Brambles Pre-School and Out of School Club

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 26/04/2004 Inspector Name Paula Hunt

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care, Out of School Day Care Setting Name BRAMBLES Setting Address THORNS INFANT SCHOOL BLACKTHORN ROAD KENILWORTH WARKS CV8 2DS

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Thorns Community Trust

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Thorns Community Trust Address THORNS INFANT SCHOOL BLACKTHORN ROAD KENILWORTH CV8 2DS

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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

Brambles opened in 1992. It operates from a portacabin within the grounds of Thorns Primary School in Kenilworth. It has an enclosed garden as well as the use of the school playground and indoor swimming pools. It serves the local area. There are currently 104 children from three to eight years on roll. This includes 25 funded three-year olds and 20 funded four-year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently does not have children with special needs or whom speak English as an additional language but have satisfactory arrangements in place to do so. Two full time staff and seven part time staff work with the children. Half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ 2 or 3. The setting receives support from an advisory teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Brambles provides satisfactory care for children. The group provides a warm and welcoming environment for children, where they are settled and enjoy their time. Good use is made of available space both in and outdoors. The group is committed to staff development and provides training opportunities for all staff. The staff operate well as a team to ensure all the children receive appropriate support and their individual needs are met. Staff have a satisfactory understanding of safety issues but further improvement is required regarding arrangements to ensure children are not left unsupervised and cannot access hazards outdoors. Current arrangements are not fully effective and some large equipment is not secure. Most aspects of hygiene are satisfactory however; improvements in the appropriate storage of children's lunch box contents and parental signatures on the accident records are required. There are good

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How good is the Day Care?

procedures in place ensuring the children are well cared for in the event of illness.

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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 There is a good range of age appropriate toys and equipment which children have easy access to. They are able to make decisions and select activities independently. Staff are calm and relaxed in their management of the children whilst offering frequent praise and encouragement to succeed. Children's behaviour is good and staff actively encourage and value good behaviour. Positive relationships have been formed between the staff and the parents. Children take drawings and artwork home and parents are welcome into the group to discuss all aspects of care and needs of their child on a daily basis. Most records, policies and procedures are in place however, some improvement is required in this area.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Not applicable, as there were no actions raised at the last inspection.

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What is being done well?

• Good use is made of available space both in and out doors. The rooms are laid out to allow the children easy access to the toys and activities. Frequent use is made of the school facilities. • Staff plan and provide a variety of interesting and well-presented activities which develop children's skills and learning in all areas of their development. • Staff show a good understanding of managing children's behaviour. They effectively implement the group’s behaviour management policy and are consistent in their approach. Children respond positively to the praise and encouragement and their behaviour is good. • Good partnership with parents ensures that children's individual needs are being met.

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What needs to be improved?

• children's safety, with regard to protecting the children from hazards whilst using the outside play area, staffing arrangements to ensure children are supervised at all times, play equipment is secure and the fire Officer's recommendations are met • documentation, to ensure accident records contain sufficient detail and parental signatures are obtained and existing injuries are recorded • procedures, for the safe storage of children's lunch boxes and their contents, procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer.

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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 6 Ensure children can play safely outside and that the large outdoor equipment is safe and secure, ensure all children are protected from hazards. 6 Ensure adequate staffing arrangements are in place to supervise children safely outside. 6 Ensure children cannot access the underneath of the portable toilet block. 6 Ensure any recommendations made by the Fire Safety Officer are met with regard to emergency lighting and guarding heating appliances. 7 Ensure accident records contain sufficient detail and parental signatures are obtained. 8 Ensure that children’s lunch box contents are correctly stored at an appropriate temperature. 13 Ensure existing injuries are recorded. 13 Develop procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer.

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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?

Brambles provides generally good nursery education. Staff provide a warm and friendly environment where children settle well and have access to a wide range of interesting practical activities. Children are making very good progress in knowledge and understanding of the world and personnel, social and emotional development. The quality of teaching is generally good and makes a significant contribution to children's achievement and behaviour. Staff work well together as a team and have good interaction with the children encouraging them to behave well and develop independence and interest in their play. Planning now clearly identifies the learning intention to be achieved but a lack of record keeping means that the progress children are making is unclear. Although there are currently no funded children with special educational needs, there is an effective support system in place. The leadership and management is generally good. Staff are well supported by the

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How effective is the nursery education?

Manager who is aware of what the setting does well and is open to change and development. All staff are encouraged to attend training. They are also familiar with the stepping stones and the development of the planning and assessment procedures. The manager has identified what improvements need to be made, in particular to the outdoor area. The partnership with parents is generally good and supports children's learning effectively and there are plans to extend these links as part of the nursery development plan to enhance the quality of provision. Information about their children's progress is on an informal basis at present and parents expressed a wish for more regular updates and sharing of assessments.

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What is being done well?

• Children settle well and are developing confidence and a sense of belonging, they behave well and shown interest and enthusiasm in the activities. • Children converse confidently and listen well. They use language effectively to organise their play and interact with staff and each other. • Staff work well together as a team, they are knowledgeable about the foundation stage and plan a variety of worthwhile and interesting activities. • A wide range of practical activities ensure that children learn through play in most areas and are able to make independent choices. • The committee and staff are committed to improving the care and education of all children.

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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 • opportunities for children to see numbers around the setting, indoors and outdoors; • opportunities for children to freely experiment with ways of making sound and to express themselves through music and sound; • record keeping procedures to show how children's progress through the stepping stones can be clearly identified; effective use should be made of this information to identify individual learning needs; • opportunities for parents to view and discuss their children's development more regularly.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Brambles has made generally good progress since the last inspection to address the points for consideration although the Manager was unaware of the action plan formulated by the previous Supervisor. The whole planning system has been revised with the help of an advisory teacher so that topics and activities are linked to the stepping stones and cover all the six areas of learning. However further improvement is required with regard to the daily plans and assessment of children's progress to provide a comprehensive picture of attainment. Parents are now provided with information about the curriculum through regular newsletters, discussion with key workers and a copy of the planning is clearly displayed by the entrance. The setting are currently reviewing and developing their prospectus to include further information about the provision. Many positive comments from parents were received during the 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 are confident, well behaved and play well independently, in small and large groups. They enjoy a welcoming and caring environment where they have a sense of belonging. Children separate easily from main carers and form good relationships with staff and other children. They are enthusiastic learners and enjoy participating in a range of interesting activities.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children enjoy listening to stories and are confident to talk in large and small groups. Some children are able to write their own names forming letters correctly. Children understand that print carries meaning as they use books, see words and labels displayed around the room. However, the selection on display is limited and books are not always displayed well. Staff involve themselves well in order to help children increase their vocabulary.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Older children count confidently at registration time and during planned number activities with younger children beginning to count with adult support. They recognise patterns and learn about shapes, patterns and sorting. They enjoy number rhymes and songs. Well-planned activities extend children's individual learning and understanding of mathematical concepts such as addition and subtraction, although there are very limited opportunities for children to see numbers around the setting.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are enthusiastic to explore and investigate new objects and materials in their environment, using discussion and their senses. Children's interest in the natural world is stimulated by outside activities such as digging in the garden and growing plants. Staff enable children to make predictions, explore, investigate and look closely at similarities and change. Children design and build for a variety of purposes using small-scale materials including household junk.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are able to move confidently and with good control, showing awareness of space and others. Children enjoy movement and music sessions on a weekly basis. They handle a variety of tools such as scissors, rolling pins and pencils with control and purpose. They have good health awareness and are able to recognise healthy eating and the need to wash their hands after toileting. However, the learning intentions for outdoors is not always included on the plans.

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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: Generally Good Children explore colour, shape and form as they paint, draw, make models and collages and play with dough. They are provided with a good range of resources that allows them to use their imagination freely in art and craft. They use their imagination particularly well during role-play. Colourful displays of children's work gives to value and helps them recall their contribution. However there are limited opportunities for children to explore sound through 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 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: THE KEY ISSUES

• Provide more opportunities for children to see numbers around the setting, indoors and outdoors. • Increase opportunities for children to freely experiment with ways of making sound and to express themselves through music and sound. • Examine methods to share information with parents, which include regular opportunities for parents to view and discuss their children's progress • Develop the assessment and recording of children's learning so that progress towards the early learning goals can be seen and ensure the needs of individual children are systematically taken into account in planning and teaching.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

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: THE KEY ISSUES

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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