Higher Croft Children's Centre

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/11/2004 Inspector Name Barbara Law

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name Higher Croft CP School and Children's Centre Setting Address Fishmoor Drive Blackburn Lancashire BB2 3UY

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Address Town Hall, King William Street Blackburn Lancashire BB1 7DY

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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

Higher Croft Children's Centre is situated in the Higher Croft area of Blackburn, in the centre of the large residential estate which houses shops and a health centre. There are transport links to the surrounding areas. The children's centre provides integrated services which include health, education and social care for children aged between birth and five years. Within the centre the areas used to care for children are separate from the communal areas and are for the sole use of the children and staff during the opening hours of 08:00 and 18:00. As well as providing full day care for children, the centre offers an Educare unit for children aged from three years and, on occasions, a crèche facility for the children of parents attending the centre. The Educare unit comprises of a large open plan area and a small area for group work. There is a designated unit for children aged between two and three years and

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Information about the setting

a baby unit. Each unit has it's own toilet facilities. An integral creative play area is available to everyone. Each unit has a separate secure outdoor play area. The crèche operates from two designated rooms and has dedicated toilet facilities. Blackburn with Darwen Early Years Department provide the service and employ a head of Childcare and her deputy, who both hold relevant qualifications. Nine members of staff hold NVQ level 3 or equivalent and one member of staff has an NVQ 2. Two teaching staff are employed as well as ancillary staff. The centre opens Monday to Friday, closing all bank holidays and for five training days. The centre is registered to provide care for 65 children under the age of five years. There are currently 65 children on roll, 32 of whom are in receipt of funding for three and four year olds. Children with special needs are supported. The crèche is registered to provide care for 22 children.

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How good is the Day Care?

Higher Croft Children's Centre provides good quality care for children. The Centre provides an environment where children can learn through play. There is a wide and balanced range of activities for all areas of children's development, which include 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 range of resources to enhance the child's awareness of wider society. Staff have a sound knowledge of each child's individual needs and interests and how to engage them in purposeful play. Staff ensure that the organisation of the available space, and the sessions, allows them to play and talk with the children throughout the activities and routines. Children are valued, their work and achievements displayed throughout the building. Behaviour is managed consistently. Staff are safety conscious. There are clear procedures in place to protect children and ensure their safety whilst at the group. Children are well cared for by staff who have a good understanding of health and safety issues. Staff promote good personal hygiene practices. Healthy eating is encouraged and nutritious food, attractively

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How good is the Day Care?

served, is offered at each snack or meal time. Records are up to date and policies are in place, however, two adjustments are necessary. Parents receive full information about the setting, both verbally and in writing.

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What is being done well?

• The play activities are well organised. Space is used creatively to provide for different activities. Ample resources are available to support children's learning in all areas. These are accessible to them. Wall displays are attractive, relevant and theme related. • Staff have a sound knowledge of each child and developmental stage. Behaviour is praised and encouraged in a consistent manner. • Good attention is paid to the nutritional needs of young children. Healthy eating is emphasised and a variety of nutritious snacks and meals are provided each day. • Staff show genuine interest and concern for the children in their care. They demonstrate a commitment to meeting individual needs. Children are encouraged to talk about their experiences and are listened to by attentive adults. • Parents are given a warm welcome and are complimentary of the service they and their children receive.

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What needs to be improved?

• the inclusion of staff names and hours of attendance on the daily register • the detailing and recording of times fire drills are actioned.

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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

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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 2 ensure staff names and their hours of attendance are included on the daily register. 6 ensure times of fire drills are recorded

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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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