Vicarage Park After School ClubOfsted inspection, 6 Jun 2006

Vicarage Park After School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Vicarage Park After School Club

Unique Reference Number EY313364 Inspection date 06 June 2006 Inspector Andrea, Marie Paulson

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Vicarage Park After School Club

Setting Address The Bungalow, Vicarage Park School, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5BP Telephone number 01539 773 628

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E-mail

Registered person The Committee of Vicarage Park 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?

Vicarage Park After School Club provides out of school care for up to 16 children aged from four to 11 years, who are pupils at Vicarage Park Primary School. The school is situated south of the town centre and serves the surrounding area. The club sessions take place in a converted bungalow located within the school grounds. The school's outdoor play areas are also used by the club. The bungalow is fully adapted for use by wheelchair users. The club operates from the end of the school day at 15.15 until 18.00 during term time only. A holiday club operates for four weeks of the summer holidays from 08.00 to 18.00, according to demand.

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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 The club is administered by an independent management committee who employ three members of staff. The play leader and one play worker hold appropriate Level 3 qualifications, while the other play workers are working towards Level 3 qualifications. There are currently 34 children on roll. The club supports children with special needs. It is a member of '4Children', and has a support network comprising the school, 'SureStart', Social Services Department, and local health professionals.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have their health and dietary needs met generally well as the staff work closely with the parents, for instance, records show relevant information for each child. However, not all children have written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment. Children learn about good health and hygiene practices as part of the daily routine, as they learn about washing hands and tidying up the play equipment. Children are developing a sound understanding of making healthy food choices. However, the snacks are not always high in nutritional value. The children have easy access to water and juice throughout the session. Individual specific dietary needs are met well. Children are protected when they are ill, with the staff taking appropriate measures, for instance, comforting the child and contacting the parents immediately. The children participate in regular physical exercise, both indoors and outdoors. They

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Helping children to be healthy

move freely indoors between areas that provide for quiet and active play, so that their movement skills are promoted well. The children are learning to look after themselves as they seek shade in the heat of the sun.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are looked after in a secure environment so that they can feel confident and safe. They are kept continuously safe during the session with sound safety procedures followed, such as, not walking through the car park to the outdoor play area. Risk assessments are in place to identify and resolve hazards, maintaining the satisfactory safety standards of the premises. There are three separate toilet facilities in the bungalow, two of which offer privacy for the children, while the other one does not. Children are developing a satisfactory knowledge of safety and awareness, as they learn to sit properly and use equipment safely. Children are able to gain independence and skills as they easily access the resources available. They benefit from the close supervision of the staff, who are sensitive to individual needs and offer support when needed. The children are relaxed, have fun and move freely around

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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 welcoming and safe premises. Although an emergency evacuation plan is in place, it has not been practised, which means that the children are not familiar enough with the procedure. Children's welfare is further safeguarded through the staff members' sound knowledge of child protection and local procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have good, trusting relationships with the staff and settle confidently with them. Their learning and play needs are developed very well. Staff show good understanding and effective use of experience and knowledge of children's individual needs and abilities. Children are able to further practise their skills and enjoy related activities through the wide range of stimulating activities made easily accessible to them. Children's language skills and self-expression are fostered very well through the staff's skilful promoting of conversation, for instance, while designing T shirts. Their self-esteem is highly promoted through much praise for their achievements and good behaviour. The staff use effective behaviour management techniques, to which the children respond well, so that they are learning right from wrong. The children enjoy the interesting activities and learn from each other, for instance, during art and craft

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities. Children enjoy being at the club and playing with friends they know from school. They play well together and have many good opportunities to further develop their individual skills, indoor and outdoor.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn to show respect for different cultures with resources that reflect the wider world, such as books and planned art and craft activities. Children with special needs are supported well by experienced staff who work closely with the children at school, and with the parents. Children with special needs have support staff, which enable them to participate actively in the provision. Children are well behaved, learn to respect the ground rules and follow the good role models of staff members by using good manners and being considerate to each other. They are learning responsible behaviour as they tidy up after an activity and share resources. The children react well to appropriate behaviour management techniques, so that they are learning right from wrong. Children are settled well, are happy and learning to be confident in a busy and friendly atmosphere. They learn

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Helping children make a positive contribution

that they are valued, with much praise and encouragement from the staff. Continuity of individual care is ensured with informal, regular handovers with the parents, so that children's individual needs are continuously met. There are effective

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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 ways of sharing information, with staff and parents working closely, promoting the children's well-being. The required policies are in place and available to the parents. Parents spoken with are happy with the flexible provision and approachability of the staff.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are able to take an active part in the setting which is well supervised by the staff, to promote the children's enjoyment and achievements. They are relaxed and confident in the environment, with their individual care further supported by the staff being well qualified and experienced. Staff checks are adequately organised, except for references not always being followed up, as part of a robust system. This is to make sure that the children are cared for only by adults proven to be suitable. Staff plan an interesting range of activities so that the children enjoy varied play in a busy, friendly atmosphere. The out of school care is effectively organised, and can provide flexible provision around the school clubs. The staff involved in the provision work well as a team, and have close links with the school, to provide continuity of care for the children. The daily records are satisfactory, except that the daily staff

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Organisation

attendance is not recorded. Children's needs are known and recorded through efficient systems, which are regularly reviewed. Parents have access to the policies and procedures, further promoting good relationships, working towards the well-being of the children. Parents are seen to be welcomed when collecting the children, which enables an informal exchange of information, further promoting continuity of individual care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

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 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): • provide more healthy and nutritious snacks for the children • ensure that written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment is given for all children • ensure that regular emergency evacuation practices are carried out and recorded • ensure that the toilet facilities in the main playroom, if used, offer some privacy for the children • ensure that the names of staff present are included in the daily register • ensure that references are actively followed up as part of a robust system of checks for staff.

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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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