Barracudas (Welwyn)

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/08/2004 Inspector Name Margaret Coyne

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name Barracudas Activity Camp Setting Address Sherrardswood School 3 Lockleys Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL6 0BJ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Young World Leisure Group (trading as Barracudas) 2764956

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Young World Leisure Group (trading as Barracudas) Address 23a Bridge Street St. Ives Cambridgeshire PE27 5EH

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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 Activity Camp is an out of school holiday play scheme, which opened in 2003. It operates from the Sherrardswood School on the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City. The activity camp has the use of six base rooms, a gym, a drama studio, an art room and a range of outdoor areas set in 25 acres of wood and parkland. The activity camp serves the families of children from the local area and surrounding towns and villages. There are currently 135 children from 4 years to 14 years on roll; of these approximately 68 are under 8 years of age. Children attend for a variety of weeks throughout the summer. There are no children under eight years attending with special needs or who speak English as an additional language although suitable systems are in place to meet the needs of all children if required. The activity camp opens for 5 days a week for 5 weeks through the summer holidays. Sessions are from 09.30 until 16.30.

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Information about the setting

There are 22 full time members of staff working with the children, 7 of whom hold a suitable qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Barracudas Activity Camp provides good care for children. The premises are well managed, providing a relaxed and friendly environment. The operational plan is an effective working document, which covers all aspects of the daily organisation of the group. However care must be taken to ensure ratio's are maintained. All relevant records and documentation is in place. Children are grouped according to age and are able to make new friends and spend time with established friends. Excellent use is made of space and the group benefits from spacious outdoor areas for various activities. However attention should be given to providing shady areas for some activities. Staff demonstrate a high level of awareness to children's health and safety with close supervision for all activities and a comprehensive risk assessment. However care should be taken to ensure the river is inaccessible at all times and that they have access to immediate first aid when in

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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 Staff provide a range of stimulating and interesting activities, which are age appropriate. Children are enthusiastic and enjoy their play. A good balance has been developed between adult and child-led activities. Staff are involved with the children and support their play, building warm and trusting relationships. They are adept at encouraging the children to try new skills and activities. Staff respond to children's interests allowing them to lead and use encouragement and praise. Children have access to a tuck shop for snacks however there is no healthy option available for them to choose. Staff implement the behaviour management policy consistently, children are well behaved and involved in drawing up a code of conduct. They are aware of the boundaries. Positive relationships have been developed between parents and staff. They receive

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How good is the Day Care?

a relevant information pack with full details of the scheme. Staff are friendly and approachable. Information is shared verbally or available a notice board.

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What is being done well?

• Interaction between staff and children is very good. The staff are fully involved with the children in all aspects of their day ensuring they have fun together. Staff actively encourage the children to take part and have developed an effective balance between adult and child-led activities. • Children have access to a diverse range of specialist activities enabling them to sample new and exciting play opportunities with competent adult support backed up with excellent praise and encouragement to take part in the activities. • Children are well behaved. They take an active role in drawing up and implementing the code of conduct and staff present themselves as positive role models for the children. Staff manage the groups through effective planning of fun and interesting activities that keep the children stimulated and occupied. • All relevant records and documentation are in place for the effective, safe

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What is being done well?

organisation of the group and to ensure the wishes of parents are respected in respect of the care provided for the children.

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What needs to be improved?

• ratios's, with regard to 50% of qualified staff working directly with the children • health and safety, with regard to protecting the children from the sun during outdoor activities, ensuring they do not have access to the river and to gain access to immediate first aid when playing in the outlaying areas

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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 • snack time, with a healthy option available to the children.

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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 8 provide a healthy option for snack times. 2 Ensure 50% of staff hold a suitable level 2 qualification (or equivalent). 4 Ensure the children are protected from direct sunshine while taking part in certain outdoor activities. Ensure a suitable first aid kit is available for all children to access.

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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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