Priestley College

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 19/08/2003 Inspector Name Christine Pettitt

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name Yorke Mead Playscheme Setting Address Yorke Mead JMI School Dulwich Way, Croxley Green Rickmansworth Hertfordshire

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Three Rivers District Council Address Three Rivers House, Northway Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 1RL

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Yorke Mead holiday play scheme is organised by Three Rivers District Council. It operates at York Mead School, Croxley Green. The play scheme has use of a large classroom, hall and an outside play area. The premises are also used at the same time for a group of over 8 years. The facility serves the local area. The play scheme caters for a maximum of 24 children ages 5-8 years. The play scheme is in operation in the Easter and Summer holidays. The opening hours are from Monday to Friday, from 9:00am until 4:00pm. The play scheme provides a programme of varied activities.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

York Mead Play scheme provides satisfactory care for children. The organisation of the play scheme appears to be effective. This is due to the play scheme leader and her use of the policies, documentation, information for staff and procedures put in place by the registered providers. The staff are mostly aware of safety issues and are willing to act immediately if safety issues arise. They ensure the children are aware of boundaries for the outside area and are responsive if the children go outside these. Generally, good hygiene practice is in evidence, but the condition of the toilet area due to poor maintenance by the persons letting the premises, may not meet health and safety requirements. The scheme promotes a free play ethos, providing opportunity for the children attending to access the resources and equipment on offer in a relaxed environment. The staff have a supportive and encouraging role in this approach. However, there is

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

a need to extend the resources further to provide age appropriate equipment and different types of play. Parents are welcomed into the play scheme. They receive information before and during the operation of the scheme through window displays when they collect the children. An emphasis on caring for children with special needs is evident and such parents are encouraged to use the facility for their children through written information.

p.2

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

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

Following the last inspection there were seven actions. All but one of these have been addressed in some aspects. The play scheme leader and deputy were required to have access to the national standards, this has been organised and the standards incorporated into the policies. The risk assessment has been extended to include visitors to the premises. A special needs policy was to be devised; this has taken place with a positive emphasis on ensuring the provision is accessible and on offer to children with special needs. A request to provide multicultural resources has been carried out but further additions would enhance the scheme. Further play equipment has been provided but there are areas of play which have minimal resources. The action with regard to the condition of the toilets used by the children is identified again to be addressed.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The free play ethos of the scheme provides a good opportunity for the children to have a choice of, and to initiate their own play, and extend their imagination in a relaxed, friendly, caring atmosphere. • The resources and play equipment are easily accessible. The staff have a supportive and encouraging role in developing each child's skills. (Standard 3) • The playscheme is openly encouraging parents with children with special needs to use the scheme. The premises are wheelchair accessible and two staff have been employed as support workers. Information is provided for the parents and additional information required concerning children with special needs. Activities are provided to reflect the individual needs of the child while giving them opportunity to access all activities on offer. (Standard 10)

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• toilet facilities. • behaviour management policy. • the range of play equipment. • safety procedures eg. children accessing toilets.

p.3

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

p.3

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.

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 4 improve toilet provision with regard to health and safety requirements. 5 to extend the range of outside play equipment as well as resources for construction, role play and story telling activities. 6 review safety procedures regarding the supervision of children especially when leaving older age group area to use toilets in base room. 11 extend behaviour management policy to include ways of encouraging positive behaviour

p.4

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

p.4

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.5

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6