Fun HouseOfsted inspection, 2 May 2006

Fun House

Inspection report for early years provision

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Fun House

Unique Reference Number EY242713 Inspection date 02 May 2006 Inspector Lynne Elizabeth Lewington

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Fun House

Setting Address Whitney Road, Daneshill Industrial Estate, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 8NS Telephone number 01256 471066

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E-mail

Registered person Fun House Ltd 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?

Fun House Kidz Crew after school and holiday care opened in 2003. It is situated on an industrial estate between Old Basing and Basingstoke where the Fun House operates a soft play activity centre. The group have their own play rooms and toilets on the first floor and share the facilities of the Fun House on the ground floor. The group takes up to 50 children aged 4-8 years in the after school club and up to 100 children aged 4-8 years in holiday scheme. Older children are also cared for. The group opens Monday - Friday 15:00-18:00 term time and 08:00-18:00 in school holidays. There are currently 30 children attending in the holiday scheme and 19 in

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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 after school club. The children are transported to the club from various surrounding schools. The group have several children attending who have special educational needs and the group work closely with the families to offer support and consistency. The group have consideration for children for whom English is an additional language. There are currently five members of staff, three members of staff are qualified. Two members of staff are first aid trained.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health within the setting is supported appropriately through simple hygiene routines, a proactive approach to encouraging a healthy lifestyle, and good opportunities for physical activity. Children enjoy a variety of suitable snacks which are prepared daily for them on the premises. Healthy eating advisers are invited to talk to the children; this provides the children with opportunities to try fruits and vegetables that many had never tried before. Information regarding healthy eating is displayed clearly for the children and families to see, which promotes the children's understanding of a good diet. Easily accessed drinks of squash and water ensure the children do not become dehydrated in this very physical environment. Clear information is gathered regarding individual children's health and dietary needs. Staff are informed and have easy access to this information to ensure the children's

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Helping children to be healthy

needs are met. Accident and medication records do not always contain sufficient information regarding the accident and any action taken. Children show appropriate awareness of simple health routines as they wash their hands before snack time. Sensible measures have been implemented to monitor the use of the toilets and educate the children in their use as some children do not use them appropriately. The play environment is maintained to a suitable level of cleanliness providing a healthy environment for the children's activities. Children have very good opportunities to develop their physical skills as they use the soft play apparatus, footballs, and small balls. Children confidently climb and balance and swing on the equipment, alternating between energetic and quiet activity. The club routine enables all the children to experience quieter activities for a period of time with the option of further physical activity later in the session if they wish.

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Helping children to be healthy

Creative activities and construction toys provide the children with satisfactory opportunities to take a rest from the physical activity and develop their finer movements.

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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 provision is satisfactory. Clear information is displayed regarding fire evacuation and children's awareness of fire safety is encouraged through a children's handbook. Regular fire drills ensure both staff and children are able and competent to evacuate the building quickly and safely if required. Children's welfare is promoted well through the staff's understanding of child protection and the action they would take if they were concerned about a child in their care. Information displayed on the notice boards and in the handbook and the staff's introduction to the setting promotes children's understanding of what to do if they are bullied or abused. Children enjoy the environment and confidently move around the setting, however, their safety is compromised due to a poor arrival procedure and lack of security on

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the large premises. They are supervised well whilst playing, particularly in the soft play area, where staff ensure they use the equipment appropriately for their own and the safety of others. Good use is made of the available space to provide privacy at times, which promotes the club atmosphere.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children participate enthusiastically in the club's environment. They know the routine and undertake the activities happily. The simple, well planned routine enables the children to feel secure as they know what to expect and what will happen next. It provides them with good opportunities for physical activity and quieter pursuits. Children thoroughly enjoy the use of the soft play apparatus, developing their physical skills as they play imaginative games with their friends; chasing and hiding in the large play area. Staff interact well showing interest and enthusiasm in their role, consequently, children confidently talk to staff and approach them for help or assistance in their play. Children participate in planning activities enabling them to undertake pursuits they like and enjoy. Some activities positively encourage the children's ownership of the club as they make posters and items to sell to raise money for more toys. Staff

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

regularly evaluate the activities provided to ensure the children take part in activities that offer suitable interest and challenge.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Friendly and approachable staff enable good relationships with parents to develop. Parents speak very positively about the service offered. They feel confident in the care offered and that their children enjoy the club. The informative notice boards provide valuable information to enable parents and children to be well informed about the service. All details of complaints and the actions taken in response to them are maintained, although currently they do not promote confidentiality.

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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 Children are well behaved. They know what is expected of them because the club has simple golden rules which promote positive behaviour. Staff talk to the children regularly to ensure they understand the behaviour boundaries. Staff set good examples to the children, using good manners to each other and the children. All children are made welcome. Children with special needs integrate well within the group as the staff ensure they understand the child's individual needs. They also seek advice and support from other professionals involved with the child if needed, to ensure appropriate care is offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Good use is made of the space and resources on the ground floor providing the children with a fun spacious play environment. All appropriate records are maintained confidentially and contain all the relevant information ensuring that the children's welfare is maintained at all times. The complaints records are detailed but do not meet current requirements. Effective recruitment procedures ensure that staff are suitably qualified and vetted to work with children. The induction programme and good teamwork ensures staff work together to promote children's health, enjoyment and achievement. However, not all staff are familiar with the information they carry on the transport and the procedures if a child feels unwell, this has the potential to compromise the well-being of the child and the confidence of the staff member.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection improvements were required in the following areas: the planning of activities; the supervision of staff; the cleanliness of the setting; risk assessing the environment; the organisation of lunchtimes; availability of policies and the management of children's records. Satisfactory improvements have been made in all the required areas. In the after school club a clear routine is followed and activities are planned with children's help. This encourages the children to feel confident and secure in the environment. The environment is prepared for the children's arrival including ensuring a clean and safe play environment. At snack times, children follow a hand washing routine before sitting sociably at the table with their friends. Staff show awareness of individual special dietary needs and ensure these are followed. Policies are clearly displayed on the parent’s notice board enabling parents to be fully informed regarding the

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Improvements since the last inspection

service offered. Clear detailed information regarding each child is maintained confidentially in order to meet regulatory requirements.

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Complaints 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 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 sufficient information is recorded on accident forms • improve complaints records to meet current regulatory requirements • ensure all drivers are aware of the information they carry about the children and what they should do if they have concerns • improve security and safety routines when children arrive from school.

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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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