Inspection report for early years provision

Unique Reference Number	253774
Inspection date	13 March 2008
Inspector	Christine Linda Tomaselli

Setting Address	Market Deeping CP School, Willoughby Avenue, Market Deeping, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE6 8JE
Telephone number	01778 344896
E-mail
Registered person	Susan Bell
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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Madcaps Out of School Club opened in June 1995. It is a privately owned group offering out of school care and a summer holiday play scheme. The club is based in a brick building within the grounds of Market Deeping Primary School. The premises consist of a main playroom, dining area, kitchen, sensory room and the school a hall. Cloakroom and toilet facilities for staff and children are available in the building. The club have developed their own special garden area with the boundary walls of the building and the school grounds are used for outdoor activities.

A maximum of 62 children may attend the club at any one time. During term time it is open from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 09:00 and from 15:15 to 18:00. During school holidays the club is open from 08:00 to 18:00 excluding Bank holidays. All of the children who attend the group before and after school go to Market Deeping Primary School and other close by schools. However, children from other schools in the area may use the club during the holidays. The club also operates a morning play scheme for two weeks in August each year for up to 120 children on behalf of the local council.

There are currently 198 children on roll for the out of school club. The club supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

The club is managed on a day-to-day basis by the owner and a team of play workers, half of whom hold relevant qualifications. The provision is affiliated to 4Children and has achieved the 'Growing in Quality' assurance scheme. They are members of the local Children's Links and have strong relationships with the Town Council.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from being cared for in an environment that is excellent for out of school care. Children's health is promoted by staff who have a very good understanding of healthy living. They encourage children to learn about keeping themselves healthy by lots of discussion, offering a variety of physical activities both inside and outside, and being good role models. Children understand about washing their hands at appropriate times and are provided with very suitable toilet facilities and cloakroom areas within a school environment. The children had been involved in the design and colour scheme of the toilet areas which helps contribute to their respect for maintaining their own health. Staff are observant and committed to maintaining a clean environment and discuss health matters with children appropriately, for example, when cleaning snack tables and the cook wearing suitable clothing for her role.

There is a written sick children's policy which states children with an infectious illness do not attend, therefore, reducing the risk of serious illness among the children. Staff members are trained in first aid and would receive additional training in special medical situations when required. This ensures children receive appropriate attention in the event of an accident or need to administer medication. Should a child become ill at the club then good procedures are in place. This includes a quite area to rest with a staff member present until a parent arrives. Staff follow appropriate procedures for the recording of accidents and giving of medication. A first aid box is available and the contents are checked regularly.

Children are invited to have breakfast, snacks or a light cooked meal after school and holiday care depending on when they attend the club. Children explained that a Friday is a good day to attend as they can choose to have a full English breakfast and a tuck shop is available during the afternoon session. Staff provide snacks that offer all children a selection of healthy food options, for example, fruit, vegetables, raisins or fresh popcorn. Light meals that are cooked for those children who have requested one, will include a range of healthy meals, for example, pasta or rice dishes, fish and meat meals with vegetables and a variety of healthy desserts. Drinking water is freely accessible to the children from a water cooler machine in the diner area. Meal times offer the children additional opportunities to develop social skills as they sit together at planned times to eat.

Children are fully encouraged to take part in a wide variety of physical activities, inside or outside. These include dance sessions and sport activities. The club have a garden area that has many uses and provides additional opportunities to be in the fresh air. The outside of the premises is accessible at all times to the children and staff are fully engaged with what the children wish to do at all times. Physical activities and being in the fresh air supports children's healthy growth.

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are provided with an excellent environment offering a wealth of learning and social opportunities. Since the last inspection the club has moved from a mobile to a brick building owned by the school. These premises have enhanced the care and education for the children in many ways. The premises provided by the school have supported the working partnership between the provider and the school to have excellent opportunities for wrap around care for school aged children in the local area.

Children are cared for in an environment that operates very good security. For example, the entrance to the premises is locked and parents will ring a bell to gain access. Staff take full responsibility for letting in and out all parents and visitors. This ensures children's safety is maintained. Visual and regular written risk assessments are used to assess the safety of the premises and equipment to ensure risks to children are minimised. Staff's observations of the children are good with action taken when children's safety may be an issue, for example, a child running in an area that they should not.

Staff's pre-planning of some activities for the sessions and the different areas used by the children is excellent. This contributes to their fun, learning and safety at all times. Children are encouraged to learn about keeping themselves safe through discussion and staff as good role models. There is a good emergency evacuation policy in place and children are familiar with fire safety, and emergency evacuations are practised regularly to re-enforce children's awareness and understanding.

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by all staff who have a good knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. There is a nominated child protection person and procedures are in line with the school and those set out by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Action is quickly taken when a child may be at risk, with support for any family offered where required. The staff are very keen to work in partnership with parents, the school or any professionals to ensure children are happy and cared for to the best of their ability.

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely enthusiastic when they enter the club's welcoming environment. They enjoy their sessions where they can take part in a wide variety of planned and freely chosen activities or choose to relax and socialise with their friends. Children are confident and engage themselves in lots of conversation with the staff and other children which includes what they have been doing during their school day or home life. Children develop their confidence in many ways, supported by staff. They had been involved in the design of the garden area, which has included eleven elements of learning and has a 'pirate' theme at present. The sensory room has given the children another big challenge for them to plan and design an area suitable for all but with children with disabilities in mind. This area was being undertake by a specialist planner who used the children's ideas to create a super environment that can be used in many different ways. These opportunities enhance children's learning and skills. It gives them opportunities to understand about those that would benefit from activities possibly not known to themselves. Children are confident to approach staff who are deployed appropriately around the play areas.

Staff show an excellent understanding of activities suitable for this age group and planning for the after school activities offers children a range of stimulating opportunities for learning or having time to socialize. Children's imagination is encouraged and valued with staff providing opportunities for role play and lots of art and craft activities, and these have included celebrating different festivals from across the world, for example, Chinese New Year.

Children have opportunities to enjoy lots of planned and freely created activities that promote their learn and extend their skills. For example, planting, computer use, understanding nature and survival in the wild. The children's play environment is divided into zones, for example, play, technology, craft and fun zones. All areas are fully equipped for their purpose and ready for use by the children. Storage of equipment is accessible to the children to support their independence and choice at all times. Wall displays of the children's own work demonstrate the extensive art and craft work the children are involved in.

Staff and children work extremely well together in decision-making, and the management of the club. Children's ideas are gathered by regular questionnaires and a suggestion box. Ideas that are discussed are put into action and carried forward where ever possible. Children hold regular meetings to help staff plan for future activities they would like. Children are encouraged in turn taking on favourite activities by signing on a white board the time they started and then given a time before they need to allow the next person to have a go. This procedure works well.

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy, secure and continue to form positive relationships with the staff and each other before and after their school day. Staff know the children very well as individuals, specific needs are known and met well by staff to ensure children's attendance at the club is a positive one. Children develop self-esteem and confidence as they voice their opinions and make choices and decisions. Children's efforts and achievements are praised and their ideas listened to which makes them feel valued and promotes their self-esteem and sense of belonging. For example, ideas for the sensory room and outside garden.

Children's behaviour is good and they take an active part in setting rules for their club. These are reviewed to allow new children and ideas to be included. This ensures the children have a sense of ownership for their behaviour and the club. Staff take a proactive approach to making activities of interest to all the children, for example, by weekly planning of some activities to ensure lots of play and learning is available to the children which would include suggestions made by themselves. Staff's in depth knowledge of the children and preparation creates an environment to promote positive behaviour by all. The clear behaviour management policy clearly sets out expectations of all and any intervention is carried out in a positive way. The use of the sensory room and support of staff has been found very beneficial in acting as a calm environment when needed.

Relationships between staff and parents are excellent, with parents being provided with updated information about the club through regular newsletters and letters when required. Appropriate record keeping informs parents' about matters associated with their children and suitable policies inform parents about the practice of the club. Parents are provided with questionnaires to enable them to share their thoughts and ideas about the club although everyday discussions between everyone also offers this opportunity. Parents verbally share their positive views and absolute confidence in the way their children are provided for by the staff and setting. One point that parent's valued was the provider's flexibility which offers them reassurance at all times.

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Overall, children's needs are met. Children are cared for by a team of staff and volunteers who are suitably vetted, qualified and committed to ongoing training in child care and education to ensure that they offer the best care and education for children. Staff and volunteers work very well as a team being fully away of their individual strengths and using them positively towards the organisation, planning and running of the club together with the input of the children. Children are cared for by a combination of older, younger, male and female staff and volunteers which provides a wealth of different thoughts, ideas and skills that can be passed onto the children. Children benefit from this wide selection of adult input.

Organisation of the session ensures the children have a variety of learning and social opportunities that take place both indoors and outdoors where both offer excellent environments which are designed to include all children. Activities provided contribute to the children exploring and developing their knowledge and understanding of the world. Children arrive to a well set up learning environment where play activities offer lots of fun and learning opportunities. Activities are changed regularly and children remain fully stimulated during the session with a vast amount of opportunities that they can take part in. The brilliant efforts of the provider, supported by the staff and volunteers were recently rewarded when the proprietor was awarded the 'Manager of the Year Award' from the Children's Links Award Ceremony for 2007.

Excellent documentation and recording is in place with additional self-designed recording that contributes to the welfare of the children in their care. Clear, good policies and procedures are in place which underpin excellent practice in the group. Parents and children are asked to complete questionnaires from time to time to help keep ideas for the club fresh and what they users want.

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to develop and implement an action plan that sets out how the supervisor will complete a Level 3 qualification and review written policies required for the efficient and safe management of the provision to make sure they are up to date, reflect current practice and promote the welfare, care and learning of children.

The manager and deputy manager have completed a Level 3 child care qualification. The proprietor has, as part of her working towards the quality assurance scheme, updated and renewed all policies and procedures. Both these improvements will enhance what the children achieve and support the management and operational procedures of the facility securing a safe and secure environment for the children.

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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