Sunnybank Out of School Club Day Care of Children Sunnybank Primary School Sunnybank Road Aberdeen AB24 3NJ

Transcription

1 Sunnybank Out of School Club Day Care of Children Sunnybank Primary School Sunnybank Road Aberdeen AB24 3NJ Type of inspection: Unannounced Inspection completed on: 29 September 2014

2 Contents Page No Summary 3 1 About the service we inspected 4 2 How we inspected this service 6 3 The inspection 10 4 Other information 20 5 Summary of grades 21 6 Inspection and grading history 21 Service provided by: CLICC Ltd. Service provider number: SP Care service number: CS If you wish to contact the Care Inspectorate about this inspection report, please call us on or us at enquiries@careinspectorate.com Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 2 of 22

3 Summary This report and grades represent our assessment of the quality of the areas of performance which were examined during this inspection. Grades for this care service may change after this inspection following other regulatory activity. For example, if we have to take enforcement action to make the service improve, or if we investigate and agree with a complaint someone makes about the service. We gave the service these grades Quality of Care and Support 4 Good Quality of Environment 4 Good Quality of Staffing 4 Good Quality of Management and Leadership 4 Good What the service does well The service provides a safe and stimulating environment. Staff are caring and responsive to the children's individual needs. Children are happy and becoming settled within the club and have good relationships with staff. What the service could do better The service should continue to further develop and improve the service in the areas they have identified as a team and take into consideration areas of development which we highlighted during the inspection visit. What the service has done since the last inspection This is the service's first inspection since registration. The service has been through a lot of change within the last year both in staffing and in the room the club is based in. The staff are now hoping to have a more settled period so that they can continue to develop the service. Conclusion The service offers children, parents and carers a good standard of out of school care. The staff work well together and are committed to responding to the individual needs of the children who attend. Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 3 of 22

4 1 About the service we inspected The Care Inspectorate regulates care services in Scotland. Information about all care services is available on our website at This service registered with the Care Inspectorate on 29 October Requirements and recommendations If we are concerned about some aspect of a service, or think it could do more to improve, we may make a recommendation or requirement. A recommendation is a statement that sets out actions the care service provider should take to improve or develop the quality of the service but where failure to do so will not directly result in enforcement. Recommendations are based on the National Care Standards, relevant codes of practice and recognised good practice. A requirement is a statement which sets out what is required of a care service to comply with the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 and Regulations or Orders made under the Act or a condition of registration. Where there are breaches of the Regulations, Orders or conditions, a requirement must be made. Requirements are legally enforceable at the discretion of the Care Inspectorate. Sunnybank Out of School Club is registered to provide a care service to a maximum of 32 school age children.other conditions unique to the service are: The care service will operate between 7:30am to 9:00am and 3:15pm to 6:00pm Monday to Friday during the term time and 8:00am and 6:00pm during school holidays and in-service days. During the operating times the service has exclusive use of the club room, the dining room, gym hall and cloak room and allocated toilets on the ground floor. An additional member of staff will be employed above the staffing levels as stated in the National Care Standards for early education and childcare up to the age of 16 until the issues regarding the fire doors next to both sets of downstairs toilets are resolved. Sunnybank Out of School Club is based in Sunnybank Primary School, in the City of Aberdeen. The provider, Community Link Childcare has been providing out of school care in Aberdeen since The organisation forms part of Aberdeen City Council Early Years Childcare Team. Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 4 of 22

5 Based on the findings of this inspection this service has been awarded the following grades: Quality of Care and Support - Grade 4 - Good Quality of Environment - Grade 4 - Good Quality of Staffing - Grade 4 - Good Quality of Management and Leadership - Grade 4 - Good This report and grades represent our assessment of the quality of the areas of performance which were examined during this inspection. Grades for this care service may change following other regulatory activity. You can find the most up-to-date grades for this service by visiting our website or by calling us on or visiting one of our offices. Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 5 of 22

6 2 How we inspected this service The level of inspection we carried out In this service we carried out a low intensity inspection. We carry out these inspections when we are satisfied that services are working hard to provide consistently high standards of care. What we did during the inspection We wrote this report following an unannounced inspection carried out by an inspector from the Care Inspectorate. The inspection took place on Monday 29 September 2014 between 3.05 pm and 6.10pm. Feedback was given to the area co-ordinator, team leader and staff team following the inspection visit. The Care Inspectorate did not ask the service to submit a self assessment before the inspection. The service had not received the care standards questionnaires we sent to be distributed to parents and carers. We sent out more questionnaires after the inspection visit and will include parent's comments in this report before it is finalised. We have received one completed questionnaire to date. In this inspection we sampled evidence from various sources, including the following: * Registration certificate * Insurance certificate * Newsletters * Accident and incident records * Snack menu * Children's personal plans * Policies and procedures * Staff meeting minutes * Risk assessments * Administration of medication records * Parent and carer feedback - question of the month We spoke with children, staff, area co-ordinator and team leader. We observed practice throughout the inspection. Grading the service against quality themes and statements We inspect and grade elements of care that we call 'quality themes'. For example, one of the quality themes we might look at is 'Quality of care and support'. Under each quality theme are 'quality statements' which describe what a service should be doing well for that theme. We grade how the service performs against the quality Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 6 of 22

7 themes and statements. Details of what we found are in Section 3: The inspection Inspection Focus Areas (IFAs) In any year we may decide on specific aspects of care to focus on during our inspections. These are extra checks we make on top of all the normal ones we make during inspection. We do this to gather information about the quality of these aspects of care on a national basis. Where we have examined an inspection focus area we will clearly identify it under the relevant quality statement. Fire safety issues We do not regulate fire safety. Local fire and rescue services are responsible for checking services. However, where significant fire safety issues become apparent, we will alert the relevant fire and rescue services so they may consider what action to take. You can find out more about care services' responsibilities for fire safety at Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 7 of 22

8 The annual return Every year all care services must complete an 'annual return' form to make sure the information we hold is up to date. We also use annual returns to decide how we will inspect the service. Annual Return Received: No Comments on Self Assessment Every year all care services must complete a 'self assessment' form telling us how their service is performing. We check to make sure this assessment is accurate. The Care Inspectorate did not ask the service to submit a self assessment for this inspection visit. We explained that normally self assessments would be asked for and the service should complete and submit the self assessment within four weeks of being asked. Taking the views of people using the care service into account We spoke with the children during the inspection visit. We asked them their views of the service, what they thought of the activities, snacks offered and anything they would like to change. Comments included: "Snack's ok. We get fruit." "I have friends here." "I can't think of anything to make it better." "Why do you want us to answer these questions? Are you the boss?" "I like to play with the tub of cars." "They make sure we have fun." Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 8 of 22

9 Taking carers' views into account Although we had sent out care standards questionnaires to the service to distribute to parents and carers they had not been received before the inspection visit took place. Additional questionnaires were sent out after the inspection and we had received one completed questionnaire as we wrote the report. Further parent comments if received will be included in this report before it is finalised. Parents returned two completed questionnaires before the report was finalised. Both parents "agreed" in response to the statement "Overall, I am happy with the quality of care my child receives in this service." Parent's comments included: "I would like to say that I'm much more confident in the leadership of the current person in charge of the Sunnybank Out Of school Club. My son will push boundaries however the current Lead has more encouraging ways and a more engaging style of ensuring he is positively focused and not up to mischief! Perhaps there could be a more broader range of activities for the older P 6/7 children." Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 9 of 22

10 3 The inspection We looked at how the service performs against the following quality themes and statements. Here are the details of what we found. Quality Theme 1: Quality of Care and Support Grade awarded for this theme: 4 - Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of the care and support provided by the service. Service strengths Not all aspects of this quality statement were evaluated. Having looked at written records, spoken with children, parents and staff, we found the service to have a good level of performance in this quality statement. A range of written information was displayed including a copy of the club's response to parent/carer feedback, leaflets about various local initiatives, newsletters and weekly activity planners. This information ensured parents and carers were kept included and involved in the service and the local community. Parents and carers received a registration pack when their child started at the service which contained a copy of the service aims and objectives and policies and procedures which helped parents know what to expect from the club. The staff team expressed their commitment to providing a service which met the needs of the children and families using the service. Staff were developing methods of consultation to gather parents and children's views and take account of their wishes during the day to day operation of the service. We saw the service had asked monthly questions about parent's thoughts on setting up a breakfast club and children using toy weapons when dressing up and involved in imaginary play. Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 10 of 22

11 A parent suggestion and comment book was available at the entrance to the club room as was a suggestion box. These methods gave parents and carers the opportunity to comment anonymously if they wished. Staff routinely exchanged relevant information with parents as they collected their children. These discussions had helped staff to form positive relationships with parents and carers and potentially provided an opportunity to listen to parents' views. We observed positive staff interactions with the children and children were able to make choices that affected them. We saw a snack mindmap displayed where children's suggestions for snack had been recorded. Areas for improvement The service should continue to develop methods to gain the views and suggestions of children, parents and carers in assessing and improving the service. Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 11 of 22

12 Statement 3 We ensure that service users' health and wellbeing needs are met. Service strengths Inspection report continued Not all aspects of this quality statement were evaluated. Having looked at written records, spoken with children and staff and observed staff with the children we found the service to have a good level of performance in this quality statement. A sample of children's files showed that the service obtained details of health issues and emergency contact numbers which would be needed in the case of an emergency. An "All about me" section contained information about the children's preferences and helped staff get to know the children and their interests and individual needs. Observations had been undertaken by staff and recorded in the children's plans to help staff support the children and assess development. The club worked with parents to address the needs of their children. Arrangements were in place to support children's individual needs with staff working closely with other professionals to help meet the children's needs. Staff discussed plans they had for team building activities which they hoped would encourage all the children to be more settled and confident within the service as the majority of the children had just recently started at the club. We saw that the children had been involved in making snack suggestions and were reassured by staff that healthy snacks were encouraged and nutritional guidance taken into consideration when planning menus. On the afternoon of inspection, snack was a cracker with cheese and various fruit pieces. During our visit, the children went out to play in the playground where they had fun running around and playing with their friends. The club also had access to the school gym every day which we were told was used especially when the weather was poor outdoors. A child protection policy was in place and discussion with staff indicated that they were aware of the procedures to follow should they have concerns about a child in their care. Staff attended refresher training annually to ensure that their knowledge remained up to date. The club had a medication policy and procedures in place to enable staff to administer medication with written parental permission. A record was also kept of any accidents or incidents that occurred in the club, which parents countersigned. This demonstrated the parents had been informed about the accident or incident and the action taken by staff. Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 12 of 22

13 As part of this inspection we have focused on how this service has promoted children's health and wellbeing through infection prevention measures. Staff were observed washing their hands before preparing snack and children were escorted to the school toilets nearby where the children washed their hands before they sat down to snack. Staff wore disposable aprons as they prepared and served snack which helped staff minimise the spread of infection. Areas for improvement The service should continue to review the children's personal plans at least every six months as is required through legislation. Plans should be dated on review and on update. Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 13 of 22

14 Quality Theme 2: Quality of Environment Grade awarded for this theme: 4 - Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of the environment within the service. Service strengths For information about the service's strengths in relation to this quality statement, please refer to Quality Theme 1 Statement 1 Areas for improvement For information about areas identified for improvement in relation to this quality statement, please refer to Quality Theme 1 Statement 1. Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 14 of 22

15 Statement 2 We make sure that the environment is safe and service users are protected. Service strengths Not all aspects of this quality statement were evaluated. Having viewed the children's environment, had discussions with children and staff and looked at appropriate records, we found the service had a good level of performance in this quality statement. We found the service provided a safe and secure environment for minded children. The premises were clean and maintained to a good standard. The club had only recently moved into the room after relocating from an upstairs room in the school. The club being in this room makes it easier for parents to collect their children as they do not have to walk through the school and head upstairs. It also helps with school safety as parents are going directly to the club room on the ground floor and not accessing other areas of the school. Maintenance issues were reported to the school facilities staff who would organise the appropriate contractors to remedy the issue. There is a secure entry to the school and club room therefore staff know who they are allowing into the school. Club staff completed written risk assessments for all areas of the service. These risk assessments were reviewed regularly and updated if needed. Health and safety checklists were also in place and supported staff in keeping children safe. The room had child height furniture which the staff were very pleased with as they had not had appropriate furniture before they moved into the room. Children's artwork was beginning to be displayed on the walls around the room which gave parents the opportunity to see what the children had been doing while at the service. As part of this inspection we have focused on how this service has promoted children's health and wellbeing through infection prevention measures. Resources appeared clean and we saw staff wipe down the tables before and after the children had snack. Soap and paper towels were available in the kitchen area of the club room and also in the children's toilets where they washed their hands before snack. Areas for improvement The service should continue to review policies and procedures to ensure that they remain relevant and continue to follow best practice guidance. Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Inspection report continued Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 15 of 22

16 Quality Theme 3: Quality of Staffing Grade awarded for this theme: 4 - Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of staffing in the service. Service strengths For information about the service's strengths in relation to this quality statement, please refer to Quality Theme 1 Statement 1. Areas for improvement For information about areas identified for improvement in relation to this quality statement, please refer to Quality Theme 1 Statement 1. Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 16 of 22

17 Statement 3 We have a professional, trained and motivated workforce which operates to National Care Standards, legislation and best practice. Service strengths Not all aspects of this quality statement were evaluated. Having observed staff working with the children, sampling records and discussions with staff, we found the service to have a good level of performance in this quality statement. The service provided staffing levels in accordance with the National Care Standards for Early Education and Childcare up to 16. This meant there was a sufficient number of staff to meet the needs of the children. The co-ordinator and area co-ordinator were undergoing training to gain appropriate childcare qualifications and were registered with the SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council). People working in social care services have to work to the SSSC Code of Practice for Social Service Workers. The code sets out standards for workers' conduct which helps to protect children. The playworker had only recently taken up the post and was in the process of registering also. Members of staff undertook core training, for example, child protection, first aid and food hygiene and were also encouraged to identify additional training needs, and access relevant training in order to further enhance their skills and knowledge. Through discussion with staff we found that they were beginning to understand GIRFEC (Getting It Right For Every Child) and how it influences the service and outcomes for the children. To help staff become familiar with the policies which underpin the service they are sent the 'policy of the month' which they must read and sign to say they have read it and understand it. Areas for improvement The staff should continue to develop their understanding of GIRFEC and embed it in practice. Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Inspection report continued Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 17 of 22

18 Quality Theme 4: Quality of Management and Leadership Grade awarded for this theme: 4 - Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of the management and leadership of the service. Service strengths For information about the service's strengths in relation to this quality statement, please refer to Quality Theme 1 Statement 1. Areas for improvement For information about areas identified for improvement in relation to this quality statement, please refer to Quality Theme 1 Statement 1. Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 18 of 22

19 Statement 4 We use quality assurance systems and processes which involve service users, carers, staff and stakeholders to assess the quality of service we provide Service strengths Not all aspects of this quality statement were evaluated. Having looked at written records, observed staff interactions with children and had discussions with the whole staff team, we found the service to have a good level of performance in this quality statement. We saw systems to encourage quality assurance were in being put in place. Parents and children were encouraged to give their views both verbally and in writing. Parents were encouraged to join the board of directors which oversees the club. We could see that the staff, area- co-ordinator and team leader worked well together and knew the children well. The staff held regular meetings where they discussed all areas of the service. This was a new staff team which had only been together for a few weeks. They were forming trusting relationships with each other. The staff informally evaluated all areas of the service by comparing themselves with other after school clubs and through networking with other co-ordinators. The quality assurance process was based on the national care standards. We saw that monthly audits were carried out to monitor incidents and accidents which helped staff identify any concerns or issues within the service. The service benefited from regular support visits from both the area co-ordinator and the team leader who monitored the provision. We noted an appropriate complaints procedure in place which was made available to parents in the registration pack they received when their child started at the service. It contained information about the complaint process should the parents or carers wish to make and contact information for the Care Inspectorate should they feel they need to take their concerns further. Areas for improvement The service should continue to develop and maintain robust quality assurance processes in order to ensure realistic outcomes for the service. Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Inspection report continued Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 19 of 22

20 4 Other information Complaints No complaints have been upheld, or partially upheld, since the last inspection. Enforcements We have taken no enforcement action against this care service since the last inspection. Additional Information None noted. Action Plan Failure to submit an appropriate action plan within the required timescale, including any agreed extension, where requirements and recommendations have been made, will result in the Care Inspectorate re-grading a Quality Statement within the Quality of Management and Leadership Theme (or for childminders, Quality of Staffing Theme) as unsatisfactory (1). This will result in the Quality Theme being re-graded as unsatisfactory (1). Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 20 of 22

21 5 Summary of grades Quality of Care and Support Good Statement 1 Statement Good 4 - Good Quality of Environment Good Statement 1 Statement Good 4 - Good Quality of Staffing Good Statement 1 Statement Good 4 - Good Quality of Management and Leadership Good Statement 1 Statement Good 4 - Good 6 Inspection and grading history All inspections and grades before 1 April 2011 are those reported by the former regulator of care services, the Care Commission. Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 21 of 22

22 To find out more about our inspections and inspection reports Read our leaflet 'How we inspect'. You can download it from our website or ask us to send you a copy by telephoning us on This inspection report is published by the Care Inspectorate. You can get more copies of this report and others by downloading it from our website: or by telephoning Translations and alternative formats This inspection report is available in other languages and formats on request. Telephone: enquiries@careinspectorate.com Web: Sunnybank Out of School Club, page 22 of 22