The Ark

The Ark Mawdesley St. Peters C of E School, Hurst Green, Mawdesley, ORMSKIRK, Lancashire, L40 2QT

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 11 July 2017 7 May 2015

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3

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Requires improvement Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Requires improvement Outcomes for children Not applicable

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This provision requires improvement. It is not yet good because:

 The provider has failed to notify Ofsted of a change to the manager of the provision.  The provider has not recorded information relating to vetting processes undertaken for staff.  Staff at the club do not gather and make effective use of information relating to the individual needs and interests of children to add to their enjoyment.

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It has the following strengths

 Staff have good relationships with children and interact with them at their level. Staff consult with children to find out what they would like to do and where they would like to play.  Staff promote good hygiene and provide a range of healthy snacks for children to enjoy which adheres to their individual dietary requirements.  Staff enjoy their roles and are keen to develop and enhance the club. They seek the views of children to shape daily activities and gather parents' opinions to support their evaluation processes.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage and the Childcare Register the provider must:

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Due Date

 develop knowledge of when to notify Ofsted of changes to the manager 27/07/2017

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Due Date

 record information relating to the vetting processes that have been completed for staff. 22/07/2017

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Due Date

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

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Due Date

 build on the systems for gathering information about what children like and can already do upon entry and throughout their time at the club.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector had a tour of the areas of the premises used by the club.  The inspector met with the provider and manager. She reviewed relevant documentation, including staff qualifications, policies and the provider's action plan.  The inspector conducted a joint observation with the provider.  The inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times during the inspection. She observed and discussed activities in the indoor area.  The inspector spoke with parents to take account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management requires improvement

The provider has failed to notify Ofsted of a change in manager within the specified time frame. This is a requirement. The provider has also not kept records which evidence staff suitability through identity checks and vetting processes. The provider has, however, had appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service checks conducted for each member of staff and verified their qualifications. Staff demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of child protection and wider safeguarding issues. They are secure in their understanding of the internal and external reporting procedures to raise concerns about children's welfare. The provider and newly appointed manager have a range of strategies in place to review the quality of the provision. They have identified some areas of their practice which can be further improved. Staff have access to some ongoing training to help develop what they already know and build on their existing skills. Parents feel that the club is flexible,

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management requires improvement

welcoming and provides a range of experiences which children enjoy.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff gather some basic information about what children are learning in school and plan activities based on this information. Children enjoy the range of activities provided. Staff join in when children are being creative and talk with them about what they are doing. Staff are mindful of children's choices and give them time and space to play with what they like. Younger children practise making marks and developing their imaginative skills as they draw robots. Older children are good role models for younger children and offer suggestions to enhance younger children's imaginations. Staff provide a range of tools and activities for children to access and build on their own ideas. Children remain engaged in activities during the session as they are actively encouraged to talk about their ideas.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare require improvement

Weaknesses in leadership and management do not underpin the effective running of the setting. Staff conduct thorough risk assessments to identify and manage potential hazards. Children demonstrate a secure understanding of the rules of the club and respond well to adults. The atmosphere in the club is relaxed and children gladly follow routines. They are given opportunities to have snack when they are hungry and can choose from a range of healthy options, such as soup, bread and vegetable sticks. The risk of cross-infection is well managed as children are actively encouraged to follow good hygiene procedures. Younger children are developing appropriate social skills which are fostered by staff. They are encouraged to play alongside each other and talk together about what they are doing during activities. Staff help to build on children's self-confidence through effective use of praise and encouragement.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY386356 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 1093676 Type of provision Out of school provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 3 - 11 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 47 Name of registered person The Ark Out of School Club Limited

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 7 May 2015 Telephone number 0177 260 0551

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reference number

The Ark was registered in 2009 and operates from Mawdsley St Peters Church of England School, Ormskirk. The club employs four members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The club opens from Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 7.45am until 9am and 3.30pm until 6pm.

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reference number

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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reference number

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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reference number

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reference number

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reference number

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

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