Barracudas (Huntingdon)

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 01/08/2003 Inspector Name Pamela Abram

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name Barracudas Setting Address Brampton Road Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3BN

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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

Barracudas Summer Activity Day Camp offers out of school care. The day camp is located at Hinchingbrooke School, Hinchingbrooke House, near Huntingdon, Cambs. It is open each weekday during Easter and summer holidays. A wide range of sports based activities take place in the modern buildings of the school located and within the grounds of Hinchingbrooke House. Some of the facilities children have access to include a heated swimming pool, sports hall, gymnasium and outdoor tennis courts and sport fields. The camp is registered to accept up to 220 children from 3 years to under 8 years of age. The admission policy of the setting is to accept children from school entry age up to 16 years of age, with the proviso that care provided for children aged over 8 years does not adversely affect the care provided for younger children. Barracudas Activity Day Camps are a privately owned chain of 20 settings located

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How good is the Day Care?

Barracudas Activity Day Camp offers a good quality of care for children. Staff work well as a team, are well informed about policy and procedures and have good line management. This helps them to create a purposeful, well -ordered setting where children feel happy and settled. Space and resources are used well to create a warm, welcoming environment where children feel valued. The programme of activities offers children challenge and stimulation, with many opportunities for them to make progression in their physical, creative and social development. Staff give a high priority to safety and take steps to ensure that the physical environment does not pose a risk to children. However, there are times when staff work alone with a group of children which creates a vulnerable situation for children and staff alike. There are good systems in place to ensure that staff are generally well informed about the care and personal needs of children which assists them in meeting those

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How good is the Day Care?

needs appropriately. Mealtimes are enjoyable with children eating together in small groups. Staff interaction and the sharing of conversation enhances children's social skills at mealtimes. Good behaviour is encouraged and valued with staff presenting themselves as good role models. Children are consulted about the rules in a way which helps them to understand the effects that their behaviour has on others. They learn to negotiate and take responsibility. The supportive, trusting partnership fostered between staff and parents enhances children's sense of belonging and

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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 gives them security. A wide range of good quality printed materials keeps parents well informed about the provision. However, the location of brochures and leaflets behind the booking-in desks may limit accessibility for some parents. Records, policies and procedures are used effectively to underpin the successful management of the setting and promote the welfare, care and learning of children.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection it was agreed that steps would be taken to strengthen the child protection policy by including the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff. The policy now includes this procedure and complies with Standard 13, confirming that staff are aware that children's safety and welfare is paramount.

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What is being done well?

• Staff work well as a team, are well informed about policy and procedures and have good line management. They are well informed about the care and personal needs of children which assists them in meeting those needs appropriately. • Good behaviour is encouraged and valued with staff presenting themselves as good role models. Children are consulted about the rules in a way which helps them to understand the effects that their behaviour has on others. They learn to negotiate and take responsibility. •• The setting offers a warm, welcoming environment and a broad range of activities which meets the differing needs of children and offers sufficient challenge to extend their learning and development. • Staff give a high priority to safety and take steps to ensure that the physical environment does not pose a risk to children's health or safety. • Records, policies and procedures are used effectively to underpin the

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What is being done well?

successful management of the setting and promote the welfare, care and learning of children.

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What needs to be improved?

• the temperature of water for hand washing • the recording of information relating to administration of life-saving medication, such as Epi-pens and other medication. • strategies to avoid situations where staff work alone with children

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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 14 the recording of information relating to administration of life-saving medication, such as Epi-pens and other medication. 6 reduce risks to children’s safety presented by the high temperature of water for hand-washing 13 develop a strategy to avoid situations where staff work alone with children

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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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