Hutton Cranswick Playgroup

Hutton Cranswick Playgroup

Inspection report for early years provision

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Hutton Cranswick Playgroup

Unique Reference Number 314654 Inspection date 13 October 2005 Inspector Jackie Phillips

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Hutton Cranswick Playgroup

Setting Address Methodist Church Hall, Main Street, Cranswick, Driffield, YO25 9QR Telephone number 07760 145218

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E-mail

Registered person Hutton Cranswick Playgroup Committee 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?

Hutton Cranswick Playgroup is an established group which registered in 1988. The group serves the rural village of Hutton Cranswick close to the town of Driffield. The management committee is elected annually and is made up of parents. The group meets in the Methodist Church hall, having the use of two rooms for each session. There is an enclosed garden area for outdoor play. Children may also use the car park area which is made secure for outside play. Close links with the local Hutton

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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 Cranswick Community Primary School are established. A maximum of 22 children may attend the playgroup at any one time. The group is open term time only between the hours of 09.15 to 11.45 and 12.45 to 15.15 Monday to Thursday. There are currently 31 children aged from 2 to under 5 years on roll, of these 19 children receive funding for nursery education. There are four members of staff including a supervisor. All staff hold recognised child care qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to develop an understanding about keeping healthy through regular routines and practices. These include opportunities for physical exercise, discussion about healthy eating and a developing awareness of personal hygiene. Children are supported well when using the toilets. This includes staff supervision and for some children the availability of steps to promote their independence. Soap and disposable paper hand towels are available for children. However, children are not always reminded to use soap when washing their hands in the small sink in the play area prior to eating food. There are also some missed opportunities to talk with children about the importance of hand washing routines as part of the many interesting discussions held related to keeping healthy. The mid session snack encourages children to taste a variety of fresh fruits. Children know they may choose only one biscuit but may have lots of fruit. Children's

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Helping children to be healthy

preferences regarding drinks is taken into account. Although drinks are not readily accessible to children throughout the session they may request a drink and adults promptly respond. Any special dietary requirements are discussed with parents when children commence at the setting. Good procedures are in place to restrict illness and infection within the group. This includes parents being kept well informed and children being cared for in a clean environment. There are procedures in place to record any medicine to be administered to children and all staff have achieved a first aid qualification. Regular physical exercise and fresh air during outdoor play supports children's health and well being. The group have recently accessed weekly physical play and exercise sessions for the older children provided by a professional instructor. Children develop and refine many skills including balancing, stretching, catching and skipping. Adults

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Helping children to be healthy

of the setting work alongside the children during these sessions and are able to adapt and develop new ideas for all the children of the group. During outdoor or indoor play children use a range of tools and resources. For example, they competently use scissors, rolling pins, cutters, paint brushes, pencils and a range of mobile equipment such as bikes.

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Helping children to be healthy

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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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. There are effective procedures in place to keep children safe when entering or leaving the secure premises. Children are made aware of fire safety procedures because they are involved in regular evacuation events which are also recorded. Prior to bonfire night celebrations adults discussed with children basic safety awareness which was positively reinforced later to support children's understanding after the event. Toys and resources that children access are in good condition. Most are easily accessed and children use the space provided and defined areas of learning with confidence. However, at group story time children sit on large adult sized chairs. These are a potential hazard for children with little support for their legs inhibiting good posture, because children are uncomfortable they often become easily distracted limiting the enjoyable and educational experience of a social group time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Adults of the setting have a good knowledge of issues relating to the protection of children. A procedure to follow should any concerns be raised about a child is in place, and this is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are stimulated and motivated to be involved in a wide range of activities that are well presented to them. Specific play areas are created and include a book corner and a creative area. Resources are placed at floor and table level and include toys to aid children's imagination and role play. Young children quickly settle and separate from their carers with confidence. Older children are very familiar with the routine and select their chosen resources carefully. Good relationships between adults and children are evident. Some staff members are well known within the local community and staff and children share and exchange news about recent events that have taken place. Children play well together. Disputes are minimal and they show respect and care for their friends. Nursery Education: The quality of teaching and learning is good. Adults have a sound knowledge of the Foundation Stage and plan a broad, well balanced and purposeful curriculum. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

make children's learning fun and plan interesting, well organised outings and special events to aid the learning process. Regular assessment of children's progression takes place. This is carried out effectively through observation, focussed learning opportunities and the evaluation of activities to aid future planning. Those children who require additional challenges are provided with stimulating activities to promote and maintain their interest. Children are well supported in making choices and decisions throughout the session. Good use of open ended questioning by adults promotes lively conversations. Letter sounds are positively promoted by adults but less so of those that rhyme to increase children's awareness.

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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 The 3 and 4 year olds work side by side during play activities. They share, take turns and are able to follow the rules of a game. They become actively involved in counting either by calculating the numbers of children present in the group or by singing an action song that involves number skills. They show interest in the lives of other people including those from their local community and of others with different beliefs and cultures. They have a good understanding of the wider world. They discuss holidays to other countries knowing they will travel by aeroplane. Children experience natural materials through sand and water play or a focussed activity involving autumn leaves and pretend mini beasts. They use their imaginations very well and are clearly able to express themselves through art, craft and other creative mediums.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals. For those with special or additional needs systems are in place to provide support and ensure they are fully included. Children demonstrate care and concern for others and have a good understanding between right and wrong. They are provided with praise and acknowledgment of their achievements or special events happening in their lives. Through celebration and well planned topic events children's awareness of different cultures and beliefs are raised. Resources of positive images support this well. Partnership with parents and carers is good. Children benefit from effective information sharing with parents. This includes newsletters, daily chats, access to the settings range of policies and procedures and detailed notice boards. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their children's learning such as providing torches for children to use when celebrating the Diwali festival of light. This positive approach

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Helping children make a positive contribution

ensures that children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The leadership and management of the group is good. The team are led by an enthusiastic motivator who presents a positive role model. Staff are able to attend a good variety of training courses to aid their professional development. All team members play an active part in the operation of the setting. They are very familiar with the planning and assessment processes that successfully contributes to children's early education. The curriculum is well planned with strong links to support children's learning. The sessions are well organised. Secure routines are established which can be flexible to meet children's needs. All required documentation which contributes to the safe and effective operation and management of the setting is in place. Staff take the time to reflect, monitor and improve the quality of their care and education for children. They plan ahead, attend regular meetings and develop a close and

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Organisation

successful relationship with the committee to ensure the ongoing success of the

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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 group. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last combined inspection report recommended that the group ensure all clearances on staff are carried out. These are now in place alongside an effective recruitment and induction programme which has been established. In the area of communication, language and literacy children write for a purpose during a range of different play situations. This includes writing and mark making involved in imaginative role play or when children add their names to their art work. Children develop their counting skills during practical and spontaneous events and through planned or focussed activities.

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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

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): • support children's good health by ensuring that soap is used for hand washing especially before eating • provide suitable seating arrangements for children at group time to minimise potential hazards and ensure children's comfort.

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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):

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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 • increase the opportunities to develop children's awareness of rhythm and rhyme.

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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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