Alphabet After School Club

Alphabet After School Club St. Mary's School, St. Mary's Road, Kelvedon, Essex, CO5 9DS

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 23 April 2015 9 January 2015

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Inadequate 4 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is good

 Children are encouraged to take part in activities which are fun and which complement their school learning. This helps them make progress towards the early learning goals. They are excited and eager to engage with the resources and the planned activities. All areas of learning are planned for and covered in the range of activities provided.  Children form friendships with their peers and children from other schools. This strengthens their social skills and builds self-esteem and promotes a sense of belonging.  Children enjoy a good diet of nutritious, healthy meals and snacks, sitting in social groups with their friends. They have access to different types of physical play every day, keeping them fit and healthy.  Substantial improvements in recruitment procedures, and in checking staff's suitability mean that children are now cared for by suitably qualified staff. The manager and staff team clearly understand their responsibilities very well and deal with concerns

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This provision is good

promptly. Parents are made aware of the procedures in place to protect their children.  Children with specific health and welfare needs are supported very well. Staff obtain all necessary information to enable them to provide a good standard of care.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 There is too little space for children to reflect or have a quiet time away from the general noise and activity in the main playroom.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 provide quiet spaces or cosy dens for children who wish to spend time reflecting or taking a quiet break from the noisy and busy playroom activities.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector interacted with children and staff, and accompanied them when children were collected from the main school building.  The inspector held talks with the manager and staff members, and carried out a focused observation with the manager.  The inspector looked at all areas of the premises used by children and viewed a sample of documentation, including evidence of staff and committee suitability checks, certificates and children's records.  The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to during the inspection, as well as those gathered in advance of the inspection by questionnaire.

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who attend. This is good

Children enjoy attending the setting. Staff liaise with the children's teachers and share details of what the children do in class and at the club. The range of activities is stimulating and engages children well. They have a wealth of resources and a choice of indoor or outside play on the large playing field. Theme days and focused activities are well planned, and based on what children are interested in. For St George's Day, they make swords, shields and helmets, and create pictures and which help them understand the story and tradition. Construction and small world play resources build imagination and creative thinking. Outside, children can run and move freely, using the small equipment provided, such as, balls, hoops and crash mats. A space hopper is popular, and as a result, children are developing their physical skills while having fun. Help with homework or school tasks is available from the supportive staff, but there are no spaces for children

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who attend. This is good

to have a quiet time to reflect on their day, or escape the general busy hubbub of the main playroom.

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good

Children behave well as they understand and follow the simple but effective codes for behaviour. They are kind and thoughtful to one another, and listen and respond well to staff. Meals are healthy and generous, and children enjoy sitting in friendship groups as they eat. Children take care of their own belongings and are reminded sensitively by staff, when necessary, about handwashing and personal care. Children's individual health needs are understood and well considered by staff. Children have a key person, who is a direct point of contact for them and their families. Parents report that they are very happy with the way their child's care is organised and their individual needs are met.

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provision is good

Children are protected from harm as the manager and staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities well. An emphasis on staff training means that standards of care and learning are constantly improving. The well-qualified staff team feel well supported and their individual development is promoted through regular supervision and appraisals. This identifies training needs which are followed up from a variety of sources. The self- evaluation process identifies areas for development and tackles these, taking account of local demand for places. Significant improvements since the last inspection have resulted in increased levels of safety and welfare, and in the programme of educational activities provided. Partnerships with parents are strong and effective. Their views help to shape how the club operates. Parents report that they have confidence that their children are well looked after, have fun and make progress at the club.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 203407 Local authority Essex Inspection number 1003864 Type of provision Out of school provision Registration category Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 86 Name of provider The Alphabet After School Club Committee Date of previous inspection 9 January 2015 Telephone number 07751 382315

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Setting details

Alphabet After School Club was registered in 2000. The club employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2, and two at level 3. The after school club opens from Monday to Friday, during term time. Sessions are from 7.45am until 9am for the breakfast club, 3pm until 6pm for the after school club and 8am until 6pm for the holiday scheme.

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Setting details

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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.

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Setting details

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Setting details

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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