The Planet Club

The Planet Club Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 309761 Inspection date 21/05/2012 Inspector Eileen Rigby

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Setting address Thornton Primary School, Heys Street, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 4JP Telephone number 01253 821 128 Email Type of setting Childcare - Non-Domestic 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. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as

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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

The Planet Club registered in 1998 and is run by a committee. It operates from the Planet Club Room, ICT Suite, Library, music classroom and school hall, within Thornton Community Primary School in Thornton, Cleveleys. Children have access to a secure, enclosed outdoor area. The club is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 8.55am and from 3.15pm to 5.45pm during term time only.

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Description of the setting

A maximum of 32 children aged from three years to under eight years may attend the club at any one time. The club currently accepts children from four years to under eight years. The club also provides care for children from eight years to under 11 years. There are currently 46 children on roll; 22 are under eight years, of whom five are in the early years age group. The setting is registered on The Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The setting supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children with English as an additional language.

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Description of the setting

There are six members of staff who work directly with children. Of those, two hold a qualification at level 3 in play work, two hold a qualification at level 2 in play work and two hold a relevant early years qualification at level 3.

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Description of the setting

The club receives support from the local authority and is a member of '4 Children' group and Out of School Learning Alliance.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are sociable and relaxed in this pleasant and spacious environment where they develop into effective and confident communicators. Children's independence on the whole, is fostered well in this inclusive setting as they partake in self-chosen activities reflecting their interests and which meet their individual developmental needs. An effective system of self-evaluation and reflective practice ensures the setting maintains a good capacity for continuous improvement. Well structured policies and procedures safeguard children and promote their welfare although times of children's departure are not consistently maintained as required by the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children make good progress in their learning and development and this is further enhanced by a good partnership and links with school and on going effective engagement with parents and carers.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the daily record of children's hours of attendance is consistently maintained. 04/06/2012 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 improve procedures for children to seek to do things for themselves, such as pouring their own drinks thereby enhancing their independence.

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the early years provision

Staff have a good knowledge of safeguarding procedures. They understand the process to follow if they have any concerns and they know their on going responsibility to keep children safe. Policies and procedures accurately reflect current Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines. Effective systems for recruitment, interview and vetting procedures are followed to establish staff's suitability to work with children. Thorough annual and daily risk assessments maintain a safe and secure environment, however, children's time of departure is not consistently recorded as required by the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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the early years provision

Children flourish through the effective deployment of staff, excellent use of space and access to good quality resources, equipment and furniture. The setting promotes equality and diversity well through a wide range of resources depicting positive images of gender, ethnicity and disabilities. Children's understanding of the wider world is fostered well through a variety of experiences and visitors. For example, a visit from the police has benefited the children's understanding of road safety. A detailed self-evaluation system and well embedded and on going reflective practice works well, as the leaders and managers draw on a full range of quality improvement tools. For example, they are part of a local authority cluster scheme, which keeps them updated on current policies and practice. This demonstrates the setting's commitment to maintain and improve practice and provision. Improvements since the last inspection have impacted positively on

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the early years provision

Parents and carers are warmly welcomed into the setting and information is exchanged daily. An informative notice board gives parents useful and current information on the setting's plans and policies. Strong links with local authority and external services has enriched children's learning experiences, for example, the provision of climbing and balancing equipment has extended outdoor provision. Links with other agencies and professionals to meet the needs of children with additional needs are good. Children's transitions into school and back to the club are seamless because they know and trust staff well.

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and outcomes for children

Children are confident and secure in their surroundings and relationships with adults and peers are well established. An assortment of age-appropriate activities ensure children are fully engaged and motivated to learn. Staff are enthusiastic and friendly, they ask relevant and open-ended questions and are good listeners. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's communication, language and literacy skills are developed through a wide range of books, writing equipment and clearly labelled displays. A quiet, comfortable area is available both indoors and outdoor for children who wish to rest or relax. Children enjoy access to games consoles encouraging physical activities and computer programmes, which further develop literacy and numeracy skills. The outdoor environment offers large sized traditional board games, wheeled toys and construction equipment presenting varied opportunities for

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and outcomes for children

learning and development. An assortment of art and craft activities, musical instruments and role play resources nurtures children's creativity. Samples of children's creations are displayed effectively throughout the setting giving them a sense of achievement and belonging.

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and outcomes for children

Effective deployment of staff and resources allows children to easily select equipment and use the environment independently. Staff demonstrate a consistent and sensitive approach to behaviour management and are good role models. This ensures children understand boundaries and rules and encourages them to develop strategies to manage conflict through a process of negotiation. These strategies help children develop good skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

Snack time is a social occasion where children exchange news and stories. Children display an understanding of how healthy eating, good dental hygiene and the importance of physical activity help to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Children are polite and helpful to each other and assist the tidying up process and manage their own personal hygiene very well. However, opportunities for children to become more independent at meal times are less well developed. Children learn to understand how to stay safe as they practise the procedures to follow in an emergency and are aware of rules for the safe use of equipment.

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and outcomes for children

The extent to which children make a positive contribution to the setting is well supported. Children's individuality is fostered well as they contribute to the planning process where their opinions are valued and considered. Staff help children to reach their full potential by using their knowledge of individual children to plan appropriate activities. Staff use effectively the space and equipment to support children's development towards the early learning goals. 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 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 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 2

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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: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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