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Our latest Ofsted Report: Inspection report for early years provision
Unique Reference Number EY255858 Inspection date 13 October 2006 Inspector Diane Lynn Turner Setting Address St. Pauls Church, Holgate Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 4BF Telephone number 07726 334 608 E-mail ADMN@STPAULSYORK.ORG.UK Registered person St Paul's Out of School Club Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care About this inspection The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later. The key inspection judgements and what they mean Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection: The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT? St Paul's Out Of School Club has been registered since June 2003. It operates from the crypt in St Paul's Church, which is situated in the Holgate area of York. The club has use of a large open-plan room, which has a raised area and integral kitchen facilities, and the immediate outdoor area for gardening activities. The school field which is located nearby is also used for outdoor play. A maximum of 24 children under eight-years-old may attend the before school sessions and a maximum of 36 children under eight-years-old may attend the after school and holiday sessions. Children aged from eight to 11-years-old may also attend. Session times are Monday to Friday from 07.45 to 08.45 and 15.00 to 18.00 during term time, and from 07.45 to 18.00 during the school holidays. The club serves several local primary and secondary schools, which are located near to the church. There are currently 135 children on roll and the club is currently supporting two children with disabilities. There are four members of staff who regularly work with the children, two of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications to level 3 and one is working towards this. In addition there are two relief members of staff who are both qualified to level 3. The club is a member of the organisation 4Children and is working towards a recognised quality assurance award. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION Helping children to be healthy The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept healthy because staff take positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, they follow effective procedures in their daily routines, such as cleaning surfaces before food is prepared and checking that the toilets are clean before the sessions begin. There is also a clear policy for the procedure to be followed in the event of a child becoming ill whilst at the club, which is effectively implemented. Staff are fully aware of any individual health requirements the children may have, such as allergies. However, not all staff have received the necessary training to ensure they know how to administer any emergency medication that may be required. Staff effectively encourage the children to follow good hygiene practices in their self-care. For example, they ensure the children wash their hands before eating their snack and notices are displayed in the toilet area to remind them to do so after toileting. The children understand the importance of using soap at these times to ensure their hands are cleaned thoroughly in order to help prevent germs, which may make them ill. Children have appropriate opportunities to enjoy physical exercise and learn about the importance of activity in a healthy lifestyle. For example, they are able to use the adjacent school field to run around and play ball games. They also take part in gardening activities and play organised games indoors, such as 'ladders' and 'sleeping pirates'. Children are offered a range of snacks to help them understand the importance of a healthy diet. For example, they are offered cereal and toast for breakfast, and sandwiches and both dried and fresh fruit after school. Staff talk to them about why food, such as fruit, is good for them and they help them understand the importance of cleaning their teeth by using specifically designed resources, which they borrow from the local partnership. Staff ensure that any food offered meets the children's individual dietary needs so they remain healthy. Children are offered a drink of juice at snack time and are offered water for the rest of the session. This is not, however, readily available for the children to help themselves to, but they know they can ask staff for a drink as and when they become thirsty. Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an appropriately maintained environment which has very good areas of space. This is effectively set out to provide them with a range of play opportunities, including table-top activities, floor play and a separate room where they can complete their homework. There are some displays, which include examples of the children's artwork, such as colourful self-portraits. This shows their efforts are valued and appreciated and effectively helps to brighten the environment. Staff ensure all areas of the premises are safe. For example, they check and record the fridge temperatures each day to ensure any perishable food is stored safely, and carefully monitor any 'blind spots' within the premises to ensure the children are playing safely. Effective procedures are in place to ensure no one has unauthorised entry to the premises. Staff check visitors' identification and they are asked to record their presence on the visitor log. Staff ensure the children practise the group's emergency evacuation procedures regularly so they know what to do in the event of a fire, and they record their findings. They ensure the procedures are quickly repeated if the children do not follow these effectively. Staff also remind them to follow safe practices as they walk to and from school and to use furniture and equipment safely. Children have access to a range of toys and resources, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. These are rotated by staff to maintain the children's interest and children are able to make some choices. For example, they are able to request additional items of their choice from the store cupboard. Staff ensure all toys and resources are in good order and cleaned on a regular basis to enable the children to use these effectively. Children are protected by staff, who have a clear understanding of the group's child protection policy. They all attend training in child protection, have a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and know what to do if they have concerns. Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do The provision is satisfactory. Children are enthusiastic and self-assured in the club's environment. They clearly enjoy the time they spend here, particularly at the end of the school day when they can relax or be active according to their needs and interests. They settle quickly on arrival and most are keen to take part in the activities on offer. For example, they have opportunities to take part in planned craft activities, such as using paint mixed with sand, when they produce a range of detailed pictures which have an interesting texture. Some children choose to take an active part in imaginative play, such as acting out the role of a pirate or playing games on the PlayStation, whilst others select quieter activities, such as colouring and cutting out pictures, watching a DVD, playing with small world resources, such as toy cars, or playing board games, such as 'Secret Code'. Some of the older ones also choose to complete their homework. Children are well supported by the staff, who develop positive relationships with them. For example, they listen with interest to what the children have to say as they talk about their day at school, and listen sympathetically if they relate any difficulties they may have encountered, such as disagreements with their friends. A busy atmosphere is evident during the sessions. The children are happy, talk positively about their time at the club and on the whole behave appropriately. Some of the older ones, however, are not always interested in the resources and activities on offer and the games they instigate can occasionally become out of hand, particularly their imaginative play. Helping children make a positive contribution The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed into the club and are valued and respected as individuals. Staff discuss their individual needs with their parents and meet these accordingly. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are fully included through sensitive adult support and communication with their parents. All children are able to make choices and be included in decision making about the club. For example, a children's committee has recently been formed, which has representatives from the different age groups and the schools the club serves. Children can approach the committee members with any aspects they would like discussed or alternatively make these known via the club's suggestion box. Children have some opportunities to learn about diversity and the wider world through access to resources, such as dolls, puppets and musical instruments, which positively reflect other cultures, and as they celebrate festivals, such as the Chinese New Year. They also benefit from visitors to the club who share their skills with them. For example, a representative from a wildlife trust recently came to the club to help the children with their gardening project, when as part of this they learnt how to make both bird and insect boxes. Children are well behaved overall. For example, they play co-operatively together during board games, know they must sit at the table to eat, are polite when talking to visitors, and use good manners at snack time. Staff are proactive in encouraging and acknowledging positive behaviour. For example, the children are divided into teams and can gain points if they are helpful or behave well. The team with the most points at the end of a specific period of time achieves a certificate, which is presented at their school assembly. Some of the older children, however, occasionally demonstrate boisterous behaviour and do not always follow the codes for the group, even though they have been involved in drawing these up. An effective partnership with parents contributes to the children's well-being in the club. Parents are made very welcome and effective communication is evident. Staff make themselves readily available at the end of the session when parents are welcome to discuss any concerns they may have. They are provided with written information about the service when the placement begins including the procedures for the collection of children and the activities and snacks provided. They are not, however, kept fully informed of the procedure to follow if they have a complaint as the club's complaints policy does not include details of Ofsted's role or contact details. Organisation The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a suitably organised environment. Staff are aware of their responsibilities and work well together as a team. The majority hold relevant childcare qualifications and show a commitment to continuing their professional development through training. They are appropriately supported by the committee. The indoor space is organised appropriately to maximise play opportunities for the children and activities are appropriate to the age and stage of development of most of those who attend. There are clear policies and procedures, which cover all aspects of the provision. These are used effectively to promote the care and welfare of the children but occasionally lack the necessary detail. All legally required documentation, which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is stored securely to maintain confidentiality. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides. Improvements since the last inspection At the previous inspection it was recommended that the club improve the documentation in relation to the medication records. Staff now ensure that parents acknowledge and sign the record, which is kept when any medication is administered to their child. The improvement has added to the safety and well-being of the children. Complaints since the last inspection Since the last inspection there has been one complaint made to Ofsted that required the provider to take action to meet the National Standards. The complaint related to National Standard 11: Behaviour. A childcare inspector visited the provision on 11 October 2005 and an action was set to ensure appropriate documentation was submitted in order for checks to be completed on the newly appointed person in charge. A further visit was made on 18 November 2005; new staff were in place and appropriate checks had been made. The provision remains qualified for registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted. THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection: The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT? The quality and standards of the care To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): ensure training in the administration of emergency medication is provided for all staff increase the range of activities and resources available at the sessions to ensure all children are well occupied, particularly the older ones ensure the complaints procedure includes Ofsted's role and contact details. Any complaints about the inspection or the report should be made following the procedures set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk Information for ... Parents and carers Children and young people Adult learners and employers Services we regulate or inspect |
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