Weasenham Pre School

Weasenham Pre School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Weasenham Pre School

Unique Reference Number 254338 Inspection date 29 November 2005 Inspector Marianne Gascoyne

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Weasenham Pre School

Setting Address Common End, Weasenham, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 2SP

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E-mail

Registered person Weasenham Pre School Type of inspection Integrated Type of care Full day 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?

Weasenham Pre-school opened in 2000. It operates from a mobile classroom within the grounds of the village school. Children who attend come from Weasenham and the surrounding villages. There are currently seven children on role, this includes five children in receipt of funding for nursery education. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group opens five days a week during school term times only. Sessions are from

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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 08:45 until 15:00 on Monday and Friday, 09:00 until 15:00 on Wednesday and 08:45 until 12.45 on a Tuesday and Thursday. There are three members of staff plus a lunchtime and back-up staff member. The supervisor and deputy have early years qualifications to level three and one assistant has almost completed a level three qualification. The other member of staff is working towards a level two qualification. The group has gained an Investors in People award and is currently undertaking the Norfolk Kitemark.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Effective procedures are in place to ensure children are protected from the risk of cross infection, for example, disposable gloves and aprons are used when changing nappies. A clear policy in place with regard to sick children also provides protection. Children are aware of the need to wash hands after toileting without reminder and explanations by the adults help them to understand the reason why they need to keep hands clean particularly prior to eating. Children have access to fresh air and exercise on a daily basis to maintain their health and well-being. They develop their skills as they use ride on toys or the climbing frame and these physical activities are included in the daily planning. They learn the effect of exercise on their bodies as they listen to their heartbeat with a real stethoscope after physical play. The routine of the day helps children understand when they need to rest or sleep and they are made comfortable and quickly fall

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Helping children to be healthy

asleep after their lunch. Children's understanding of healthy eating is developed through planned activities and by generally eating healthy snacks. Information about special diets is obtained from parents and made clear to all staff to ensure there is no risk of an allergic reaction by children to foods given. Children enjoy conversations with the adults at mealtimes making this time a social occasion. They are not easily able to access fresh drinking water to ensure they do not become dehydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. An attractive, welcoming environment is created in the mobile classroom and children are confident and eager to attend. They are able to play in well maintained premises with areas created to encourage different types of play. Children are able to easily access the developmentally appropriate equipment stored in clearly labelled storage units. Child size furniture and floor mattresses enable children to sit and eat, play or sleep in comfort.

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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 Thorough risk assessments and a safety checklist completed daily ensures any dangers are identified and risks minimised to enable children to play in a safe, secure environment. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through explanations given by staff and visitors, for example, the Road Safety Officer and visits to the fire station. They practise the fire drill to ensure they are aware of the need to evacuate the premises promptly when asked. Children's welfare is safeguarded by staff who have all attended training to ensure they have up to date knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. A policy is in place which is made available to parents and covers all aspects.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and well occupied as they enjoy their time at the pre-school. A wide range of activities is available to them to meet their developmental needs. Children have a positive attitude to learning benefiting from staff interaction and questioning which extends their thinking and vocabulary. They are encouraged to reflect and recall events which have taken place, for example, a visit to the fire station and talk confidently about experiences from home. Children eagerly take part in new experiences, for example, the dragon dance. Staff give clear explanations and demonstrations to help their understanding. They listen attentively to stories and join in enthusiastically with action songs and rhymes. They concentrate at activities for extended periods of time. Staff are not yet using the 'Birth to three matters' framework with the children under three. The Foundation Stage planning is adapted and observations made to use in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's assessments once they receive funding. Children under three communicate with confidence, are well occupied and their needs are met. Children are well behaved. They enjoy relaxed, warm relationships with adults and learn right from wrong by explanations and role models provided. Children's self-esteem is enhanced by the praise and encouragement given by staff. Nursery Education The quality of teaching and learning is good. Qualified staff have a secure knowledge of the early learning goals and all staff meet together to plan an interesting range of activities generally based around a theme. Unqualified members of staff are therefore learning about the Foundation Stage through discussion in addition to training being undertaken. Long term plans show how all aspects will be covered over a period of time and focused activities form the short term planning. Short term activity plans do not show how the activity can be adapted for individual children based on what

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children can do. The plans are evaluated considering each child and the next steps in their learning added to their assessments. These are not used in future planning. Staff know the small number of children well and are able to provide for their particular interests and ensure they make progress in their learning. Activities are

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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 planned to ensure children try new skills, learn different concepts and are provided with challenges. Staff use open ended questions to encourage children to think and sit with them to support and develop their play. Children enjoy joining in with conversations and communicate with confidence. Good quality resources and planned activities help children develop an understanding of other people and their feelings and they are encouraged to play and get on well together. Children learn print has meaning from words around them in the environment, labelling of resources and name cards as they self-register. They can easily access writing materials for use in everyday activities and enjoy using chalk in the outside area. Children are encouraged to count and learn about addition and subtraction in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

everyday activities for example, giving out cups and throwing bean bags into container. There are planned activities to develop their understanding of shape, weight and measure. They are able to access a range of good quality jigsaw puzzles and games to develop their mathematical understanding. Children learn about change, for example, as they study life cycles, grow plants and take part in cooking activities. They explore natural materials and take advantage of a fall of snow to explore its properties. Planned activities, for example the Victorian day, help their understanding of time. They learn about their own and other cultures, when celebrating bonfire night and Divali. They use large cardboard boxes to design and construct vehicles and use building bricks, to construct homes for animals. A computer and calculator are available to help them learn about technology. Daily opportunities for outdoor play develop children's large muscles and they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

develop their small muscles as they play with play dough and use scissors to cut paper. Activities are planned to develop all their physical skills as they use a range of small and large equipment. They are able to use their imagination in the well equipped home corner with an attractive rail of dressing up clothes. Materials to enable them to be creative are well organised and easily accessible. Children are not encouraged to make decisions about when they wish to undertake craft activities, by the arrangement of the furniture.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are secure and settled enjoying positive relationships with each other and the adults in the group. They have a good sense of belonging. Their confidence and self-esteem is enhanced by the interaction with staff and praise and encouragement given. Good quality books and resources are helping them develop positive attitudes to differences in people and everyone is welcome in the setting. Children enjoy visits by people from the local community. Staff have undertaken training to ensure the setting is able to support children with special needs who would be welcomed by the pro-active attitude of staff. They work closely with parents and other professionals to ensure children with additional needs receive any support necessary to help them make progress in their learning.

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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 Children respond to the clear guidelines and positive role models provided by staff, enjoy each other's company and are well behaved. They are learning to share and take responsibility for their own behaviour through clear explanations given. The few, positively worded, rules are shared with parents to help provide consistency for children. The partnership with parents and carers is good. Children benefit from the close involvement of their parents in all aspects of the operation of the setting. The brochure provides clear information about the early learning goals, plans are displayed and the 'activities available' booklet gives them an understanding of what their children learn from the basic activities provided. There are strong home and pre-school links and parents have many opportunities to discuss and record their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's interests and see the progress they are making. The parents notice board displays information of interest to them and they are able to access policies and procedures to enable them to receive information about the care their children receive. Access to copies of minutes of meetings and regular newsletters helps their involvement in the setting for the benefit of their children. They are aware of the procedure to follow if they wish to complain about any aspect of the care their children are receiving. A log to record any complaints has not yet been set up in line with recent legislation. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered appropriately. Children play harmoniously together, behave well and show mutual respect. They enjoy taking part in conversations with adults and other children. They are helped to develop positive attitudes to all through the resources provided and activities are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

planned to help them learn about different cultures. Children's experience is broadened as they are encouraged to listen and respond to different types of music.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Staff have a high regard for the well-being of children in their care and are all suitable to work with children. Children are safeguarded by the induction procedures which are in place for new staff. The setting generally operates a key worker system although is not effectively in place at present due to imminent staff changes. Clear procedures are in place for the registration of children and adults to safeguard children. Staff undertake training on a regular basis to develop their knowledge and ensure their understanding is up to date for the benefit of the children. They work well together and meet regularly to plan an interesting range of activities to stimulate and interest the children. All the necessary documentation is in place although policies and procedures have not yet been updated in line with recent legislation to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded at all times. Documents are stored confidentially and are easily

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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 The leadership and management of the setting is good. The supervisor and chairperson work closely together to provide support for staff through supervision and annual appraisals. Staff are encouraged to undertake training. The supervisor holds regular meetings with staff and has created an atmosphere in which they work well together for the benefit of the children who are happy and secure. The group's aim 'to provide a good quality educational environment with activities appropriate to children's varying age and development' is seen to be met. The 'Norfolk Quality Kitemark' is currently being undertaken to monitor and evaluate the quality of care and education provided for the children which together with the recently obtained 'Investors in People Award' demonstrates the group's commitment to providing

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Organisation

quality care and education. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the group was asked to continue to improve the use of the outside play area. An all-weather surface has been laid in a large part of the area. When weather permits activities such as sand and water are taken outside. The children have grown vegetables and planted flowers to attract butterflies which they watched develop from caterpillars. They planted hanging baskets with flowers. The last education inspection set key issues to develop planning and provide further opportunities for children to learn at every opportunity, to reflect and be tranquil and to explore sound and music. Opportunities are taken to develop children's learning in everyday activities such as snack time. Mood music CDs have been purchased using instruments such as pan pipes. Music is played at rest times and children encouraged to lay on the floor and take deep breaths and to listen during singing times. A wider range of musical instruments has been purchased which are used

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Improvements since the last inspection

regularly. Children are able to play music on a tape recorder when they choose. The setting was also asked to develop examples of print in the environment and storage units now have clear labels showing the contents in print and pictures. Furniture has been labelled with words, for example table and chair. Children read stories from books showing their understanding of print in books.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 fresh drinking water is available to children at all times • update documentation to ensure it takes account of recent legislation and reflects current practice • ensure the key worker system is in place to provide consistency and continuity of care.

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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 short term plans to show how the focussed activity can be adapted for individual children, based on what children can do, to enable them to make the next steps in their learning.

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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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