FreeSpirits Kirk Ella Ltd

Free Spirits Kirkella

Inspection report for early years provision

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Free Spirits Kirkella

314631 Unique Reference Number 12 December 2006 Inspection date Jackie Phillips Inspector

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Free Spirits Kirkella

Scout Association, Scout & Guide Hut, Mill Lane, Kirk Ella, Hull, North Humberside, HU10 7QY

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E-mail

Christine Barnes Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of 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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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?

Free Spirits Kirkella before and after school club opened in 2000. It operates from the Scout and Guide Headquarters adjacent to St. Andrew's Primary School and is a privately owned and managed group. It serves the children attending that school. There is a large hall, a smaller room, kitchen and toilets, and outside play opportunities are available on the school playground and playing fields.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 77 children from four to 11 years of age on roll. Of these, 40 are under eight and 37 are over eight years of age. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The groups opens five days a week during school terms only, and sessions run from 08.00 to 08.45 and from 15.20 to 17.45.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are eight part-time staff working with the children. Of these, three, who are in regular attendance, hold recognised childcare qualifications.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about how to keep fit and healthy in a number of ways. For example, they have good access to the school's playing field and playground areas. Here they use an interesting and challenging range of static climbing and balancing equipment that promotes and develops a range of physical skills. Additional resources, such as bats, balls and skipping ropes, are available for children to use and they initiate games of football spontaneously outside supervised by members of staff.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a range of light meals after school and at breakfast before school each day. For instance, children eat cereals, spaghetti on toast and a variety of sandwiches. They are involved in the decision making of the food they would like to eat, and are positively encouraged to choose a piece of fresh fruit from the well-stocked fruit bowl when they are hungry. Drinks are readily available throughout each session. Children are invited to participate in simple cooking activities, such as making biscuits. Their special dietary requirements are able to be met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Toilet areas for boys and girls are available, well equipped with liquid soap, disposable paper hand towels and step stools for the younger children. A wall-mounted water heater is available, although this can reach a high temperature, which is a potential hazard for children. There is some written information about the arrangements to be followed when children are ill. All staff hold valid first aid qualifications and supplies of medical items to deal with children's injuries are in place should they be required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The setting is shared with a number of other groups and clubs. Therefore, display boards for children's work are limited. However, arrangements are made for children to have some of their creative work on display. For example, Christmas decorations children make are able to be hung on the setting's Christmas tree. Resources are stored in a large walk-in cupboard that is inaccessible to children. However, they may make requests for toys and resources to staff members who willing oblige. There are some resources, such as bean bags, to enable a comfortable area to be made where children can relax.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are suitable arrangements established for the safe transfer of children to and from the school. Staff supervise children well and ensure that they can quickly enter the setting after school without having to wait around for other children. The premises are secure and unauthorised entry is prohibited. However, the handle to the interior of the main door is accessible to children and can be easily opened. There is, therefore, risk of a child leaving unsupervised. Most written documentation and records support children's safety. For example, the setting keeps an accurate attendance register and accident and medication logs, and written procedures are in place for an uncollected or missing child. Currently operational procedures are not established for the safe conduct of any outings provided.

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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 The adults of the group are aware of their responsibility to protect children from harm. A written child protection policy is established and contains information of the procedure to follow if an allegation is made against a member of staff. Any concerns that are raised about children are recorded and details are shared with parents. This means that staff are diligent in their observations of children and notice, for example, changes in behaviour patterns. Written child protection guidance is in place and contact details of local agencies is available for support or referral.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enter the club enthusiastically and are eager to participate in the range of activities provided. The main playroom is spacious and adults plan specific areas, including where children can relax, a book corner, tables where children eat and where they can find materials to be creative. During a creative activity when Christmas decorations were being made, children played co-operatively and with sustained concentration. They shared their ideas with each other and made decisions either to hang them on the Christmas tree, leave them to complete the following evening or take them home. Arrangements are in place for children to access a smaller room for quiet activities, such as watching the television.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Although the range of resources is not extensive, those available keep children engaged and occupied and include some that raise children's awareness of other cultures. The range includes domestic and role play items, books, games and puzzles, construction materials and an interesting range of creative resources, including those for children to cut, stick and create collages. Staff are responsive to children's requests, for instance, when they asked for the play tents to be available. This means that children are involved in making decisions and expressing their choice and opinions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Effective relationships are developed with children through conversation and adults listening to the requests of children. The views and opinions of children are consistently taken into account and all children are enabled to feel included and part of the group. Time is taken for discussion with parents to investigate any additional needs or special requirements that children might have. For example, dietary or medical needs or issues where child need additional support to manage their behaviour more positively. Staff members are very keen to work alongside parents to provide support and attend training to update and increase their knowledge of particular medical problems children might have. This means that children's individual needs are well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The staff team have a positive approach to working with parents as partners. They provide a designated noticeboard where parents can see a range of notices and are encouraged to write comments or suggestions on forms provided. They have access to the setting's certificate of registration and Ofsted's contact details. The setting's range of policies and procedures are

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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 available in a file for parents to access. New parents are provided with a written information sheet that includes details about the management and operation of the club.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

During the inspection many parents were eager to vocalise their satisfaction and appreciation of the club and the service it provides. For example, parents commented on the range of creative work children take home, how children have been very well supported through periods of challenging behaviour, and how the club enables working parents to meet employment needs. Informal discussions take place with parents on a regular basis and this effective sharing of information means that children's needs are met and issues of concern are discussed between parents and carers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Through the celebration of different festivals children learn about the wider community and are more aware of respecting the wishes and cultures of others. For example, children have participated in activities to celebrate and learn about Chinese New Year and Diwali. More traditional events, such as Halloween and Christmas, are also acknowledged. Older children are learning to cooperate and negotiate and are keen to help younger children, such as with creative work or in the bathroom area during hand washing routines. This means that children are learning about being part of a group, developing ways of assisting others and respecting the faiths and beliefs of different groups of people.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The staff team work well together and provide appropriate support and interaction to meet the needs of the children. They are familiar with their roles and responsibilities and on most occasions ensure the group is well prepared and set up prior to children's arrival. Staff meetings are held to ensure that information is exchanged which supports team morale. Attention is paid to providing children with a flexible routine in which they can choose activities that take place inside or out. Staff ensure they supervise children well outside to prevent accidents and keep children safe. Most systems and documentation to provide a safe and effective environment for children are established.

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Organisation

Staff are able to attend training events which means they keep up to date with current information and raise their understanding of issues that relate to the health and safety of children. They have developed a positive approach to working with parents and meeting the needs of children. There is attention paid to ensure that staff members who hold recognised childcare qualifications are consistently working with the children supported by other colleagues. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

During the previous inspection three recommendations were made that related to the qualification attainment of at least one staff member, first aid training and the child protection procedure of the setting. These have all been successfully addressed. There are three members of staff who are qualified to level 3 in childcare and who consistently work with the children, supported by colleagues. Staff attend first aid training consistent with guidance by the Secretary of State that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. The setting's child

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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 protection procedure is adequately based on national guidance issued by the government. This means that the health and safety outcomes for children have been improved and they are less at risk.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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): • ensure that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised • ensure the water heater used for hand washing is not a potential hazard for children • ensure operational procedures are established for the safe conduct of any outings.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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