Paintbox After School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/01/2004 Inspector Name June Cotton

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name Paintbox After School Setting Address Carlton House The Mount Heswall Wirral CH60 4RG

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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

Paintbox After School Club opened in January 2003. It operates from a large self-contained unit which is also used as a playgroup. Paintbox after school club serves the local area of Heswall and, in particular, St Peter's Primary School. The club is registered to care for a maximum of 24 children between the ages of 4 and 11 years. Children attend for a variety of sessions.

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Information about the setting

The group opens 5 afternoons a week during school term time from 3.30pm to 6.00pm. They also offer holiday care from 9.00am to 6.00pm. Five staff work with the children, one of whom has a playwork qualification. Two of the staff work full time.

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How good is the Day Care?

Paintbox Out of School Care provides good quality care for the children. It is a newly registered group which is now operating at full capacity. A regular staff team work directly with the children. The manager has an appropriate qualification and an action plan is in place to ensure that the deputy also achieves this. Documentation is well organised and up to date but staff clearance forms are not always submitted prior to them starting work with the children. The environment is warm and welcoming with the children's art work displayed. The space is well organised with specific areas for imaginative play, quiet play and messy type activities. The outside play area is used for more active games. The children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment which are age appropriate and well maintained. Effective systems are in place to ensure the children's safety both off and on the premises. The premises are secure, and unauthorised persons cannot gain access.

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How good is the Day Care?

Good procedures are in place to promote good hygiene and effective records are kept regarding accidents. Staff have a basic knowledge of child protection but are unsure of some aspects. The children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and staff are made aware of any possible allergies. Drinks are available throughout the session. Two staff have up to date first aid training. The staff plan activities with an emphasis on fun and relaxation thus making a

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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 relaxed atmosphere. They have developed good relationships with the children and show an enjoyment in their company. The children are well behaved and have developed good friendship groups. Good systems are in place for working in partnership with parents with staff exchanging information with them on a daily basis. Through questionnaires, parents expressed the high satisfaction they have with the care their children are receiving.

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What is being done well?

• The staff know the children well and plan activities which are interesting and fun. The children are well occupied and relate well to each other and staff. • Good relationships with parents have been developed, a range of useful information is provided for them. Staff obtain relevant permissions from parents to ensure they are caring for the children in accordance with parents wishes. There is a daily exchange of information between staff and parents. • Effective systems are in place to ensure the children's safety both on and off the premises. Staff are vigilant about the children's well being during the session. There are good systems in place for the safe collection of children. • The children respond well to the staff's clear guidance and praise. They behave well and are polite towards one another and adults. The behaviour management policy respects the children's individual level of understanding

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What needs to be improved?

• the further qualification of the deputy • the maintenance of the fence • the early submittance of the staff's vetting forms and the procedure regarding outings • the knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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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 Ensure that there are effective procedures in place for submitting vetting forms prior to staff commencing working with the children. 5 Ensure that all children are aware of all the equipment available for their use. 6 Make sure that minor hazards in the garden are minimised. 6 Devise a written outings procedure. 13 Develop senior staff’s knowledge and understanding of child protection issues 14 Ensure that complaints policy includes a reference to Ofsted, the regulating body.

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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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