Elmbridge Childcare Club

Inspection of Elmbridge Childcare Club Elmbridge Junior School, Elmbridge Road, GLOUCESTER GL2 0PE

p.1

This provision does not meet requirements

The safeguarding practices at the club are poor. The provider, who is also the manager of the setting, has failed to ensure that staff know the procedures to follow should they have a concern about a child or need to report an allegation. The manager has allowed staff's paediatric first-aid certificates to lapse. Additionally, she does not ensure that staff hold sufficient information to allow them to respond to children's individual medical needs effectively during an emergency. This places children at risk of harm.

p.2

This provision does not meet requirements

Children receive a warm welcome by the friendly staff team on arrival. Staff know how to arrange the indoor and outdoor spaces so that children have access to a suitable range of activities, such as construction play, craft materials and a quiet reading area.

p.2

This provision does not meet requirements

All early years children attending the after-school club have an assigned key person. Staff are aware of their key-person role. For example, they know how to help children settle in by finding out about their preferred play activities. Children are polite and respectful towards one another and staff.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider, who is also the designated safeguarding lead, does not have a secure knowledge of her role to keep children safe. She lacks a clear understanding of the club's safeguarding policy, which states not to investigate a welfare concern about a child, but to report it to the relevant agencies. Furthermore, the manager does not ensure that her staff team are familiar with the procedures to follow should a child make a disclosure of abuse. This compromises children's safety. n The provider holds termly meetings with individual staff to discuss their roles. However, she has failed to identify and address gaps in staff training needs and safeguarding knowledge. For example, she has not allowed sufficient time to arrange paediatric first-aid training to ensure at least one staff member, who holds a valid certificate, is always on the premises and available when children are present. This does not assure children's safety.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff are aware of children's food preferences and provide healthy food choices. They ensure children benefit from a range of nutritious snacks, including fresh bread, strawberries and watermelons. However, although staff are aware of those children who have known allergies, staff do not ensure they have up-to- date information from parents about what to do in an emergency should a child have an allergic reaction. This places children's health at further risk. n Children manage their personal care needs well and follow good hygiene

p.2

need to do better?

19 October 2022 practices. They wash their hands before and after eating, and staff encourage them to be independent in managing everyday tasks, such as placing their belongings away. n Parents are complimentary about the service they receive. They comment positively about their children's experience at the club and the relationship they have with the caring staff team. n Staff work closely with teachers at the linked school to provide a smooth transition for children when they first start. Communication is ongoing between the club and the linked school to meet the needs of children.

p.2

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The provider demonstrates a weak understanding of her own safeguarding policy. She is not aware of the procedures to follow should she need to report a welfare concern, in line with her local safeguarding partnership. Staff have a limited knowledge of all safeguarding matters, including the signs and symptoms that may suggest a child is being exposed to extreme views and behaviours. There are poor procedures for managing children's allergies and for ensuring that staff have up-to- date first-aid training. This does not support children's welfare needs. Staff conduct daily checks before the children arrive to ensure the premises are secure and free from any hazards.

p.3

Due date

ensure the designated safeguarding lead has a clear understanding of their role and responsibility to keep children safe, including the procedures for reporting allegations to the relevant authorities 07/11/2022

p.3

Due date

improve staff's knowledge of the setting's safeguarding policy, so they are able to identify and respond to all safeguarding issues, including signs of radicalisation 07/11/2022

p.3

Due date

19 October 2022 obtain up-to-date information from parents about children's medical needs, and ensure that all staff are familiar with the procedures for responding to known allergies in an emergency 07/11/2022

p.3

Due date

ensure at least one member of staff holds a full paediatric first-aid qualification and is present at all times when children attend the club 07/11/2022

p.4

Due date

implement an effective programme for staff professional development to identify and address their training needs. 02/12/2022

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY457052 Local authority Gloucestershire Inspection number 10233876 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 60 Number of children on roll 60 Name of registered person Thomas, Emma Jayne

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 07544575052 Date of previous inspection 28 October 2016

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Elmbridge Childcare Club registered in 2021. It operates from Elmbridge Primary School in the Longlevens area of Gloucester. The club is open each weekday, from 7.15am to 9am, and from 3pm to 6pm. The holiday club opens from 7.30am to 6pm during school holiday periods. The club employs six staff, including the manager. The manager, deputy manager and one other member of staff hold relevant qualifications in playwork at level 3, and two staff hold qualifications at level 2.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The manager and the inspector completed a tour of the premises together. They discussed the current arrangements for assessing risks, security, child supervision and how staff are deployed in all areas. n The staff and children spoke to the inspector at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written testimonies provided during the visit. n The inspector held a leadership meeting with the manager.

p.6

Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

19 October 2022 regulates and inspects 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

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.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7