Blandford Opportunity Group

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/06/2003 Inspector Name Angela Peake

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name BLANDFORD OPPORTUNITY GROUP Setting Address Williams Opportunity Hall Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 7BU

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Blandford Opportunity Group 1027771

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

Blandford Opportunity group originated in 1992 to support children with special needs and their families. The group operates from a hall which is situated in a residential area close to the centre of Blandford Forum. It offers ample space allowing the children to take part in a variety of activities. The accommodation comprises of a main hall which is used for physical play and movement and music. Adjacent to the hall is a purpose built sensory room and a separate playroom for creative activities. There is also a quiet room used for snack times. Staff have use of a dedicated office area. Parents have use of the kitchen facilities and separate room. Toilet facilities are located off the main entrance. The group currently opens on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.30am to 12.00pm during school term time only There are six regular staff, of whom two have childcare qualifications, most have undertaken training relating to supporting children with special needs and child

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Information about the setting

protection. One staff member is currently undertaking an NVQ level 3 .The manager holds a DPP Qualification and is responsible for the day to day running of the sessions as well as working on a 1-1 basis with individual children. The group is registered to accommodate up to 12 children aged from 0 to 5 years, and currently has 16 children on roll. This includes 5 children who receive Educational funding. The group accommodates children who speak English as an additional language. Children are referred by professional staff and siblings are welcome to attend sessions when space allows. The group is supported by Dorset County Council Social Services and Educational Departments as well as North Dorset Primary care Trust. The group liases with Speech and Language and Educational Psychologists and has strong links with Physio and Occupational therapists, Portage, Services for Visually impaired and other Health professionals as well as preschools and Primary

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How good is the Day Care?

Blandford Opportunity Group provides good care to children and staff show a good understanding of the National Standards.A warm and welcoming environment is provided by a high ratio of experienced staff whose specialist skills and qualities compliment each other. An effective key worker system and excellent use of space and resources ensures children receive individual attention and are supported throughout the session. Excellent range of play resources which are used sensitively to meet the needs of children. Staff are fully aware of the children's individual stages of development & abilities and are deployed effectively to maintain children's safety. A written system needs consideration to identify potential risks and hazards within

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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 the setting. Extensive written health and safety policies are in place which ensures information is readily exchanged between staff and parents to promote the children's good health however the system to record accidents for individual children does not maintain confidentiality. Staff use effective ways to communicate through sign language and PECS. Records are well organised and accessible to parents and professionals and are shared regularly to promote the welfare of children. However the behaviour management and special needs policies require updating to reflect the National Standards. Staff have a clear and good understanding of child protection and their individual roles and responsibilities .Extensive written guidance is in place for the recruitment of staff. Staff take account of the children's levels of

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How good is the Day Care?

understanding to ensure behaviour management strategies are adapted to be effective for all individuals. Clear and consistent boundaries ensure children are provided with positive adult role models. Staff and parents work in partnership to share knowledge and create supportive and trusting relationships.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the group agreed to implement an operational plan and a recruitment policy and review current policies in place. Parental consent for staff to seek emergency medical treatment was required and records were to be made easily accessible. Written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment has been sought for all children. All policies and records have been updated and are well organised to ensure documentation can be accessed easily. Clearer procedures have been adopted with regards to recruitment and vetting procedures and the organisation and aims and objectives of the group.

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What is being done well?

Excellent range of varied resources and activities on offer which are interesting and stimulating and meet the varying needs of children attending. Sensory room offers children new experiences and additional challenges in a safe and secure setting. (standard 5) Staff's extensive knowledge and understanding of the Code of Practice results in children being valued and acknowledged as individuals and clear assessment systems ensure needs are identified quickly and appropriate targets are set in partnership with parents and health professionals.(standard 10) Children's individual needs are met through knowledgeable and committed staff team who use multi cultural resources sensitively to incorporate the children's home language and backgrounds.(standard 9) Staff's dedication to their roles and high levels of empathy ensure that children feel secure and confident and excellent relationships have been established. Staff use knowledge of individual children's needs and abilities

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What is being done well?

effectively to plan the next steps in the children's learning.(standard 3) Parents are kept fully informed of their child's progress and are encouraged to be involved every step of their children's learning. Supportive and trusting relationships are established through working in harmony and partnership with parents and the mutual sharing of knowledge surrounding the children's care.(standard 12)

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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 -the written system to identify possible risks and hazards.(standard 6) - the system to record accidents (standard 7) - the written behaviour management and special needs policy.(standard 10 &11)

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 ensure a written system is in place to identify possible risks and hazards. 7 ensure confidentiality is maintained through accident entries. 10 review written special needs policy. 11 review written behaviour management statement.

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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 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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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

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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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