The Squirrels Club

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 24/01/2005 Inspector Name Teresa Marie Taylor

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name The Squirrels Club Setting Address Coppice Junior & Infant School Trinity Road Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B75 6TJ

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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

Squirrels Club is based at Coppice Primary School in Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. It opened in 1993. It is one of a group of 5 clubs run by the same provider. Three clubs run at schools in Sutton Coldfield, one in Hall Green and one in Streeltly. The club operates in a portacabin at the rear of the school and also has the use of a second portacabin and the school hall. A maximum of 72 children may attend at any one time. The club is open from 08:00hrs to 09:00hrs and 15:25 to 18:00hrs during term time and, 08:00hrs to 18:00hrs during school holidays. The children have the use of all of the school's outdoor space. There are currently 91 children on roll from 4 to 11. All children attending also attend the school. There are no children attending that have special needs or for whom English is an additional language, The club employs 10 staff. Some work in the out of school club and some only work during school holidays. Four staff hold appropriate early years qualifications. One

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Information about the setting

member of staff is working towards a qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Squirrels Club provides satisfactory care for children. It is an active and busy club where outdoor play is encouraged. There is a satisfactory range and selection of toys and equipment although those to support equal opportunities need to be increased. Staff select a range of toys and equipment and put these out for the children. The majority of storage is at low level and would be easy for the children to access themselves. A greater degree of free choice should be available for the children. Staff do rotate equipment on a regular basis. There is a good selection of outdoor play equipment and it is well used. Staff encourage children to use the extensive outdoor area and they ensure the children are well supervised. Some planning is undertaken. There is good interaction between staff and children. Staff have a good awareness of health and safety issues but some remain to be addressed. These are; the provision of hot water for hand washing, completion of a

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How good is the Day Care?

full risk assessment and, knowledge of notifiable, infectious and communicable diseases. Good hygiene routines were observed both for the children and in the preparation of snacks. Children are encouraged to develop independence, share

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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 and take turns. When asked children said they enjoyed attending, they liked the staff and there was plenty to do. Children's behaviour is well managed. There are good relationships with parents and they made positive responses on the questionnaires. Parents at the club said; children enjoyed attending, it met their requirements regarding opening times and availability and staff were communicative and friendly. The majority of policies are complete with the exception of the Child Protection policy. This needs to reflect the local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines. There is a set of policies available for parents at all times. Most documentation is up to date but children's times of arrival and departure need to be included on the register.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the following actions were raised; Policies were requested for, sick children, the administration of medication, special needs, behaviour management and complaints. These have all been completed and were seen. The policy requested on child protection is incomplete and a recommendation to meet ACPC guidance was made. The remaining actions were; 1) appoint a named deputy, the provider is now the deputy and has appointed a new manager, 2) make sure staff records are kept on the premises, they are and were seen, 3) allocate a key worker for children during holiday times, this has been done, 4) conduct a risk assessment, this has been started and a recommendation was made to complete and record a full risk assessment, 5) make sure there is always at least one member of staff with a current first aid certificate, three staff now have first aid certificates.

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What is being done well?

• Staff provide a welcoming environment for children and children enjoy attending. Outdoor play is encouraged and children are well supervised. Staff work well as a team and provide good role models. • Staff support children's play choices and are actively involved with children's activities. Acceptable behaviour is discussed with the children and staff are consistent in their approach. • There are good relationships with parents and they made positive responses on the questionnaires regarding the service they receive. They also expressed their satisfaction during the inspection.

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What needs to be improved?

• the recording of children's times of arrival and departure • the provision of hot water for hand washing • children's access to toys and equipment and a wider range of toys and

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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 equipment to support equal opportunities • the completion of the risk assessment and child protection policies • staff knowledge of the notification of infectious, notifiable and communicable diseases.

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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 children's times of arrival and departure are recorded on the register. 3 Ensure children have a greater degree of free choice. 4 Ensure there is hot and cold water available for hand washing. 5 Increase the range and variety of toys and equipment to support equal opportunities. 6 Ensure a full risk assessment is carried out and recorded. 7 Ensure staff are aware of the procedures relating to infectious, notifiable and communicable diseases. (RIDDOR) 13 Ensure the child protection procedures are based on the Area Child Protection Committee guidance and, they include procedures to be followed in the event of allegations being made about a member of staff.

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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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