St Matthew's Church of England Aided Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 06/08/2003 Inspector Name Margaret Jean Moore

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care Setting Name Three Acres Community Play Project Setting Address 29-31 Parkhill Road London NW3 2YH

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Three Acres Community Play Project 02692285 1027441

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Three Acres Community Play Project Address 29-31 Parkhill Road London NW3 2YH

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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

The Three Acres Community Play project is the largest and most established voluntary sector play provider in Camden. It was the first to be registered under the 1989 Children Act by Camden Council in 1992. Located in NW3 it provides a year round service to local children. During school holidays, the 60 place after school club for 5-12 year olds extends into a 120 place play scheme and opens from 8.30 - 6.00pm On the self contained three acre site children have access to two play buildings, a large adventure play area, football pitch and space for free play. The core staff team of seven is supplemented by a further twelve temporary play workers to ensure staff child ratios for the fluctuating numbers of 5 - 7's attending are consistently met. All permanent staff are undergoing level 2 /3 NVQ training. Temporary staff have a range of qualifications and experience appropriate to the service being provided.

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How good is the Day Care?

Three Acres Community Play Project provides a satisfactory standard of care for children. It is a well established and valued service in a safe and secure setting. Most of the premises are well maintained and space is organised with the needs of all age groups in mind. The play project intends to carry out refurbishment of the garden and main activity room, toilets and office in the near future. Care has been taken to make unsafe ares in the garden off-limits to children. Children are alerted to dangers and staff are vigilant about keeping children safe. Records are kept up to date and parents kept informed. Most policy documents are in place. Staff create a relaxed, warm and welcoming atmosphere for all children and place high priority on their overall enjoyment and welfare. The service is well organised and children benefit from having consistent relationships with an experienced and long serving staff team.

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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 Activity programmes offer a good balance of free play and organised activities that include off site trips and outings. Children's participation is good. They are regularly consulted and there is an agreed behaviour, code of conduct. Parents are made very welcome and there are good relationships with long term users. A pogramme of activities and well organised notice board ensures they receive up to date information about the service.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The manager is in the process of re-organising documentation and records of medication given.

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What is being done well?

• The play project offer a wide range of activities and outings, that meets all the children's needs. • Younger children are well integrated into the mixed age range setting. Staff create an atmosphere that encourages older members to support younger or less confident children in a caring and considerate way. • Before registering their child, parents are given comprehensive written information about the service and are shown around the centre by staff. • There are clear agreed behaviour boundaries and a written Code of Conduct.

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What needs to be improved?

• the refurbishment of the centre and making areas in the garden safe. • information for parents of the responsibility of the project, in relation to Child Protection issues. • availability of a policy statement regarding children with special needs.

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

Std Action Date 13 ensure parents are informed of the responsibility of the project, in relation to Child Protection issues. 01/10/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 10 devise and make available to parents, a written statement on special needs which is consistent with current legislation and guidance. Ensure that this is understood and implemented by all 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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