Barracudas (Hutton)

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 18/08/2003 Inspector Name Anita Bartram

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name Barracudas Setting Address Hutton Manor School Rayleigh Road Brentwood Essex CM13 1SD

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Young World Leisure GroupTrading as Barracudas

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Young World Leisure GroupTrading as Barracudas Address Hutton Manor, 428 Rayleigh Road Hutton Brentwood Essex CM13 1SD

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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 (Brentwood) opened in 2002. It operates from Woodlands School at Hutton Manor near Brentwood. It serves the wider area. There are currently 300 children from 4 to 14 years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a small number of children with special needs. The group opens five days a week during summer school holidays. Sessions are from 9.30 until 16.30. There is an additional option for children to attend from 8.00 until 18.00. Eighteen full-time staff work with the children. Four staff work full-time with the children under eight, two of whom have a teaching qualification. The setting receives support from The Kids Club Network.

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How good is the Day Care?

Barracudas (Brentwood) provides good care for children. The organisation of the setting is good and the comprehensive operational plan is implemented effectively by the staff. The whole site is used well and the children and parents are made to feel welcome. The toys and equipment are in good supply and are appropriate for the activities on offer. All documentation is in very good order. The children are very safe and secure on site. There is a thorough risk assessment in place and staff are vigilant in the supervision of the children. There are generally good procedures in place to raise the alarm in the event of an emergency. There are appropriate hygiene procedures in place and all staff are fully aware of any child's medical needs. The staff interact effectively with the children and get to know them as individuals.

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How good is the Day Care?

There is a very full range of activities on offer which are fun and stimulating, although opportunities for younger children to take time out in a quieter environment are limited. The staff take steps to ensure that all children are valued and respected and all children have equal access to the activities. The staff effectively use positive methods to manage the children's behaviour which is very good.

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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 staff create a very warm and inviting environment. Parents are kept informed about their children's activities through a daily board on display and senior staff are always available to speak to parents. Overall, parents are given good opportunities to be directly involved in the children's activities

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What is being done well?

• There is a very comprehensive operational plan which projects a corporate image for staff to follow and adhere to. The operational plan is implemented well by the staff. Children are inducted every Monday morning. They are shown around the site and where baserooms, toilets and tuck shop are. The children are made aware of any hazards and any issues they need to be aware of. • The staff and premises are very welcoming to children and parents. Clear signs indicate the group's entrance and there is adequate parking for parents. Senior staff personally welcome children into the group and children are escorted to their home base. Their base is used for snacks/ lunchtime/ registration and going home time. Children can leave belongings and work in their rooms. The younger children are grouped near to the main office so that senior staff can lend their support if needed. • There is a very comprehensive risk assessment in place which is done on a

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What is being done well?

corporate and daily basis. Health and safety is given a strong emphasis. Staff actively minimise risks to provide a safe environment for the children to swim. The children have a short swim test each week for the two lifeguards to assess their skills and there is always at least one member of staff in the water. Children under eight are not allowed out of their depth. • The staff use a lot of praise and encouragement during the course of the sessions to promote good behaviour and help teach children right from wrong. The club have team points which are used as rewards for good behaviour and these are tallied up at the end of each day for the children to see. This works well as little unwanted behaviour is seen. The children have clear boundaries and expectations to follow through a code of behaviour which is displayed on the wall.

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What needs to be improved?

• training in playwork for the manager and deputy • a method to raise the alarm directly from the swimming pool to eliminate all elements of delay; • opportunity for the children to take time out of the timetable to rest and spend time in a quieter environment;

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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 • regard to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority framework.

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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 continue training for manager and deputy to include playwork 2 give regard to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority framework when appointing new staff 4 provide an opportunity for children to relax and unwind 6 provide a direct method of contacting the emergency services from the swimming pool

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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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