Barracudas (Chelmsford)

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 07/08/2003 Inspector Name Barbara Ann Bush

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name Barracudas Summer Activity Camp (Chelmsford) Setting Address Broomfield Road Chelmsford Essex CM1 1RW

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of Young World Leisure t/a Barracudas Activity Camps

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Young World Leisure t/a Barracudas Activity Camps Address 23 Bridge Street St. Ives Cambridgeshire PE27 5EH

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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

Barracudas Summer Activity Camp (Chelmsford) opened in 1994 . It operates from Chelmsford County High School close to the town centre. The summer camp serves the local and wider area. The group is registered to care for a maximum of 146 children aged from 4 years to under 8 years. There are currently 800 children on the roll which includes children over 8 years. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are 3 children attending who have special needs and the group supports a number children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week during certain weeks in school holidays. Sessions are from 08:00 until 18:00. There are thirty one members of staff who work with the children. There are thirteen who have early years qualifications. The group is taking part in the 'aiming high' scheme organised by Kid's Club Network.

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How good is the Day Care?

Barracuda's Summer Activity Camp (Chelmsford) provides good quality care for the children. The management team ensure that their staff have induction training and are well prepared for the opening day. Clarification of certain qualifications is required. Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place for parents and staff. The large site is used effectively to locate all the activities in safe areas that can be accessed freely by the children. Each day staff ensure that hazards around the building are minimised and written risk assessments are completed and updated. Minor accidents and illness are treated promptly by the staff and parents are informed if necessary. Staff are aware of their responsibility towards equal opportunities and child protection issues. Children with special needs are welcomed at the scheme and the activities adapted accordingly. Staff and children have a good relationship built on respect and trust. Staff enjoy

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How good is the Day Care?

being with the children and join in with their games. There is good range and quantity of equipment for activities offered to the children. Resources are kept clean and well maintained. Parents provide the children with packed lunches, extra drinks

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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 and snacks are provided by the camp. Parents have access to information about the organisation of the group and can speak to staff about their concerns. Staff have firm rules about behaviour and the children respond well to their requests and explanation. Documentation is kept confidential and in good order. An additional register recording the movement of staff during the day would be beneficial. Parents can access records regarding their own child.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There were no actions raised at the last inspection.

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What is being done well?

• Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place for staff and parents. (Standard 2) • Staff take the time to praise and encourage the children. (Standard 3) • Staff use the available space to ensure the children can access the activities freely.(Standard 4) • Equipment and activities are provided to meet the needs of all the children. (Standard 5) • Staff ensure that hazards on site are minimised. (Standard 6) • Accidents and illness are treated promptly, children reassured and parents contacted if necessary. (Standard 7) • Staff ensure that children with special needs are able to take part in all the activities. (Standard 10) • Parents have access to information about the organisation of the group and can speak to staff about their concerns. (Standard 12) • Documentation is kept confidential and in excellent order. (Standard 14)

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What needs to be improved?

• qualification of manager; (Standard 1) • staff registers. (standard 2)

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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 provide an action plan detailing how the person in charge will achieve a level 3 qualification appropriate to the post. 2 devise and implement a system for registering staff attendance on a daily basis, showing times of arrival and departure and movements during the day.

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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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