Horsington Church School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 24/03/2004 Inspector Name Marcia Robinson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name 345 Pre-Schools Springfield Setting Address Alexandra Palace London N22 7AY

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name 345 Preschools Limited Address Friends Meeting House, Church Crescent Muswell Hill London N10 3NE

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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

Springfield 345 opened in 1970. It is a voluntary, committee run, sessional day care provision which is situated in the Muswell Hill area, within easy walking distance of local amenities. It operates from a purpose built hut and has access to one main play room, kitchen, toilet facilities for children and staff and an enclosed outdoor play area. The playgroup serves the local community. There are currently 18 children on roll aged between 2 and under 5 years, including 7 funded three-year-olds and 8 funded four-year-olds. The group provide support to 2 children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week, during school term times. Children attend a variety of sessions, between the hours of 9:15 to 12:00. Five staff work directly with the children, all have early years qualifications and first aid certificates. The group operate a parent/carer rota each session and receive

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Information about the setting

support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

345 Springfield offers good quality care for children. Staff are qualified, have many years experience, work well as a team and have developed their knowledge and understanding of childcare issues through attending special needs and first aid training. Opportunities are provided for children to move freely and confidently enabling them to access all provision and develop their independence. The group offer a well-resourced, organised environment with clear daily routines that help children feel secure and settled. All records, policies and procedures are kept and stored appropriately, although some lack necessary detail. Staff have a good understanding of health and safety issues. The playgroup is clean and well maintained. All hygiene routines are implemented appropriately and staff attend to children's dietary needs well. Staff knowledge, the range of activities and most resources reflects how well they promote children's awareness and respect of

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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 differences. The range of resources that reflect positive images of language and disability could be extended. Staff are secure in their knowledge of child protection issues and special needs. Good child protection procedures are in place and staff have a positive attitude towards inclusion. The range and quality of the activities and their impact on children's well being, development and learning is a particular strength. Staff provide an excellent range, of interesting activities for the children which is likely to promote their learning in all areas of play. Children are confident and independent they co-operate with each other, take turns and behave and respond well to staff guidance. Staff are warm and

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How good is the Day Care?

responsive to children's needs, they are interested in what they say and do and this is evident in children enjoying their play. Staff work well with parents, information on policies and procedures, children's activities and their child's progress is clearly available to parents.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection the group have developed their visitors record book and sick child policy and staff have completed food hygiene training further improving the organisation and the safety and care of the children.

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What is being done well?

• Staff are qualified, have many years experience, work well as a team and are committed towards developing their knowledge and understanding of childcare issues through completing relevant training. • Staff are secure in their knowledge of child protection issues and special needs, they have a good working knowledge of the issues involved and have a positive attitude towards inclusion. • The range and quality of activities and their impact on children's well being, development and learning is a particular strength. Staff provide an excellent range of interesting activities which is likely to promote children's learning in all areas of play. • Staff are warm and responsive to children's needs, they are interested in what children say and do and this is evident in children enjoying their play. Children are confident and independent they co-operate with each other, take turns and behave and respond well to staff guidance.

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What is being done well?

• Staff work well with parents, information on policies and procedures, children's activities and their child's progress is clearly available to parents.

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What needs to be improved?

• the resources that reflect positive images of language and disability • the maintenance and detail of written documentation contained in the daily attendance register for staff and children, accident book, fire drill record,

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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 complaints, behaviour and child protection procedure.

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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 5 Extend resources that reflect positive images of language and disability. 14 Maintain all required records, policies and procedures inclusive of all necessary detail (including parental signature where required) and review regularly.

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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?

345 Pre-School Springfield offers a high quality education where children enjoy learning through a wide range of interesting activities. Children to make very good progress toward the early learning goals in all areas of learning. Teaching is very good. Staff are calm and gently spoken and the children are happy and co operative. They use a variety of teaching methods to promote children's curiosity and learning. There are opportunities for children to initiate their play and to be taught individually or in small groups. Children are confident in the way that they select activities and concentrate on their learning for extended periods of time. Staff knowledge of the foundation stage enables them to plan a stimulating and appropriate range of activities. Leadership and management are very good. There is a well-structured management system and an effective staff team who work well together. Staff share a good

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How effective is the nursery education?

understanding of early years practice and are committed to developing the quality of the provision through ongoing evaluation and training. The manager has a good understanding of the group’s weakness especially in relation to develop the system for observations and has effective systems in place to make improvements. Partnerships with parents are very good. Parents are actively involved in the day-to-day operation of the group. They are well informed about the curriculum and their children's achievements which allows them to support and extend their children's learning

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What is being done well?

• Good use is made of the playroom and the large outside play area to provide opportunities for children to choose and develop their independence. • Behaviour management is very good, children listen well and contribute to discussions with confidence. • Partnership with parents is well established; parents are actively involved in the running of the group and are given good information about children's development. • Staff's clear understanding of the early learning goals leads to well planned activities which encourage and sustain children's interest.

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What needs to be improved?

• the selection of books for information which are accessible to 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 • the use of observations to plan the next steps in children's learning.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The group have made very good improvements since the last inspection with clear evaluation of activities now in place.

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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 The children are making very good progress in this area. Staff are enthusiastic and welcoming and this enables all children to have the confidence to try new activities. They value the children and their ideas, and listen attentively, responding to their suggestions. Children understand the need to take turns, share and work within agreed codes, and they are developing a growing understanding of right and wrong. Staff effectively help the children understand the consequences of their actions.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in this area. They are confident communicators and discuss their ideas freely. Children enjoy listening to stories, however the range of books for information is limited. Children's knowledge of letter sounds is been developed in practical activities. On arrival all children take part in a self-registration activity. Children are developing their written skills well, some can write their own names and they write and mark make for a variety of purposes.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good The children's progress in mathematical development is very good. They can count reliably to ten and beyond for some older children. They use mathematical language to appropriately describe shape and size, they are also learning to add and subtract during every day activities. They are learning to recognise written numbers in practical activities and there are many visual examples displayed in the group.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are making very good progress in this area of learning. They talk about themselves and remember past events. They learn about people living in the community through planned topics and by having people from the community visiting. Children have opportunities to build with a range of construction equipment. There are many opportunities for children to learn about and identify features of living things with some children bringing in examples of mini beasts.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are making very good progress within the programme for physical development. They use a range of equipment, which promotes and develops skills such as; throwing, catching, balancing and climbing. They are confident movers and demonstrate a good understanding of spatial awareness. They are taught the importance of good hygiene. Children use tools and malleable materials with increasing control.

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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: Very Good The children are making very good progress in the area of creative development. They are able to participate in a wide variety of activities and to use a range of resources to explore colour, texture and shape. The children have good opportunities to listen to, and respond to music they can follow a simple tune and can sing familiar songs from memory. They are confident and imaginative in their use of role play areas.

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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 high quality. Children are making very 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

There are no significant weaknesses to report, but considerations should be given to improving the following: • Points for consideration • extend on the selection of books for information which are accessible to children and support current topics or children's interests • develop the use of observations as a tool to planning the next steps in children's learning.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

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

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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