Victoria Centre

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/06/2003 Inspector Name Jan Clarke-Potter

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Victoria Centre Out Of School Activities Setting Address Victoria Centre, Palk Road Wellingborough Northamptonshire NN8 1HR

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Victoria Centre 278215

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Victoria Centre Address Palk Road Wellingborough Northamptonshire NN8 1HR

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

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

p.1

ABOUT THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality and standard of day care. When making judgements, inspectors have regard to how well the provider meets the National Standards for under Eights Day Care and Childminding. A list of these is attached. The report identifies strengths and areas for improvement. This inspection report must be made available to all parents.

p.2

Information about the setting

The Victoria Centre has been registered since 1992. It offers sessional and after school care during term time and a playscheme during school holidays. The Victoria Centre in Wellingborough serves a diverse white and multicultural community. They are registered for 50 children aged three to under eight years (out of school care) and 25 children aged from two years to under five years (sessional care). Currently children are accepted from the age of two years and six months into the playgoup. Children over the age of eight years are included in the overall numbers for the out of school care. The playscheme operates between 08.00 and 18.00 during school holidays. The playgroup runs from 09.15 to 11.45 during term time though extended care is also available from 09.00 to 12.30 if required. The out of school club opens every school day from 15.00-18.00 and caters for children aged four to eleven years who attend

p.2

Information about the setting

local schools. These children are collected from school by Victoria Centre staff. There are pick-ups from Victoria School Infants and Juniors, All Saints, Park, and The Avenue primary schools. They walk or are transported to the centre by minibus, depending on the location of the school. Three main play areas are used by the different goups, these include the Sports Hall, Bailey Room and Sanctuary. There is a large kitchen and dining area which houses the pool table. There is also an outdoor play area which has a safety surface. and a park nearby which children use in good weather. There is a group of core staff who work at the facility, as well as a bank of reserve staff. At least 50% of the staff have appropriate Early Years qualifications. The person in charge has direct responsibility for the management of all the childcare facilities at the Victoria Centre and their day to day running.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Victoria Centre out of school activities provides good care for children. Good use of space and resources ensures children are well cared for and supported. There are effective registration systems and children are well supervised due to the high ratios of staff to children. There is a good range of toys and activities to keep the children stimulated and provide sufficient challenge.

p.2

How good is the Day 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 Good hygiene practices are observed, and good health is promoted by the provision of nutritious and interesting snacks and meals. Staff know the children well and ensure that their individual needs are met. The group actively promote equality of opportunity. They respect diversity by providing a good range of resources, sharing cultural information and encouraging self-esteem in the children. The group also has a commitment to working with parents and other agencies. Staff are proactive in ensuring that all children are included and there is good accessibility to the facilities for children with special needs. Parents are kept well informed by the sharing of information. There are good relationships with parents, and staff provide a friendly and relaxed environment for parents and children. Some aspects of policies require further detail.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the management committee agreed to put in place a nominated person. This post has now been filled by the centre manager and all necessary checks completed. Staff training in behaviour management training needed updating and this was completed in April 2003.

p.3

What is being done well?

• Effective registration arrangements are in place which show when children, staff and visitors are present. High ratios of staff to children ensure children are safe and secure. • There is a good balance of toys and activities, particularly in the area of equal opportunities. • Good hygiene practices are implemented and healthy and nutritious snacks and drinks are provided. All staff have received first aid training and good medication systems are in place. • The group actively promote equality of opportunity through their policy which is shared with parents. All children are included and are treated with equal concern. • Staff liaise with parents and relevant agencies to promote the welfare and development of children with special needs. • Good relationships with parents are developed, and they are kept well informed.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the health & safety policy and procedures, to include procedures for identifying, reporting and dealing with accidents, hazards and faulty equipment;

p.3

What needs to be improved?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • procedure for risk assessment, to ensure it includes the premises and outings and is reviewed regularly.

p.3

CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

All registered persons must comply with all conditions of registration included on his/her certificate of registration. As a result of this inspection conditions of registration have been imposed / varied / removed and a new certificate of registration will be issued.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 conduct a risk assessment on the premises identifying action(s) to be taken to minimize identified risks 6 ensure the health and safety policy is up to date, and contains procedures for identifying, reporting and dealing with accidents, hazards and faulty equipment.

p.4

by the time of the next 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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

STANDARD 2 - ORGANISATION

The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

p.5

STANDARD 3 - CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

p.5

STANDARD 4 - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

p.5

STANDARD 5 - EQUIPMENT

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.

p.5

STANDARD 6 - SAFETY

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

p.5

STANDARD 7 - HEALTH

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

p.5

STANDARD 8 - FOOD AND DRINK

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

p.5

STANDARD 11 - BEHAVIOUR

Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

p.6

STANDARD 12 - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.

p.6

STANDARD 13 - CHILD PROTECTION

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

p.6

STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, or to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent.

p.6

STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

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

p.6