Midland Mencap Playscheme

Mencap Sat Playscheme Inspection report for early years provision

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509308 Unique Reference Number 08 December 2007 Inspection date Adelaide Griffith Inspector

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Birmingham Mencap, Kennedy House, Bottetourt Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B29 5TE

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Setting Address

0121 427 5703 Telephone number birmingham@aol.com E-mail Birmingham Mencap Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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Setting Address

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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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.

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Midland Mencap Saturday Playscheme opened in 1993. It operates from a large hall with a stage and a reception room which doubles as a quiet area in a designated building. It is situated in Weoley Castle, Birmingham. A maximum of 25 children may attend the group at any one time. The group is open each Saturday from 10:00 to 15:30 for 51 weeks of the year.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 12 children aged from five to under eight years on roll. Children aged up to 12 years may attend. Children come from across the city and attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and also supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group employs 12 members of staff. Of these, seven hold appropriate qualifications. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are clearly learning about personal hygiene as part of the daily routine when they wash hands in relation to activities. They are appropriately protected against infection and the premises are generally clean. Owing to clear policies children's health is adequately promoted. Parental permission is obtained for seeking emergency medical treatment and for the administration of medication. Staff hold current first aid qualifications and first aid boxes are accessible. However, the record of accidents is not available for inspection. Consequently, children are put at risk and their safety is potentially compromised.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children are provided with packed lunches by parents and staff ensure that their dietary needs are met. Children's independence is suitably promoted as they are encouraged to feed themselves. Drinks provided by parents are supplemented as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from physical exercise and activities are structured according to their capabilities. For example, their large muscle skills are appropriately promoted through stretching during soft play. Children's spatial awareness is developing through crawling through tunnels and by riding on bikes. They are learning to maintain their balance during play on climbing frames and they are encouraged to play outside in most weather conditions. Children also have opportunities to rest quietly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment with resources set out within reach. The premises benefit from lots of natural light and are maintained at an adequate temperature. There is sufficient space for all children. Ample storage facilities are located away from care rooms. Children access toilets that are free from potential hazards. A vast range of toys and equipment is available. Staff check these frequently to ensure that they remain in a good state of repair. This means that children play with suitable toys at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are competently protected due to safety measures which include risk assessments of the premises and the rooms. Their security is effectively ensured due to controlled access to the premises and they are constantly supervised during activities. All fire precautions are taken and frequent fire drills are carried out. This means that children are learning to leave the building in the event of emergencies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is competently maintained due to staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. They are clearly informed about the recording and reporting of concerns and the requirement to maintain confidentiality at all times. Supporting documentation is available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's confidence is effectively promoted through a wide range of resources and their interest is stimulated through a broad range of activities. They are learning to share and to participate in group play such as board games. Children's creative skills are growing through

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 provision of arts and craft resources. Children's language skills develop as they listen to the reading of stories. They have opportunities to self-select some activities and to develop their play, for example, for those who enjoy music a tape recorder is placed on mats so that they can lie and listen to music or sing along.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children remain focussed for considerable periods and staff allow freedom as they move around the hall. Staff talk constantly to children and have implemented strategies that promote communication for those with less developed expressive language. For instance, physical contact is used liberally and staff patiently work with children on an individual basis. Consequently, children's interpersonal skills are consistently promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met as staff are aware of their preferences, for example, an enjoyment of music. Children are clearly learning about other cultures through the celebration of festivals and through the provision of some resources. They are gaining an understanding of the wider community on outings to a variety of venues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff are experienced in caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities which is the ethos of the provision. They maintain suitable liaison with external agencies and cooperate with specific programmes which have been put in place. Staff implement a variety of activities that promote children's development and they work towards promoting the independence of all children appropriately. However, a written statement is not in place to provide underpinning guidance in all aspects of care and work. In spite of this children's additional needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are generally well behaved due to strategies which include positive reinforcement. Their social skills are promoted through sitting together at the table during meal times. In the event of unacceptable behaviour staff talk firmly to children to explain the reasons. Children are encouraged to make the right choices and to contribute to the setting, for example, by participating during tidying away time. Children are clearly learning the boundaries of behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a positive relationship with parents. Copies of policies are available but information in the complaints procedure does not make reference to the regulator. Detailed profile of children are provided on admission. These include social aspects of development, individual routines and practices. Staff offer additional support to parents as requested. However, follow-up information is not routinely available in writing to meet the needs of all parents. There are firm arrangements in the event of emergencies. For instance, on a daily basis a list of telephone numbers is available for quick contact if required.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are generally protected due to procedures which ensure that all staff and volunteers are vetted. Recruitment procedures reflect staff's suitability to work with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. All new staff and volunteers undertake an induction period that includes components such as health and safety.

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Organisation

There is satisfactory organisation for the care of children. For example, staff meet daily for briefing sessions before children's arrival. Visits are arranged with external personnel such as the animal woman. There is a high adult to child ratio and staff have created a safe environment

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 for their care. The strength of the setting includes staff who are committed and who have worked in the setting for considerable period. This means that children benefit from continuity of care. Some staff have attended recent updating training and children's care is supported through up to date knowledge.

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Organisation

Most documentation is available, but those relating to the vetting of staff and accidents records are not available for inspection. Furthermore, written procedures relating to outings and a policy relating to special needs are not in place. Additionally, the records of attendance do not contain detailed information. Children's records are stored securely in a locked cabinet and updated frequently. Staff have some understanding of procedures for notifying Ofsted of significant changes or events. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to maintain a record of staff's and visitors' attendance. A visitors' record is maintained. However, the record of staff's attendance lacks details. Additionally, the suggestion to include information about the regulator in the complaints procedure is not addressed and children's welfare may be compromised.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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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): • provide relevant information relating to the complaints procedure and ensure that written information about the setting is available to all parents • ensure records are always available for inspection including those relating to staff and accidents • devise operational procedures for the safe conduct of outings and a written statement about special needs which is consistent with current legislation and guidance • improve the system for registering children and staff on a daily basis to show hours of attendance.

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The quality and standards of the 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 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

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The quality and standards of the 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

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