Funky Friends Link ClubOfsted inspection, 29 Jun 2011

Funky Friends Link Club Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY415633 Inspection date 29/06/2011 Inspector Denise Sixsmith

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Setting address Burtonwood Scout Hut, Chapel Lane, Burtonwood, Warrington, WA5 4PQ Telephone number 07920 460 757 Email FUNKYFRIENDS@LIVE.CO.UK Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

Funky Friends Link Club was registered in 2010. It is run by a partnership and is based in Burtonwood scout hut in Warrington. Children have access to the ground floor main hall and a secure, fully-enclosed area for outdoor activities. It is open Monday to Friday term time, from 7.45am to 9am and 3.15pm to 6pm, and during the school holidays from 7.45am to 5.30pm. It primarily serves children attending the local schools.

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Description of the setting

The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register to provide care for a maximum of 32 children aged under eight years at any one time. There are currently seven children on roll in the early years age group. Care is also provided for children aged over eight years and this is registered by Ofsted on the voluntary part of the Childcare register.

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Description of the setting

The club employs four staff to work with the children, of whom three hold an appropriate childcare qualification to level 3. Support is received from the local authority.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Funky Friends Link Club provides a secure and happy inclusive environment for children to relax and have fun in with their friends. Staff work well as a team and the two providers are enthusiastic and committed to the ongoing improvement and development of the club. Staff take into account the needs of each child to effectively promote their welfare, learning and development. Parents speak highly of the club and positive relationships have been developed with this newly- established setting. While some effective systems are in place, others, including, record-keeping are not fully developed.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure that information as to who has legal contact with the child is obtained from parents in advance of a child being admitted, and who has parental responsibility for the child (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 13/07/2011

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further?

 ensure that the daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises includes their hours of attendance (Documents)(also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 13/07/2011

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further?

 ensure that records are easily accessible and available for inspection by Ofsted; in this instance each member 13/07/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of staff's records (Documentation)(also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register).

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 further promote equality of opportunity by developing the provision of positive images and activities to challenge children's thinking and help them develop respect for equality and for differences in culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, learning difficulties and religion.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is positively promoted because staff have a clear understanding of the indicators of abuse and the procedures for reporting concerns. All full-time staff have completed safeguarding training and appropriate policies and procedures are in place to ensure that children are well protected. Staff work well together as a team and offer the children good levels of care and security. Appropriate recruitment and vetting procedures ensure the suitability of staff. Most of the legally required records and documents are in place in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of children attending. However, the systems for recording attendance do not always ensure that children's times of arrival and departure are recorded. Not all staff records were available at the inspection or information about who has parental responsibility or legal contact for the children. These constitute a breach of requirements. Risk assessments are in place as required and daily checks

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the early years provision

prior to children's arrival ensure that the premises are made safe. Written policies and procedures underpin good practice and help to ensure children's safety at all times. Confidential information is organised and stored appropriately. Both full-time staff hold current first aid certificates and a fully stocked first aid box is in place to ensure staff can deal appropriately with accidents.

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the early years provision

The providers have a positive approach to maintaining continuous improvement. A written self-assessment was not available at the inspection. However, the providers outlined appropriately targeted plans, such as continued development of the environment and the forging of closer links with the local schools. The shared nature of the premises means that everything has to be packed away after some session. However, staff work hard to ensure that toys are rotated daily, so that there is something for everyone and children confidently ask for items that are their favourites. A small collection of resources, including dressing up clothes, dolls and books, help children to learn about and respect difference.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents are strong. Good relationships with parents and carers support children's placements. However, assessments of children's individual progress are kept in one file and this system makes it difficult to share fully with parents, information about children's learning and development. Parental feedback is very positive and comments made at the inspection include references to the wonderful activities, the caring staff and the fact that the children are very keen to attend the club. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children happily enter the setting and are eager to take part in the range of activities on offer. Their individual talents are encouraged as they settle into the club. They have opportunities to develop their understanding of technology as they use the computer and the portable transceiver. Staff ensure that children are involved in a range of different activities which support and develop their literacy and numeracy skills. Some children eagerly set about making books and writing a scary story on their arrival at the club. Others particularly enjoy using the ink and stamps as well as the shape cutters to create pictures. Two children concentrate on designing and making bracelets with the collection of sequins and ribbon. All children enjoy outdoor play activities, showing good skills manoeuvring the scooters or driving the pedal car around the building. Children develop an understanding of the wider world through discussion and their access to activities

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and outcomes for children

and resources. The main aim of the staff is to support the children through exciting and challenging play. Staff interact well with each other and the children. They observe and assess the children appropriately to ensure they develop well across the areas of learning and make good progress in developing skills needed in the future.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel very safe and secure and develop strong relationships with each other and with the staff at the club. Staff welcome children warmly and ensure that they feel happy and included. They enjoy a good range of healthy breakfast choices and snacks each evening, including a selection of meats and cheeses for sandwiches, as well as a variety of fruit. Children love to play outside whenever they choose with equipment, such as pedal cycles, scooters, footballs and skipping ropes. Children's health is well promoted as they are encouraged to wash their hands regularly after using the toilet and before snack. They have an understanding of the need to take regular drinks during hot weather or after exercise. Behaviour is good and children have a clear understanding of the boundaries of the club and are polite to each other and adults. Children make a positive contribution to the setting by helping to formulate their own club rules in negotiation with staff and

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and outcomes for children

make suggestions regarding activities, equipment and menus. They actively join in the scout and school events. Children learn to keep themselves safe through activities exploring road safety, fire safety and stranger danger. As a result, they develop an awareness of what to do in an emergency and where to seek support if they are concerned about their own safety. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept). 13/07/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept). 13/07/2011

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