St Osburg's Catholic Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/07/2006 Inspector Name Linda Margaret Nicholls

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Castle View Day Nursery Setting Address 1 Castle View Road Strood Rochester Kent ME2 3PP

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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; 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

Castle View Day Nursery opened in 1996. The Day Nursery serves the local area. There are currently 70 children from 3 months to 5 years on roll. This includes funded 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week throughout the year. There are 19 staff working with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. All staff have paediatric first aid training. Staff are currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Castle View Day Nursery provides good care for children. Paperwork is up to date and parents are informed of their child's development. The organisation of the day care is well thought out. There is an operational plan which includes reviewed and dated aims, policies and procedures. Staff work well as a team and minimum qualifications are exceeded. An induction plan for staff is in place. Paediatric first aid training is current. The registration certificate is displayed. The daily register does not record the time of children's arrival or departure. The safety and the care of the children is good. The premises are secure with CCTV installed. Visitors are challenged and their details recorded. The premises are clean and well maintained. Resources are stored securely. There are written fire procedures and drills are recorded. A daily risk assessment is undertaken. Medical and health details are recorded confidentially and individual requirements are met.

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How good is the Day Care?

Written procedures, policies and consents are available for parents. Children's behaviour is generally thoughtful and caring although some staff are not consistent in the application of behaviour management techniques.

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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 The range and quality of activities is stimulating and encourages positive relationships amongst children. Children are engaged and extend their play confidently. An impact absorbent playground surface has been laid. Equipment is presented to create a dynamic environment. Children access toys and materials directly and can request specific items from adults present. Senior staff are experienced and creative in developing activities to stimulate children's all round development. There are colourful displays of children's work. The partnership with parents is sound, information is shared. Written agreements are in place and parents views are sought. The telephone number of the regulatory body is displayed.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The provider agreed to meet Fire Safety recommendations. The premises and new extension are now risk assessed for fire and emergency hazards. Children play safely.

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What is being done well?

• There is a good understanding of special needs. Staff are supportive and work with other professionals to ensure all children take part in activities alongside their peers. The needs of all children are met. • Good use is made of a secure garden play area. Activities are extended outdoors daily and children can move freely. Children's independence is respected and encouraged. • Daily monitoring is undertaken to identify hazards and assess risks. Staff are aware of emergency procedures and practice drills are recorded. The environment is safe.

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What needs to be improved?

• the information for parents to include recent and planned training for staff.

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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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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

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 12 Provide opportunities for parents to receive details of recent and planned staff training.

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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?

Castle View Day Nursery is acceptable and of good quality overall. The children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals. Teaching is generally good. Most staff show a secure knowledge of how children learn. Planning and evaluation is well thought out and effective, staff are given time in the working day for this. They are not however given enough time to complete the children's records including the stepping stones. Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of the children in their care and use this knowledge especially when providing Individual Educational plans for children with special needs. The behaviour management of some of the older children in the nursery does cause disruption at times and the behaviour of the few has a detrimental effect on the learning opportunities for others in the group. Leadership and management is very good. There are regular staff meetings for all

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How effective is the nursery education?

staff as well as quarterly newsletters. Staff appraisals are carried out yearly and staff use self assessment to identify their training needs. Staff are encouraged to undertake training whenever possible. The management carry out continual assessments of how the nursery is progressing and where improvements can be made. These findings are shared with staff at their staff meetings. The partnership with parents is very good. Parents are given a prospectus, written information regarding the ELGs and proposed activities their children will take part in. Plans and information are displayed on the parents notice boards, outside the rooms and on the walls throughout the nursery. There is perhaps too much information given, which could prove confusing. Parents receive a six monthly resume of how their child is progressing but do not see their child's actual records until the transfer records when the children leave the nursery to go to school.

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How effective is the nursery education?

Questionnaires are used to ask parents opinions on changes or improvements to the nursery.

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What is being done well?

• Leadership and management is good. Staff work well together and are committed to the learning and development of the children. Children receive good support. • Staffs' understanding and use of the early learning goals, in planning, provides children with good opportunities to learn and develop. • Partnership with parents is positively encouraged. Staff have taken measures to improve the giving and sharing of information with the parents. • Good use is made of the safe and secure outside play area. It encourages children to move with co-ordination, to develop a sense of space and their motor skills.

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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 • Children are provided with opportunities to learn about the world around them and to find out about how other people live.

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What needs to be improved?

• parents reviewing of the children's records and their input in their next steps • simple addition and subtraction and comparative language including opportunities for children to pour their own drinks • staff management of children's behaviour • staff recording of the stepping stones for individual children and it's use in future planning.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Continue to find ways of giving four year old children greater access to toys and activities to enable them to initiate their own learning. New ways of storing equipment and resources were introduced and doors removed from built in cupboards. Provide more information for parents how activities relate to the early learning goals (ELGs) in all six areas. A set of cards showing ELGs from various activities put on display in the main entrance hall. Further information displayed outside the 3 and 4 year old rooms. Information passed to parents via the review process. Ensure that all staff are familiar with the Dfes Code of Practice on the Identification and assessment of Special Educational Needs. Staff have enrolled on courses, there are now four Special Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs).

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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: Significant Weaknesses Staff provide stimulating surroundings and children are motivated to learn.They show an interest and delight in their work. There is a good relationship between the staff and the children. Opportunities for the children to be independent and pour their own drinks, at snack time, are missed. The behaviour of older children is not managed well and at times they do not take into consideration the needs of other children in the group. This has a detrimental affect on children's ability to learn.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Most children are confident speakers and are able to express themselves clearly. They know how to use books and show an understanding of story telling. Children are able to talk to each other, discuss and negotiate but some of the older children do not always listen to each other. The children enjoy and sing songs confidently. Staff tend to write children's names on their work taking away a practical opportunity to practice. Staff provide opportunities for children to link sounds to letters.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children can count reliably up to ten and some four year olds well beyond this. They are able to recognise written numbers. Children have opportunities to describe and recognise shape and size, they are very adept at this. A practical opportunity for children to use measuring in an everyday activity is missed, pouring their own drinks. More opportunities to introduce children to calculation and the use of comparative language are needed.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Four year olds show a good ability in the use of computers and programmable toys, some three year olds require support. Displays are relevant to the children, they are at child height and accessible. Activities are planned which give the children opportunities to explore the world around them and to learn about how other people live. Staff encourage the children to take an interest in and learn about the natural world.

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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: Very Good Children are confident and move with control and co-ordination, they have a good sense of space. Children recognise changes in their bodies when active, understanding that they get hot when running around. They have access to a safe and secure outdoor play area with lots of toys and equipment. They have room to run, skip and jump. Children show ability and confidence in the use of large equipment, like the climbing frame, and small equipment such as scissors, when cutting out.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are able to explore media and materials and show a pride in their achievements especially when they are displayed on the wall. Children show an interest and eagerness for creative activities. Staff support children when they are not sure how to use equipment. Older children do not always respect each other or their space while they are working and playing.

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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 parents with opportunities to review their child's records and to have an input into their next steps • improve the recording of the stepping stones for individual children and include these in future planning • review behaviour management procedures to ensure that the behaviour of the few is not detrimental to the well being of all children in a room.

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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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