Alphabets @ Cofton

Alphabets@Cofton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Alphabets@Cofton

Unique Reference Number EY313625 Inspection date 23 May 2006 Inspector Angela Dyer

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Alphabets@Cofton

Setting Address Cofton Primary School, Wootton Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B31 4ST Telephone number 0121 477 8409

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E-mail

Registered person Longbridge Childcare Strategy Group (1081699) 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?

Alphabets @ Cofton is managed by Longbridge Childcare Strategy Group and opened in 2005. The setting offers out of school care for children attending Cofton Primary School. It operates from two rooms within a port-a-cabin on the school site. There are currently 25 children from four to ten years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 07:30

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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 to 09:00 and 15:00 to 18:00. The club also offers care during teacher training days from 07:30 to 17:00. There are three staff who work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Effective procedures are in place to minimise the possible spread of infections, including anti-bacterial spray being used to clean tables and children being provided with soap and paper towels for hand drying. Procedures are in place to ensure children are cared for appropriately if they are taken ill or have an accident. Accident and medication recording procedures are effective and confidentiality is maintained. All children are provided with opportunities to rest, relax or let off steam following their busy days at school. Children participate in physical activities and they enjoy playing outside where they have ample space to run, skip or play ball games. Outdoor provision is very good as children are able to play in the school's playground. Staff support their play and help them to understand the importance of keeping active as part of a healthy lifestyle through discussion and joining in with the

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Helping children to be healthy

games on offer. Children are able to help themselves to drinks throughout the session, to ensure they remain hydrated. Details of children's dietary needs are recorded and children are provided with a range of healthy and nutritious snacks, including fruit, beans on toast, breadsticks and dips. Children are encouraged to develop an awareness of the links between what they eat and staying healthy through activities and discussions.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe environment. The setting is appropriately maintained, bright and spacious. Space indoors is organised to support a variety of activities and to allow children plenty of room to play. Access into the building is closely monitored, records are maintained of visitors on the premises and children are escorted to the club by staff. Children are reminded about simple safety rules through lively discussions and activities. Risk assessments are carried out to identify and reduce risks, however, these checks are not consistently completed which may in turn compromise children's safety. The fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed and children have regular opportunities to practise the drill to reinforce their understanding of the actions required in the event of an emergency Children are well protected because staff have a professional understanding of the

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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 child protection procedures and are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities to protect the children in their care. Staff know how to recognise the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and are confident about when to put the appropriate procedures into practice. There is a clear written policy in place which is shared with parents and all staff on induction.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time in the club and arrive eager and ready to participate in a wide range of exciting activities. They select activities of their choice including imaginative play, arts and crafts, computer games and board games. Children also have opportunities to relax and unwind, chatting among themselves and catching up with their friends in other classes. Staff demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the children's needs, likes and interests and are skilled at communicating with children. Staff interact positively with the children and show obvious enjoyment in their company, as they join in with activities, including dancing and painting. Children are consulted about what they want to do throughout their time at the club. They are able to plan themes and are encouraged to make suggestions about the types of activities that they would like to see more of. Children's ideas are respected

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

by staff who provide them with the necessary resources to carry out and develop their ideas, including den making and painting their favourite pictures on the windows. Children are confident in knowing that the staff value their opinions and talk proudly of the club and how they look forward to going each day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children in the club are happy, settled and confident in expressing their needs and preferences. Children are treated and respected as individuals and staff meet their needs appropriately. 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 to look at their communities and celebrate festivals. Staff implement a calm and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour. They encourage children to take responsibility for their own behaviour by supporting them in writing their own club rules. Children's behaviour is good and they respond well to staff guidance and intervention when necessary. Staff work closely with each other and parents to ensure that they meet each child's needs. A comprehensive policy is in place regarding special needs which details how

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the setting provides an inclusive service. Staff make time each day to talk to parents about what their child has been doing, as well as passing on messages from school.

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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 Parents are given a well written welcome pack which details the setting policies and procedures, however, the setting does not have a complaints log in place to provide parents with information about previous complaints. Other useful information, including activity plans, newsletters and the certificate of registration, are displayed on the notice board.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment by friendly staff, with whom they have established positive relationships with. Effective recruitment procedures ensure that staff are appropriately vetted and the deployment of staff ensures that children are well supervised at all times. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend. Children's health, safety and welfare are promoted through well written policies and procedures which are regularly reviewed and accessible to staff and parents. Personal information relating to the children and staff is stored securely to ensure confidentiality is maintained.

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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):

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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 • ensure risk assessments are consistently completed and regularly reviewed to identify and minimise risks to children • up-date the complaints procedure to include a complaints record to reflect amendments to the National Standards.

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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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