Super Camps at The Croft Preparatory School

Super Camps At The Croft Preparatory School Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY353270 Inspection date 11/08/2011 Inspector Karen Millerchip

p.1

Setting address Croft School, Alveston Hill, Alveston, STRATFORD-UPON- AVON, Warwickshire, CV37 7RL Telephone number 01235 832 222 Email info@supercamps.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.

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the setting

Super Camps at The Croft Preparatory School is one of 68 camps run by Super Camps Limited. It opened in 2007 and is situated in the area of Alveston, close to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire. The scheme operates from the pre-prep room, prep room, sports barn, theatre barn, art room, design and technology rooms, gym, swimming pool and associated facilities. The setting is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register to provide care for a maximum of 80 children from four years to under eight years. Children up to 14 years are accepted within these numbers. The setting is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, during five weeks of the summer holidays. The structured timetable of activities runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm. All children have use of the extensive school grounds, swimming pool, sports fields and playgrounds for outdoor activities.

p.4

Description of the setting

Children generally come from the local area and many of them attend The Croft School. The setting is able to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is also able to support children who speak English as an additional language.

p.4

Description of the setting

The scheme employs five full-time members of staff, one of whom holds an Early Years degree and others who are working towards a childcare qualificiation. Staff hold additional appropriate training, qualifications and skills, including lifeguard, sports and drama. Additional staff are available to cover sickness and an increase in numbers of children attending.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's welfare and safety is compromised because the provider has failed to meet several legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Also, there are no clear procedures in place for self-evaluation or to promote continuous improvement. Children are happy and settled and have friendly relationships with the staff. They make satisfactory progress in their learning and development as they lead on what activities take place and staff fully support their choices. Children's individual needs are sufficiently identified and promoted. Overall, the early years provision requires significant improvement. The registered person is given a Notice to Improve that sets out actions to be carried out.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the early years provision requires significant improvement. The registered person is given a Notice to Improve that sets out actions to be carried out.

p.4

further?

To comply with the requirements of the EYFS the registered person must take the following action by the specified date: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  ensure at least one person who has a current paediatric first aid certificate is on the premises at all times when children are present (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)(also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 31/08/2011

p.4

further?

 ensure written parental permission is requested, at the time of the child's admission to the provision, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future, and is available on site (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 31/08/2011

p.5

further?

 ensure there is a named deputy who is able to take charge in the absence of the manager (Suitable people) 31/08/2011

p.5

further?

 develop risk assessments to identify areas that need checking regularly; maintain a record of these particular aspects, when and by whom they have been checked and determine the regularity of these checks according to their assessment of the significance of individual risks (Suitable premises, environment and equipment)(also applies to the voluntary Childcare Register) 31/08/2011

p.5

further?

 take steps to ensure that children do not leave the premises unsupervised and to prevent intruders entering the building(Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)(also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 31/08/2011

p.5

the early years provision

Children's welfare is compromised because documentation and procedures to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting are inadequate. There are breaches of specific legal requirements. The site manager demonstrates a sufficient knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and understands her roles and responsibilities with regard to child protection. However, other staff are not as secure in their understanding of local reporting procedures. There are relevant policies in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and procedures and the lead member of staff has received in-house training through the organisational induction programme. Recommendations from the previous inspection have been met, but actions have been raised where specific legal requirements are not met. Although there is a member of staff with a First Aid at Work certificate, none of the staff hold a Paediatric First Aid Certificate. This is a

p.5

the early years provision

breach of requirements and compromises children's safety.

p.5

the early years provision

Although the site manager visually checks the premises and equipment on a daily basis, other staff are not familiar with the risk assessments in place. Not all risks are minimised, with specific regard to building materials and tools left on site by contractors. This could have a negative impact on children's safety and well-being. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Fire safety is sufficiently promoted as procedures are displayed and practise drills are carried out to ensure staff and children are aware of what to do in the case of an emergency. Access to the premises is not monitored and the systems in place to monitor adults on the premises are ineffective. This further compromises children's safety. Staff maintain informal and friendly relationships with parents and carers and there are regular verbal exchanges of information. Space within the setting is ample to meet children's individual needs and resources and equipment

p.5

the early years provision

suitable for purpose. Staff are aware of the benefits of sharing appropriate information with other professionals to ensure consistency for children but, currently, there are no systems in place. There are no clear systems in place to monitor the effectiveness of policies and procedures or to evaluate the provision as a whole. Strengths, weaknesses and priorities for improvement have not been effectively identified and this impacts on the provider's ability to drive the setting forward and target improvements where they will have the most impact on outcomes for children.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are making satisfactory progress in their learning and development and are supported in gaining skills they will need in future life. Staff show a suitable awareness of children's preferences and the ways in which they learn. They provide children with opportunities to extend their ideas and are skilled at knowing when to leave children to progress in their play. Therefore, children are encouraged to be active learners and to develop their natural curiosity. Resources are generally of good quality and suitable for the number of children who attend. Toys and equipment are stored at child height or are presented for play on tables. Consequently, children are able to make some independent choices about their play and learning. There is regular daily access to an outdoor play area and children thoroughly enjoy developing new skills as they use the 'adventure trail' and the trampoline. They are developing a respect for themselves and others as

p.6

and outcomes for children

they are introduced to different religious and cultural festivals through art and craft and discussion.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Observations take place periodically during the play scheme to ensure children's changing learning needs are identified and provided for. All children appear happy and settled. Growing friendships are evident between some of the children and they actively seek out others to join in their play. Children are learning to behave appropriately because staff provide them with good role models and encourage manners and care and consideration for others. They offer children gentle reminders and explain why some rules are in place to help protect their safety and welfare. For example, children are reminded about the rules when using large apparatus and when using bikes in the playground. All children's dietary needs are recorded and respected. Lunch is provided by parents and stored appropriately until needed. Children can access drinks freely during the day and know it is important to have regular drinks after playing outdoors, especially when the

p.6

and outcomes for children

weather is hot. Staff demonstrate a suitable understanding of how to treat children who have an accident and share appropriate information with parents. However, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 parental concent forms for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice are not held on site, thereby, potentially compromising children's welfare. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

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 4 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 4 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 4

p.8

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 4 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.8

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9

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.

p.9

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:

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early Years section of the report (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 31/08/2011

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early Years section of the report (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 31/08/2011

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early Years section of the report (Suitable people). 31/08/2011

p.9