An OFSTED Guide for Parents and Carers

Ouch Pouch Childcare Limited is registered as childcare provider with ‘OFSTED’ and work under the guidance of the ‘National Standards for Out-of-School Care’. Our staff to child ratio is 1 to 8 for children under 8 years of age. Additional staff members will be involved in more demanding activities and outings. Each session will be staffed by either a combination of either the DIRECTOR, MANAGER and/or PLAYWORKERS to meet the correct ratio’s of care and that covers all legislation. We actively encourage volunteers and students within the club, who will be seen as extra to the staff ratio’s and are never left in a position of responsibility.

We are inspected by OFSTED. As a Childcare Provider, we are never aware of the day or time the inspector will carry out our inspection and will come 'unannounced'.

Our last full inspection was carried out in September 2007. Our inspector quotes from our inspection:

'Staff give a high regard to ensuring children take an active part in the club and their opinion is highly valued. Consequently, this enables them to contribute their thoughts and ideas to the programme of activities, trips out and guest speakers. Children are fully involved in an excellent range of enjoyable and interesting activities, which significantly enhances their experiences, such as baking, games, sports and arts and crafts. The activities promoted enable children to develop their creativity and inventiveness, for example, art and design competitions and paper-craft and puppet making'.

'Children are very happy and settled in the relaxed environment. They build strong relationships with staff and each other, for example, showing things they have made and talking about holidays and home life. Children benefit greatly from warm and friendly relationships with staff, who are fully involved in activities with the children, for example, modeling dinosaurs out of clay, painting, and exchanging conversations about their day. Staff help children to build their self-esteem by giving them lots of praise and encouragement. Children have lots of opportunities to be independent at the setting. They move around self-assured, freely accessing toys, play equipment and drinks. They help to decide the rules of the setting. There are quiet areas for children to complete homework if they so wish'.

'Children are highly valued as individuals and are treated with equal concern. All children are welcome, regardless of ability, and their differing needs are well met. Key worker staff collect detailed information about the children through discussions with parents and comprehensively detailed registration forms. Children's opinions are sought on a manner of issues that are home, school and club related. Consequently, staff know their key children extremely well indeed and have an exceptional understanding of how they can meet their individual needs. All children are well supported through a clear settling-in policy and thorough induction into the setting and they sign their agreement to the content discussed'.

'Children develop a very strong sense of belonging and pride in being associated with the club. For example, a montage of their images is displayed on the 'wall of fame'. The weekly children's meeting gives them superb opportunities to contribute their thoughts and ideas to every aspect of the club. This includes menu examples, activities, rules and the purchase of new toys and equipment. Action agreed is noted and acted upon by caring staff. Children confidently complete a written evaluation of weekly activities without hesitation, including both positive and negative experiences. These are reviewed and comments are taken into account when planning future activities and events, to further enhance children's experiences'.

'Children have good opportunities to learn about diversity as they explore their own culture and those of others and the wider world. They learn about different cultures through a variety of activities, for example, celebrating different festivals, baking and food tasting. They help to raise funds for the Guide Dogs for the Blind which increases their awareness of disabilities. Staff work closely with children who have learning difficulties to ensure they are fully included in the setting through discussions with parents and close links with the school. Children behave very well. They show respect for each other and consistently share, for example, taking turns with games consoles. Staff fully involve children in rule-making decisions and this helps them to understand right from wrong. Staff use age-appropriate strategies to manage behaviour and explain the reasons behind rules to help children understand the consequences of their actions'.

'Children benefit greatly from highly effective relationships between parents and staff. Parents are provided with a comprehensive range of written polices and procedures. They are fully informed about the setting and their child through information leaflets, policies and activity plans. Parents take a positive approach to being actively involved in their child's learning and development, for example as they participate in themed days and events. They are able to contribute their ideas and suggestions through responding to service questionnaires, and record comments confidentially. They speak very highly of the provision and consider that their children are happy and are always keen to attend. They say staff are very friendly and supportive and the range of activities and trips provided is excellent'.

Full copies are available to download from: ofsted.gov.uk and by simply going to 'Inspection Reports' and enter our contact details. You can view our latest and archive reports.