The Rocking Horse Club

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/08/2003 Inspector Name Lorraine, Susan Fay

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Rocking Horse Club Setting Address Walton Lane Nelson Lancashire BB9 8BP

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of The Rocking Horse Club

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name The Rocking Horse Club Address Walton Lane Nelson Lancashire BB9 8BP

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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 Rocking Horse Club operates from within the Walton Lane Early Excellence Centre, the setting is set on an Educational Site within easy access of Nelson town centre. There are extensive grounds to the rear of the premises for outdoor play activities. Facilities inside include a spacious entrance hall, large activity area, library, smaller activity room, toilet/nappy changing facilities, office and kitchen. There is also a separate baby unit for children aged 0-2 years of age. There are also separate facilities for staff. This club offers a variation of resources on a full day care basis, including a breakfast club, luncheon club, after school club, holiday club, Saturday Club, pre school group and baby unit. The club currently operates from Monday to Friday between the hours of 07.45 until 18:00. The opening hours of the Rocking Horse Club facilities are determined by the times during which this setting has sole use of

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Information about the setting

the facilities available, as the premises also house the Walton Lane Early Excellence Centre. There is an extensive renovation programme in the pipe line due to be completed in the year 2004, the renovation programme includes a complete new build of existing facilities. A number of the staff who work within the Rocking Horse Club also work within the Nursery setting. The group is currently registered to care for a maximum of 46 children, of whom six can be aged under 2 years, a number of the children attending this setting are over the age of 8 years.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Rocking Horse Club provides satisfactory care for children. The premises are warm and welcoming in which parents can access a variety of day care provision including full day care, pre school group, holiday club and facilities for children under the age of two years. Premises are secure although regard is not always given to the sole use of designated areas. Provision for babies is good, there is an effective key worker system in this area ensuring that information is passed on. There are methods of recording children's development however this is not consistent throughout the setting.

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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 There are procedures for the vetting of staff although these are ineffective in part. Most staff are aware of their responsibilities and show regard for the safety of the children in most instances. The Rocking horse club has a broad range of activities, including equipment which promotes awareness of other cultures and disabilities, suitable for the children attending. The staff promote good hygiene practices through the daily routine. Some organisational issues are outstanding. The staff have regard to the Special Needs code of practice. All documentation relating to the setting is in place and maintained appropriately. The Rocking horse club has a comprehensive set of policies and procedures. Relationships with parents is good with information being shared about their child.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the Management Committee agreed to ensure that the operational plan be made available to parents, include bullying within the behaviour management policy, devise an action plan in relation to sharing toilet and kitchen facilities with the Nursery School and to ensure that children were grouped appropriately at all times. Documentation has now been brought up to date to include bullying within the behaviour policy and a detailed index of services forms a part of the operational plan available to parents. Children within the Rocking Horse Club can readily access toilet facilities and arrangements in relation to sharing the kitchen are identified. The grouping of children remains an issue in relation to the registered setting having sole use of designated areas.

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What is being done well?

• The premises are warm and welcoming to children. There is a broad range of activities and quality equipment available to all age ranges including a wide range of equipment which introduces children to other cultures, gender and disabilities. • Children with special needs are provided with additional support. • Provision for babies and children under two is very good, staff meet individual children's needs well in this area of the setting. Information is exchanged with parents on a daily basis relating to the child's development, sleeping and eating patterns. • There are detailed policies and procedures relating to safety which are shared with staff and parents, children are introduced to hygiene procedures through daily routines.

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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 • staffing - the deployment of staff, clarity of staff roles and responsibilities and the key worker system; • procedures for observing and recording children's development; • the use of the registered premises during the hours that the facility operates; • the security of the rear garden.

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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 ensure that all staff have been appropriately vetted 08/09/2003 4 the registered premises are for the sole use of the facility during the hours of operation 23/08/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 sufficient staff who are aware of their roles and responsibilities work directly with the children 2 every child is allocated to a member of staff (key worker) 3 devise a system for planning and implementing a suitable range of activities for children, which is appropriate for their stage of development and based on their individual needs 6 ensure that the rear garden is made secure in all areas 7 ensure hygiene procedures are followed at all times 11 ensure that strategies for handling behaviour are consistently applied

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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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