St Lawrence Pre-school (North Wingfield)

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. St Lawrence Pre-school (North Wingfield) Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY367191 Inspection date 04/12/2008 Inspector Karen Ann Byfleet

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Setting address The Rectory, St. Lawrence Road, North Wingfield, CHESTERFIELD, Derbyshire, S42 5HX Telephone number 01246 851 181 Email lesley@schoolrooms.plus.com Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

St. Lawrence Pre-school was previously registered in 2001. In 2008 was re- registered as St Lawrence Pre-school (North Wingfield) as a charitable company limited by guarantee. It operates from the rectory school rooms with a refurbished church hall which has a level access from the car park. An enclosed outdoor play area is also available. The pre-school serves the local community and surrounding areas. They are registered on the Early Years register and the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register to provide care for 30 children. There are currently 57 children on roll within the Early Years age range. The group opens five days a week during school term only. Sessions are from 09:00 until 12:00 and 13:00 until 16:00 Monday to Friday.

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Description of the setting

Seven staff work directly with the children over various sessions throughout the week. All have relevant early years qualifications at level 3. The manager, who holds qualified teacher status has also recently completed work towards an early years professional status. The setting provides support for children with learning and/or disabilities and they receive support from the local authority.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

St Lawrence Pre-school(North Wingfield) provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are making good progress in their learning and development and their individual needs are met well through recognising and supporting their uniqueness. Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the setting and their welfare is well promoted. The good quality education and care is promoted by clear identification of plans for improvement of the setting, including staff training and proactive partnership with parents, other agencies and the community.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 provide more opportunities for children to make their own choices and decisions with regard to craft activities

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure the safeguarding policy includes a procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff and that all staff understand the procedure. 19/12/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The management of the setting is focused on ensuring that all children have effective opportunities to develop and make very good progress in their learning and that their welfare is promoted well. There is a strong sense of purpose and commitment within the team of motivated and enthusiastic staff who work very well together. Effective, appropriately maintained records, policies and procedures, which are required for the safe and efficient management of the setting, are in place. These are implemented well to ensure that the needs of all children are met and that they are well protected. Staff are aware of the setting's policies and procedures and show a good understanding of safeguarding children. However, their safeguarding policy is incomplete as it does not include a procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a staff member. There are sound recruitment policies and procedures in place. All policies are readily

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provision

available to parents together with other relevant information, which is displayed on a notice board within the reception area of the setting. Children are cared for by qualified and experienced staff who are well supported in order for them to fully develop their skills through ongoing training.

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provision

Resources and the premises are very well maintained and suitable for their use, as the nominated health and safety staff members effectively monitor and update the detailed risk assessment. Staff are effectively deployed within the setting which is well organised with different areas of play set out to enable children to make free choice. The management and staff have a positive approach to continuing improvement. They have started to introduce a system to continually evaluate and monitor the care and education provided, however, this is still in the early stages.

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provision

All staff within the setting work very closely with parents to ensure children’s individual needs are met. An effective system has been introduced which encourages parents to become more involved in their children’s learning. For example, as specific observations are made and development records updated by key persons, they are shared with the parents and their comments are welcomed by the staff. Parents express how much they appreciate this system as it enables them to continue their child's learning at home. There are very good links with other providers in the area, children attending other settings have a daily diary which is passed between St Lawrence and the other providers, enabling consistency in the children's education. The setting provides a room for the local parent toddler group which ensures good links with the local community.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled within the warm and welcoming environment where they have many opportunities to make good progress in their all-round development. Staff engage with the children and develop positive relationships. They praise children's achievements which motivates them to learn and develop positive self-esteem. For example, staff write out notes which highlight children's achievements and the children place these in the 'shiny box'. At the end of each session these are read out by staff who present the children with a sticker. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children then take the notes home with them so that parents are able to see why their child has been awarded a sticker. An effective key worker system enables parents to feel confident and children to feel safe within the setting. Staff throughout the setting confidently use questioning techniques effectively to extend

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Staff use their good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage to plan enjoyable activities and have highly effective observation and assessment systems in place. Plans are clear and highlight the learning objectives, with the next steps in individual children's learning clearly identified. There is a very good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities which cover all areas of learning. Children develop their independence to a good level as they attend to their own personal care needs, select resources, choose activities and help with the serving of snacks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are relaxed, confident, behave well, are eager to participate in activities and remain actively engaged. The very good labelling of children's art work around the room promotes children's awareness of letters and numbers. Older children eagerly label their own work. All children take part in a wide range of activities which supports their physical development both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors children have daily access to a broad range of resources that enables them to develop their physical skills well. They show good spatial awareness as they skilfully manoeuvre wheeled toys around the outdoor play area. A well-resourced role play area encourages children to use their imagination and to play cooperatively as they act out scenarios. Children have access to natural materials and develop good fine motor skills as they play with sand, water and a variety of media. Older children demonstrate good dexterity as they use pencils, paint

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

brushes and scissors. However, when children are participating in adult-led craft activities they have little choice about the materials they use. Their awareness of the wider world is extended through various religious celebrations, visitors to the setting and walks within the community where they have been able to see the building of new houses. The children particularly enjoy being able to participate in activities which enables them to explore and investigate natural objects such as leaves, shells and wood and create a wormery. They also enjoy planting flowers and grass seed in the outside area.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A clear sick child policy and the good hygiene routines followed by the children are effective in helping to prevent cross-infection. Children are learning about the importance of healthy foods. Each day they are provided with nutritious snacks which include fresh fruit. Staff are fully aware of children's individual dietary requirements and any specific needs are catered for. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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