Skools Out Ltd

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 11/09/2003 Inspector Name Judith, Mary Horsfall

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name Skools Out Ltd Setting Address Roughtown Road Mossley Ashton-under-Lyne Lancashire OL5 0SG

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of Ms Elizabeth Forester/Skools Out Ltd

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Ms Elizabeth Forester/Skools Out Ltd Address 62 Stockport Road Mossley Ashton-under-Lyne Lancashire OL5 0RD

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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

Skools Out Ltd is a registered facility based in a Community Centre, providing out of school care for a maximum of 60 children. The management group have remained the same but they have opened an additional new facility at a local school. Natalie Sanderson is the manager of this facility and is mainly based at the community centre, although Elizabeth Forester jointly shares the responsibility and is the named registered person. Times of opening are 07.30 to 08.55 for the breakfast club, 15.15 to 18.15 for the after school club and 07.30 to 17.30 for the holiday club. Rooms used by the out of school include the hallway, quiet room, snack room and occasional use of the main hall. The group has access to large storage areas and a fully equipped kitchen. Outside areas can be used to the front and rear of the centre. An information leaflet is provided for parents.

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How good is the Day Care?

Skools Out provides satisfactory care for children. The building is safe, with some minor potential hazards, and the staff are aware of the limitations of using a shared building. Safety is an important issue for staff and there are procedures in place to ensure the environment is maintained in a safe manner. There is a wide selection of toys and play resources which are available to the children. Some of the activities address equality of opportunity issues and the staff incorporate these issues in their work with the children. The staff have developed extensive, high quality policies and procedures to assist in the provision of a stimulating, secure facility for the children. The quiet room can be rather noisy and it is important that the children have a relaxing area to read, watch TV, carry out homework.

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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 Boundaries for behaviour are clearly outlined and implemented in a consistent manner. The parents appear to have a good working relationship with the club and appreciate the business like approach adopted by the staff. The person in charge is working towards a level three qualification.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group agreed to develop an action plan to improve access for disabled people and to improve the toilet facilities. With the help of the Community Centre management committee, grants have now been achieved for these purposes and the work is going out for estimate.

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What is being done well?

• There is a large selection of play resources and toys. • The fire drill and emergency evacuation plan are of a high standard. • The children are given a choice of healthy snacks. • Staff deal with behaviour issues in a consistent manner which is in line with the groups' policy.

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What needs to be improved?

• Person in Charge needs a level 3 qualification. • The toilet/washroom facilities and access for disabled people are still of a poor standard, although there are plans to improve them. • The provision of comfortable chairs. • The contents of the first aid box and the provision of soap. • Minor safety aspects identified during the inspection. • The availability of drinks at all times.

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

Std Action Date 1 prepare an action plan to show how the person in charge intends to meet the level 3 qualification 11/10/2003

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

6 ensure that potential hazards (drain covers, untidy outside rear garden, gate at top of outdoor cellar steps)) are minimised. 20/09/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 4 provide comfortable chairs/large cushions for children in the quiet (TV) room. 7 update first aid box and ensure there are adequate supplies of soap at wash hand basins. 8 make drinks available at all times

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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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