Dawn Till Dusk Childcare

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 07/10/2004 Inspector Name Noreen Elizabeth Appleby

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name Dawn Till Dusk Childcare Setting Address Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary & Nursery School Middleton-in-Teesdale Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 0TG

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Dawn Till Dusk Childcare Address Middleton-in-Tessdale Primary School Town End Middleton-in-Teesdale Barnard Castle DL12 0TG

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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

Dawn Till Dusk Childcare is a voluntary organisation that registered in 2003. It operates from rooms within Middleton in Teesdale Primary and Nursery School. During operational hours the group has sole use of two classrooms, use of the staff-room, staff kitchen and occasional use of the school hall. There are adequate storage facilities throughout. Cloakroom, toilet and hand-washing facilities are off the main school corridor. There is a yard and grassed areas available for outdoor play activities. The group mainly serves the needs of families from the local rural community. The facility is open each weekday from 15:00 to 18:00 during term-time and from 07:30 to 18:00 during school holiday periods, providing places for 30 children aged from 3 to under 8 years. There are currently 40 children on roll, of whom 19 are aged from three to under eight years. At the time of this inspection there are 12 children

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Information about the setting

present, including 4 children over eight years of age. Children usually attend regular sessions. The setting currently supports children who have special needs. There are no children who speak English as an additional language. Three regular members of staff work with the children. Two of these hold relevant early years qualifications. One member of staff is currently working towards a level three playleader qualification. Staff are supported by a bank of regular volunteers. The setting receives support from Sure Start, County Durham.

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How good is the Day Care?

Dawn Till Dusk Childcare provides good quality care for children. Management have good recruitment, vetting and support systems in place. Staff demonstrate a strong commitment to on-going training and personal development. Some are working towards further qualifications, appropriate to their roles. Suitable documentation systems have been set up, although some records need to be updated in line with the requirements of the group registration. Comprehensive policies and procedures are drafted and incorporated effectively into daily routines. Premises are warm and welcoming. Areas are well set out to provide an attractive, child-friendly environment. A good operational plan ensures regular routines and enables children and adults to recognise their personal roles and responsibilities. Appropriate health, safety and hygiene issues are incorporated into daily routines and relevant practices are promoted with children. Staff take positive steps to keep

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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 children safe indoors, out of doors and on outings. A broad range of play and learning resources is available. Areas are well set out to promote 'free choice' and independence. Staff plan activities in advance to provide enjoyable individual or group opportunities, suitable for children's ages, interests and ability. Staff interact positively with the children providing advice, encouragement and praise. They use good methods for managing children's behaviour and encourage them to have respect and consideration for each other. Staff work closely with parents and carers, sharing information regularly to ensure that children's individual needs are well met. Many positive comments have been received from parents, confirming that they are very happy with the quality of care

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What is being done well?

• Staff recruitment, employment and appraisal systems are very good. A performance management system has recently been introduced to ensure staff are well supported and to identify future needs. • Commitment to on-going training and development is excellent. Some staff are studying for further qualifications. All demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to developing their knowledge and skills, thus enhancing their child care practice. • Good organisation allows children to work alone or to take part in small or large group activities, some self-chosen others adult led. As a result, children are learning to form good relationships with adults and peers. • Equal opportunities issues are well promoted. Children and their families are valued and respected individually. Resources and learning opportunities are planned to reflect cultural issues, gender awareness and diversity. • Partnership with parents and carers is very good. Many extremely positive

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What is being done well?

comments have been received, confirming that children enjoy attending and that parents value staff for their caring, professional service.

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What needs to be improved?

• arrangements for developing an action plan that identifies how the supervisors will achieve a relevant level 3 qualification • registration arrangements, to clearly identify staff, adults and children present at any one time • arrangements for ensuring at least one member of staff with a current first aid certificate, that complies with DfES requirements, will be on the premises or

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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 on outings at any one time • the accident/incident record, to provide a comprehensive report • the child protection policy statement, by including action to be taken in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff.

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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 1 Develop an action plan that identifies how the supervisors will achieve a relevant level 3 qualification. 2 Develop registration arrangements to clearly identify children, staff and adults present at any one time. 7 Develop and implement an action plan detailing how at least one member of staff with a current first aid certificate, that complies with DfES requirements, will be on the premises or on outings at any one time. 7 Improve the accident/incident record by providing details of any treatment administered and ensuring a comprehensive report. 13 Improve the child protection policy statement by including action to be taken in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff.

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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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