Dobcroft After School Hours (DASH)

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/07/2003 Inspector Name Maureen Denise Gascoyne

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name DASH (Dobcroft After School Hours Care). Setting Address Pingle Road Sheffield South Yorkshire S7 2LN

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Dobcroft After School Hours Care (DASH) 03812129 1078129

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Dobcroft After School Hours Care (DASH) Address Pingle Road Millhouses Sheffield South Yorkshire S7 2LN

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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

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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.

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Information about the setting

Dobcroft After School Hours Care (Dash) provides out of school care for up to 88 children aged between four and eleven years. The provision is located in Dobcroft Primary School, in Millhouses, a residential area to the south of Sheffield city centre. It caters for children attending the school. The After School Care and the Breakfast Club are open five days a week from 8:00a.m. until start of school and 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during term time. The Holiday Playcare is open five days a week from 8:30a.m. until 5:30p.m. during school holidays. The facility is located on two sites. Up to 40 of the younger children are accommodated the hall and an adjoining room in the infant school, and up to 48 of the older children are accommodated in a large mobile in the school grounds for after school care. Up to 20children of mixed ages are accommodated in the mobile before school and during school holidays. There are adequate toilet facilities and

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Information about the setting

preparation areas for snacks. Both groups of children have access to outdoor play space. 150 children currently attend the facility. All those currently attending speak English as their first language. Places are available for children who have Special Educational Needs, but none are currently on roll. Sufficient members of staff work with the children on a daily basis, 6 of whom hold or are working towards a relevant qualification in childcare. The OSS club, which is run by a voluntary management committee, has links with the Local Partnership and receives support from the Out of School Network.

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How good is the Day Care?

Dobcroft After School Hours Care (Dash) provides satisfactory care for children aged 4 -11 years. The club is well organised and run by experienced staff, and are working towards,relevant qualifications. children are provided with a continuity of care which helps them to feel secure. changes to staff for the older children are more frequent but two staff members ensure continuity. Staff on both sites work well together as a team to provide a relaxed environment for school aged children. The day to day

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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 running of the facility is effective. Staff caring for the older children are not always aware of safety issues and do not take appropriate steps to ensure that children are monitored and protected from potential hazards or unsuitable access. With the exception of one or two potential hazards the premises are safe. Staff have regard for the well being of the children, know them well and ensure that their individual needs are met. Staff give attention to children's personal hygiene. Child protection issues are not always understood. Staff plan well to provide a wide and interesting range of stimulating activities suitable for the older children. Staff are enthusiastic, and responsive to the children and encourage them to develop new skills. Activities are less imaginative and varied

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How good is the Day Care?

for the younger children and staff are not as interactive with the children. Children's behaviour is good. Staff value and respect the children and encourage them to be considerate towards others. The promotion of equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice is good, but resources limit this for the younger age group. There is a good partnership with parents and carers, and staff enable communication through an exchange of information. Parents are well informed about the facilities policies and procedures. All relevant paperwork is in place.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the time of the last inspection no actions or timed conditions were imposed. Staff have been now been designated to co-ordinate Special Needs, Behaviour Management and Child Protection within the setting. Security has been improved by the provision of an external bell for the mobile site. A newsletter and notices on notice boards now give parents sufficient information about procedures for making complaints. Staff have continued to access qualification training.

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What is being done well?

• - The facility is well organised and provides a wide range of interesting and challenging activities for the older children in a relaxed and welcoming environment (Standards 2, 3 and 5) • - The staff have good relationships with the children, and staff working with the older children are enthusiastic, warm and responsive in meeting their individual needs and in encouraging them to develop new skills. (Standards 3 and 9) • - The children are happy and settled, are well behaved and respond well to each other and to members of staff. (Standards 3 and 11) • - The promotion of the equality of opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice is good, particularly with the older age group, and children are encouraged to be tolerant and caring towards others. (Standards 3, 5, 9 and 11)

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What is being done well?

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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What needs to be improved?

• - safety to minimize identified risks [Standard 6] • - staff awareness of child protection issues [Standard 13] • - the range of activities and staff interaction with the younger children [Standard 3]

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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.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 ensure that registration records when staff and visitors are present 3 that staff working with the younger age group are more interactive with the children 3 devise a system for planning and implementing a suitable range of imaginative activities for the younger children, which is appropriate for their stage of development and based on their individual needs 6 make sure that premises are kept secure and that adults do not have unsupervised access to the children (mobile site) meet any recommendations made by the Fire Safety Officer (in this case conduct regular fire drills) (infant site) make sure that dangerous substances, electric meters and hot irons are inaccessible to the children (mobile site) 9 ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice (infant site) 13 develop staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues

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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

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STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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