inappropriately. Children usually respond well to staff's sensitive handling of situations. For example, when older boys took the football away from younger boys, a member of staff encouraged older boys to be patient. Children are learning to share, take turns and be kind during their play. This helps to develop their self-esteem and respect for others. Children are learning right from wrong and consequences to their actions, for example, they do not walk round the club with hot drinks and food. There is a good

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Helping children make a positive contribution

balance of adult led and child initiated activities that allow children to make choices and decisions to promote their confidence. For example, free play is organised when children arrive from school, and after snack there is an adult led activity like creative art, which children choose to participate. Children are looked after according to parents’ wishes, as written parents consent is obtained for some child care practices, such as permission for trips and outings. Parents know how to raise concerns through the clearly written complaints procedure available to view in the Operational Guide.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Staff have developed a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to continual improvement. Relevant in-service training has recently been completed and further training is scheduled. Most staff records are available to view. However, induction procedures are not sufficiently thorough to support new staff in their work. There is no staff appraisal system to support existing staff. Informal staff meetings take place, but

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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 minutes of meetings are not maintained. New application forms have been drafted for all required information to be obtained. There is an acceptable action plan in place to enable half of all child care staff to be qualified to level two by the end of 2006. The deputy will be qualified to level three by June 2006. There are suitable arrangements in place to cover staff absences. The organisation of space is suitable to support different activities such as play and meals. Staff make good use of their time by following planned activities. Children anticipate daily routines which have been established to promote a predictable, secure environment for children to play. Staff are deployed effectively and activities well supported. Team work is sound and staff go purposefully about their work. Most of the required documentation is in place,

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Organisation

and has recently been updated to promote children’s care and welfare. Children’s records are in the process of being updated and nearly half have been completed, such as new registration and parent consent forms. Children's records remain accessible for parents to view. Documentation is stored securely and maintained in an orderly fashion for easy access. Staff have sufficient knowledge and understanding of confidentiality and sharing relevant information with parents. It is acknowledged staff and committee are working hard to develop the club for children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection compliance notices were raised to ensure a deputy is suitably qualified to take charge in the absence of the Manager. An action plan was required to ensure at least half of all staff hold a level two play work qualification. A register for children and staff was to be maintained. Staff were required to be aware of the lost child procedure. A record of medicines administered to children was required and countersigned by parents. A child protection policy and procedure was required, in accordance with Area Child Protection Committee procedures, including the procedure to follow if an allegation of abuse is made against a member of staff. Previous actions had been raised to improve vetting procedures and staff records. A deputy is now appointed and is currently working towards level three in play work. Half of all staff are currently working towards level two in play work and will be

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Improvements since the last inspection

qualified by the end of 2006. A daily register is completed showing which staff work with children. A lost child procedure has been implemented, which is understood by staff. A medication procedure has been implemented for parents to countersign. A medication policy is still required. A child protection policy and procedure, in accordance with Area Child Protection Committee procedures, has been implemented and includes the procedure to follow if an allegation of abuse is made against a member of staff. Staff recruitment and vetting procedures have improved. A new application form has been drafted to obtain all relevant information, and existing staff are cleared to work with children. Most staff records are easily accessible. These measures are taken to improve children's health and safety at the setting and to promote their care and welfare.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. The provider is required to keep a record of complaint by the 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 satisfactory. 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): • develop provision for rest and relaxing activities • extend existing systems to support children with special needs in partnership with parents • build on existing behaviour management strategies to reward good behaviour • develop procedures for staff induction and appraisal.

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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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