Sandwell Young Carers Centre

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/11/2004 Inspector Name Patricia Webb

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Sandwell Young Carers Centre Setting Address The Old Vicarage Bratt Street West Bromwich West Midlands B70 8SB

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Sandwell Young Carers

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Sandwell Young Carers Address The Old Vicarage Bratt Street West Bromwich West Midlands B70 8SB

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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

Sandwell Young Carers Under 12's Saturday Club has been registered since 1996. It is managed by a board of directors and is a company limited by guarantee charitable status. It operates from a large detached Victorian building in the West Bromwich area of Sandwell. 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 twelve years. The centre offers respite for young children, and their siblings, who perform a caring role for a dependant family member. 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. There are currently thirty-five young people on the roll of whom nine are aged under eight years. Some children are transported in to the centre by Community Transport minibus with an escort. The club serves the whole of the Sandwell borough and is

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Information about the setting

not available to the public. 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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How good is the Day Care?

Sandwell Young Carers Centre Under 12's Saturday Club provides good quality care for children. The club is well organised and runs very efficiently supported by a well prepared and worded set of policies and procedures that governs the overall ethos of the setting. The premises are clean, well maintained and offer the young people attending a welcoming environment in which to have fun and build friendships. They are settled and secure, chatting freely with staff and each other as they engage in a wide variety of activities. Documentation is maintained appropriately with a strong emphasis on confidentiality. Staff carry out daily risk assessments to ensure children are safe and secure. These are currently not recorded in written form. Whilst staff are aware of the fire procedures, fire drills have not been carried out at the advised intervals. Staff obtain a high level of information from parents, families and the children themselves to get

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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 to know them well and enable them to meet individual needs appropriately. The staff are very aware of the child protection procedures although the current information does not include reference to informing Ofsted of any allegations that may be made against staff. The children have input into the range of activities and games they engage in. Staff interact in a friendly and professional manner, supporting children appropriately as they take turns, and enjoy team games with enthusiasm. Behaviour is very good as children work with staff to devise the guidelines and take responsibility for their own behaviour both in the setting and when on the provided transport. The partnership with parents and families is very positive. Detailed arrangements are in place for keeping parents informed of the provision through forms and home

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What is being done well?

• The directors and staff meet regularly to ensure that the setting is meeting the needs of the young people it serves. This is supported by the regular reviewing of policies and procedures. • Staff carry out home visits before children begin attending the club. This gives staff the opportunity to meet the child and their family, exchange relevant information and ensure that parents who cannot get to the centre know who will be caring for their children. • In-depth procedures have been devised to ensure that parents are fully informed of the routines of the club. This includes informing them of any accidents or incidents as some children are transported to and from the club by minibus. • Children contribute to the drawing up of the club 'rules' which are based on respect of self, others and property.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

Children are given the opportunity to contribute to the running and programme of activities in the club. They each complete evaluation forms at the end of the sessions and staff use the information from these to inform future planning. This ensures that the children have a vested interest and understand that this is 'their club'. (Standard 3)

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What needs to be improved?

• the recording of risk assessments • the frequency of the fire drills

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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 • information in the child protection to notify Ofsted of any allegations made against 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 6 Ensure that the risk assessments carried out regularly are recorded in written form. 6 Improve the arrangements for conducting regular fire drills on the premises particularly when the club is in operation. 13 Ensure that the procedures for reporting allegations of abuse against staff include the requirement to inform Ofsted.

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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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