Northfield House Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/06/2004 Inspector Name Carol Newman

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Out of School Day Care, Sessional Day Care Setting Name Little Stars Pre School at Emmanuel Church Setting Address Emmanuel Church Hall Shepherds Lane, Stoughton Guildford Surrey GU2 9SJ

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Emmanuel Church P.C.C Address Emmanuel Parish Centre Shepherds Lane, Stoughton Guildford Surrey GU2 9SJ

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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

Little Stars Pre-School at Emmanuel Church has been established since 1976 but was known as Emmanuel Playgroup until January 2004. The pre-school operates from the Parish Centre of Emmanuel Church in Stoughton, Guildford and serves the local community and surrounding areas. Opening times are five mornings per week from 09:15 to 12:15 hours, with an optional lunch club until 13:00 hours, term time only. Children have access to an open plan area that can be divided into three rooms and a fully enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 59 children on roll. This includes 33 funded 3-year-olds and 19 funded 4-year-olds. The setting has procedures in place for caring with children with special educational needs and/or English as an additional language. Eight members of staff work with the children on various days, of which five have a recognised early years qualification. One member of staff is on a training

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Information about the setting

programme. Six members of staff hold a current first aid certificate. The setting receives support from the Early Years Childcare Service.

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Stars Pre-School at Emmanuel Church provides good quality care for children. The staff offer a warm and welcoming environment and meet the children's needs by working as a team. They understand the clearly stated procedures and implement them effectively. The owner carries out regular risk assessments to identify possible hazards and takes appropriate steps to address them. The accident book is checked on a half termly basis to identify any concerns. Some procedures are in place in the event of fire, however, these are not clearly documented. Fire drills have not been practised regularly since the group has been established in the new building.

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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 Staff pay good attention to children's dietary needs and encourage the children's understanding of appropriate hygiene practices. Staff plan and provide a good choice of appropriate activities each day. They take the time to talk to children in order to build strong relationships. They treat all children with equal concern and procedures are in place to support children with special educational needs and English as an additional language. Children understand the boundaries for behaviour and staff value and support good behaviour. Staff encourage children to play cooperatively and to show respect for each other. Parents are welcomed into the setting and encouraged to ask questions and exchange information for the benefit of the children.

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How good is the Day Care?

All policies are in place, however some minor amendments are required in order to meet the current regulations. Record keeping is efficiently maintained.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group was asked to ensure that the outside area, including the perimeter fence and gate, were made safe. The group have now moved to new accommodation on the site, and these actions are no longer applicable.

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What is being done well?

• Children are involved in a broad range of well planned activities and have access to a good range of resources. • Premises are clean, well maintained and of an appropriate temperature. • Staff are active in promoting good health and hygiene practices and children are provided with regular, nutritious snacks and drinks. • Staff work in partnership with parents for the benefit of the children and all children are valued, included and their individual needs are met. • Strategies for dealing with behaviour are appropriate, understood by parents and children alike and consistently applied. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged.

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What needs to be improved?

• the fire procedures of the setting • the child protection policy and complaints procedure.

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Outcome of the 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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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 14 Ensure all policies meet requirements; that the complaints procedure includes the contact details for Ofsted and that the child protection policy includes written procedures for allegations of abuse made against a member of staff or a volunteer. 6 Ensure that staff and children are aware of procedures to be followed in the event of a fire and that these are regularly practised.

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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 provision of nursery education at Little Stars Pre School at Emmanuel Church is acceptable and of high quality. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals in all six areas of learning. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff consistently use open ended questions to support children's play and develop their language and thinking skills. They take time to give clear explanations to the children. Children have access to a range of well planned activities and excellent resources that are used effectively, although they cannot always access all areas independently. Staff respect the children's ideas, value their work and display it attractively. They use their experience and knowledge to extend most activities for more able children, although this is not always evident in children's records or planning. Staff make regular observations of children's skills to inform their progress through the stepping stones. Effective procedures are in place

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How effective is the nursery education?

to support children with special needs and English as an additional language. Staff ensure children are gainfully employed which has a positive effect on their behaviour. Leadership and management are very good. The strong staff team is supported by the committed manager. They work together for the benefit of the children and the maintenance of the high quality educational provision. Staff are encouraged to identify their own training needs. The partnership with parents and carers is very good and contributes to children's progress. Parents are well informed about the foundation stage and the children's activities through the parents' notice boards, topic information board and photographs. Parents are kept informed of their children's progress through parents' evenings and informal feedback each day.

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What is being done well?

• Staff have a very good knowledge and understanding of the foundation stage curriculum and how young children learn. They respond to children's interests and make excellent use of spontaneous learning opportunities. • Children's knowledge and understanding of the world is excellent. They are confident, interested and keen to investigate and explore. They respect their own cultures and those of others. • Parents are well informed of their children's progress and daily activities and they are invited to contribute to their children's learning through the parent's rota. • The nursery is well supported by the committed supervisor and staff team. Regular evaluations take place to develop the educational provision and address staff training needs.

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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?

• There are no significant weaknesses to report, but consideration should be given to improving the following: • the time available to children, during the daily routine, to develop their ideas through access to the full range of materials and resources • the development of planning and record keeping so that each child's progress through the stepping stones, towards the early learning goals, is clearly identified and children's individual needs are met.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Very good progress has been made in addressing the points for development identified in the previous inspection report. The group was asked to ensure that all staff receive appropriate training opportunities as an ongoing development of the provision. Staff regularly access training opportunities to improve their knowledge and skills. The group was also asked to provide regular opportunities for children to treat living things with care and concern throughout the year. Children now have daily opportunities to care for stick insects, newts and other pond life.

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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 confidently try new activities such as comb printing. They sit quietly and answer clearly when their names are called at registration. Children initiate conversations with their peers and adults. They confidently stand up for their rights and understand right and wrong. Children take care of their own personal needs such as finding their coats. They adapt flexibly to different events such as visitors to the group and show enjoyment when celebrating a range of cultural festivals.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children use books for enjoyment and to gain information. They confidently talk to visitors to the setting and question why things happen. They use talk to express their ideas. Children link sounds to letters for the letter of the week and when they spell their names as they write them on their work. Children write in chalk in the outdoor area. They make Rangoli patterns for their India topic. They write shopping lists and use writing materials in role play.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children learn about the use of number in everyday life. They count confidently throughout the daily routine and initiate number activities in their play. Children sort elephants according to size and measure their height against the wall chart and with blocks. Children recognise shapes when they examine Indian coins and use two dimensional shapes to make patterns. Staff encourage children to estimate the number of cups needed at snack time.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children observe their pond life through magnifying glasses and draw what they see. Children care for stick insects and grow carrots in the outdoor area. They compare potatoes and rice for their "Home in India" topic. They examine the ingredients of, and sample, a range Indian foods. Children construct using bricks, lego and large meccano. They observe the weather and make their own weather charts. Children listen to stories on tape and operate simple computer programs efficiently.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children show respect for each other's space when dancing and riding tricycles. They move imaginatively to Indian music. Children confidently climb stairs using alternate feet. They fold and roll scarves, thread cotton reels, blocks and pasta and roll clay and playdough to make coiled pots. Children use scissors confidently and build a train from boxes, lengths of fabric and blankets. Children learn about healthy practices at snack time and understand that they become hot when they are active.

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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 design Rangoli patterns, decorate elephants and make pots for their Indian topic. They make observational pictures of their faces using a variety of materials. Children paint freely, draw with chalk in the outdoor area and decorate iced biscuits. They use their senses to taste and observe patterns in fruits. They act out various role play scenarios such as a wedding in the florists and a journey in their cardboard box train. Children sing familiar songs and dance freely to Indian 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: • There are no significant weaknesses to report, but consideration should be given to improving the following: • allow children time, during the daily routine, to develop their ideas through access to the full range of materials and resources • continue to develop planning and record keeping so that each child's progress through the stepping stones, towards the early learning goals, is clearly identified and children's individual needs are met.

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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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