Concordia Academy

Ilchester Schools Out

Inspection report for early years provision

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Ilchester Schools Out

Unique Reference Number 142885 Inspection date 14 March 2006 Inspector Michelle Tuck

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Ilchester Schools Out

Setting Address Ilchester Infants School, Ilustrious Crescent, Ilchester, Somerset, BA22 8JX Telephone number 07733101044

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E-mail

Registered person Julie Stapleton 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?

Ilchester Schools Out is privately owned by 2 partners who also jointly manage the club. The club operates from a mobile unit within the grounds of Ilchester Infants School, which is situated close to the navel base. The group has access to 2 class rooms, 1 with a kitchen area, the school hall, toilets in the school building and the school playground and playing field. The club is registered to care for 40 children between 4 and 8 years. This number also includes older children up to the age of 15 years. There are currently approximately 100 children on roll. Children using the club attend either the Infant or

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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 Junior School on site, but, subject to places, are also accepted from other schools. Many of the children are from naval families. The group is open from 07.30 - 09.00 and 15.30 - 18.00, Monday - Friday in school term time, and from 07.30 - 18.00 during school holidays. There are 6 staff employed. The managers both hold, NVQ level 3 qualifications. Other staff either hold NVQ 3 or are currently working towards them. All staff hold current first aid certificates.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from regular drinks and snacks provided by the group. Children's individual dietary requirements are met appropriately through discussion with parents and recording. Children independently access drinks of squash throughout the session, and on arrival receive a snack from the tuck box. On inspection day this was a packet of crisp and small chocolate bar. Snacks of fruit are also offered when available. Children are offered a biscuit later in the session. Healthy eating is promoted at breakfast time. Children are offered cereals and toast with various spreads. Children learn about the importance of hygiene through staff reminding children to wash their hands after using the toilet. However, this is not encouraged on arrival at the club before eating their tuck. Children develop their physical skills outside through playing on the equipment and playing physical games. Some children walk with the staff from the junior school

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Helping children to be healthy

which provides opportunities for daily exercise. Children's minor accidents are able to be dealt with effectively as staff hold current certificates in first aid. However, children are not fully protected as parents have not given written permission for emergency medical advice or treatment to be sought if necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally safe within the setting, although some of the electrical sockets are accessible to children. Children move around the room freely, and safely. Staff minimise potential hazards to children well inside and outside. Children know where the boundaries are and the importance of keeping to them. Children use a suitable range of resources and equipment, which are of good order and well maintained. Child size equipment allows children to access activities safely. Staff safeguard children's welfare by having a sound awareness of child protection issues. They have relevant documentation to assist them in following correct

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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 procedures and maintaining appropriate confidentiality.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and relaxed at the setting. They have positive relationships with their peers and the staff. Children settle quickly on arrival after the initial chatter. They are enthusiastic to put their names down for the art activities on offer. For example, making hot air balloons or creepy hands. Staff interact well with the children and support them well in the activities they choose. Children enter the club confidently and easily get involved in activities. Children are able to engage in activities based on what they are interested in and are not forced to take part when they do not wish to. For example, children who were waiting their turn on the game stations, completed an art activity or watched television while waiting their turn.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally well behaved. Staff are observant and consistently manage the situations ensuring that all children are involved in activities that meet their individual needs to keep them busy and happy. Children enjoy engaging in conversations with staff and each other whilst completing activities and staff give them praise and encouragement. Children respond positively and are eager to help and please staff. Older children spontaneously assist younger children. For example, older children escort younger ones to the toilet. Children explore other cultures and countries through access to resources which reflect positive images of diversity. This includes cooking utensils from different cultures and posters displayed around the room depicting people with different colour skin. Children are considered as individuals, and staff know them well. Children have a strong sense of belonging and ownership. They are involved in making the rules for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the club and these are displayed on the wall. The group support children with special needs. Children's individual needs are met because sufficient information is obtained from parents and effectively adhered to by staff. Parents are provided with adequate information on the provision and have opportunities to exchange information with staff.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Children are well cared for by experienced staff. Good levels of child to staff ratios ensures

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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 children are comfortable, well supported and receive good attention from staff. Children benefit from staff's enthusiasm, willingness to become involved, try new ideas and develop skills through access to training. The premises are sufficiently organised to provide children with different areas to relax or take part in activities. However, at present access to a separate room for quieter activities, for example to complete homework is not available. Most documentation is in place and well organised. There are no written procedures in place to be followed in the event of a child not being collected. Staff development is effectively identified and there is a good commitment to training and updating knowledge.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was agreed that the group would conduct a risk assessment on the premises, identifying action to be taken to minimize identified risks. Staff regularly check the premises to ensure its continued suitability. They were also asked to ensure a record is kept of named individuals authorised to collect children. The staff ask for three names and contact numbers for each child, and this is recorded on their registration forms. They now use all resources appropriately.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 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): • ensure all electrical sockets are inaccessible to children.

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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 • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment if necessary. • ensure there are written procedures to follow in the event of a child not being collected.

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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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