Watford Mencap Children Centre

Watford Mencap Children Centre The Lemarie Centre for Charities, 524 St Albans Road, Watford, WD24 7RX

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 5 April 2016 20 January 2012

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The provision meets requirements

 The provider and her committed staff understand how to provide an excellent service for children with disabilities and special educational needs. They understand the importance of working closely with parents and schools that the children attend. Key staff also know how to work with other professionals involved in children's lives, so that consistency in children's care and learning is provided.  The provider and the manager know how to support children's learning. They demonstrate through discussion and their use of documentation, how they will obtain information about children's interests and starting points. They have procedures in place to plan activities based on these, in order to promote children's specific learning and development needs.  The provider has a clear understanding of their role and responsibility to safeguard children. Staff attend regular training and new information is cascaded to all of the

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The provision meets requirements

team so that they are aware of recent changes. They are made aware of the procedures to follow if they should have concerns about the welfare of a child.  The provider understands the need to provide stimulating experiences. She and the manager demonstrate through discussion and a tour of the premises, that children are able to use several rooms for play activities. This includes a soft-play area, a sensory room and an enclosed outdoor area. Outings are also provided, such as bowling, golf and visits to the cinema.  The provider understands the need to carry out a secure recruitment process so that those working with children are suitable to do so. She is very aware of training opportunities to develop staff's practice. She also understands the need for staff supervision and how to monitor the service provided when caring for children so that this continually contributes to their care and learning.

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The provision meets requirements

 Parents of older children attending speak extremely highly of the service provided. They value the support that they and their children receive from the experienced and dedicated staff. There were no children present when this inspection took place. The findings in this report are based on evidence gathered from discussions with those who care for the children and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation. Where there are no children present, no judgement is made on the quality of the early years provision as there is no reliable evidence on which to assess its impact on children. The report states whether the provider continues to meet the requirements of registration.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector had a tour of the centre. She discussed how the centre operates and viewed the resources offered. The inspector spoke to older children present at the inspection. She also spoke to some older children's parents and took account of their views.  The inspector had in-depth discussions with the provider and the manager. These related to her knowledge and understanding of the requirements for safeguarding and welfare, and learning and development.  The inspector looked at a sample of policies, including the safeguarding procedures and discussed how these will be used in their practice.  The inspector discussed self-evaluation and plans for improvement with the provider and the manager.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 130646 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1042041 Type of provision Out of school provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 0 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 0 Name of provider Watford and District Mencap Society Date of previous inspection 20 January 2012 Telephone number 01923 220816

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Setting details

Watford Mencap Children Centre was registered in 1998. It is located at the Le Marie Centre in Watford. The centre provides care and learning for children with disabilities and special educational needs. The centre employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, three staff members hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The remainder of staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2. The centre opens during the Easter and summer holidays from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. The centre also provides after school provision. Sessions are from 3.30pm to 6.30pm and are held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during term time. On Saturdays, sessions are from 10am to 4pm, all year round.

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Setting details

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Setting details

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Setting details

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Setting details

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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