Sandwell Young Carers Centre

Sandwell Young Carers Centre Inspection report for early years provision

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255255 Unique Reference Number 23 February 2008 Inspection date Rebecca Johnson Inspector

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The Old Vicarage, Bratt Street, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 8SB

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Setting Address

0121 525 7667 Telephone number tsmith-sycc@btconnect.com E-mail Sandwell Young Carers 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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Sandwell Young Carers Saturday Club has been registered since 1996. It is managed by a board of directors and is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. It operates from a large detached Victorian building in the West Bromwich area of Sandwell.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of 24 children aged five years to eight years may attend the club which also caters for children up to the age of 12 years. There are currently 35 children on roll. Children attend on a sessional basis. The Saturday Club is open every fortnight on a Saturday for two sessions, from 10:00 to 12:30 and 12:30 to 15:00. The group also provides children with occasional day trips and school holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Some children are transported in to the centre by Community Transport minibus with an escort. The centre offers respite for young children and their siblings, who perform a caring role for a dependant family member. The club serves the whole of the Sandwell borough and is not available to the public.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are five members of staff who work directly with the under 12's club, all of whom hold relevant early years qualifications in both teaching and childcare and education.

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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 outstanding. Children’s individual care needs are exceptionally well met because in-depth information is obtained from their parents before they start at the group. This includes medical information, consent for emergency treatment and details of any allergies. Children are extremely well protected from infection through clear procedures which inform parents that children cannot attend if they have an infectious disease. Children's welfare is further promoted as all staff hold a valid first aid certificate. Comprehensive accident and medication records are in place and procedures for passing on information to parents are robust. Children’s understanding and awareness of good health and hygiene is very well promoted through well planned activities and routines. Children learn about their personal hygiene and how to keep healthy by automatically washing hands at appropriate times during the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to learn about healthy eating. They take part in healthy eating topics where they make posters which depict healthy foods and staff talk to children about what foods are good for them. Fresh drinking water is available at all times. Children enjoy excellent opportunities to experience physical activity and develop their skills. Although the setting does not have an outside play area the exceptionally good use of space and resources inside ensures that children experience a range of physical activities. Children thoroughly enjoy participating in games, such as jungle, parachute games, hockey games and physical forfeit games. Trips to play areas and outside activities, such as making bark rubbings and taking part in treasure hunts provide children with opportunities to access fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are safe as a result of the staff’s excellent awareness of health and safety and the wide range of supporting policies and procedures. High priority is given to reducing the risk of accident or injury and risk assessments cover all areas used by the children. Robust attention is given to all aspects of safety and children learn the importance of keeping themselves safe through planned and unplanned learning activities, such as regularly practising evacuation procedures. Excellent organisation of space ensures that children can choose independently from activities and move around freely and safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in premises that are welcoming and child-centred. Staff ensure that children are welcomed individually as they arrive and spend time talking to them. All areas are clean and children’s work is displayed which creates a welcoming environment. Children are kept safe as the premises are extremely secure and there is an excellent procedure for the arrival and departure of children to ensure that their safety is maintained at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are exceptionally well protected from harm because all staff have an in-depth understanding of their role in child protection. There are clear and thorough child protection policies and procedures in place. All staff understand known indicators of abuse and are aware of the procedures they should follow in the event of a concern about a child in their care. Therefore, children’s welfare is promoted and safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are independent and are developing their self-esteem. They ask questions and respond to new challenges. All children have their individual needs met and are developing a wide range of knowledge and skills because there are effective plans which provide activities and play opportunities. The setting is totally child-orientated and run to meet the needs of the children who attend. Children spend their time at the setting having fun and relaxing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are eager to participate in the games and activities provided. These include parachute games, hockey, ball games, clay, a variety of crafts, such as making photograph frames, masks and collage, charades, noodle art, construction, hamma beads, puppets, books, giant connect and origami. They also enjoy trips to the library where they can access computers and story time. Excellent interaction between children and staff ensures that children are fully supported whilst having time and space to interact with their peers and develop their confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are asked to comment about things they like or dislike about the setting. Specific comments include: 'It gives me time to enjoy myself and they take me on trips'. 'The group is good because staff are helpful and kind'. 'I like the group because it gives me a place to be with my friends and relax'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are treated with equal concern. They are highly valued and respected as individuals and their specific needs are identified and met extremely well. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are effectively supported by experienced and knowledgeable staff. Strategies, such as support workers who are available at every session support children’s individual specific needs and enable children to flourish. Children have excellent opportunities to develop an understanding of the wider world through activities, such as learning about Chinese New Year and Diwali. They make Chinese lanterns, dragons, fans and Diwali tea light pots. This helps them to develop an understanding of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is very good because staff create an environment that encourages children to respect boundaries and begin to control their own behaviour. Children understand clear and consistent guidelines and expectations of behaviour. They have made their own club rules which are displayed. Children can point out which rule they have made. They talk about being sensible at all times, being kind and helpful, using manners and getting on with each other. Staff reinforce club rules during circle times. They play harmoniously together and alongside each other. Staff are excellent role models and promote children’s confidence and self-esteem through positive praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good partnerships with parents which helps to promote the welfare of the children. There are excellent procedures in place for passing on information to parents through escorts, telephone calls and a support worker system. Parents speak highly about the quality of the provision and the approachability and knowledge of the staff. They are provided with in-depth information about the setting and their views are sought every six months by means of a parent’s questionnaire. All comments made by parents are extremely positive. Specific comments include: 'Staff are friendly, kind and understanding'. 'Children look forward to attending'. 'The setting is a real life line'. 'Staff are supportive and caring to the young carer'. 'My child has been a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 different child since attending Sandwell Young Carers, I love to hear the laughter when she comes home and about her new friends at the group'.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The registered provider demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of the need to inform Ofsted of any significant changes. The setting offers a warm and welcoming experience where children are happy and settled. Children’s care is further enhanced by excellent organisation and resources to fully support their individual needs. Staff are well qualified and effectively deployed to ensure that children receive a high level of care and attention. They regularly attend training to further their expertise and knowledge. Recruitment and vetting procedures are robust and ensure that staff are of high quality and well qualified.

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Organisation

Comprehensive, detailed documentation is in place and regularly reviewed to ensure that requirements are met. There is an effective and detailed operational plan in place which includes an extensive range of additional policies to ensure the smooth running of the setting. Effective steps are taken to plan ahead, evaluate and improve the service offered. Management and staff are enthusiastic, dedicated and work very well together. They are totally committed to providing a high level of care and education for the children and are constantly looking at and implementing ways to move the setting forward. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the setting agreed to: ensure that the procedures for reporting allegations of abuse against staff include the requirement to inform Ofsted, ensure that the risk assessments carried out regularly are recorded in written form and improve the arrangements for conducting regular fire drills on the premises particularly when the club is in operation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

In-depth child protection policies and procedures are now in place and include the requirement to inform Ofsted should an allegation be made against a member of staff. Written risk assessments are in place and cover all areas of the premises, and emergency evacuations are regularly practised with the children to ensure that they are able to safely leave the premises in an emergency.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 outstanding. 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

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

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The quality and standards of the care

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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