Family and Friends Out of School Club/Railton Road
Methodist Church
Inspection report for early years provision
Unique Reference Number
EY340660
Inspection date
15 May 2007
Inspector
Donna Bonner
Setting Address
Railton Methodist Youth & Community Centre, 141 Railton Road,
LONDON, SE24 0LT
Telephone number
02072 744 295
E-mail
Registered person
Family Friends (Voluntary Development Project)
Type of inspection
Childcare
Type of care
Out of School care
This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care
Standards Act 2000
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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The
registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.
WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?
Family Friends has been registered since 2006. The group has been established since 1989 and
is a voluntary organisation serving children and families in the local community. The group
previously operated from The Strand Centre in Brixton Hill. The premises are Railton Road
Methodist Church. Children have use of a large hall, a sports hall and two smaller rooms. The
organisation is currently funded by Lambeth local authority and other charities and run by a
management committee. They are registered for 52 children aged from four to eight years old
and there are currently 50 children on roll. Children are collected by walking or minibus and
attend Holy Trinity, Christchurch and St Judes school. The club operates for five days a week
from 15:00 to 18:00 during term-time. The staff team consists of eleven play workers of whom
eight hold a childcare qualification.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION
Helping children to be healthy
The provision is satisfactory.
Children stay healthy as staff ensure children who are unwell do not attend. Children are
encouraged to wash their hands before meals which also reduces the risk of infection. They
This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care
Standards Act 2000
enjoy a selection of sandwiches and fruit. Children's individual dietary needs are met as parents
discuss their wishes with staff and a record is kept. Children are safe in the event of an accident
as staff hold a current first aid certificate. Children's physical development is encouraged they
play ball games in the hall. However, there is no evidence that in the event of an emergency
parents wishes are followed, as parent permission to seek emergency medical treatment is not
requested.
Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe
The provision is inadequate.
Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming environment that is suitably organised to meet
their needs. Staff encourage the children to take responsibility for their own and other's safety
by talking to them about not running. As a result children understand the need to behave in a
manner that does not endanger themselves or others.
There are suitable systems in place to ensure the safe arrival and departure of children. Staff
supervise the children well as there is effective deployment of staff, this ensures that all areas
are adequately supervised at all times. Fire safety equipment and evacuation procedures are
in place and clear records are maintained. Staff carry out regular premises checks and this
ensures children play safely.
The written child protection policy does not include allegations against staff and this means
children are not fully protected in the event of concerns. However, staff are aware of their
responsibility to record and report concerns on any child in their care.
Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do
The provision is satisfactory.
Children enjoy the time spent with staff as they talk and listen to them. Children choose from
a suitable range of activities set out by staff, but also demonstrate their independence by
choosing additional activities of their choice. Children enjoy creative experiences such as making
picture frames and drawing pictures. Staff have a flexible approach to planning activities and
children's work is displayed on the walls. Children enjoy competitive games such as video games
and ball games in the sports hall. Children use all available space resourcefully and are occupied
purposefully throughout the session and play at length.
Helping children make a positive contribution
The provision is inadequate.
Children gain an understanding of various communities through toys and materials that reflect
difference. They are well behaved and play co-operatively together as staff encourage them
in their play. Staff recognise children's efforts as they actively play indoor ball games with them
and this helps children to learn about rules. Children receive support from staff as they help
with their homework and also join in their creative play. Children enjoy fun and humorous
relationships with staff, but the inappropriate use of language by a member of staff compromises
their position as a positive role model. Children benefit from staff having an understanding of
their needs as staff discuss and record parents wishes. Staff show an understanding of the need
to provide individual care and activities where a child has a learning disability so that their
needs are met.
This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care
Standards Act 2000
The written information available for parents in the event of a complaint, does not reflect
legislative changes, which is a breach of regulations. There is also no record of consent for
children to travel in a vehicle and so there is no evidence that parent's wishes are respected in
this way.
Organisation
The organisation is inadequate.
Children are familiar with the routine and immediately organise themselves for tea on arrival
and later choose games on completion of their meal. Children are cared for by vetted staff but
there is no evidence of their qualifications. There is no evidence that the registered person
informs Ofsted of significant events such as the manager leaving. This is a breach of regulations.
The registered person does not have a definite replacement in the absence of a manager
assessed as suitable by Ofsted. The system to evaluate and monitor general staff performance
and development is vague and as a result there is no evidence that staff are knowledgeable
about all areas of the National Standards. An attendance register is kept but children's times
of arrival are not recorded which means that documentation is not fully met in line with the
National Standards. As some policies are unclear, staff lack specific information in order to
keep children safe.
The setting does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.
Improvements since the last inspection
Not applicable.
Complaints since the last inspection
Since registration 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The
registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following
actions:
• make sure Ofsted is notified of significant events
• make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure
to be followed if they have a complaint
This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care
Standards Act 2000
• ensure that the child protection procedure complies with the Local Safeguarding Children
Board (LSCB) and includes allegations against staff
These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date
specified in the notice.
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
This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care
Standards Act 2000