Croft Pre School

The Croft Pre-School

Inspection report for early years provision

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The Croft Pre-School

314740 Unique Reference Number 02 March 2007 Inspection date Rosemary Beyer Inspector

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The Croft Pre-School

The Scout Hut, High Street, Market Weighton, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO43 3AA

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Setting Address

01430 879 665 or 873596 (Yvonne Wright) Telephone number

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E-mail

The Croft Pre-School Registered person Integrated Type of inspection Sessional 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Croft Pre-school was registered 30 years ago to provide sessional care, and meets in the Scout Hall in the centre of the town of Market Weighton, behind the shops. It is run by a committee comprised of parents and carers, and serves both the town and the surrounding rural area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The group meets every morning, Monday to Friday 09.15 to 11.45 and Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 12.45 to 15.15 and Wednesday 13.30 to 16.00 term time only. Children attend from the town of Market Weighton and the surrounding rural area. A lunch club is held on Fridays from 11.45 to 12.45.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are nine members of staff employed, with at least three present during each session. Of these, four staff are qualified to Level 3 in Care and Education, and one has the Diploma in

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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 Pre-School Practice. There is also one staff member with a level 2 and two who are working towards level 2 qualifications. The staff group is established, experienced and committed to training to further improve their practice. Parents are invited to assist during sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The premises are comprised of the main hall, a small room, kitchen and toilets. There is also a secure outside area at the rear. The nearby play area is secure and also used.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Currently 74 children attend of whom 47 are funded. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities or with English as an additional language are welcome to attend. The group has contact with local authority early years staff and is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for on clean and well maintained premises, although they are shared which restricts the permanent displays the group can provide. The main hall is used for most activities and the small room for computer games.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good hygiene practice is well established and consistently implemented. The children know they must wash their hands to prevent the spread of infection, and usually do so independently. However, some children did forget after they had been outside. They use tissues for their noses and cover their mouths when coughing. Staff ensure nappy changing is hygienically managed and children have privacy. The toilets are regularly checked and clean clothes are available for children who get wet or are soiled.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have fresh air every day, weather permitting. They use the secure rear grassed area, the enclosed car park or the nearby play area depending on the weather and the time available. If the weather is really bad then children do exercises in the hall, either to music or following instructions from staff. The children are developing their strength and mobility well through a range of activities and the funded children move around with confidence and control. They climb and balance well. The children help themselves to drinks when they get hot after running around.

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Helping children to be healthy

Snack time is used to help children develop their knowledge of healthy eating and to try new tastes. The current topic of France gave the opportunity to compare and try sliced white bread with pain au chocolat, croissant and French bread. Fruit is available each time and a choice of milk or water. The older children have a snack bar and can eat and drink when they are ready. They help themselves after washing their hands, and develop independence by choosing and pouring their own drinks, then sitting with their friends to eat. Any special dietary requirements are respected.

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Helping children to be healthy

The group has a written sick child policy which is made available to parents and works effectively. They are contacted if children are taken ill during the sessions, and staff comfort the children until their parents arrive. Medication can be administered by staff but only after parents have

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 given prior written permission. The administration is recorded and then acknowledged by parents in writing when they collect their children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The accident book is completed appropriately and signed by parents. It is monitored half termly to identify whether accidents are preventable by changes to the premises or equipment. The procedure for notification of serious accidents is in place in line with legislation and guidance. All staff have current first aid certificates and a well stocked first aid box is readily available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Staff are very conscious of the need to prevent access to unauthorised persons. The premises are secure, with visitors admitted only by staff. The visitors' book is completed on entry. Children have the use of the secure rear grassed area for outside play, part of the car park and the nearby play area, where staff ensure good supervision to keep them safe. Equipment is checked, as is the outside area, before use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Resources in the hall are clean and well maintained and checked each session as they are used. A risk assessment is completed each term for the premises. The health and safety file in the kitchen is regularly updated and takes account of changes in advice and legislation. The induction for new staff and students includes health and safety information and also makes them aware of their responsibilities for their own, staff and children's safety. A daily check list is completed before the sessions start.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire equipment and electrical appliances are checked annually. The fire evacuation procedure is displayed by the doors. A selection of photographs is also displayed at child height to show the children how the evacuation works. The manager records and monitors the evacuation procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use resources safely and with care, sharing and taking turns. They use the brush and dustpan independently to clear away any spilt sand and ask for cloths to clear any spillages. They know they must sit on chairs properly as they may tip over. At the end of the sessions children willingly help to tidy away the toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a good knowledge of the local child protection procedures and have reviewed the file in line with the recent changes. Comprehensive information is available about the referral procedure to follow and staff knowledge has been enhanced by recent training. The manager is aware that allegations against staff must be investigated externally. Children are also protected by the procedures which are in place for uncollected or missing children, and a list of emergency carers is posted on the noticeboard. All staff are aware of the need for confidentiality to be respected and Ofsted notified.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Staff have a good understanding of the Foundation Stage and the 'Birth to three matters' framework. They plan activities to meet the needs of all the children who attend, adapting

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 them to suit all the children. They provide support for less able children and challenge for those who are making faster progress. An initial assessment of the children's capabilities is made when they start to attend the group and then their development file is updated every three months in order to monitor progress and achievements. The file contains samples of work, photographs and the ongoing assessment. Staff make notes on small pads during the sessions of anything particular they wish to discuss with the key workers. These notes then go into a folder for each child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children all participate in the whole group time when they discuss the weather, season and the days of the month. They also talk about what is on offer for the day. On 'Show Day' they bring items from home to show other children and about which they can talk. Staff also provide items of particular interest, for example, the photographs of an Indian wedding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

After the register and group time, children are put in small groups for focussed activities with a member of staff. They learn to thread, sort and match, cut out, play card games and use the programmable toys with adult guidance. After short periods they move round to another activity. When they have completed all the activities available they play freely, choosing what to do. The short sessions help the staff monitor the children's progress in a small group and also help to build relationships between staff and children. Children can then develop their skills in other activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is good. Staff use the Foundation Stage guidance to provide structure for their planning in all the areas of learning. Activities are planned to ensure the children have a good range of learning opportunities across all the areas and a wide range of experiences. The group is very well equipped and children are usually allowed to select resources from the range on offer, however, for part of one session there were insufficient resources available for all the children to choose and too many were trying to play with what were there. The children enter the sessions happily and are keen to learn. They are developing good concentration and persevere to complete tasks. When threading they were able to solve the problem of beads falling off the end of the string.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing their imaginations well through very good role play opportunities such as using the book corner as a library, with stamps, library cards, a telephone and mark making equipment available. They said the visit to the local library to celebrate World Book Day was very enjoyable and they like to choose their own books. The children enjoy stories, either when read by staff or when reading alone or with their friends sitting on the cushions. They know that print carries meaning and also that books can be sources of information, some books about France are currently on display. They use them correctly and carefully. Small photograph albums showing activities the children have enjoyed are also available, the children sit happily chatting about where they went and what they did. The children are also able to use the listening centre alone or with friends to hear stories they have chosen.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Mark making equipment is available all the time and the children help themselves to crayons and pencils, either to draw or colour. They are also able to sharpen their own pencils if they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 become blunt or have broken points. Children produce imaginative art work with paint, which is always available. They enjoy mixing colours and can recognise and plan which ones to use.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are very interested in the natural world. They enjoy feeding the birds and have photographs by the window to help identify the birds as they arrive for food. They also enjoy watching the butterfly eggs develop and have photographs of the latest batch of butterflies they released into their garden. They know which plants are best to attract them. The children compared the heights of their sunflowers and then collected some of the seeds for the birds to eat.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During physical activity the children are developing their strength and good control of their bodies. They are able to move around safely, climb and balance well. They follow instructions successfully when doing exercises inside or when playing games outside. The children know they need to eat a healthy diet to keep fit and well, and have a good awareness of their bodies and what happens if they exercise, helping themselves to drinks if they are hot.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are able to count well and use mathematical language in their games. They are able to build with construction toys, patiently working out how to balance bricks to prevent the structures falling over. They discuss problems and advise each other what should be done next. The children can recognise simple shapes, and sort and match well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Partnership with parents is good. They are included in the care and education received by their child, with home visits made if they feel the need when they first express an interest in the group. The information booklet tells them about the management of the setting and includes details of the Foundation Stage and what children learn from the activities they enjoy. Registration forms give staff information about the children's needs and contact details. There is a settling in policy to help parents and children feel comfortable before they are left in the group. The staff know children who are unsettled or unhappy do not enjoy themselves and do not make good progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The parents spoken to are very happy with the care their children receive and are able to speak to staff about any concerns. They have not needed the anonymity of the suggestion box. A meeting is held within the first two weeks with parents to ensure they are happy with the care and to complete the initial assessment appropriately. They then have meetings each term to discuss progress. One parent was to ring Ofsted as she was so pleased with the care her child has received. The newsletters give parents information about the group, the programme of activities and suggestions for things to do at home including songs or recipes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A comprehensive behaviour policy is in place with the procedure to follow in the event of bullying or very poor behaviour. The group believes in positive management and does not humiliate the children or create situations where children only get attention for unacceptable behaviour. The staff are very positive and encouraging, endorsing desirable actions such as helpfulness, kindness or a willingness to share by putting children's names on the kindness

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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 tree. They do not make children feel uncomfortable if they do not wish to do activities, but if they then decide to do so, give praise for participating.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave well and have good manners, with staff providing good role models. The children help to tidy up at the end of the sessions and they encourage their peers if they are somewhat tardy. They tell each other if items are in the wrong place or if they do not have a band for the activities with restricted numbers, such as the sand. If the setting gets a little noisy staff use music to calm things down. They use a tambourine to gain children's attention if they wish to speak to them while they are playing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is fostered. They learn about right and wrong when playing and discussing stories or behaviour. They are also developing a good awareness of diversity, and respect each other regardless of their differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A comprehensive equal opportunities policy is in place, and the staff are very aware of the need to raise children's awareness of diversity. The children are currently celebrating Chinese New Year with craft activities and food experiences, such as pictures of dragons and pigs. Samples of writing have been used to show the difference between English and Chinese. They are also learning about France. They have compared sliced white bread with croissant, pain au chocolat and French bread. Some simple words have been used in the setting, such as merci at snack time, and bonjour. The children have also learned some French songs, which they sing very confidently, and how to count to 10.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with English as a second language are made welcome in the group and steps taken to help their parents understand how the setting is managed, to care for their child. Parents are also encouraged to become involved in the community. The staff take advice from parents to help the children settle and some items are labelled with two languages. Translations are made available if necessary for parents who are not able to read English.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The group has a very inclusive ethos, and children with learning difficulties and disabilities are welcome to attend. Close contact is maintained with the local authority support workers, who appreciate and praise the work done by the group. Facilities are in place to support children who are less mobile with space for wheelchairs and a suitable toilet. Furniture or equipment is moved if need be and additional resources obtained. The children are used to having children with different needs in the group and are very supportive, so all the children are able to participate and make good progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Leadership and management is good. Robust systems are in place for staff appointments and also for checking any persons visiting or working on the premises. An induction procedure ensures staff and students are aware of the policies and procedures which govern the management of the setting. These are reviewed regularly to take account of any changes in legislation or childcare thinking. All staff have job descriptions to set out their roles and responsibilities, although they are all aware they share responsibility for the safety of everyone on the premises. Annual appraisals and personal development plans are in place to support

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 their future training. Self evaluation of the group is completed every six months to assess progress and to plan for future development.

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Organisation

Staff meetings are held each month to discuss future planning and any concerns although these are usually discussed while staff clear up or set out equipment. The programme for the morning is posted on the notice board but it is flexible to take account of any special events or occurrences.

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Organisation

The certificate is on display and the group adheres to the conditions of registration. Sufficient staff are in post to ensure very good supervision of the children at all times. Children are signed in and out by their parents and a visitors' book is also maintained.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that children be allowed to develop independence by selecting resources for themselves. As a result, the group has purchased some shelves and trolleys to store resources and allow children to choose for themselves what to do.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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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): • ensure children employ good hygiene practice consistently after playing outside.

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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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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure sufficient resources are available at all times.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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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