Oakdale Junior School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/10/2003 Inspector Name Jennifer Barton

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Cranmore & Doulting Pre-School Setting Address Memorial Hall West Cranmore Shepton Mallet Somerset BA4 4QJ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Cranmore & Doulting Pre-School 1058626

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Cranmore & Doulting Pre-School Address Memorial Hall West Cranmore Shepton Mallet Somerset BA4 4QJ

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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

Cranmore and Doulting Pre-school operates from the Memorial Hall situated in the centre of the village of Cranmore, approximately 3 miles from Shepton Mallet in Somerset. The pre-school has use of all of the premises but has permanent use of a room at one end of the hall and access to a rear garden. The pre-school are registered for sessional care for a maximum of 24 children aged between two years six months and five years of age. There are currently 23 children on roll, of these, 10 children are funded three year olds. At present there are no children attending with special educational needs or with English as an additional language. The pre-school are open Monday to Friday from 09.15 to 12.15 during term time only. The pre-school is committee run and has recently appointed a supervisor with NVQ 3 in childcare.The other two regular staff are working towards updating their qualifications to level 2. The setting receives support from the Early Years

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Information about the setting

Development and Childcare Partnership. The pre-school has close relationships with the local primary school to which most of the children transfer.

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How good is the Day Care?

Cranmore and Doulting Pre school provide satisfactory care overall for children aged two years to five years of age. Staff provide a warm and welcoming environment for children and parents, with effective use of space and resources. However, staff do need to achieve the required level of qualifications. Most areas of health and safety are in place, but attention needs to be given to risk assessment, especially garden safety, fire procedures and medication records. A good range of toys and equipment allow staff to provide appropriate activities to

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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 promote childrens development. Good steps are taken to promote the welfare of all children. Partnership with parents is good, they are well informed about the pre school through leaflets and newsletters. Effective arrangements through the daily diary provide parents with information on their children's progress.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Improvement since the last inspection has been satisfactory. The pre-school had agreed to make the outdoor play area secure and free from stored building materials. A new fence and shed has been erected and this is now secure and safe for the children to access. A risk assessment is now in place but this needs to be regularly completed, to ensure safety for children. The pre-school had a valid insurance certificate on display and written consent for outings were now obtained from parents. The pre-school were asked to provide a system for recording medication and some records were kept, but they are reviewing the system to be more accurate and this will be a recommendation to continue to improve.

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What is being done well?

• Good organisation of space and resources. • Activities allow children to make decisions, explore and investigate as well as supporting their language and mathematical thinking. • Staff take positive steps to ensure individual needs are met, they actively promote equality of opportunity. • Partnership with parents is good, information is shared, they are well informed about the pre school and their childrens progress.

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What needs to be improved?

• ensuring half of all childcare staff hold a level 2 qualification. • conducting regular risk assessments especially the safety of the garden • completing fire log records. • obtaining written permission before administering medication to children. • keeping a written record signed by parents, of medicines given 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

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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 2 develop and implement an action plan detailing how at least half of all childcare staff will hold a level 2 qualification in childcare 6 conduct regular risk assessment on the premises identifying action to be taken to minimize identified risks especially in the garden 6 ensure a fire log book is completed. 7 ensure written permission from parents is obtained before administering medication to children and keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children

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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?

Cranmore and Doulting Pre-School offers acceptable provision and is of good quality overall. Children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals and very good progress in mathematical development, knowledge and understanding of the world and creative development. Teaching is generally good. There are effective assessments, planning and evaluations in place which meet the needs of all children but lack of staff training and knowledge mean that challenges for more able children have not been effectively implemented. The group have established good routines to help children feel secure but do not have effective behaviour management systems in place. Staff deployment and organisation needs to be considered especially at group times. Leadership and management is generally good. Current staff are being supported by the committee until the newly appointed supervisor is in post. Training needs have

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How effective is the nursery education?

been discussed and staff are aware of the importance of this within the group. The partnership with parents is very good. Parents are given very good information about the provision and appropriate information is sought from them when children start the group. This is continued through the use of individual daily dairies which record children's achievements both within in the group and at home.

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What is being done well?

• Children's mathematical development is very good. They are confident to use numbers and positional language in their play and are acquiring good problem solving skills. • Children's knowledge and understanding of the world is very good. Staff have made good use of the local environment to excite children's curiosity and maintain their interest. Children are already confident and able users of the computer. • Children's creative development is very good. They respond to new experiences and are confident to use a variety of media and materials. Role-play resources initiate interesting imaginary scenarios which show children's knowledge and confidence. Children are given good opportunities to sing songs and explore sounds.

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What needs to be improved?

• behaviour management and staff deployment to ensure that children are supported at group times and learning to be considerate of others. • opportunities to encourage children's independence at snack time, extending

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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 challenges set for children in physical development and encouraging more able children to practise their writing skills as part of their play. • staff's knowledge and understanding of the early learning goals.

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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 forming good relationships with staff and feel secure to speak in a group. They are confident to express their needs but not yet showing much concern for others. Snack time is not effectively organised to increase children's independence.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children are able communicators and can listen and respond appropriately. Songs and rhymes are enjoyed by the children and they are keen to join in. They are learning to sign as a means of communication. They show good hand-eye co-ordination but more able children's good writing skills are not extended into meaningful play.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children use counting and calculating as part of their play and use language to show their understanding of shape, space and measure. Resources are excellent and stimulate and motivate the children in their learning. Children are excellent at problem solving and have a very good grasp of mathematical concepts.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children's progress in knowledge and understanding of the world is very good. Children are able to access a good range of resources to practise their building and making skills. They are confident and able at using the computer and learning about their own and other cultures. The local environment is well used to support and stimulate children's learning in this area.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children have daily opportunities to participate in physical activity. They show good awareness of space and can move confidently. Tools and equipment are well used. More able children are not suitably challenged by the activities or resources which leads to them trying to extend their play themselves.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident to explore colour, texture, shape and form. They are enthusiastic at participating in singing activities and can sing simple songs. They also enjoy moving to music in a variety of ways. They are responsive to new experiences and are confident to initiate imaginary scenarios in their role-play.

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CREATIVE 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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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

• ensure staff are deployed effectively, manage children's behaviour consistently and encourage children's independence at snack time. • provide opportunities for children to practise their writing skills in practical situations and extend physical challenges for more able children. • improve staff's knowledge and understanding of the early learning goals. 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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