Meldrum Kids' Klub Day Care of Children Room 21 Meldrum School Meadowbank Oldmeldrum AB51 0BF

Transcription

1 Meldrum Kids' Klub Day Care of Children Room 21 Meldrum School Meadowbank Oldmeldrum AB51 0BF Inspected by: Allan Barker Type of inspection: Unannounced Inspection completed on: 27 February 2012

2 Contents Page No Summary 3 1 About the service we inspected 4 2 How we inspected this service 5 3 The inspection 9 4 Other information 22 5 Summary of grades 23 6 Inspection and grading history 23 Service provided by: Meldrum Kids' Klub Service provider number: SP Care service number: CS Contact details for the inspector who inspected this service: Allan Barker Telephone enquiries@scswis.com Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 2 of 24

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 5 Very Good Quality of Staffing 4 Good Quality of Management and Leadership 4 Good What the service does well The service involves the children, parents and carers in assessing the service. The service provides a caring service for the children. The service provides varied activities for the children and displays the events planner. What the service could do better The management should improve the staff induction programme and update staff files. The management also need to ensure all staff access appropriate training as soon as possible. What the service has done since the last inspection This was the first inspection of the service, as the club had changed their constitution and had re-registered the service as a limited company. Conclusion The service provides various activities for the children and young people and should continue to make sure that any improvements made are maintained and the present standard of quality continues to be promoted. Who did this inspection Allan Barker Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 3 of 24

4 1 About the service we inspected Meldrum Kids Klub provides a care service for up to a maximum of 16 school aged children after school, during school holidays and in-service days. The care service operates between the hours of 7.45am to 9.15am and 2.30 pm to 6.15pm during term time; and between 7.45am to 6.15pm, during school holidays and in-service days. The service operates within the Meldrum Primary School. The club has exclusive use to room 21 within the school and access to the enclosed outdoor play area. The Club is managed by a committee and provides children of primary school age up to the age of 16 years. 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 5 - Very 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. Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 4 of 24

5 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 This report was written following an unannounced inspection from 2.45pm to 6.20pm on Monday 27 February 2012, by Inspector, Allan Barker. Feedback was given during the inspection to the manager and some staff. We also discussed some of the findings with the parents. During the inspection evidence was gathered from a number of sources including discussions with:. the manager.one member of staff. four parents and committee members. the children and young people present. We also looked at a range of policies, procedures, and records including:. children's personal plans. health and safety records. accident and incident recording. staff training records. ideas from the children and young people. social activities and events planner. child protection statement. notifications. complaint procedure. photographic evidence. supporting evidence from the self assessment. staff rota. in-house questionnaires and audits. During the inspection, we also observed staff practice which included how staff cared for and interacted with the children and the parents. We also observed staff escorting the children from the school to the club. Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 5 of 24

6 A general examination of the premises was also carried out as part of the inspection process. 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 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 Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 6 of 24

7 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: Yes - Electronic 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 service submitted a fully completed self assessment form as requested by the Care Inspectorate. This was completed to a satisfactory standard and included relevant information for each of the Quality Themes and Statements. The service had identified the strengths and areas that the provider wanted to improve. Taking the views of people using the care service into account We spoke with many of the children present during the inspection visit. The children spoke about the various activities they took part in and told us why they liked coming to the club. The children and young people present said they liked the activities that were provided and took part in making decisions about what they wanted to do. Comments received were as follows: 'I like playing with the toys' 'I like drawing things and doing arts and crafts' 'I like everything' said one child 'I like making friendship bracelets for my friends'. This was the general theme of comments made by the children during the inspection visit. Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 7 of 24

8 Taking carers' views into account We spoke with four parents and two committee members during the inspection visit. All the parents spoke very positively about the club and the staff. It was noted that there was a new committee in progress and the committee members spoke about their new roles and club involvement. The parents spoken with on the day of the inspection gave examples of the many activities that were available and spoke very highly of the new manager. Comments received were as follows: 'The staff are absolutely brilliant' 'I am very pleased with the excellent care that is provided and how the staff support by child' 'it's a great club - my children never want to go home'. Ten questionnaires were returned by parents and carers. Most strongly agreed that they were very happy with the quality of care that their children receive at Meldrum Kids Klub and comments included: 'my children have attended MKK for a month after opening and are very happy there - the staff have always involved the parents with news about the club, fundraising and social events - I feel as a parent that my children are happy, protected, nurtured in a safe and caring environment and that is what I love' 'I feel MKK make sure that the children's views are sought and taken into account, which gives the children a feeling of responsibility and control over what they get to do on the time that they are there.' 'The standard of care and the level of activities is excellent - my child is very happy there', Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 8 of 24

9 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 Following discussions with the manager and staff regarding parental involvement in assessing and improving the quality of care and support provided, the service was found to have a very good level of performance in relation to this statement. We spoke to five parents during the inspection visit. All spoke very highly of the service and the quality of the staff. Parents also said they were fully involved and updated about what was happening at the club. Parents also said they were encouraged to suggest ideas. The service had an information leaflet which told parents and families about the service. The notice board gave detailed information about the club and the activity planner for the term. Parents said this was very useful and kept them up to date with what was happening. The manager and staff said most feedback given to them by parents was mainly through daily conversations when the children arrived at the service or were picked up by their parents. The children and young people present on the day of the inspection were seen to be given the opportunity to choose from a range of age appropriate activities. The children gave descriptions of the activities that were available and said what they liked about the club. The children said they were able to make 'lots of choices' about what they did and also said they could suggest ideas. The children said they could make their own decision to take part in an activity or not. Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 9 of 24

10 Comments included: 'I had concerns when there was to be a change with the manager but my fears are completely unfounded - the club and the staff are brilliant - so switched on to my child's needs' 'It's a great wee club and everyone knows each other' 'I really can't rate the staff high enough'. The service's policies and procedures also included working in partnership with parents. Areas for improvement The manager spoke about the plans to put out a questionnaire to both the children and parents within the next couple of months and said that the club was considering a newsletter as well. The club should continue with this work. We spoke with the manager about expanding the 'working with parent's partnership' policy. The manager agreed to further develop this to better highlight how the club feeds back the findings from the various audits. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 1 Recommendations 1. The service should further expand the 'participation' policy and detail how the club shares feedback from the various audits. National Care Standard Early Education and childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 13 Improving the service. Statement 2 We enable service users to make individual choices and ensure that every service user can be supported to achieve their potential. Service strengths Following discussions with the parents, children and staff regarding choice and potential, the service was found to have a very good level of performance in relation to this statement. Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 10 of 24

11 We spoke with some of the children who were present during the inspection visit. The children have examples of the games, activities and projects that they were involved in at the club. The most recent had been about the sea and super heroes. The children spoke enthusiastically about their ideas and involvement which had resulted in two collages being displayed on the wall. Both the children and staff said they were in the process of suggesting ideas for the April holidays. Each child had a registration form which highlighted likes, dislikes and interests where necessary. Additional information such as specific medical needs or additional support was highlighted (evidenced). We looked at six individual files including those where additional support was required. The children said they were involved in planning activities and spoke about some of the project type work as highlighted above. The children had their own portfolio folder which had art and project work inside. The children said they liked their books and were proud of their many achievements and artwork. The parents spoken with all said they were delighted with the club and the opportunities that were available for their children. Evaluations were carried out by the children and the staff. As previously highlighted the term planner was displayed on the notice board to remind the children about what was happening and to inform the parents of the various activities. Areas for improvement The manager said they would continue to support and maintain their present approach make sure individual choice was promoted. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Statement 3 We ensure that service user's health and wellbeing needs are met. Service strengths Inspection report continued Following discussions with the staff and parents regarding individual health and wellbeing needs, the service was found to have a good level of performance in relation to this statement. Parents said the staff and manager were very knowledgeable of their children's individual needs and said they felt it was a safe and secure environment. Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 11 of 24

12 Most staff were seen to have attended training in food hygiene, first aid and child protection. Systems were in place for staff to attend refresher training where this was required. Parents were informed of the courses staff had attended. Parents said they were pleased with the quality of care and the support of the staff. Risk assessments were viewed during the inspection and it was evidenced that appropriate checks and systems were in place. The service had health and safety policies in place which also highlighted infection control. General maintenance was carried out by school staff and regularly monitored. Staff were seen to follow good hygiene practices and children were encouraged to wash their hands before sitting down at the table to have snacks. Staff were seen to follow appropriate procedures in the preparation and serving of snacks and drinks. A child protection policy and procedure was in place and discussion with staff indicated that they were aware of the procedures to follow if they had concerns about a child in their care. Staff promoted positive behaviour. This was backed up by comments made by parents. Procedures were also in place for emergencies, illness, fire, positive behaviour and equal opportunities. We looked at accident and incident recording. All recordings were appropriately detailed and discussed with parents or carers. The staff also had a procedure in place for the consent and administration of medication which was evidenced. Please refer to recommendation one. We observed staff practice which highlighted that staff were familiar with safe practice without limiting choices for the children and young people. This was also backed up by comments made by parents. Areas for improvement In general the support plans for the children were very good and easy to follow. However, the plans could be further developed to specifically detail how any child with additional needs are appropriately supported and medication records should include a column to note the time medicines were administered before attending the service. (See recommendation 1) Staff were able to identify signs and symptoms of child abuse and the reporting procedure, however, it would be advisable for the provider to create further opportunities for this subject to be discussed and for staff to access training as soon as possible. (See recommendation 2) Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 12 of 24

13 Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 2 Recommendations Inspection report continued 1. The provider should further develop the medication records and further expand on how children with additional needs are supported. National Care Standards for Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16: Standard 3 Health and Wellbeing 2. The management should arrange for all applicable staff to access child protection awareness training as soon as possible. National Care Standards for Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16: Standard 12:2 Confidence in staff. Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 13 of 24

14 Quality Theme 2: Quality of Environment Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very 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 We had a tour of the premises used by the club as well as reviewing relevant documentation and records we evidenced that the service was performing to a very good standard in relation to this statement. Appropriate play space was available for the number of children currently using the service. The staff, children and the parents said they were happy with the present facilities. Equipment was seen to be clean and well maintained. The staff said equipment and play toys were rotated regularly and replaced as and when necessary. The children said they were involved in suggesting ideas for purchasing equipment, games and play toys. This was also backed up by comments made by the parents about their children's involvement. Areas for improvement The manager and staff said the service would continue with the present systems in place and continue to promote opportunities for children and parents to make or suggest environmental changes or improvements. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Statement 2 We make sure that the environment is safe and service users are protected. Service strengths The service was seen to perform to a very good standard in relation to this statement. Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 14 of 24

15 The building is maintained by the local authority and the premises were seen to be very well-maintained, clean and tidy. Systems were seen to be in place to make sure the areas accessed by the out of school club are appropriately cleaned on a regular basis. Regular health and safety checks were seen to be carried out by school maintenance staff. The manager stated that any repairs were always carried out quickly. Appropriate risk assessments were carried out by staff (evidenced) and reviewed or up dated regularly. Most staff had attended awareness training and were familiar with child protection procedures (evidenced). We have made a recommendation in Quality Statement 1.3 with reference to child protection training. Staff were aware of their responsibility to ensure the children and young people were kept free from harm, abuse, bullying and neglect. Parents said they were very pleased with the way in which staff supported their children especially those who required additional support. The service had appropriate systems in place in the event of a child protection concern. Staff were knowledgeable of what action to take and how to report concerns. Parents said they had no concerns with the accommodation arrangements and were very happy with the general safety and security arrangements. Areas for improvement The manager said the service would continue to promote a safe environment ensuring the children and young people were protected. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 15 of 24

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 Following discussion with the manager, staff and parents as well as feedback from the completed care standard questionnaires the service was found to operate to a good standard in relation to this statement. The manager said that many of the ways in which the children and parents or carers participated in assessing and improving the quality of staffing within the service. This was usually through comments gained through informal methods such as everyday chats with the children and parents when they dropped off or came to collect their children. Parents spoken with during the inspection visit said they could approach any member of staff about any concerns or to make suggestions. All parents spoken with during the inspection visit said they appreciated the support of the staff and manager and were pleased at the overall improvements. Parents thought communication in general was very good and appreciated the hard work of the staff. Parents also gave examples where they thought the service excelled. Areas for improvement The service had information available on the complaint's procedure including how to contact the Care Inspectorate. We asked the manager to also include the local office address. The manager agreed to update this. The manager said that the service was in the process of putting out a questionnaire but this would be decided by the new committee. Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 16 of 24

17 Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of recommendations: 0 Number of requirements: 0 Statement 2 We are confident that our staff have been recruited, and inducted, in a safe and robust manner to protect service users and staff. Service strengths Inspection report continued Following discussion with the manager and viewing recruitment procedures and documentation the service was found to operate to a good standard in relation to this statement. We spoke with staff about the recruitment and induction systems that were in place. The provider supported safe recruitment processes which included taking up references, Disclosure Scotland (PVG) checks which were also carried out, applicable professional register checks and a formal interview. Staff training included First Aid, Food Hygiene and Child Protection. Staff also said they were able to attend refresher training where this was required. Staff could also ask for additional training or support if required. The skill mix of the present staff group was sufficient to support the appropriate needs of the service users who used the service. Areas for improvement We spoke to the manager about her induction. We noted that there had been little cross-over time between the previous manager leaving and the new manager taking over. We spoke to the manager about the need to develop a more structured approach to the induction of staff. The manager had recognised this and we suggested that the present system looked at by the incoming committee. We spoke with the manager about the recruitment procedure who agreed to amend the wording to include any relevant professional register. We noted that while staff had attended various training events it was not always fully recorded. The manager agreed to ensure that appropriate details and dates of courses were properly noted. Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 2 Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 17 of 24

18 Recommendations 1. The staff induction training programme should be reviewed. National Care Standards :Early education and childcare up to the age of 16: Standard 12: Confidence in staff. 2. The management should ensure the staff files are regularly updated and training is appropriately recorded. National Care Standards :Early education and childcare up to the age of 16: Standard 14: Well-managed service. Statement 3 We have a professional, trained and motivated workforce which operates to National Care Standards, legislation and best practice. Service strengths Overall the service was operating to a good standard in having a professional, trained and motivated staff group which operated and supported the National Care Standards, legislation and best practice. The service had copies of the applicable policies and procedures. The manager said these could be viewed by the parents or children at any time. Staff said they received informal supervision on a regular basis (formal and informal) over the term time and could ask for additional time if required. The member of staff spoken with said they could approach the manager if they had a concern or wished to make suggestions concerning the service. Staff said they had the opportunity to discuss issues, concerns or ideas on a daily basis before the children came into the club. We observed staff during the inspection visit. Staff were seen to work well and interact appropriately with the children. This was backed up by comments made by parents who were very pleased with the quality of care provided by staff. Parents gave us examples of staff practice that they thought was very good. Notification procedures were discussed with the manager as there were pending changes to the club's committee. The manager was also aware of the Codes of Practice (SSSC). Areas for improvement The manager said she was going to be going through and updating the policies and procedure over the forthcoming months as well as making any changes that may be relevant. Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 18 of 24

19 Team meetings were not held but the manager was looking at ways for staff to have catch-ups and possible in-house training opportunities. The service should continue with this work. We have highlighted the issues with regards to induction training in Quality Statement 3.2. The manager said she would continue to support staff in their training opportunities ensuring training is specific to the service and the needs of the children and the young people. Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Inspection report continued Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 19 of 24

20 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 The service was found to be operating to a good performance level in relation to this statement. Parents said the staff and management were very approachable and very open to any suggestions or ideas. We spoke with parents and new committee members who said they were please with the way the service was operated by the manager and staff. The club has recently changed from a voluntary organisation to a limited company and the committee was in the process of changing. Parents said they were pleased with the progress that had been made. Comments from the returned questionnaires highlighted parents where happy with the way the service promoted a balanced mix of learning opportunities and fun for their children. Parents said that they felt included in decision making and were encouraged to make suggestions. Parents also liked the term planner which highlighted activities and events. Areas for improvement The manager said she was in the process of looking at sending out questionnaires over the next few months to obtain the views of the children and parents. The manager and staff said the service would continue to enable opportunities for the children and young people and parents and carers to participate in the assessing of the service, management and leadership. Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 20 of 24

21 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 The service was seen to be operating to a good level in relation to this standard. It was noted that there was some audit systems in place of which the manager was keen to further develop. Parents spoke highly of the manager and staff and gave examples of involvement and improvements that had been made. We have highlighted the views of both parents and children throughout this report and include: 'I'm impressed with the new manager - the care is spot on' 'the staff are great - I wouldn't send my kids anywhere else' 'it's a fun place and if my children are happy - I'm happy'. Parents praised the informative term activity planner saying it was helpful and it kept them up to date with what was happening. Feedback highlighted in the Care Inspectorate questionnaires highlighted overall that people were very pleased with the service. Areas for improvement The manager said the team and committee would be reviewing the club, the various policies and procedures as well as stakeholder involvement. The manager said she was keen to progress with the improvements that had been made. Grade awarded for this statement: 4 - Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Inspection report continued Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 21 of 24

22 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 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 SCSWIS re-grading the Quality Statement within the Management and Leadership Theme as unsatisfactory (1). This will result in the Quality Theme for Management and Leadership being re-graded as Unsatisfactory (1). Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 22 of 24

23 5 Summary of grades Quality of Care and Support Good Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement Very Good 5 - Very Good 4 - Good Quality of Environment Very Good Statement 1 Statement Very Good 5 - Very Good Quality of Staffing Good Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement Good 4 - 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. Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 23 of 24

24 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 SCSWIS. 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@scswis.com Web: Meldrum Kids' Klub, page 24 of 24