Becket Keys Church of England Free School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/11/2003 Inspector Name John Early

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name The Castle Kindergarten Setting Address 20 Henfield Road Wimbledon London SW19 3HU

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Beverly Jane Davis Address 20 Henfield Road London SW19 3HU

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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

The Castle Kindergarten Pre-School opened in 1993. It operates from a multi-roomed single storey, ground floor building on a residential street in Wimbledon, close to Dundonald Park. It serves the families in the surrounding area and beyond. There are currently 69 children on role. This includes funded 3 and 4 year olds and some children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week during term times and the sessions are from 09.15-12.15 and 13.00-15.30 . There are 15 part/full time staff working with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NNEB, NVQ Level 3, or PGCE, Montessori Diploma. One person is currently under training and the nursery has a student from the local Merton college. There is also the registered person in charge and a full time administrator, who are also the proprietors. The nursery is a member of the Merton Early Years and childcare Partnership

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Information about the setting

(EYDCP) and The Pre-School Learning Alliance (PSLA).

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How good is the Day Care?

The Castle Kindergarten provides good quality care for children. The operational plan is in place. The staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities and work well together as a team. They interact very well with the children, they join in with the children's play and help them with their activities. The children are confident, happy and well settled. The environment is child centred, safe, clean and well maintained. There is a good range of play materials, toys, equipment and resources in place to meet the children's needs.

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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 The staff supervise the children at all times, making sure the children are safe and secure. Risk assessments are carried out daily. Nearly all safety aspects are in place. Very strong, positive relationships are built with parents. They are welcome to have discussions with staff members and can make appointments for more confidential matters.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider was asked to make sure that all staff be police checked, to keep staff qualifications in the files, to install an electrical hand dryer, redraft the policy for sick children, obtain a booklet on child protection from The Early Years Partnership. All requests have been carried out.

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What is being done well?

• Children are provided with a wide range of toys, play materials, activities and equipment to help them in all areas of their development and learning. • There is a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the premises is safe, secure, very clean and well maintained. Staff are very caring to the children, giving lots of individual attention. • The staff encourage the children's independence and good behaviour. The children are well behaved, confident and happy. • There are very positive relationships with parents, who are warmly welcomed and kept informed of their children's progress.

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What needs to be improved?

• staff safety, by ensuring the kitchen, is kept clear of obstructions.

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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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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 Ensure kitchen is made clear of obstructions.

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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?

The Castle Kindergarten provides high quality nursery education where effective teaching helps children make very good progress towards the early learning goals. Teaching is very good. Teachers plan effectively to provide a good variety of activities, and understand what children learn from them. Staff are skilled at questioning children to challenge them and extend their learning. Activities, time and resources are well organised to provide numerous opportunities for children to learn, explore and communicate ideas, and children benefit from good individual and small group support. Children's personal, social and emotional development is well supported through positive relationships, clear expectations of behaviour, and good opportunities to develop confidence. Children's behaviour is excellent and underpins their good progress in other areas. Resources are of good quality and well organised to create a stimulating and accessible environment.

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How effective is the nursery education?

Leadership and management is very good. Staff have clear roles and responsibilities and are well supported to develop their experience through training. Staff work well as a team. There is a clear commitment to continual evaluation and improvement. The partnership with parents is very good and contributes to children's overall good progress. Parents are well informed about events and activities at the nursery, and receive daily feedback about their child's progress as well as the opportunity to attend parents meetings.

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What is being done well?

• Children are motivated to learn due to well planned and interesting activities that cover all areas of the curriculum • Children are confident, eager to join in with activities, and relate well to adults and peers • Children have good opportunities to work in small key groups and receive very good individual support • Children are good communicators and develop confidence due to good interaction with staff • Children's behaviour is excellent due to positive relationships with staff and their consistent expectations • Assessments of children are effectively used to guide teaching • The nursery has a clear ethos and staff work well as a team

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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 • the opportunities for children to access the information and communication technology resources • the use of every day routines such as snack time to further extend older children's independence skills

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The setting has made generally good progress in response to the key issues at the last inspection. Parents are now provided with clear information about the Foundation Stage and how the nursery implements the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice. Planning has been extended to include all areas of learning, and includes clear learning objectives. Children have individual targets that incorporate any adaptations needed to activities. Assessment records show what children have learned and next steps. Resources have been increased to enable children to experience a range of technology, and this has led to an improvement in this area. Further improvement could be achieved by making the resources available more frequently.

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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 make very good progress in this area. They are confident and motivated to learn, which supports their progress in all areas of the curriculum. Children are very well behaved and form good relationships, showing care and concern for each other. They initiate conversations, work as part of a group, take turns and share.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are making very good progress in this area. Children speak confidently, have good vocabulary, and use language to talk about real and imagined experiences and to negotiate. Children know letter sounds and some children read and write simple words. They show an interest in books and listen and respond to stories with enjoyment.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in this area. They show an interest in number and count confidently up to 10. Children learn about number, shape, size and position through practical activities, and develop confidence in solving simple number problems. Their learning is reinforced through good individual support.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in this area. They have good practical opportunities to explore and investigate the natural world and the local environment, and to talk about past and present experiences. Children show curiosity about why things happen and how things work. They build and construct with confidence using a variety of materials, and with a purpose in mind.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in this area. Children move confidently with co-ordination and control due to the good opportunities to use a range of small and large equipment. They have an understanding of health and bodily awareness that is supported through daily routines.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in this area. They express their ideas and feelings and use their imagination in role play, art and design. They have good opportunities to explore media and materials. Children spontaneously sing songs from memory, and have good opportunities to explore music.

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CREATIVE 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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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: • There are no significant weaknesses to report, but consideration should be given to improving the following: • Plan to include more opportunities for children to use information and communication technology resources • Develop the use of every day routines such as snack time to further extend children's independence skills

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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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