Mohair Centre Holiday Playscheme, After School Club & Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 06/04/2004 Inspector Name Susan McCourt

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name Mohair Centre Holiday Workshops & After School Club Setting Address Chiddingly Whitesmith Lewes East Sussex BN8 6JG

p.1

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

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

The playscheme and after school club is privately owned and runs from premises on a working farm on the B2124 in Chiddingly. It is open to children from a wide area of Sussex.

p.2

Information about the setting

The setting is open Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 18:00 in the school holidays, and from 15:30 to 18:00 in school terms. There are nine members of staff altogether and they hold a variety of appropriate qualifications.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Mohair after school club and holiday playscheme provides satisfactory care for children. Staff have playwork qualifications and regular appraisals to develop their skills. The record-keeping is well-organised and efficient. The setting has achieved the first level of the Aiming High accreditation scheme. The setting has an excellent variety of equipment for children to use, both in and out of doors. Staff are vigilant about safety, particularly in the working farm areas. Children are made familiar with the rules on a daily basis to ensure their co-operation. The hygiene routines are also given great emphasis by staff. Parents provide lunches and staff provide regular drinks with biscuits or fruit. Staff are aware of any special needs the children have, including any allergies or cultural requirements. The staff are clear about their duties regarding child protection and the welfare of the child is paramount. Medication records however, do require improvement.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Staff have established a good routine for the children which includes a variety of interesting and inviting activities. These include craft and art projects as well as themed weeks such as a Lord of the Rings week. Children are independent and make choices enthusiastically. As the setting is a working farm, children get regular opportunities to take a full part in caring for the animals with staff on hand to give information and explanations about the animals' welfare. The play equipment reflects a diverse population and activities can be adapted to accommodate children with special needs. The children are made familiar with the rules and staff give lots of praise and encouragement. The setting provides a parent's handbook which gives excellent information about the policies and philosophies that guide the staff. Parents are also asked for their

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 comments and ideas in the evaluation process.

p.2

What is being done well?

• Staff are qualified, experienced and interested in further training and development. • The farm environment gives children opportunities to take a full part in caring for the animals in a safe and supervised way. • Staff are committed to developing children's independence and provide a range of stimulating activities to choose from. Therefore, children join in enthusiastically and are busy and involved. • Staff teach safety and hygiene well as part of the rules and guidelines they give to the children. Children help to teach each other about these rules on a daily basis.

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.3

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

Std Action Date 7 Keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children 13/04/2004

p.3

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

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

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

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

p.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

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.4

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

p.4

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

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

p.4

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.4

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5