Swallowbrook ASC

Swallowbrook ASC

Inspection report for early years provision

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Swallowbrook ASC

Unique Reference Number EY313040 Inspection date 08 February 2006 Inspector Susan Marriott

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Swallowbrook ASC

Setting Address Community Centre, Station Road, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK17 8SH

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E-mail

Registered person Myrna Loy Gutzmore 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?

Swallowbrook Out of School Club originally opened in 2002 and came under new ownership in 2005. The club operates from a single storey building, which is a converted fire station, now known as 'The Community Centre' in Woburn Sands. The building is on a plot of land adjacent to a football pitch, play park and skateboarding area. These are fully fenced with a gateway to the provision's car park. The group has sole use of the premises during the hours of opening and there is a lobby area, large room, kitchen, toilets and store cupboard. The provision is registered to provide care for up to 24 children under 8 years and

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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 there are currently 29 children on roll. The club opens during school term time from 15.00 to 18.00 and is open to children from a wide catchment area. There is a walking collection service from local schools in Woburn Sands and a mini-bus collection service calling at Woburn Lower, Aspley Guise Lower, Husborne Crawley, Eversholt and Ridgmont schools. Fernwood School delivers children to the club if required. The club welcomes children with special educational needs and who speak English as an additional language. The provision employs 3 staff, of whom, 2 members hold qualifications to level 3. The club keeps a register of 2 supply staff and 2 back-up staff who can cover for emergencies.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of outdoor physical activities all year round, including ball games, park play and athletics. Regular indoor activities include table tennis and keep fit sessions. These help children to run off any surplus energy, to develop their self-confidence and contribute to their good health and physical development. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where they begin to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the consistent daily routines. They stay healthy because the staff encourage them to follow clear procedures to prevent the spread of infection. For example, children wash their hands before snack time and wash up their own plates and cups afterwards. There are clear and effective procedures for recording accidents and medication. Children receive appropriate treatment in the case of medical emergency and sick children are excluded from the

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Helping children to be healthy

club. Children of all ages are able to rest according to their needs at the end of the day in a well furnished quiet area equipped with armchairs and cushions. Children benefit from a balanced diet. They enjoy a varied range of healthy foods and discuss foods that are good and bad for them during their tea time. Children are introduced to different foods like noodles and a delicious daily fruit platter, to encourage new tastes and extend their knowledge and experiences. Staff take account of children's wishes and choices to provide meals that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. For example, a range of hot and cold snacks, cold meats, cheese and salad vegetables. Children who are hungry are provided with additional items such as buttered toast, and all children are able to follow their meal with fresh fruit or slices of cake.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe, secure and confident in the well-prepared club environment. Staff have identified and minimised risks for children and have a secure knowledge of the club's safety procedures which they put into practice effectively. This ensures children's safety from school to the club and whilst playing indoors and outside. For

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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 example, children know to keep their seat belts secured when travelling in the club vehicle. Children wear luminous jackets to enable staff to monitor their whereabouts as they play on the nearby field during twilight hours. They are closely supervised as they play and are reminded of safety boundaries such as, not running inside. Children use an excellent range of safe play resources which are age-appropriate. Resources are set out for children each day and additional items accessed for children on request. A separate, comfortable area for children to sit quietly, is always available and this means that children may rest and relax or play quietly after their day at school. Staff have a clear understanding of the procedures to follow if they have concerns relating to child protection and some staff members have attended

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

child protection training. This ensures that children's welfare is appropriately safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are enthusiastic and comfortable within the friendly and welcoming environment of the setting. Children spend their time purposefully. They relate well to each other and enjoy the company of other children and staff. There is a varied range of resources and activities which are used effectively to interest children and develop their learning. Children take part in organised games, races, football and enjoy quieter activities such as quizzes, reading, board games, construction, cookery, needlework and a wide range of crafts. Children really love the story telling game and show the extent of their imagination as they include scenarios such as 'the dinosaur blew down the princess's castle'. Children participate in themed activities. For example, they decorate and ice cakes for Valentines Day and make lanterns for Chinese New Year. Plans of activities and play opportunities offered to the children demonstrate the wide range on offer and the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

daily diary system enables parents to read about the activities chosen by children on a daily basis. Children are very well supported by the staff who take an active role in their sessions at the club and encourage them to extend their experiences by listening and talking to them. Children's concentration is good, they stay focussed on their chosen activities and respond excitedly to the challenges set. They happily participate in quizzes, puzzles and brain teaser games and enjoy the competition with other children of all ages. For example, a version of Chinese whispers named 'Swallowabrick' and the alphabet shopping game. Children relished the recent 'Swallowbrook X factor', in which a staff member performed her famous 'Tina Turner' impression.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy mutually respectful relationships with the staff and each other. They develop self-esteem and confidence as they voice their opinions and make choices and decisions. For example, children take responsibility for monitoring turns on the

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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 Playstation by keeping their own list of players. Children readily chatter to the staff whilst they play and staff always make time to listen to groups or individuals. Children can put forward their ideas for activities and snacks through written or pictorial contributions on various laminated suggestions charts. Staff plan activities to promote a positive view of the wider society and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Snack time is used well to introduce new foods relating to special events and craft activities reflect an extensive range of seasonal events from a wide range of cultures across the world. Children behave well. They know what is expected of them because they discuss and help to write the club's safety and behaviour rules. Staff talk to the children regularly

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to ensure they understand the behaviour boundaries. Children with special needs integrate well within the group. Equipment and resources are adapted to ensure all children are able to participate fully. All children respect and understand that some children need extra help and willingly support those who do. Children show care and concern for each other, and play together harmoniously. Relationships with parents are friendly. Staff make parents welcome and value their feedback. Effective use of the notice boards and the daily diary system ensures information is shared appropriately. This promotes continuity of care and children's sense of security.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The registered person has effective recruitment and vetting procedures for staff and ensures that they have suitable qualifications. All staff have undergone appropriate vetting checks and are deemed suitable to work with children. The staff work well as a team to promote children’s health, enjoyment and achievement at the club. Comprehensive documentation underpins the successful organisation of the club and helps staff in their day to day work with the children. However, some paperwork is not always available for inspection by the early years inspector. The provision has reliable systems to cover for unexpected staff absence throughout the year. This ensures that ratios are always maintained and that children receive consistent levels of adult attention and input to secure their progress. The mature and stable staff team are well qualified and dedicated to the concept of quality childcare and

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Organisation

education. This promotes very positive outcomes for children. The committed and dedicated staff team ensure that children benefit and enjoy their time at this welcoming and friendly provision. Staff demonstrate a real affinity with children; they respect children's feelings, value their comments and clearly enjoy their company. Planning systems are very good and ensure a clear focus to progress children's care and development. Self-evaluation and stringent monitoring by management ensure that the setting is consistently striving to achieve the highest standards of child care and education. The children obviously feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play. The staff effectively use the policies and procedures to promote the welfare and care of the children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • ensure that documentation is always available for inspection by the early years inspector.

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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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