Priory School

Priory School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Priory School

EY289773 Unique Reference Number 06 March 2006 Inspection date Angela Dyer Inspector

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Priory School

Sir Harrys Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2UR Setting Address

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E-mail

Priory School Edgbaston Trustees Ltd Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Full day care, Out of School care Type of care

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E-mail

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 THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Priory School Kindergarten and Out of School Care registered with Ofsted in 2005 as an established service operating from within Priory School, which is an independent school in Edgbaston, Birmingham. The provision operates from four rooms within the school and has use of the sports hall and extensive grounds.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 30 children on roll in the Kindergarten and 24 children on roll in the Out of School Club. The provision is open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00, 50 weeks of the year.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ 2 or 3 and two staff are working towards an early years qualification. Specialist teachers for music and languages, including Spanish and French, also work with the children on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have daily access to a stimulating outside area where they benefit from fresh air and exercise, contributing to their good health. The grounds are extensive and provide exciting opportunities for children to go on nature walks, collect leaves to use in activities, pick apples from the trees in the orchard and have picnics in the Summer. Children are able to develop their gross motor skills by riding on wheeled toys, balancing on beams and using further climbing apparatus whilst outside and during their weekly visits to the sports hall.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about good health and hygiene through consistent routines and regular discussions with staff. For example, whilst washing their hands children talk to each other and staff about their hands being dirty and are able to help themselves to disposable paper towels from the wall mounted dispensers, understanding the need to put them in the bin afterwards. Effective procedures are in place to minimise the possible spread of infections, these include anti-bacterial spray to clean tables before meal times, disposable gloves to be used for nappy changing and individual bed linen for each children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are met effectively, as these are discussed in detail with parents and are fully respected by all staff. A wide range of tasty, healthy and nutritious meals and snacks are provided, including daily platters of fresh fruit and various salads and vegetables. Children are offered a choice of drinks at snack time and are able to independently access water from a water fountain if they are thirsty, to ensure that they remain hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children use a wide range of safe and good quality resources. Risks to children from broken or unsafe toys, furniture or equipment are minimised as the staff carry out regular checks on all equipment used. The premises are secure to ensure that only authorised persons have entry and children are closely supervised when playing inside and outside to ensure their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to learn about how to keep themselves and each other safe as they are reminded about simple safety rules. Regular opportunities are provided for children to practise the fire evacuation procedure and the evacuation plans are displayed clearly, explaining the action to be taken.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because staff have a professional understanding of the child protection procedures and are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities to protect the children in their care. Staff know how to recognise the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and are confident about when to put the appropriate procedures into practise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The staff provide a friendly welcome and the children enter the Kindergarten happily and confidently. The children enjoy warm, positive relationships with the staff who demonstrate a detailed knowledge of their needs and routines. Staff provide various sensory play experiences for the babies as they explore different art materials including paint and sand. Babies benefit from staff sitting and interacting with them whilst playing, introducing new language and demonstrating new skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children within the Kindergarten enjoy a range of activities and show interest in what is available. Children benefit from the expertise of teachers in the school being shared and enjoy learning new languages and music times, which are accompanied by a pianist. The organisation of the room and equipment allows children to independently select resources and take part in art and craft activities. However, some activities and routines are over directed by staff, restricting children's independence and opportunity to fully explore the activities and learn new skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children enjoy their time in the Out of School Club and arrive eagerly ready to participate in a wide range of activities. They relax and unwind, chatting amongst themselves and catching up with their friends from other classes. Children are able to select from various activities and play co-operatively, explaining the rules of the games to each other, whilst enjoying friendly challenges, such as "Who is the Connect Four champion?"

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and have equal access to a good range of resources and activities that promote equality, these include, role play equipment, books and puzzles showing positive images. Children participate in a range of stimulating activities to promote their understanding of the needs of others and the wider world around them and staff demonstrate a commitment to ensure that all children are included.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and benefit from staff managing behaviour in line with each child’s age and level of maturity. Children have a good understanding of the boundaries and respond with enthusiasm to staff praise and encouragement. They are able to take turns, with suitable adult support, and show care and concern for each other. Staff set consistent boundaries and older children in the Out of School Club demonstrate an awareness of what is expected of them, as they have been involved with writing the behaviour rules.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children settle well as staff work closely with parents to ensure that children’s needs are met. Children’s individual needs and the babies' routines are discussed with parents and information is exchanged on a daily basis. Children's progress and care are shared with parents in the form of written diary sheets, daily discussions and termly progress reports. Complaints and compliments procedures are shared with parents and the school maintains a written complaints log. However, the log is currently not available to all parents on request, due to the confidentiality of the information recorded.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for by enthusiastic and caring staff who enjoy their roles and develop warm, positive relationships with the children in their care. The environment is welcoming, due to the attractive presentation of children's artwork, which promotes children's sense of belonging and self-esteem. Overall, the range of children's needs are met.

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Organisation

Staff are appropriately qualified and recruitment and vetting procedures are thorough, ensuring staff are suitable to work with children. Most written policies and procedures are in place, however, some of the Kindergartens policies have not been reviewed in line with the National Standards and are not easily accessible for staff, parents and inspection purposes. Children's records are detailed and informative ensuring staff have a sound knowledge of children's needs.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • provide further opportunities for children to develop their independence • up-date the complaints procedure to include a complaints record to reflect amendments to the National Standards • ensure all relevant policies and procedures are up-to-date, readily accessible to staff and parents, and available for inspection.

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The quality and standards of the 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 set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the 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

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