Over Kellet Playgroup

Over Kellet Playgroup

Inspection report for early years provision

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Over Kellet Playgroup

Unique Reference Number 309409 Inspection date 15 November 2005 Inspector Eileen Rochford

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Over Kellet Playgroup

Setting Address Over Kellet Village Hall, Nether Kellet Road, Over Kellet, Carnforth, LA6 1DT Telephone number 01524 730 904

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E-mail

Registered person Over Kellet Playgroup Type of inspection Integrated Type of care Sessional 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 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?

Over Kellet Playgroup opened in 1977. It operates from Over Kellet village hall. The group has use of a large hall, a meeting room, toilets, kitchen and store room. The group also has use of the enclosed outdoor play area. It serves children from the local area. There are currently approximately 32 children from 2 to 5 years on roll of these 20 children receive funding for nursery education. Children attend for a variety of

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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 sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and children who have English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week from 09.30 to 12.00 during school term times only. There are four part-time staff working with the children. All staff have relevant early years qualifications to NVQ level two or three. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well planned daily routines. For example, they know that they must wash hands after toileting and before snacks to stop germs spreading. The use of soap dispensers and paper towels fosters children's independence in this area. Children's individual needs are considered. For example, children with allergies are able to access appropriate soaps. Staff have a comprehensive system in place to ensure the first aid box is appropriately stocked. Children are offered a balanced diet at snack time, which is served to children in a social setting. This encourages them to develop social skills. However, children should be provided with the opportunity to develop independence. All children are able to freely access water throughout the day. Children enjoy a range of physical activities within the hall. They develop confidence in their large physical skills as they use the bikes and sit on toys. Children are able to

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Helping children to be healthy

negotiate these toys within the confines of the space.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a clean, well maintained environment. The good organisation of well maintained toys and equipment means children can move around safely and freely to independently access available resources. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures, which are supported through a comprehensive range of policies and procedures. Children develop a good awareness of safety through practicing emergency evacuations, and discuss the reasons for this. Sensitive reminders, such as a request to pick up toys from the floor, to prevent someone tripping over, and helping with tidying away, increase the child's awareness of everyday safety in the setting. Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. Staff have attended training and show a sound understanding of the procedures to follow with any

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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 concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and have settled well. They play confidently in the group and display a sense of belonging as they participate in a good range of activities. They are developing an understanding of the groups routine and show respect for their environment. For example, tidying away toys and equipment at the appropriate time. Children are developing good friendships with others and enjoy sharing ideas and make suggestions as they develop play. Relationships with staff are very good. Staff respond sensitively to the children who confidently express and communicate their needs. Staff interact effectively with the children by encouraging them to reflect on what they know. Activities are purposeful and aid development by providing challenge and support in accordance with the needs of the children. Senior staff have attended training on Birth to three matters, and are now beginning to implement this

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

within the group. Remaining staff within the group would benefit from training to assist with the smooth implementation of this area. NURSERY EDUCATION The quality of teaching and learning is good. The staff's knowledge of the Foundation stage of learning is good and they understand how children learn. Children participate in a good range of activities that cover all the areas of learning. Planning is in a variety of forms with a weekly theme. Although staff are aware of aims of activities and the intended outcome for children, this is not evident from planning. These should be developed to clearly identify the area for development. Children are confident within the group and have settled well. They show a sense of belonging as they greet staff and other children. The are involved and interested in activities and keen to participate, with children working well together developing an understanding of sharing and taking turns. Children show emerging self confidence

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as they freely select equipment and take responsibility for personal care. The children's imaginations are stimulated well by the activities and resources provided for them, such as role play. Children improvise within the role play and are using various props from around the room. They enjoy listening to stories and join in rhymes and songs with enthusiasm. The children are showing developing confidence in speaking in group situations. The book corner provides a range of resources, however this should be developed to encourage children to independently access these. Children are developing good number skills through a range of activities included within the group. They show increasing awareness of number recognition and counting. Children's knowledge of shape and size is very good. The well organised setting enables children to experiment and explore as they use resources provided for them. Physical play is promoted effectively by practicing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

drawing, cutting and writing skills. Children participate in large activities within the hall area. However, these could be further developed to provide challenges for older

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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 children. Overall children are making good progress in all areas of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals. They work harmoniously with others, taking turns, sharing and showing concern for others. There is a range of resources and activities provided that promote a positive view of the wider world including books stories and focused activities. Information is gathered from parents to ensure staff develop a clear understanding of the individual needs of each child, when they first attend the group. The settling in procedure is well planned to ensure the appropriate support and care is provided. The group is aware that some children have special needs and is pro-active in ensuring appropriate action is taken and their needs are identified and met. All children are welcomed into the setting and there is a positive attitude towards inclusion. Children's behaviour is extremely good. Staff are very good role models and treat children with respect. They take a positive approach to managing children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour and ensure children receive constructive praise to reward good behaviour. Children are aware of the ground rules and why these are implemented. These are clearly explained to the children to help them learn that they have choices over the way they behave, and they take responsibility for their actions. Partnership with parents is good. Children benefit from the settling in procedure and the initial sharing of information with parents. Good relationships have been developed by the effective channels of communication. Parents are encouraged to become involved in group life, through helping within the group. Extensive information is available for parents on the Foundation stage ensuring they are aware of their child's progress. The setting fosters children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The group is meeting the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides care and education. Children's care is enhanced by the positive attitude and disposition of the staff team. Their commitment and enthusiasm ensures that children have a productive and fulfilling time. Space is well organised, enabling children to move freely from one area to another. The room is organised into areas of learning. This provides areas for various

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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 activities, including areas where children can participate fully in messier activities. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being are in place and regularly reviewed. There is a comprehensive policy and procedure in place to ensure that all staff and adults are appropriately vetted. The quality of leadership and management is satisfactory. Management and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities, which results in smooth running sessions. However, they should implement procedures which allows for more rigorous monitoring of the Foundation stage to ensure that all areas of the curriculum are covered in sufficient detail.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the group has addressed the issues raised. They have implemented a system for recording the times of attendance for both staff and children, and how the contents of the first aid kit can be monitored. At the last education inspection, issues raised included planning for children who require challenge and consideration to the developmental stage of children when organising groups, and integrating number into everyday activities. These issues have been addressed and planning now takes consideration of challenges for older children and organisation of groups. Staff are integrated fully into all group activities. Children count at every opportunity; at registration and snack time.

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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. There are no complaints to report.

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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):

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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 • use snack time to develop children's independence further • enhance staff awareness of Birth to Three matters.

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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): • develop opportunities for children to experience a wider range of large physical skills • develop purposeful opportunities and resources to encourage children's interest in books • develop planning to clearly identify proposed areas for development and goals to be achieved. • implement a procedure to monitor activities to ensure children are developing skills in areas of the curriculum.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

procedures 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 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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