Herringthorpe Junior School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 23/07/2003 Inspector Name Cordalee Harrison

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name St Thomas Aquinas After School Project Setting Address St Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic School St Mary's Avenue, Bletchley Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK3 5DT

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of St Thomas Aquinas After School Project

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St Thomas Aquinas After School Project Address C/O Diane De Cicco 21 Wealdstone Place,Springfield Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire

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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

St. Thomas Aquinas After School Project has been registered since 1995. It operates from two halls in St. Thomas Aquinas School in Bletchley Milton Keynes. There are currently 40 children on roll for the afterschool club and 60 for the playscheme. Children attend a variety of sessions. The group is experienced at providing a service for children with special needs. There are no children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens from 3pm - 6pm during term time and 8am to - 6pm during school holidays. Four members of staff work with the children during term times additional staff are employed if required during the holiday periods. One member of staff hold the CACHE level 2 in play work four members of staff are currently on training programmes.

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How good is the Day Care?

St. Thomas Aquinas After School Project provides satisfactory care for children. The group is welcoming to children. The group is organised to make best use of the available space; storage of school equipment in the hall limits full use of the space. Children settle well in the group and interact well with staff. The person in charge holds the Cache level 2 in Play work and other staff members are on relevant training courses. Health, safety and child protection issues are addressed. Four staff have completed first aid training. Fire safety is discussed with the children. Children are well cared for in the group, staff are aware of children's individual needs. Staff are experienced at providing a service for children with special needs, they speak positively of ensuring that all children participate in the group's activities, but they are not aware of the Special Need Code of Practice. Children have access

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How good is the Day Care?

to a range of interesting activities both indoors and out. Equipment is stored to be easily accessible to children. Practice in the group is supported by a number of effective policies. Policies and procedures are discussed with staff at induction. A leaflet for parents provides information about the policies and the complaints procedure, but the certificate of

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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 registration is not displayed. Parents register with the group annually and are happy with the care that their children receive.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection action has been taken to ensure that the storage of hazardous substances does not pose a risk to children.

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What is being done well?

• Children are settled in the group. A wide selection of interesting activities is easily accessibly to the children; children are engaged in a range of suitable activities. Children are involved in large and small group activities and there are many other opportunities for children to develop individual interest. • Staff know the children well and respond to them in a positive manner. Staff seek the children's views and use the information to develop activities and provide care in a way that makes children feel valued. Children approach the staff with confidence. • Staff are aware of the importance of equality; a number of activities that positively reflects diversity are provided for children. Staff manage children's behaviour well and ensure that all children have equal access to the provision. Children are able to enjoy the time they spend in the group. •• Health, safety and child protection issues are well addressed through an

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What is being done well?

effective staff induction process, staff are aware of their duties. Fire safety is discussed with children, and the drill is practiced regularly; children know the reason for the fire drills and what to do if the alarm sounds.

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What needs to be improved?

• register, ensure that the daily record include the names of the children looked after, hours of attendance and names of persons who look after them • qualification, ensure that the person in charge gains a level 3 qualification that is suitable for the post •• documentation, ensure that the certificate of registration is displayed for parents information • special needs, develop awareness of the Special Needs Code of practice.

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Outcome of the 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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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 Ensure that the person in charge gains a level 3 qualification that is suitable for the post. 12 Ensure that the certificate of registration is displayed. 14 Ensure that the daily record includes the names of the children looked after, hours of attendance and names of persons who look after them.

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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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