Midland Mencap Playscheme

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 04/09/2004 Inspector Name Rebecca Trow

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name MENCAP SAT PLAYSCHEME Setting Address Kennedy House Bottetourt Road, Weoley Castle BIRMINGHAM WEST MIDLANDS

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Birmingham Mencap Address Kennedy House, Bottetourt Road Birmingham West Midlands B29 5TE

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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

Mencap Saturday Playscheme opened in 1993. It operates from one room in a community building in Weoley Castle, Birmingham. The setting serves the whole of Birmingham. There are currently 45 children from five to twelve years on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and currently some children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens on Saturday's all year round and during some school holidays. Sessions are from 10.00 until 15.30. Twelve staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. One member of staff is currently working towards a recognised teaching qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Mencap Saturday Playscheme provides good quality care for children. The setting is very well organised and the level of qualified staff is high. Staff prepare the setting before children arrive and greet them all by name which helps them to settle. Children have access to a very good range of toys and resources which are laid out in various ways, to sustain children's interest. Most documentation is maintained, though some lacks detail. All paperwork is stored securely, to maintain confidentiality. Staff place strong emphasis on children's health and safety both on site and whilst out on trips. They ensure that children are supervised at all times whole still allowing them to develop some independence. Mealtimes are social occasions and staff and children eat together. staff have a good understanding of all issues relating to child protection, including possible signs of abuse. Staff plan and provide an excellent range of activities for children. They ensure that

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How good is the Day Care?

children have a choice between activities at each session and encourage children to try new experiences. Staff involve themselves in children's play, offering assistance and encouragement where necessary. They make effective use of behaviour management strategies which take into account the children's age and level of understanding.

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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 Partnership with parents is good. Staff exchange information with parents at each session and make sure they are kept informed of all issued relating to their child.

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What is being done well?

• Staff plan an excellent, varied programme of activities for children. They involve themselves in children's play and interact with them throughout the session, offering encouragement and assistance wherever necessary. • Staff use effective strategies to manage children's behaviour and their consistent approach means that children understand what is expected of them. • The setting places strong emphasis on a positive relationship with parents. Staff make time at each session to exchange information and ensure parents are fully informed of all issues relating to their child.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The staff have an excellent understanding and detailed knowledge of the needs of the children who attend the setting. They work closely with parents to ensure they meet the children's individual needs and ensure that all children are included in the full programme of activities.

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What needs to be improved?

• arrangements for recording the attendance of staff and visitors • the complaints procedure.

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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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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE NEXT?

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Maintain a record of staff and visitor’s attendance. 12 Include the name, address and telephone number of the regulator in the complaints procedure.

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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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