Howden Pre-School

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. Howden Playgroup Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 314652 Inspection date 07/07/2009 Inspector Diane Lynn Turner

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Setting address Church Hall, Off Market Place, Howden, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 7BL Telephone number 07902 294 626 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 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

Howden Playgroup has been open since before 1974 and is run by a volunteer committee. It operates from the Minster Church Hall in the centre of Howden, a small town in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Children are cared for in one main play room and there is an enclosed area for outdoor play. The playgroup is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and may care for 20 children at any one time. There are currently 35 children on roll in the early years age group. Session times are Monday to Friday from 09.15 to 11.45, term time only, with afternoon sessions from 12.45 to 15.15 when there is a demand.

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Description of the setting

There are five staff who work directly with the children, of these, three have a childcare qualification to Level 3, one has Level 2 and one is working towards Level 3. There are two relief members of staff and additional help comes from the parents on rota. The group receives support from the local authority and is a member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment by staff who clearly value them as individuals. They are offered a wide range of activities across the six areas of learning and they make good progress given their age, ability and starting points. Parents and carers are very much included in the setting and excellent relationships are established and maintained, which ensures the needs of all children are met successfully. Systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the setting and to identify areas for future development, however, these are not yet fully developed, to ensure continuous improvement in all areas.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the system for self-assessment to ensure continuous improvement, for example, by using the Ofsted self-evaluation form and quality improvement processes.

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provision

Children's welfare and safety is given high priority in the setting. Staff undertake regular risk assessments to identify and minimise any risks to the children's safety and they have a good understanding of their responsibilities in protecting children from possible abuse. The manager leads the team well and all members work very well together. They carry out their duties diligently, share responsibility for leading the activities and show that they are committed to developing their knowledge and improving their practice through training. They have successfully addressed the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 recommendations from the previous inspection and all the necessary documentation is maintained effectively, with clear policies and procedures underpinning the safe and efficient operation of the setting.

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provision

Staff have a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and they use effective planning and assessment systems. A learning journey is kept for each child which includes staff's observations and photographs, to support their findings. They provide a bright and stimulating learning environment and give high priority to ensuring inclusion. All children are welcome to attend and good systems are in place to gather as much information as possible before the placement begins. Good support is provided for those who may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who speak additional languages. Children's work is displayed in many areas, which shows their efforts are valued and appreciated and that they are able to make a positive contribution to their surroundings.

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provision

The excellent partnership which is fostered with the parents and carers is a real strength of the setting. They are provided with very good information through the prospectus, newsletters and a wealth of displays. Open mornings are held for new starters when parents meet their child's key person and are able to discuss their child's needs and ask any questions they may have. They have very valuable opportunities to see their children's learning first hand as they take part in the helper rota and through activities provided for them to share with their child at home. Parents spoken to at the inspection all expressed extremely positive comments about the service and the staff. The setting also has effective links with other settings the children attend, such as the local school nursery.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All children are happy and very settled. Staff develop very good relationships with them and support their learning and development very well through their skilful use of questioning and by offering activities which capture their interest. They make very good use of the outdoor area and as a result the children show an avid interest in nature. They are very proud of the flowers, for example and tomato plants they are growing in the garden, carefully tending these and making sure they have enough water to enable them to flourish. They are very interested in looking for insects and show excitement as they find spiders and observe a snail. They learn to be gentle if they handle the creatures and are fascinated to learn that the snail's shell serves as its' home, showing surprise when it retreats inside the shell.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Staff give very good attention to helping children develop their personal, social and emotional skills. The children behave well, are polite and welcoming towards visitors and are very independent. They confidently pour their own drink at snack and help themselves to water at other times from the dispenser. They help one another during the activities and show concern if someone is upset. They benefit from regular visitors to the group who share their skills with them, such as a musician and fitness instructor and they learn about their local environment and what it has to offer. They regularly visit the nearby park, marshland and shops. They show creative flair as they make beautifully decorated masks to wear at their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 forthcoming 'ugly bug ball' and are confident to initiate their own games, such as hiding in the play house outdoors as they pretend they are being chased by

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's knowledge of keeping safe and healthy is promoted very effectively by the staff. As a result they thoroughly enjoy being outside in the fresh air and taking part in physical activities. They demonstrate good control of their bodies as they negotiate the steps on the climbing frame and successfully use the balancing equipment. They work cooperatively as they use the seesaw made for four and enjoy healthy food for their snack, such as fresh fruit. They know to wash their hands before they eat, after messy activities and playing outside and to remain sitting on the mat at the end of the session until staff tell them their parent has arrived. They learn about road safety as they go for walks in the local community and this is reinforced by visits from the school crossing patrol person. 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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