Northumberland Heath Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 11/07/2003 Inspector Name Linda Janet Witts

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name After Three Club Setting Address Abbeymead Primary School Mead Road,Abbeymead, Gloucester GL4 5YH

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name After Three Club Address Mead Road Abbeymead Gloucester Gloucestershire GL4 5YS

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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 After Three Club provides after school care for children attending Abbeymead Primary School which is located in a residential area of Gloucester. The club is registered to care for 40 children from the age of 4 years. It is open term-time only, Monday to Friday, from 15.00 to 17.30. The children are cared for in the school hall and also have use of an adjacent room. The children have access to the school's outdoor areas. There are four or five members of staff present at each session depending upon the number of children attending. Many of the staff are play work trained and the person-in-charge is working towards a level 3 qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Abbeymead After Three Club provides satisfactory care for children. The group is run by an experienced owner and led by a manager currently training for a level three qualification in play work. The areas used within the school premises are utilised well and children have regular opportunities to play outside. The group has sufficient resources to occupy the children in attendance but lacks resources which promote equal opportunities. Books are not always age appropriate and children are not encouraged to access books. The group's records are stored appropriately and up-dated regularly. Staff take positive steps to ensure children are safe. A risk assessment has not been carried out and procedures to ensure that all staff follow agreed methods to minimise risks are not formalised. The leader is trained in first aid and child protection, although not all staff are aware of symptoms or procedures to follow if they have

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How good is the Day Care?

concerns. Children are able to take drinks and snacks as they wish. A variety of snacks are offered to suit different tastes. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating. The children attending are able to select activities from the range offered. The children are happy and well-behaved. Staff interact with the children, demonstrating awareness of their individual needs. Children lack opportunities to use their own ideas to develop creative activities.

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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 Staff have a good relationship with parents. Parents are happy with the care offered and feel that they are well informed and that staff are approachable.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Several actions were raised at the last inspection. The group has widened its range of toys and resources, including those to entertain older children. There is still a lack of multi-cultural resources and books. Staff interaction with the children has improved and creative activities are planned but planning does not include other activities. The leader has enrolled on a level 3 training course. An alarm has been fitted to the entrance door to improve security, emergency procedures have been drafted and records of medication administered include all relevant information.

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What is being done well?

• Children are able to select activities from a range offered. They were observed to be happy and occupied • Staff interact with the children offering direction, assistance or supervision as they deem appropriate. Staff are aware of children's individual needs and give time to talk and listen to them. • The music room is utilised well, to accommodate musical activities and activities attractive to older children. The outside area is used to regularly offer ball games, skipping and use of the school trim-trail. • Children are able to take drinks and snacks as they wish. A variety of snacks are offered to suit different tastes • Children's behaviour is good. Staff deal with unacceptable behaviour calmly, without lowering child's self-esteem. Good behaviour is rewarded with praise and points which go towards group awards.

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What needs to be improved?

• children's opportunities to use their own ideas to develop creative activities; • children's access to books and resources which reflect positive images of cultures, religions and disability; • records of visitors; • risk assessment of all areas used, details of findings and actions to be taken to minimise the risks; • arrangements to ensure that staff are aware of possible symptoms of children at risk and their responsibility to report concerns according to Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures without delay.

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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 3 create greater opportunities for children to be creative, using their own ideas and a variety of media; 3 improve children’s access to age-appropriate books and reading material; 6 keep a record of any visitors; 6 carry out a risk assessment of all areas used, record findings and detail actions to be taken to minimise the risks identified; 13 ensure that all staff are aware of possible symptoms of children at risk and their responsibility to report concerns according to ACPC procedures without delay.

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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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