12 January 2021

Inspectors praise Out of School Club for approach to safety during Covid-19 pandemic

The Care Inspectorate has praised Fun 4 Kids Out of School Club for its approach to creating a safe environment for children and staff during the Coronavirus pandemic in a virtual inspection.

The Port Erroll out of school club received a ‘very good’ ratings in new categories ‘how good is our care and support during the Covid-19 pandemic’; ‘children’s health and wellbeing are supported and safeguarded during Covid-19; ‘Infection and prevention control practices support a safe environment for children and staff’; and ‘staffing arrangements are responsive to the changing needs of children during Covid-19’. The inspection took place in December.

The report said: “New Covid-19 procedures had been communicated well to reassure parents that their children would be safe on returning to the club. The club had worked in partnership with the school to ensure coherent procedures contributed to children’s safety. As a result, the club had secured use of the hall. This meant the accommodation could be well-ventilated and facilitated for staff social distancing. The local authority was supporting effective cleaning of the accommodation to protect children.”

Cllr Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair, said: “Many congratulations to Fun 4 Kids Out of School Club Manager Michelle McGee and her team on a wonderful inspection. I am pleased inspectors acknowledged the partnership approach between the club, school and council on working together to keep children and staff safe during a global pandemic. It is also great to see parents have received regular communication and reassurance about Covid-19 procedures during a time when information so frequently changes.”

Committee vice-chair Cllr Rosemary Bruce added: “I am happy inspectors have recognised the progress made by the management and staff at Fun 4 Kids Out of School Club. It is reassuring to see that a number of recommendations which were outstanding in the previous inspection in February last year have now been met. I am looking forward to seeing the nursery flourish. Well done everyone involved!”