Middle Park After School Club and Holiday Playscheme

Holiday Playscheme

Inspection report for early years provision

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Holiday Playscheme

Unique Reference Number 509632 Inspection date 19 April 2006 Inspector Beverly Hallett

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Holiday Playscheme

Setting Address 150 Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, London, SE9 5SD

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E-mail

Registered person The Committee of Middle Park Community Centre 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?

Middle Park Out of School Club has been registered since February 1998. It operates from Middle Park Community Centre. A maximum of 61 children may attend the setting at any one time. The after school club is open each weekday from 08:00 to 09:00 and 15:15 to 18:00 during term time, and from 08.00 to 18.00 in school holidays. Children from Middle Park School mainly attend. All children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 121 children on roll. The nursery currently supports a number of

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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 children with special educational needs, and a number of children who speak English as an additional language. The out of school club employs eight staff, seven of whom, including the manager, hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The setting does not currently offer a wide variety of healthy eating foods at every meal time. However, children enjoy suitably nutritious food and drinks at snack times, choosing from toast or sandwiches, with a variety of toppings in the afternoons, and fruit salads for breakfast. Children enjoy calm and well organised snack times which encourage good eating habits and make meal times into a social occasion. Children enjoy playing in a bright and airy environment which is suitably clean and tidy. Children develop a positive attitude to physical exercise as they participate enthusiastically in well organised, energetic outside play. Children delight in the challenges of a versatile range of outdoor activities, such as races and obstacle courses, which they tackle enthusiastically. Staff play alongside children, encouraging good participation and extending children's large physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are suitably secure and good systems are in place to track children's arrival and departure, and ensure their safety whilst using the setting. Toys and resources, as well as the environment, are well organised to give children plenty of play space whilst limiting areas which might encourage running and disruptive play. Children are very closely supervised at all times without restricting their opportunities to participate in a good variety of activities, both indoors and out, and to freely explore all areas of the setting. Children are appropriately protected by staff in case of child protection concerns, as staff have a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures and give top priority to children’s welfare. Clear and appropriate documentation is in place to support child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the setting. They arrive happy and eager to participate,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 often showing reluctance to leave once the session ends. Children move purposefully from one activity to another, choosing to go inside or out, joining in with energetic group games, or completing quieter activities, such as art and craft sessions. In school holidays, children benefit immensely from organised trips to outward bound centres and other trips into the wider community. Although noise levels throughout the session can sometimes rise, they originate from the children's energy and enthusiasm in participating in the activities available. Children have sufficient opportunities to enjoy calm activities, and to participate in quieter social activities, such as talking with friends, within the activities set out around the edges of the room. Children's involvement in all activities is very well extended by experienced and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enthusiastic staff who supervise activities well and join in to give high levels of support and encouragement to all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individuality is well supported and staff treat all children with equal concern, taking account of their individual needs. Children with special needs are very well supported and staff work closely with the local school, parents and other relevant agencies to ensure all children can experience a range of stimulating activities appropriate for their level of ability. Staff deal with unwanted behaviour well, using calm, clear strategies, and children are encouraged to share and take turns. A consistent and structured routine supports children's involvement in the activities available and behaviour overall is good. Children play alone, in pairs and in small groups, enjoying positive social and emotional interactions with their peers. Partnership with parents and the local community is very good. Staff work closely with parents to provide consistency of care for children, and parents receive good

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Helping children make a positive contribution

information about the setting and their children's progress on a regular basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Children are well cared for by well deployed, suitably qualified staff. All adults working in the setting have been appropriately vetted, due to effective recruitment procedures. Many staff have undertaken additional training to enhance their child care skills, for example, sports coaching, supporting children with special education needs and providing equality of opportunity.

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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 Space, resources, and the routine are well organised to meet children's needs effectively. Children's welfare is actively promoted as staff competently implement well written policies and procedures. All essential documentation for the safe and efficient management of the setting is in place, although some of these need to be reviewed in light of new guidelines.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the setting was asked to implement actions to improve practice under National Standards 2, 6, 7, 8 and 11. The setting has now developed and implemented an appropriate daily routine which supports children's positive behaviour by providing a calm and consistent atmosphere in which children can experience a balanced range of activities. The organisation of snack times supports children in developing good eating habits and promotes good hygiene practices. Children eat from plates whilst sitting at a table and staff supervise them in hand washing routines before and after meals. Space, resources and the routine are organised to maintain children's safety. For example, activity areas are set out to offer sufficient play space whilst minimising children's opportunities to run between areas. This also supports children's involvement in activities and therefore promotes their overall development.

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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 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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • increase children's opportunities to make healthy eating choices at snack times and learn about making healthy foods during cooking activities • review and update policies and procedures to ensure all current guidelines regarding documentation are met

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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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