Colchester County High School for Girls

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/10/2003 Inspector Name Deborah Lynch

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St John's Church Playgroup Setting Address St. Johns Church Danson Lane Welling Kent DA16 2BQ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of The Committee of St John's Church

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name The Committee of St John's Church Address St John's Church Playgroup St. Johns Church Danson Lane Welling, Kent DA16 2BQ

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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ABOUT THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality and standard of day care in accordance with the National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding; and that the nursery education for funded three and four year old children is of an acceptable quality. Inspection of nursery education also identifies strengths and weaknesses so that providers can improve the quality of educational provision and help children to achieve the early learning goals (elgs) by the end of the Foundation Stage. This inspection report must be made available to all parents. If the setting has been inspected previously, an action plan will have been drawn up to tackle issues identified. This inspection, therefore, must also assess what progress has been made in the implementation of this plan.

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Information about the setting

St John's Church Playgroup is a voluntary organisation. The provider is St John's Church and the Joint Play Leaders are responsible to the Parochial Church Council. The joint leaders have day-to-day responsibility. The playgroup opened in 1972 and operates from St John's Church Hall, Welling. The playgroup has use of the main hall and a second smaller adjoining room. All accommodation is on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed outside play area. The playgroup is well established in the community and serves families from the surrounding residential area. The playgroup is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 12.00 noon. Term time only. There are currently 36 children on roll. There are 32 3-year-olds, 21 of whom are funded and 4 children aged 4 years, 3 of whom are funded. The playgroup provides support for children for whom English is an additional language and children with special educational needs.

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Information about the setting

The staff team comprises two joint play leaders, both of whom hold a recognised childcare qualification. Four members of staff work with the children, two hold a childcare qualification. The playgroup also has an additional voluntary assistant, who attends on a regular basis. The setting receives support from the Bexley Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

St John's Playgroup provides good care for children in a well organised, warm and welcoming setting. There are good opportunities for outside play. The enthusiastic staff team work well together, they ensure that all policies and procedures have a positive impact on children. Staff are proactive in managing health and safety issues, they undertake regular risk assessment, but information recorded sometimes lacks detail.

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How good is the Day Care?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 Children show interest in themed activities. They use space and resources imaginatively, in a stimulating and supportive environment. Children explore and investigate materials and resources, that challenge and extend their learning. Staff know the children well, they listen with interest and engage children in relaxed conversations. Staff develop self-esteem through support and praise. Children respond well to the clear expectations and consistent approach of behaviour management, which focuses on positive reinforcement. Children are well behaved and show respect for others. Staff are committed to ensuring that the individual needs of children are met, their differences acknowledged and valued. Staff have

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How good is the Day Care?

arrangements in place to safeguard children attending the playgroup. There is a good relationship with parents and staff. Parents are well informed about the provision and their children's progress. Documentation required for the efficient management of the setting is in place and individual records are shared with parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection five actions were agreed. Two issues related to documentation. The play leaders have drawn up a sick children's policy and ensure that all significant incidents are recorded. The play leaders have also obtained a copy of the Department of Health Code of Practice for special educational needs and a copy of the Area Child Protection Committee Procedures. Since the last inspection the outside play area has been transformed. The area is fully enclosed with a soft play surface. There is also a covered area, which allows children to access the area throughout the year.

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What is being done well?

• The organisation of the setting provides a stimulating and supportive environment for children. •• The outside play area provides children with a safe and secure space to play and explore the natural world. • Children are fully involved in their activities. Play materials and equipment provide a balanced range of activities that promotes children's interest. • Children are well behaved, especially during 'circle time'. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged through positive reinforcement. • Staff ensure that all children are included and their individual needs met. • Parents are given comprehensive information about the setting and their children's progress.

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What needs to be improved?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 • Recording clear and accurate information in the risk assessment.

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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

All registered persons must comply with all conditions of registration included on his/her certificate of registration. As a result of this inspection conditions of registration have been imposed / varied / removed and a new certificate of registration will be issued.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 Ensure that the risk assessment contains all required information.

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by the time of the next inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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How effective is the nursery education?

St John's Playgroup provides a warm and welcoming environment, within which children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas. Teaching is very good. The enthusiastic staff work well together as a team and have a good understanding of the early learning goals. They provide a stimulating range of planned, themed activities, which provide children with the opportunity to learn about the natural world and to develop skills in all areas of learning. However, opportunities to extend children's knowledge on information technology are limited. Resources are well presented. There are good relationships between children and staff. Overall children's individual needs are met, including children with special needs. Children respond well to staff's clear and consistent approach to behaviour management. Management and leadership is very good. The Joint Play leaders, have a clear

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How effective is the nursery education?

vision as to how the quality of care and education can be improved for children. They have systems in place to evaluate and assess their own strengths and weaknesses. All members of staff are included in this process to ensure improved outcomes for children. There is an appraisal system in operation and strong emphasis is placed on staff development and training. The partnership with parents is very good. Parents receive a warm welcome and their contribution to the playgroup, via the parent's rota and fund raising, is valued by staff. Parents are provided with good information about the setting and their child's progress.

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What is being done well?

• There is clear leadership with a vision as to how the quality of care and educational provision can be improved for children. • A stimulating range of planned activities provide children with very good opportunities to learn about the natural world, as well as developing skills in all other areas of learning. • Children are friendly and form good relationships with adults and peers. They are happy, well behaved, able to share, show growing independence, have good concentration skills and are naturally curious. • The very good teaching of the curriculum provides children with a solid foundation for learning. • The genuine partnership with parents contributes to the children's good progress.

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What is being done well?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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What needs to be improved?

• Access to information technology to support children's learning.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This is the setting's first nursery education inspection.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children's progress in this area is very good. Children are interested and motivated to learn. During 'circle time' they actively participate, demonstrating good concentration for sustained periods. They are confident in choosing resources and activities. They show increasing independence and curiosity. Children are friendly and form good relationships with peers and adults, they are happy and well behaved.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children's progress in this area is very good. Children speak clearly and with confidence. They listen to, and participate in stories. The concept of stories is understood and this knowledge is used to re-tell the story. Children have the opportunity to borrow books to share at home. Children understand that print carries meaning. Older children link sounds to letters, they have a knowledge of the alphabet. They confidently write their own name.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children's progress in this area is very good. Children are able to relate counting to every day objects and undertake simple addition and subtraction. Children recognise size as a concept, and are able to use mathematical language to show this. Children are able to match items according to colour, shape and size and are involved in simple problem solving.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children's progress in this area is very good. Children are curious and enjoy exploring the world around them. Children learn about the natural world as they play outdoors and walk in the park. They are becoming increasing aware of their local community and recognise that people have different cultures and beliefs. Children are interested in how things work, but have few opportunities to explore technology.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children's progress in this area is very good. They demonstrate good co-ordination, control and confidence as they move around the setting. They play safely outdoors and show respect for each other's space. Children are developing a sense of bodily awareness, recognising the need for hygiene and healthy eating. Children demonstrate growing fine motor skill as they use a variety of materials and tools.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children's progress in this area is very good. Children participate in a wide range of creative activities, including painting, gluing and sticking and cooking. Through imaginative play children communicate their feelings and ideas. They enthusiastically participate in singing rhymes and playing musical instruments, they also enjoy acting out stories and moving to music.

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Children's spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is fostered

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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OUTCOME OF THE INSPECTION

The provision is acceptable and is of high quality. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals. The next inspection will take place in three to four years time.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

There are no significant weaknesses to report, but considerations should be given to improving the following: • Provide opportunities for children to explore information technology to support children's learning.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

The provider must draw up an action plan within 40 working days of receipt of this report showing how the key issues detailed above will be addressed. The action plan must be made available to all parents and to the Local Authority if required. An evaluation of the action taken will form part of the next inspection of funded nursery education.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

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STANDARD 2 - ORGANISATION

The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

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STANDARD 3 - CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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STANDARD 4 - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

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STANDARD 5 - EQUIPMENT

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.

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STANDARD 6 - SAFETY

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

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STANDARD 7 - HEALTH

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

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STANDARD 8 - FOOD AND DRINK

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.

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STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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STANDARD 11 - BEHAVIOUR

Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

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STANDARD 12 - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.

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STANDARD 13 - CHILD PROTECTION

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, or to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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