Maidenhall Infant School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 21/06/2004 Inspector Name Dinah Round

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name All Saints Nursery Setting Address Church Hall Western Road,Branksome Park Poole Dorset BH13 7BP

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name All Saints Nursery Address Church Hall Western Road, Branksome Park Poole Dorset BH13 7BP

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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

All Saints Nursery has been registered for 37 years. It is a committee run group which operates from the ground floor of All Saints church hall in Branksome Park, with sole use during the sessions. The group have access to the main hall, reception area and a separate kitchen. Toilet facilities are easily accessible off the entrance foyer. Children have access to the paved outside area enclosed at the front of the hall, plus occasional use of the large church garden accessed along a path way. The nursery is registered to provide places for 26 children between the ages of 2-5 years, and there are currently 38 children on roll. This includes 20 funded three-year-olds and 10 funded four year olds. The group support children with special needs. The nursery is open Monday to Fridays from 9.00am - 1.00pm during term time, and children attend a variety of sessions. A team of nine staff work with the children including the manager. Four staff have an

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Information about the setting

Early Years Qualification, with a further member of staff currently undertaking training in Early Years. The group receive support from the EYDCP Advisory teachers

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How good is the Day Care?

All Saints Nursery provides good quality care for children. It provides a bright, warm, welcoming and busy environment where children are happy and settled. There are good systems in place that underpin the running of the nursery, with a high level of staff employed who work together effectively as a team. The premises are clean and well maintained, and children have regular access to outdoor play facilities. Staff have a clear understanding of safety issues, and safety measures are put in place to ensure children's safety. Hygiene procedures are satisfactory, 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; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 practices are not always consistently maintained. Staff have good relationships with the children, they know the children well and ensure all children are valued and included within the group, effectively supporting children with special needs. They plan a variety of interesting and stimulating activities, and make use of the wide range of good quality resources to support children's learning. Staff have an understanding of behaviour management and regularly praise and encourage the children, however the behaviour strategies used are not always effective. There are strong partnerships with parents. The key worker system ensures children's individual needs are supported well, and regular sharing of information

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How good is the Day Care?

between staff and parents means parents are kept well informed about their child's progress. Most aspects of documentation are in place.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group agreed to develop their documentation further to include a procedure for lost and non-collection of children, this has mainly been done and the manager intends to add further necessary information. Information of staff checks has been collated, and the manager is clear of the requirement to ensure these are maintained effectively. Incident and fire log records are now maintained, and staff continue to raise their awareness of how they can be developed further to ensure the full details are recorded.

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What is being done well?

• Staff have good relationships with the children. Their sensitive, caring approach and frequent interaction means children are happy and settled within the group. • Staff use the broad range of good quality resources well. They plan a variety of activities and learning experiences for the children which are fun and stimulating, and support their development. • Children with special needs are well supported in the group. The staff work closely with the parents and other professionals to ensure a child's individual needs are met. • Partnership with parents is a strength of the group. The effective key worker system means there is a regular two-way sharing of information between parents and staff, and parents are kept well informed about their child's progress.

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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 hygiene practices, to ensure they are consistently maintained throughout the session • the behaviour management strategies, to ensure clear and consistent messages are given to children and management of large group activities is effective • the documentation, to ensure a procedure for lost children and clear incident records are in place, and confidentiality is maintained.

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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 7 Make sure that the hygiene practices and procedures are consistent throughout the session. 11 Review behaviour management strategies, to ensure clear and consistent messages are given to children and management of large group activities is effective 14 Develop documentation further, to ensure a procedure for lost children and clear incident records are in place, and confidentiality is maintained.

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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?

All Saints Nursery is of good quality overall and children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals, however they are making very good progress towards knowledge and understanding of the world. The quality of teaching is generally good and staff form good relationships with the children. Staff show a clear knowledge of the early learning goals and plan a wide range of enjoyable topics and learning experiences for the children. A new system of planning has recently been introduced which covers all areas of learning. Staff interact well with the children, however the organisation and management of children's behaviour in large group situations does not always benefit the children. There is a broad range of equipment and resources which staff use well to provide interesting activities, but the opportunities to challenge children effectively in mathematics, and to develop their imagination are not sufficiently exploited. Children

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How effective is the nursery education?

with special needs are supported in the group, and the SENCO liaises closely with parents and other professionals. Leadership and management of the nursery is generally good. The supervisor encourages staff to attend training to develop their skills, and staff are clear of their roles and responsibilities and work together very well as a team. There are clear policies and procedures, however no clear system yet in place to evaluate the activities. The partnerships with parents is generally good. Effective systems are in place to share information about the provision and activities children are taking part in while at the nursery including regular newsletters, notice board. There are daily opportunities for parents to discuss their child's progress informally with staff, and children's assessments records are shared with parents for example at parents evenings. Parents feel a strong sense of partnership, and have confidence in the

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What is being done well?

• Children have very good opportunities to learn about nature and living things through a wide range of interesting topics and practical activities, for example changes from a caterpillar to a butterfly • Activities are and well planned, and provide interesting and enjoyable learning experiences for the children. • Children are confident, and have good relationships with adults and their peers. • There are strong links with parents. The effective settling- in procedures are valued by parents, and regular discussions with the child's keyworker means they are kept well informed about their child's progress.

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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 management and organisation of large group activities • the challenges provided for the children, particularly with reference to counting and solving simple mathematical problems in everyday situations • the provision to extend children's imagination in role play situations.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery have made generally good progress since the last inspection. They now plan activities so children have opportunities to learn about rhyming patterns in words, and songs However staff do not always encourage children's listening skills in large groups The assessment systems have been developed further, and the group now use of the Local Authority 'I Can' records which effectively link into all areas of learning. These are shared with parents on a regular basis.

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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 are confident and independent, and show interest and curiosity of the things around them, like when looking at the large worm on the pavement, playing the different African musical instruments. Children have good relationships with adults and their peers and patiently wait their turn, such as when following others in the obstacle course. Children generally behave well, however in large group situations they do not always listen.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children communicate well, and speak confidently and clearly in both large and small groups They are learning to link sounds to letters well through a range of activities for example, recognising their name card, creating their own rhyming pattern. Children enjoy books, and know how to handle them with care, however they do not always listen well in large group situations during the story of The Hungry Caterpillar

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are learning about shape, size and patterns effectively through planned activities such as comparing sizes of their different models, matching sandcastles. However the full opportunities to incorporate counting, and explore simple problem solving in everyday practical situations are missed. Children are able to count up to five, and some are able to count up to 10 and above, for example when making their pasta necklaces.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are gaining a very good understanding of nature and living things, through a wide range of interesting activities and experiences such as growing potatoes, watching the growth cycle and changes from a caterpillar to a butterfly They have good opportunities to explore and investigate materials, objects and changes like using magnifying glasses to observe butterflies. Children are learning about different cultures, for example, various musical instruments from Africa.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are learning about different ways to move their bodies through planned activities such as wriggling like a caterpillar, fluttering like a butterfly, but this is not always extended to build on existing skills. They use of a range of equipment successfully to develop their balancing and climbing skills. Children are developing very good fine motor skills, they use the wide range of tools with good control such as scissors, glue sticks, pencils, fine paint brushes.

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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 enjoy exploring a wide range of media such as playdough, water, sand and free painting. They have very good opportunities to experience different music and musical instruments like using the African instruments, and join in familiar rhymes and songs. Children have access to different role play activities, however they do fully keep the children's interest and encourage their imagination.

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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

• improve the management and organisation of large group activities • provide greater challenges for more able children • increase the opportunities for children to use counting, and solve simple mathematical problems in everyday situations • extend the provision to further develop children's imagination in role play situations.

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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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