Palacefields Daycare Centre

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 01/03/2005 Inspector Name Janice Linsdell

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care, Full Day Care Setting Name Palacefields Daycare Centre Setting Address Palacefields C J School Badger Close, Palacefields Runcorn Cheshire WA7 2QW

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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

Palace Fields Daycare Centre has been open since 1998, but re-registered 2004 following a change in registration. The centre operates from a designated room located within Palace Fields School in Runcorn. Facilities include a main playroom, kitchen, children's toilets and use of the school halls and outside areas.

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Information about the setting

The centre is managed by an Committee and provides full day and out of school care for children aged from 2 to 12 years. It opens each week day, from 09.00 until 18.00, during term time and 08.00 until 18.00 during school holidays. Children attend from the local area. The centre is registered to care for a maximum of 40 children at any one time and there are currently 54 children on roll, of whom 23 receive funding for nursery education. The centre supports a number of children with special educational needs and also supports a small number of children who speak English as an additional language. The centre employs seven staff of whom four, including both Manager's hold appropriate early years qualifications and three staff members are currently working towards a recognised qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Palace Fields Daycare Centre provides satisfactory care for children under eight years. The centre is organised and provides a valuable resource for children and parents in the local community. Staff are qualified or working towards qualification. Ofsted has not been notified of changes to staff and committee members and not all members have completed appropriate vetting procedures. The premises offer good facilities for children, but the temperature in the extension area can feel rather cold. Most documentation is accessible, appropriately maintained and stored securely. The premises are secure and staff supervise the children well to ensure their safety, but a full risk assessment has not been carried out and the gas and electrical safety of the building is unconfirmed. Staff promote children's health and follow clear procedures regarding accidents, illness and the administration of medication. Children are provided with healthy snacks and drinks. Staff promote

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How good is the Day Care?

anti-discriminatory practice and encourage children to have positive attitudes

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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 towards others. Some staff have attended training in child protection and they understand their role in protecting children from harm. Staff are caring and respond well to children's needs. Activities are varied and for most of the session, children are engaged, interested and enjoying their play. There is a wide range of toys, equipment and play materials available for children, which helps to create an accessible and stimulating environment. Children with additional needs are well supported. Staff encourage good behaviour and acknowledge children's efforts, but sometimes children can display disruptive behaviour, which is not always effectively managed by staff. Friendly relationships are developed with parents and parental involvement is encouraged. Parents are provided with information about the centre and about the

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, five actions were identified as areas for improvement which related to: resources to promote equality and diversity, procedures for recording visitors, fire drills and medication and the arrangements to confirm staff clearance. Most of these actions have been completed appropriately. New resources have been purchased to promote equality, to help raise children's awareness and understanding of cultural diversity and disability. Systems have been developed to ensure that correct procedures are followed and appropriate records are maintained, which has improved operational procedures in the group. Issues relating to staff clearance remain outstanding.

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What is being done well?

• The centre is well resourced, with a good balance and variety of toys and equipment for both indoor and outdoor play. Children enjoy adult led activities, using the computers and playing imaginatively in the home corner. • The outdoor play areas are safe and secure and provide good opportunities for children to participate in more physical activities and games. • Staff work closely with parents and other professionals to make sure children with additional needs are included, involved and supported in the centre. Some staff have attended training in relation to inclusive play and supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities.

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What needs to be improved?

• the procedures for vetting staff and committee members and keeping Ofsted informed of changes • the arrangements for ensuring the premises are maintained at an appropriate

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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 temperature • the arrangements for conducting a risk assessment and confirming the gas and electrical safety of the premises • the procedures for managing children's behaviour.

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inspection or 1st April 2004 whichever is later.)

There are no complaints to report since 1st April 2004.

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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 Make sure all staff and committee members complete appropriate vetting procedures and ensure Ofsted is kept informed of any significant changes or events. 22/03/2005

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 4 Ensure that the premises are maintained at an adequate and comfortable temperature at all times, particularly in the extension area. 6 Conduct a risk assessment on the premises identifying actions to be taken to minimize identified risks and make sure gas and electrical appliances and fittings conform to safety requirements. 11 Develop staff's awareness and understanding of effective ways to manage children's behaviour, taking into account their age and stage of

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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 development.

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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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