The Ark After School Club

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/11/2004 Inspector Name Michele, Karen Beasley

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name The Ark After School Club Setting Address C/o St Bede C of E Primary School Gordon Road Winchester Hampshire SO23 7DD

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of The Ark After School Club

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name The Ark After School Club Address C/o St Bede C of E Primary School Gordon Road Winchester Hampshire SO23 7DD

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

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 THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality and standard of day care. When making judgements, inspectors have regard to how well the provider meets the National Standards for under Eights Day Care and Childminding. A list of these is attached. The report identifies strengths and areas for improvement. This inspection report must be made available to all parents.

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Information about the setting

The Ark After School Club has been registered since 2004. It is run by a management committee which is made up of volunteer parents. It operates from St Bede's Church of England Primary School in Winchester. The children have use of three specific school classrooms on a termly rota, a school hall, junior school toilets, a library area and enclosed school grounds for outdoor activities. The provision is open term times five days a week except bank holidays from 15:20 to 18:00. Half the staff team are suitably qualified and experienced.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Ark After School Club provides good quality care for children. Children have access to a warm, clean and well maintained premises providing a welcoming and stimulating environment. The staff organise the routine effectively to ensure children are provided with a mixture of good activities, some which they can access themselves to encourage independence and others that are prepared for them as planned activities. There is a sufficient choice of accessible toys and resources which promote equality of opportunity. Children are engrossed in activities and play provision and are interested and enjoy their play. Most documentation is in place. Safety precautions are adhered to and regular fire drills are held. There are effective systems for the safe arrival and collection of children. Staff are active in promoting the importance of health and hygiene as part of the daily routine. Drinks and snacks are available on site and staff are aware of children's specific dietary requirements.

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How good is the Day Care?

Staff recognise children as individuals and meet their differing needs well. The provision has experience with caring for children with special needs. Staff are aware of appropriate procedures to be followed with regard to child protection. Children are encouraged to contribute their own ideas to activities they wish to do, make decisions for themselves and enjoy their play. Staff talk to and listen to the children and respond to their interests. Behaviour is well managed with staff remaining calm when dealing with unwanted behaviour. Positive relationships are promoted with parents and information is shared

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How good is the Day 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 appropriately.

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What is being done well?

• Children are actively involved in table top activities such as using oil pastels to draw a fresh fruit and vegetable display. Children play happily with one another, in mixed age groups and making full use of the available resources. Staff interaction with the children is good. Staff are deployed well and talk with children, asking them questions, playing with them and listening to them. • Staff organise the provision to ensure adequate space for all activities. Posters and items of interest and some children's work are mounted on the walls. Premises are warm, clean and well-maintained providing a welcoming and stimulating environment. Quiet space is available for children to rest on cushions, read books, listen to tapes and relax. Adequate storage facilities are available where equipment and resources are rotated. • Staff review safety issues and part of daily duties includes risk assessment and condition of equipment, resources and premises. Fire policy is in place

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What is being done well?

and emergency evacuation procedure is practised. Staff are trained to approach any unauthorised adult present on the premises and parents signatures are obtained for collection of a child. • Staff manage children's behaviour well, positively encouraging and praising good behaviour to enable children's confidence to grow. They are calm and act as good role models by using manners and courtesy when addressing each other and the children. Staff are consistent in their expectations so that children learn what is acceptable and where the behavioural boundaries are.

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What needs to be improved?

• the extension of existing special needs policy.

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Outcome of the 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

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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

All registered persons must comply with all conditions of registration included on his/her certificate of registration. As a result of this inspection conditions of registration have been imposed / varied / removed and a new certificate of registration will be issued.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 10 Devise and implement a written statement on special needs which is consistent with current legislation and guidance. Ensure that this is understood and implemented by all staff.

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by the time of the next 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

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STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

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STANDARD 2 - ORGANISATION

The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

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STANDARD 3 - CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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STANDARD 4 - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

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STANDARD 5 - EQUIPMENT

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.

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STANDARD 6 - SAFETY

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

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STANDARD 7 - HEALTH

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

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STANDARD 8 - FOOD AND DRINK

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.

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STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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STANDARD 11 - BEHAVIOUR

Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

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STANDARD 12 - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.

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STANDARD 13 - CHILD PROTECTION

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, or to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

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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