Ditcheat Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 05/09/2003 Inspector Name Anneliese Fox-Jones

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Wheathampstead Holiday Playscheme (WASPS) Setting Address Beech Hyde Nursery Beech Hyde Primary School & Nursery,Nurseries Road WHEATHAMPSTEAD Hertfordshire AL4 8TP

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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

Wheathampstead After School, Playscheme and Holiday Club operates within dedicated classrooms on the premises of Beech Hyde Nursery. The after school facility is open weekdays from 15:15 to 18:15 during term-time. The holiday club is open from 08:30 to 17:30 during school holidays, with half-day sessions available from 08:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:30. WASPS admit children from the local school community, including St Helens, St Dominics and Beech Hyde Schools. It is registered to take children aged 4 years to 8 years, and also takes additional children up to the age of 12 years. Mrs Helen Archer is leader of the facility, her Deputy is Mrs Beverly Purvis and there are a further 8 staff and regular volunteers. Four of the core staff hold a relevant early years qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

The club provides good quality care for the children. It is organised well and provides sufficient staff, enabling minimum ratios to be maintained, however, training requirements need to be effectively met. The staff offer a good range of equipment and resources, where children are busy and absorbed in their play. The club offers a welcoming environment where children appear settled, happy and relaxed. Resources have been organised in a way that enables the children to have easy access. Staff are proactive in introducing new activities and regularly identify themes, providing interesting activities both inside and outside. Tea-time was observed as being a fun and sociable time, with the children being encouraged to develop independent skills by preparing their own sandwiches. The club is flexible in the food that is offered and has an understanding of the children's likes, dislikes and allergies. Staff have a good understanding of safety and have

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How good is the Day Care?

allocated members of staff to be responsible for monitoring particular resources for the club. As the club runs after school, children have the opportunity to relax, make independent choices as well as to do more active and/or physical activities. Activities are planned each day, giving structure but these are not forced upon the children. A varied range of resources promote positive images. Festival activities and cooking from around the world promotes anti-discriminatory practice.

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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 Documentation is good with most in place, only a couple of minor recommendations were made. The club works well with parents, sharing information and keeping them informed. Feedback from the parent's questionnaires is positive and staff constantly review the facility.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection, consistent staff members have been working both at the after school and holiday club. The system for passing on information to parents/guardians has improved, with a folder positioned next to the signing out register, for parents to collect any information or newsletters.

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What is being done well?

• The club offers a wide range of interesting activities. Children play enthusiastically with a good selection of resources, which promote learning in all areas. Children are given the opportunity to make their own decisions and choices, with resources easily accessible. (Standards 3 and 5) • The staff know the children well, are interested in what they say and do and respond with plenty of encouragement and praise. Staff spend a lot of time talking, playing and helping them learn. (Standards 3 and 9) • The club plans a variety of activities and provides an inviting range of toys that reflect positive images and anti-discriminatory practice. (Standards 5 and 9) • Good behaviour is promoted and encouraged. The club's code of behaviour is displayed and a team points system is used to encourage positive behaviour. (Standard 11) • The club is committed to working in partnership with parents. They consistently communicate and share information, particularly through the use

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What is being done well?

of an information leaflet, newsletters and a notice board. (Standard 12)

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What needs to be improved?

• training, to ensure the deputy is working towards appropriate level 3 training, in order to take full responsibility, in the absence of the manger; (Standard 2) • documentation, to ensure the registration system records accurate information and to provide parents with Ofsted's contact details. (Standards 2 and 12)

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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 1 ensure any person left in charge, in the absence of the manager, meets the qualification requirements for supervisory staff 2 ensure the registration system records more detail, as to the time of arrival, departure, staff, visitors and adults collecting the children 12 ensure the procedure to be followed where a parents has a complaint includes Ofsted’s contact details

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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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