Scott Primary School & Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/06/2003 Inspector Name Christine Baker

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name St Mary's Nursery School Setting Address Chapel Green Crowbrough East Sussex TN6 2LB

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of The Management Committee

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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

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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 Mary's Nursery operates in a mobile classroom on the school premises which are located at Chapel Green. The children also have occasional use of the school hall and playground. It is a well established playgroup which opens Monday to Thursday from 9:00am - 12 noon and from 1:00 pm - 3.30 pm.and 9:00 am to 12 noon on Friday during term time. There are seven staff, four of whom are qualified. The group is registered to care for twenty children aged between two and five years although children are not normally admitted until the term before their third birthday. Funding is currently received for twelve three year olds and twenty nine four year olds. This includes children with special needs. There are no children with English as a second language.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Mary's Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The experienced staff work well together as a team. Systems are in place for induction, appraisal and recruitment and ensure that all staff are clear about their responsibilities. Most of the detailed policies and procedures give clear guidance to staff. Children have sole use of the building which is clean, bright and welcoming. The cheerful atmosphere is enhanced by colourful posters and there is lots of children's work displayed. The space is organised to meet the children's needs by thoughtful use of furniture and storage units. Children wander freely and with confidence. The toys and equipment are plentiful, modern and of good quality, reflecting positive images of modern life and avoiding stereotypes. They are checked daily for safety and cleanliness. Staff are vigilant to ensure that children are safe both inside and outside the nursery. The

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How good is the Day Care?

children are well supervised and the staff follow the detailed written guidance regarding security and fire safety. All staff have recent first aid training and actively promote good health and hygiene practices. A drink and biscuit are provided at break time and special dietary requirements are met. Staff have a good awareness of local child protection procedures but the written statement does not reflect current practices. Children with special needs are supported and monitored very well, enabling them to enjoy and benefit from the activities provided for all the children. The manager and staff plan activities that cover all areas of the curriculum and

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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 promote learning and development. Children enjoy their day and show a good degree of confidence and independence. Children behave well and respond with enthusiasm to the clear and positive guidance. Parents are provided with written information about the nursery and they have the opportunity to make comments about their child's development, and contribute to the running of the group.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The radiators now have protective covers.

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What is being done well?

the staff have a good relationship with children and know them well. They spend time talking to them and helping them to learn. Children are happy and confident. (Standard 3) the children respond well to clear guidance and praise from the staff. They enthusiastically take part in planned activities, help to tidy away and generally behave well. (Standard 11) staff make good use of the premises and facilities available, enabling the children to enjoy the activities in a pleasant, safe and suitable environment. (Standard 4) children with special needs have good support to enable them to enjoy activities with the rest of the children. Their progress is monitored by staff and records are shared with parents who are involved in their care as are other professionals where necessary.(Standard 10) staff promote a caring environment where children are valued and respected. (Standard 9)

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What needs to be improved?

documentation, to ensure that the Child Protection statement reflects up to date local procedure. organisation of resources, to make them more readily accessible to children. the daily programme, to minimise periods when children have nothing to do.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 Ensure that children the daily programme minimises the times when the

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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 children are sitting with nothing to do. 5 evaluate the organisation of resources to make them more readily accessible to children. 13 Ensure that the written statement reflects the current ACPC procedure regarding allegations made against staff.

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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

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How effective is the nursery education?

St Mary's Pre-school offers good quality provision which helps children to make generally good progress towards all of the early learning goals. The overall quality of teaching is generally good. Staff are well informed about the early learning goals. They use this knowledge to plan a wide range of interesting activities for the children. The activity planning sheets are not always used effectively to ensure that all children are being challenged. Sessions are well organised although at times children are left waiting between activities. Staff provide very good support for children with special needs. There are very effective systems in place to ensure that the needs of these children are being met. Staff develop good relationships with all children. They actively promote and support the children in their learning. Children generally behave well in response to the high expectations of staff. Leadership and

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How effective is the nursery education?

management of the setting is generally good. The staff work well together as a team. The supervisor has only been in place for a short time but is committed to continual evaluation and improvement of practices. This includes adapting the planning that is in use to ensure that it more clearly reflects the early learning goals. The management committee have clearly defined roles and provide good support to the staff. Ongoing training for staff is encouraged. The partnership with parents and carers is good. Parents are well informed about the setting and the planned activities. They are encouraged to help in the group or serve on the committee. Parents regularly discuss their child's progress and have the opportunity to contribute to their child's learning through the individual educational plans.

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What is being done well?

Children are very confident and relate well to each other and to adults. They are interested and are able to work independently. Staff work well together as a team to provide an interesting range of activities, good role models and a stimulating learning environment. Staff support children well in their learning. The staff use very effective questioning techniques to encourage and extend the children's language and thinking. High priority is given to the care of children with special needs. They are given appropriate care and support to ensure their needs are met.

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What needs to be improved?

planning to show how activities can be extended to cater for children working at different rates and ability so that all children are challenged. children's understanding of calculation. opportunities for children to use and enjoy books on an informal basis and to attempt writing for a variety of purposes using different forms.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The setting has made good progress towards addressing the key issues raised at

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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 the last inspection. The group was asked to provide more opportunities for the children to recognise their own names and to use resources more effectively to promote letter recognition. The staff plan and provide regular opportunities for children to develop their understanding of letter recognition. This includes using practical everyday activities to promote learning in this area. There are a wide range of opportunities for children to recognise their names. Children are progressing well in this area with appropriate staff support and input.

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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

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children's progress in personal, social and emotional development is generally good. Staff give appropriate care and support which builds children's confidence and independence. The children relate well to each other and to adults. Children show high levels of concentration and enjoy the activities provided. The clear boundaries set by staff ensure that children generally behave well. There are less opportunities provided for children to select resources for themselves.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children's progress in communication, language and literacy is generally good. Staff provide excellent support in extending and developing children's use of language. This results in children being confident speakers who engage easily in conversations with each other and with adults. Children are developing a good understanding of the link between sounds and letters. They are developing good reading skills. Children are not always encouraged to use books and to practise writing informally.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children's progress in in mathematical development is generally good. Children skilfully use and recognise numbers in everyday activities. They show a developing understanding of shape and measuring. Children increasingly use the correct mathematical vocabulary. There are missed opportunities to develop children's understanding of calculating.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children's progress in knowledge and understanding of the world is generally good. Children learn about the natural world and features of their environment particularly through visits. They frequently talk about past and present events in their own lives and learn about the lives of others. Children have varied opportunities to use their senses to explore and investigate a range of materials. They are confident in designing and making skills.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children's progress in physical development is generally good. Children move with confidence and show good co-ordination. They have regular access to large and small play equipment. They successfully use a variety of tools.

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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 Children's progress in creative development is generally good. The children experience a wide variety of resources and materials which they confidently use to express their ideas and feelings. A few of the activities are too adult led.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

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

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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

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OUTCOME OF THE INSPECTION

The provision is acceptable and is of good quality overall. Children are making generally 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

plan and provide opportunities to develop children's understanding of calculating through everyday practical activities; ensure that planning takes into account individual children's development and that there are extension activities available to ensure that all children are challenged.

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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

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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 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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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

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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

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