Cranbrook Primary Out Of School Club

Cranbrook Primary Out Of School Club

Inspection report for early years provision

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Cranbrook Primary Out Of School Club

Unique Reference Number EY312112 Inspection date 21 March 2006 Inspector Liz Margaret Caluori

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Cranbrook Primary Out Of School Club

Setting Address Carriers Road, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3JZ

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E-mail

Registered person Cranbrook Primary Out Of 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 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?

Cranbrook Primary Out of School Club opened in 2005. It is committee run and operates from purpose built premises within the grounds of Cranbrook Primary School. A maximum of 26 children, aged from 4 to 8 years, attend the group at any one time. The club operates during school term times. There is a breakfast session from 08:00 to 08:45 after which children are escorted to their classes. The after school club opens from 15:15 until 18:00. The group has use of the school playground for outdoor play. There are currently 40 children on roll including several who are 8 years or older. The

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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 group serves the local community and is able to support children with special needs as well as those with English as an additional language. The out of school club employs 5 members of staff. There are generally 2 staff members working in the mornings and between 2 and 4 in the afternoons depending on the number of children attending. The manager holds an appropriate early years qualification and is working towards a play work qualification. Of the remaining staff, 2 are booked to attend play work training. The group links closely with the school and the local authority advisors.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from the club’s commitment to providing them with healthy and nutritious food, the presentation of which is very appetising. Those attending the breakfast sessions choose from a menu that includes cereal, toast, fruit and yogurts. Those present after school choose from either brown or white bread with a range of spreads and toppings, such as ham or cheese. In addition, they are provided with a very large selection of fruit and salad vegetable snacks. A choice of drinks, including pure fruit juices, are provided with the snacks and water is available at all times. Children are well protected by the effective procedures in place to keep the premises clean and hygienic. The toilets are checked regularly and all food preparation areas are frequently wiped down. Children are learning good personal hygiene procedures; they independently wash their hands after using the toilet and before handling food.

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Helping children to be healthy

They are well supported in this area by the vigilance of staff and the occasional gentle reminder. The club has use of the school playground for children to play physical games. Whilst the manager understands the need for children to get fresh air and to run around, the organisation of staffing does not enable children to play outside on a daily basis. However, there are physical activities planned, either indoors or outside, for each after-school session. A clear sickness procedure is in place and protects children from the risk of cross-infection. This is understood by staff and shared with parents and carers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. They are well protected by a range of effective precautions. These include the use of risk assessments to ensure activities are safe whilst still providing a good level of challenge. Children are also learning how to keep themselves safe through the advice and instruction of staff, for example, when using knives and fruit peelers.

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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 Children play with an extensive range of toys, all of which are appropriate for their ages and are in very good condition. Most toys are stored in low level shelving and children are able to remove and replace them independently. Clear fire procedures are in place and evacuation drills take place regularly to ensure that children remember what to do in case of a real emergency. Fire fighting equipment is present and appropriately fitted. Staff with first aid training are present each session to treat children in case of a minor accident and appropriate records are kept. Similarly, satisfactory arrangements are in place to administer medication. The manager is responsible for co-ordinating child protection issues and has a very clear understanding of her role. She has trained to be aware of the potential signs

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and symptoms of abuse and has all the required information to enable her to refer any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very warmly welcomed into the club. They enter happily and settle very easily. They form very good relationships with their peers and with staff, approaching them readily for support or just for a conversation. As a result, there is a very friendly, warm atmosphere throughout the setting. Children confidently select toys and resources for themselves and make very good use of the freedom they have to make choices and explore. During the morning session children play freely, taking time out to eat their breakfast. In addition, during each after-school session children have the option of taking part in a planned activity. These are well resourced and skilfully presented to engage the children’s interest. There are a number of activities which are particularly popular with the children attending and these include using the computers, construction, board games and craft activities. Children enjoy using a broad range of materials to produce very

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

expressive and individual pieces of art. However, this is not sufficiently represented in the wall displays as these show a high level of adult input. The group has also obtained funding to run a cooking and gardening club one afternoon each week. The aim of the programme is to encourage children to grow their own ingredients. Children enthusiastically take part in the cooking activities and very competently and sensibly follow instructions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Staff listen to children with genuine interest and share lots of jokes and playful banter. As a result, children are very well supported to develop good self-esteem. The behaviour of children is extremely good. They are very caring towards each other and are good and sharing, negotiating and taking turns. Staff re-enforce this positive behaviour by encouraging the children and praising them for their efforts.

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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 The club has a very clear ethos of equality and all children are respected as individuals. A range of activities are planned to encourage children to learn about different people and customs; these are supported by a good selection of resources. The club has good arrangements in place to care for children with special needs. The staff team has a very positive attitude towards meeting the needs of all children and the manager has trained to act as the special needs co-ordinator. Children benefit from the very positive relationships between their parents and staff. Parents are warmly welcomed to the setting and staff are always available to talk to them. They receive good written information about the club when their child starts and also have access to all policies and procedures. Newsletters are sent out each

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Helping children make a positive contribution

term and notice boards in the entrance lobby display certificates and information. Parents are also made aware of the procedure for making complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Both the provider and the manager have a comprehensive understanding of the National Standards for out of school care. The organisation of the indoor environment is good, allowing a large number of activities to take place at the same time. This area is easy to supervise whilst allowing children a great deal of independence. The deployment of staff indoors is also good. However, on occasions when the number of children is low and only two staff are present, children are not always able to choose to play outside. Children benefit greatly from the commitment of the provider and staff team to constantly improving the quality and range of the service offered. By seeking and securing funding for additional projects, such as the gardening and cooking club, the group are ensuring that children are exposed to a broad range of experiences. All required documentation is in place. Policies and procedures are clear and well

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Organisation

written. They are read and understood by all staff and are scheduled to be reviewed annually. Records are well maintained and all written information is appropriately stored and easily accessible. There are good procedures in place to recruit staff and carry out the relevant checks. Staff are motivated, enthusiastic and very attentive to the needs of children. As a result, children are happy, stimulated and confident of their place in the group. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 registration. 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): • consider increasing the involvement of children in the preparation of display • review the organisation of afternoon sessions to give greater opportunity for outdoor physical play

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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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