The Nest at St Paul's Venture

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 18/08/2003 Inspector Name Kashma Patel

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name St Paul's Comm Project/Venture Playscheme Setting Address Malvern Street Balsall Heath Birmingham WEST MIDLANDS B12 8NJ

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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

St. Paul's Community Project and Venture Play scheme is housed in a purpose built centre in the Balsall Heath area of Birmingham. The children have access to a large main hall/play room, an art room and a computer room. There is a kitchen and toilet facilities within the main building. The children also have access to a pottery workshop which is housed in the outdoor play area, with 2 grassed play areas and the community farm. The Venture project adjoins a local Nursery and Sure Start building and could have access to additional rooms within these buildings if needed. The Venture offers a variety of services for the local community and working parents from within the area. The Nest is a play care scheme that offers after school care for children aged 4 to 12 years until 6.00pm. Children are collected from local schools and are escorted to St.Paul's Venture during term times. The Play care facility runs

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Information about the setting

from 8.00am to 6.00pm daily during the holidays. The Play scheme facility runs from 10.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday during school holidays. The ages of the children attended the Play scheme are 4 to 11 years old. The centre is registered to care for 60 children aged 4 to 8 years old. Children over the age of 11 are cared for at the St. Paul's Youth club. There are currently 9 children attending the scheme that have identified specific needs and several children who speak English as an additional language. There are 8 core workers at the project throughout the year and additional sessional staff are employed to work during the school holidays. All full time staff are qualified in child care, play work, teachers and youth work. Most of the sessional workers have a recognised qualification or have completed courses in NVQ levels 2 and 3 . The senior staff consist of the Head of Centre, a Deputy Head,

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Information about the setting

a Play care co-ordinator and an Assistant Co-ordinator.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Pauls Venture provides satisfactory care for children. A warm and welcoming atmosphere is provided, to make children feel happy and secure. Safety is promoted both inside and outside the building. Staff are aware of safety concerns re gates which allow access to the centre. The area is supervised as these gates can not be locked, because the public have right of way. There is a system of registering children, but there is no method of logging visitors to the centre. Children's health is promoted by good hygiene practices, like hand washing. There is

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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 a warden responsible for the animals on the farm, they are cleaned out regularly. There are also procedures for child protection and behaviour management, but staff lacked knowledge and experience in this area. Children have access to a range of different activities both indoors and out, but there were limited inside. Children were observed with a few games and limited equipment such has scissors, paint and brushes. Children have free access to all play areas. They were observed moving around the centre. They are also taken to trips outside the centre. There is good partnership with parents, they can choose which activities they want their children to take part in. A notice board is displayed with information about the centre and future events.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable, as there were no actions raised at the previous inspection.

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What is being done well?

• Children have free access to all play areas. • Children have access to outdoor sporting activities. • Staff supervision and safety of premises is promoted. • Trips are organised, some for only under 8's. • Good partnership with parents, good response from parent questionnaires.

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What needs to be improved?

• indoor activities for children; • security of premises; • staff awareness of children' s individual dietary needs; • range of equipment to include toys and resources which promote Equal Opportunities; • management of children's behaviour; • staff awareness and knowledge of Child Protection.

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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 2 ensure that both gates allowing access to the centre are kept secure at all times; 19/08/2003

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

3 plan a range of activities and play opportunities for children’s overall development, throughout the session; 19/10/2003

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

5 ensure that children have access to a range of suitable and sufficient toys and equipment. 19/10/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 ensure that a log is kept of all visitors to the centre; 8 ensure that staff are aware and record children’s special dietary requirements/ allergies; 9 ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice; 11 develop staff's awareness and understanding of effective ways to manage children's behaviour, taking into account their age and stage of development; 13 develop staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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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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