Acorn Kids Club

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/09/2004 Inspector Name Ann Doubleday

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name Acorn Kids Club Setting Address Green Lane Primary School Acklam Middlesbrough Cleveland TS5 7RU

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Acorn Kids Club Address Green Lane Primary School Acklam Middlesbrough Cleveland TS5 7RU

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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

Acorn Kids Club have been registered as a day care provider since 1981. It operates from the hall and dining room within Green Lane Primary School in the Acklam area of Middlesbrough. All children at the club attend Green Lane Primary school. The club is registered to care for 48 children under eight years. There are currently 78 children from four to eight years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are currently no children with special needs and no children that speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term time. Sessions are from 08:00 to 08:50 for breakfast club, and 15:05 to 17:25 for the after school club. Eight staff work with the children. Four have early years qualifications. One member of staff is currently working towards a recognised early years qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Acorn Kids Club provides satisfactory care for children. It offers a warm, caring, welcoming environment where children can feel happy and secure. Good organisation ensures that the club operates effectively and space is used well. Staff are clear of their roles and responsibilities. There is a good range of toys and equipment available and staff plan an appropriate range of activities. Policies and information about the setting are in place, however some lack the necessary detail. Most documentation is in place and all is kept in an organised manner. Staff give high priority to ensuring children are safe inside and outside the club and the premises are secure. Outdoor play is provided in a safe enclosed area however a formal risk assessment has not been undertaken and the records of visitors has not been maintained. The good health of children is promoted and positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection. Children are encouraged to follow good

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How good is the Day Care?

hygiene practices. However consent from parents for seeking emergency medical advice has not been sought. Children are offered a drink and snack during the session. Children have access to a good range of toys and resources. Staff use resources effectively to provide children with stimulating play opportunities and activities. Interactions are very positive and children's individual needs are met. Children's behaviour in the club is good as a result of staff's consistent and sensitive handling.

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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 Partnership with parents is good. Warm relationships are fostered. There are effective systems in place for the sharing of information and parents receive some written information about the club.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the club agreed to put in place a statement about special needs and child protection, a policy for sick children, smoking and uncollected children, keep a record of visitors, complete a risk assessment of the premises and introduce a key worker system. A written statement about special needs and child protection are now in place and there is a smoking and a sick children policy ensuring that staff can provide consistent care. The uncollected children procedure is known by staff, but is not in writing. A visitor record sheet has been established, but has not been used as yet. Staff are aware of the precautions needed to keep children safe and a policy is in place, but a formal risk assessment has not been completed. The manager is the key worker for the children.

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What is being done well?

• Trusting relationships are built between the staff and the children. Staff help children develop confidence and self esteem through positive caring interactions. • There is a good range of toys and equipment available, suitable for the ages of children attending and staff plan an appropriate range of activities. • Children's behaviour is managed well by the staff. Positive behaviour is reinforced and children respond well to consistent handling. • The premises are clean and well maintained. Space is organised well to meet the children's needs.

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What needs to be improved?

• the availability of a written procedure for uncollected children • documentation, to ensure that the child protection statement includes allegations against staff, the complaints procedure to include the name and address of Ofsted, and consent from parents for seeking emergency medical advice is sought • safety, to ensure a risk assessment is completed and a record of visitors is maintained • the availability of a written behaviour policy.

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 2 Ensure that there is a clearly defined procedure to be followed in the event of a child being not collected. 22/09/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 Conduct a risk assessment on the premises identifying action to be taken to minimize identified risks. 7 Request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. 11 Produce a written statement on behaviour management including bullying. 12 Ensure the complaints procedure contains Ofsted’s address and telephone number 13 Ensure the child protection procedure includes procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer. 14 Maintain a record of visitors to the premises.

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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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