Tiny Tots Pre School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 07/10/2004 Inspector Name Ros Church

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Tiny Tots Playgroup Setting Address Ogle Street Hucknall Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG15 7FQ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Tiny Tots Playgroup 1036221

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Tiny Tots Playgroup Address Ogle Street Hucknall Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG15 7FQ

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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

Tiny Tots Playgroup opened in 1977. It operates from the Love Lace Community Centre close to the main shopping area of Hucknall. The group have access to a ground floor room which is divided into two by partitioning doors, kitchen and toilet facilities. There is an enclosed outdoor play area with safety surfacing. There are currently 26 children on roll between the ages of two and a half to five years. This includes six funded three-year-olds and ten funded four-year-olds. There are currently no children attending who have identified special needs, and none who have English as an additional language. The playgroup is open Monday to Friday 09:30 to 12:00 during school term-time. There are three full-time staff working with the children, some have early years qualifications with others working towards one. The group receives support from the Nottinghamshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and is a

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Information about the setting

member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance.

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How good is the Day Care?

Tiny Tots Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. The staff work well together to provide a warm and welcoming environment for children and parents. The room is organised well with a variety of activities and equipment which are set out prior to children arriving. The staff ensure equipment is easily accessible enabling children to have a choice of play. Staff attend various short courses to update their knowledge and development, although not all staff qualifications meet the current criteria. Most required policies, procedures and records are in place to support the management of the setting, although some lack necessary detail. There are effective systems in place for the arrival and collection of children and staff ensure children are safe through careful supervision. However, risk

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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 assessments and fire procedures are not in place. Staff ensure good hygiene procedures and encourage children to learn about these during the session. Snacks including a drink are provided at a set time although drinking water is not easily accessible to children at other times. Staff have a satisfactory understanding of child protection. A range of activities is planned and provided to support children's learning. Staff interact well with the children during activities, showing interest in what they do and say, individual needs are met. Staff manage behaviour well. Children relate well with the staff and one another, they are learning to share and take turns with the equipment, they are happy and relaxed in the environment.

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How good is the Day Care?

Staff have good relationships with the parents and work well with them, most written policies are easily accessible. Staff communicate with parents on a daily basis to enable them to meet children's individual needs and care.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group agreed to a number of actions, most of which have been satisfactorily addressed. To ensure the safety of the children appropriate vetting procedures are in place to determine the suitability of managers, staff and volunteers. Socket covers are used in exposed sockets accessible to children. Stacked chairs have been made safe. Operational procedures are in place for the safe conduct of any outings provided. An appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice are available to children. Staff's knowledge has been developed in the area of child protection through attending an appropriate course. A written complaints procedure which includes the address and telephone number of the regulator is available to parents on the notice board and a sheet has been devised to record any complaints. An operational plan has been developed, although this is not easily accessible to the

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What has improved since the last inspection?

parents. The following actions still require addressing. The supervisor obtaining a level three qualification appropriate to her post. A system to check all staff and volunteers are suitable, both mentally and physically to care for children. The availability of drinking water to children at all times. Including within the child protection procedures contact names and telephone numbers.

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What is being done well?

• Staff work well together as a team, they provide a happy and welcoming environment, toys and equipment are easily accessible. • Staff interact well with the children, they have a good understanding of children's individual needs and treat them with equal concern. • Staff manage children's behaviour in a positive way, they encourage children's self esteem and confidence through praise and encouragement.

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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?

• the supervisors' attainment of a level three qualification appropriate to her post • the procedures for checking that all staff and volunteers are suitable both mentally and physically to care for children • the written procedures for emergency evacuation of the building • the risk assessment of the premises • the accessibility of drinking water • the availability of the operational plan for parents • the updating of child protection procedures and inclusion of contact names and telephone numbers

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 1 Ensure adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so, with regards to the supervisor having at least a level 3 qualification appropriate to the post. That there is a system in place to check all managers, staff and volunteers are suitable, both mentally and physically, to care for children. 21/10/2004

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

6 Ensure positive steps are taken to promote safety within the setting, that there are clearly defined procedures for emergency evacuation of the building, and devise and conduct a risk assessment of the premises, reviewing this if there is a significant change or if the provider suspects that it is no longer valid. 21/10/2004

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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

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 2 Ensure that the operational plan is easily accessible to parents. 8 Ensure drinking water is easily accessible to children at all times. 13 Update child protection statement to include current information, and contact names and telephone numbers for the local police and local authority social services department.

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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?

Tiny Tots Playgroup offers good quality nursery education. It provides a happy and welcoming environment where children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals, however there are some significant weaknesses in the area of communication, language and literacy. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff form good relationships with the children and create a happy learning environment. They work together to plan and provide a range of activities. However, short term planning does not identify the learning objectives and how activities can be adapted for individual children. Some activities within all six areas of learning lacked challenge for the more able children. Staff carry out assessments which cover the six areas of learning, but these do not clearly link with the planning. Staff use their time well working alongside children and encouraging their learning. Children's behaviour is managed well, and staff

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How effective is the nursery education?

encourage self esteem and confidence. A good range of resources is available for children to access and learn to be independent. Leadership and management are generally good. The staff and committee work well together. Staff are encouraged and supported to undertake further training. Although there is no formal appraisal in place, staff have individual training records. The provision is evaluated through staff meetings, however, they do not clearly identify weaknesses. The partnership with parents and carers is generally good. Good general information is provided, which includes the six areas of learning. Staff provide a welcoming atmosphere for the parents and verbally share children's achievements and progress. They are looking into more formal ways of sharing developmental records. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child's learning through linking activities with home and playgroup.

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What is being done well?

• Children are happy and confident within the playgroup, they relate well to staff and peers, they learn to take turns and share the equipment . • Children's language is developing well, they communicate well with adults and confidently talk about their experiences. • Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour, which is fostered through the praise and encouragement they offer. • Additional resources are easily accessible, enabling children to independently access various tools and craft materials.

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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?

• the short term planning to include learning objectives and information on how activities can be adapted, and to link with the assessments • the opportunities for children to initiate writing for a purpose during role play, to write and recognise familiar words and to link sounds and letters • the opportunities for children to respond, express and communicate their own ideas.

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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: Generally Good Children show interest in the range of activities and are motivated to learn. They are confident within the setting, and settle well into the group. Children are learning to form good relationships with staff and one another, they learn to take turns and share the equipment. Independence is developing well, although older children do not always use their already acquired independence skills to the full. Children's behaviour is good, they are learning what is right and wrong.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Children's language is developing well, they confidently talk about their experiences. However, there are few opportunities for children to write and recognise their own names and other familiar words. Activities such as role play are not often extended to include writing for different purposes. Everyday opportunities to link sounds and letters are not provided. Children enjoy listening to stories in both small and larger groups, they have favourite stories and learn to handle books carefully.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children show an interest in numerals, they are learning to count and recognise numbers to ten. Children are learning about shape and size, they use mathematical language during play, such as when operating the remote control cars and building towers with the bricks. However, there are few opportunities for children to develop an understanding of simple calculation during practical activities and daily routines.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children enjoy investigating and exploring objects, using tools such as a magnifying glass to look closely and examine objects. They learn about their environment through practical activities and local outings. Children learn to build using various construction sets and other materials. They are gaining an awareness of culture and the beliefs of others. They have some opportunities to use information communication technology equipment such as remote control cars and a tape recorder.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

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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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children move confidently around the environment, with control and co-ordination. They have an awareness of space whilst accessing activities and manoeuvring wheeled toys. Children access a good range of equipment to encourage physical development, and learn to use tools such as scissors competently. They are learning the importance of staying healthy through diet and personal hygiene, although opportunities are not provided to make children aware of changes to their bodies such as when active.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children explore a good range of media and materials, they learn about colour whilst mixing their own paints. Children enjoy engaging in role play activities, where they draw on their own experiences and use props available to act out situations. Children use their senses to respond in a variety of different ways, although opportunities to express and communicate their own ideas are not always promoted to best effect. Opportunities for children to explore musical instruments are provided.

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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

• Develop planning and assessments ensuring that these link clearly together. Include learning objectives in short term planning and sufficient detail to enable practitioners to make the best use of activities to promote the learning of all children. • Develop opportunities to initiate writing for a purpose during role play, more opportunities for children to write and recognise their own names and familiar words, and to link sounds and letters. • Provide more opportunities for children to respond, express and communicate their own ideas.

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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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