Little Swans

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. Swanton Morley Under 5's Group Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY293252 Inspection date 11/09/2008 Inspector Tessa Margaret Betts / Susan Cox

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Setting address Swanton Morley Village Hall, Manns Lane, Swanton Morley, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4NP Telephone number 01362 637166 Email 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). This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

Swanton Morley Under 5's Group is an established provision which was re- registered in 2004. It is located in the Village Hall where the group has sole use of the building. Children have access to the main hall and smaller room, and toilet facilities and a kitchen are available to prepare snacks and drinks. An enclosed outdoor area is available for outdoor play. The group is open each weekday during school term time from 9.00 - 13.00 to include a morning session and a lunch club. Staff are developing sound links with the local school to support those children attending the lunch club after the morning session at school. The group is registered for a maximum of 26 children from two to four years at any one time on the Early Years Register. There are currently 12 children on roll. Five staff are employed, three of whom hold appropriate qualifications. The manager holds a Diploma in Nursery Nursing and two staff members, including the deputy, hold a

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Swanton Morley Under 5's Group provides firm foundations for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children are actively involved in purposeful play, being well supported by knowledgeable and caring staff. Children are valued as individuals and their uniqueness recognised. Staff are continuing to develop systems to monitor and evaluate the provision to ensure that improvements are made to further enhance the care and education of children attending.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve committee members knowledge and understanding of their roles and responsibilities to appropriately support the staff in the day-to-day running of the provision  improve risk assessments to ensure all reasonable steps are taken to minimise the hazards to children. This particularly refers to the doors from the playroom to the main hall and the doors from the hall to other areas of the premises  provide more flexible use of the outdoor area to better meet the needs of the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure all members of staff have an up-to-date understanding of safeguarding children issues and are able to implement the safeguarding children policy and procedures appropriately. 25/09/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Clear policies and procedures guide staff and inform parents about the service that is provided to meet the needs of the children. Although the manager has a solid understanding of procedures to protect children other staff are not fully secure in knowing what action to take should a concern arise. As a result there is a potential risk of child protection issues, in the absence of the Manager, not being dealt with effectively. Robust systems are in place to appoint appropriate staff and ensure relevant checks are completed to promote the safety of the children. Children benefit from the enthusiasm of the staff and their commitment to training. The staff group have attended many relevant courses including two staff who have recently undertaken training to support children with English as an additional language.

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provision

Staff are very well organised and deployed appropriately due to the strong leadership of the manager. Effective teamwork and the skills and understanding of the staff has a positive impact in supporting children's welfare and development. This includes giving children individual attention and care which is sensitive and tailored to their particular needs. The manager and staff show a commitment to developing the service they provide and are keen to seek and take advice to further improve their practice. However the Directors, who have overall responsibility for this group, have not been fully effective in providing regular support to the staff team. Whilst they have clear plans for future development they have not sufficiently planned for the impending staff changes which impacts on the continuity of care for the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with good opportunities to help them make good progress across all areas of learning and development. The planning is flexible, responding to the children's interests and experiences. For example staff have developed an exciting programme of activities to link with a child's forthcoming trip to the zoo. Information about what children know and can do when they start is gathered from parents to ensure that a firm foundation is set for their future learning. This enables staff to respond in a very sensitive manner to ensure all children are well supported to settle and become confident in their own time. Children's preferences are taken into account when identifying the key person to support their care and education. This leads to a secure partnership with parents which actively encourages involvement in their child's learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from a well-balanced range of free play and adult-led activities which cover all areas of learning. They are well motivated and show varying levels of concentration and perseverance in their play. Children enjoy the thrill of exploring the feeling of paint when squeezed through their fingers, mixing colours and making spontaneous patterns on paper. This is readily supported by attentive staff who further promote and extend children's learning through words of praise and encouragement. Children are well supported as they count and consider concepts of 'more or less' using simple problem solving skills in their everyday play. They This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 communicate with confidence and are eager to share news from home. Children's learning opportunities are greatly extended as staff confidently use open-ended questions to probe children's thinking and understanding. Further support is given

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to children who are learning English as an additional language through the use of gestures, pictures and dual language resources. Children develop a sense of their rural community as they excitedly await the tractor passing by each day and make a positive contribution by joining in local community events. Secure systems are in place to ensure children's individual progress is regularly assessed. This is then incorporated into future planning to ensure all children's learning is secured.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's safety and welfare is generally promoted. Staff are well organised and create a welcoming environment for children's arrival. The premises are secured and staff supervise the children effectively to maintain their safety. Although risk assessments are conducted and appropriate action is taken, sufficient attention has not been paid to the potential risk to children having access to other areas within the building. Daily use is made of the outdoor play area giving children opportunities to play in the fresh air. However, the current organisation of the session does not give sufficient flexibility to enable children to play inside or outside as they wish, or take account of their changing needs. 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

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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

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

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Satisfactory How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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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 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 the last inspection.

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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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