Norton Free Church of England Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 05/06/2003 Inspector Name Jennifer Hill

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Whitchurch Under 5`s Pre-School Setting Address The Bunglow, 1 School Close Whitchurch Bristol BS14 0DU

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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. When making judgements, inspectors have regard to how well the provider meets the National Standards for under Eights Day Care and Childminding. A list of these is attached. The report identifies strengths and areas for improvement. This inspection report must be made available to all parents.

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Information about the setting

Whitchurch Under Fives PLaygroup is a pre-school group that operates from a converted bungalow adjacent to Wansdyke Primary School. There are five rooms which are used for different activities and gardens for outdoor play. The group serves the local residential area. The playgroup is registered to provide sessional care for a maximum of 18 children; four of these may be between the age of two and a half and three years of age. There are currently 40 children on the roll, which includes 36 funded three and four-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Monday sessions are for the older children who will start school in the next year. There is support for children with special needs. No children who currently attend have English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during term time only. Sessions are from 9 am to 11.30 am and 12.45 pm to 3.15 pm One full time and five part time members of staff work with the children. Two have

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Information about the setting

early years qualifications and other members of staff are currently taking relevant training courses. The setting receives support from a teacher from the adjacent school. Some parents help in the preschool on a rota basis and some also serve on the committee. Children from the playgroup make frequent visits to Wansdyke Primary School and also go on outings in the local area. .

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How good is the Day Care?

Whitchurch Under 5's Playgroup provides good care for children aged two to five years. The operational plan provides an easy to read outline of the comprehensive policies and procedures of the playgroup. The group is well organised and has developed good links with the next door primary school. All staff are engaged in training, which will soon enable the pre-school to meet the requirements on staff qualifications. The premises are bright and attractive and the rooms are well equipped to provide for different activities, but lack storage space accessible to children. Deployment of staff and resources and the timing of sessions has been given careful thought. However,

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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 large group activities are not always appropriate for the younger children. Staff give high priority to children's safety, health and hygiene and consistently carry out procedures which promote this. They are pro-active in discussing these issues with children to ensure that they understand possible hazards. Children's individual needs are recognised and staff make good provision for children with special needs. The playgroup has a wide range of good quality toys and play resources, which promote children's learning in all areas. However, the planning and assessment systems do not fully support children's learning. Staff develop warm and friendly relationships with children and they engage in lively conversation which responds to children's interests. Children are generally well behaved and cooperative, and staff

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How good is the Day Care?

use positive and effective strategies to help them learn what behaviour is acceptable in the group. There is an effective partnerships with parents. The staff use a variety of means to share information with parents, and feedback from parents about the playgroup is enthusiastic and positive. A large number of parents are involved in the management committee.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider agreed to develop an operational plan. This has now been written and is available to parents. The group was also asked to ensure that staff records always accessible and to make low glass safe. Both requirements have been met.

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What is being done well?

• The deployment of staff and use of space. The rooms are well planned and equipped to provide different play experiences and learning opportunities. Staff ensure that all children have the opportunity to spend time in each of the rooms during a pre-school session. (Standard 4) • The good interaction between staff and children promotes learning. Staff support children in trying out new skills. They give children choices and through open questions encourage them to think and solve problems. (Standard 3) • Staff are attentive to children's safety. Procedures to promote safety are well thought through and carried out consistently. Rooms and gardens are checked daily for potential hazards. Fire drills are carried out regularly and are used to teach children about emergency services and fire safety. (Standard 6) • Attention to children's individual needs. The staff adapt activities well to meet all children's needs. (Standard 9 )

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What is being done well?

• Behaviour management. Staff employ positive strategies to help children learn appropriate behaviour. Children are given reasons for rules, helped to negotiate with each other, and confronted with the consequences of their

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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 actions. (Standard 11) • Partnership with parents works effectively due to good channels of communication and approachability of staff. (Standard 12)

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What needs to be improved?

• planning large group activities appropriate for the age range of the whole group (Standard 3) • planning activities with reference to children's assessments and the early learning goals (Standard 3) • storage at child level to enable children to make choices with more independence (Standard 5)

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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 3 Plan large group activities that are appropriate for all children. 3 Plan learning opportunities with reference to children’s assessments and the Curriculum Guidance to the Foundation Stage 4 Review storage to give children access to a wider choice of resources, particularly books.

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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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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 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

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