Stanley Infant School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 03/11/2003 Inspector Name Judith, Mary Butler

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care, Sessional Day Care Setting Name Garth Under Fives Nursery Setting Address Braybrooke Hall Makepiece Road,Priestwood BRACKNELL Berkshire RG42 2NF

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Committee of Garth Under 5's Nursery

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Committee of Garth Under 5's Nursery Address Braybrook Recreation Centre Make Piece Road Bracknell Berkshire RG42 2NF

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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

Garth Under Fives Nursery opened in 1970. It operates from the Braybrooke Recreation Centre in Bracknell. The nursery serves the local community. There are currently 38 children on roll. This includes 18 funded 3 year olds and 10 funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens Mondays to Fridays during school term times. Sessions are from 9.00 until 11.45 and from 12.00 until 15.00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays for older children, and from 13.00 until 15.00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for younger children. The group also run a holiday play scheme which operates during school holidays. Sessions run on Mondays to Fridays from 9.00 until 13.00. Six staff members work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. The setting receives support from the Early Years

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How good is the Day Care?

Garth Under Fives Nursery provides satisfactory care for children. Staff work well together as a team to provide a warm and welcoming environment. Children are happy and settled within the nursery and have access to a variety of activities and resources. Over half the staff hold early years qualifications. Staff are aware of the children's safety whilst ensuring that they have fun, they complete daily safety checks, however full risk assessments have not been undertaken. Security within the premises is high, with all visitors having to knock to gain entry, a visitors book is in place but visitors are not always requested to sign in and out of this book. Staff encourage the children to be aware of personal hygiene and act as good role models. Accurate records of all accidents and requests to administer medication are held and parents are requested to countersign accident records and receive a copy. Most of the required documentation is in place. Healthy

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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 and nutritious snacks are provided, and children's dietary requirements are recorded in writing. The staff know the individual children well. High staff-child ratios ensure that all children receive a good level of support within the setting. A variety of activities and resources are offered, however there are limited opportunities for the children to choose the resources they wish to use.Staff encourage the children to be kind and respect the feelings of others. Staff and parents have developed strong relationships. Parents receive a prospectus and full copies of all the policies and procedures in place.Not all the information contained within these documents is accurate. Staff and parents exchange information regarding the children daily and formal open and parents days ensure

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How good is the Day Care?

that parents are informed of their child's progress within the setting.

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What is being done well?

• A warm and welcoming environment is offered to children and parents, children are happy and settled within the setting. • Accurate records of all accidents within the property are held, parents receive full copies and are requested to sign all documentation. • A range of healthy and nutritious snacks are offered to the children, individual children's requirements are recorded on the registration forms and parents wishes regarding the intake of food and drink are adhered to. • Staff offer good support to children with special needs, they work in partnership with the parents and outside agencies to ensure that the children's needs are met. • Good relationships have developed between staff and parents, they regularly exchange information regarding the child's progress within the setting.

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What needs to be improved?

• documents, to show the procedure to follow in the event of a child not being collected from the setting • registration systems, to ensure that all visitors to the setting are recorded • induction procedure, to inform all new staff of their role within the setting and the procedures to follow • documents, to ensure that the information within the operational plan, policies and procedures is relevant and accurate • opportunities for children to make free choices regarding the activities and resources they wish to use

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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 • safety, to ensure that regular risk assessments are carried out identifying actions to be taken to minimize identified risks • consents, from parents obtaining their permissions to seek emergency medical attention • documents, to ensure that parents receive information of the procedure to be followed in the event of an accusation of child abuse being made against a staff member.

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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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The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 2 Ensure a procedure is in place for uncollected children. 31/12/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Develop a formal induction procedure for all new staff. 6 Conduct a risk assessment on the premises identifying actions to be taken to minimize identified risks. 7 Request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. 12 Ensure that the information that parents receive through the policies and procedures is accurate and up to date.

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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?

Garth Under Fives Nursery offers good quality nursery education where children make generally good progress towards the early learning goals, however progress in creative development and knowledge and understanding of the world is limited by significant weaknesses. Teaching has significant weaknesses. Not all staff have appropriate knowledge of the early learning goals and planning does not always reflect the activities offered and expected outcomes. The structured session offered does not always allow for the younger less able children and there are limited opportunities for the children to self select the resources they wish to use or develop their independence skills. The high staff-child ratio enables children to obtain a good level of adult interaction and this is evident in the support that the staff give to children with special needs. Relationships between staff are good and they set high standards for behaviour

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How effective is the nursery education?

which children relate to. Staff use daily recording systems of planned activities to monitor children's progress and these are used to complete the developmental records and child profiles in place. Leadership and management is generally good. The deployment of staff ensures that they spend much of their time interacting with the children. Staff attend regular meetings to discuss their key worker children and their progress, termly planning meetings are held. There is no formal induction process for new staff and existing staff have not had appraisals this year. Therefore training needs have not been formally identified and recorded. Partnership with parents is generally good. All parents receive information regarding the nursery and the policies and procedures in place. Parents are invited to discuss their child informally at the end of each session. Written reports on children's progress are completed and parents are invited to attend formal parents days to

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How effective is the nursery education?

discuss these with their child's key worker.

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What is being done well?

• Children relate well to each other and adults, they are able to leave their main carer and join the nursery group with confidence. Children are able to work independently and in co-operation with each other. • Children are confident in finding their name cards and many recognise that print carries meaning. They explore new words and extend their vocabulary enthusiastically. • Children count with confidence up to ten and most are able to count up to 20, many are able to recognise written numerals up to and beyond nine. • High staffing ratios enable all of the children to benefit from a good level of adult support throughout the sessions.

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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?

• planning, to ensure that the routines and activities offered are not too structured for the younger age range of children attending • opportunities for children to further develop their independence skills through free choice of play materials and assisting with everyday activities for example assisting in the preparation of snack time • opportunities for children to develop their knowledge of the cultures and beliefs of other people • staff's awareness of the Foundation Stage and children's progression through the stepping stones towards the early learning goals.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery has made generally good progress in the area identified at the last inspection. Clear labelling of everyday objects, activities and displays using both lower and upper case letters enable the children to recognise that print carries meaning.

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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 leave their main carer with ease. They are able to express their needs and ideas and relate well to adults and their peers. Children have the opportunity to experience a range of activities, however there are limited opportunities for children to develop their independence skills for example, choosing the resources they wish to use or helping prepare and serve the snack. Children are enthusiastic and keen to try activities for example the musical instruments.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Most children are confident in group situations and are able to contribute their thoughts and feelings. Children are able to find their own names and many are able to recognise that print carries meaning, staff use labelling of everyday objects and planned activities to reinforce this learning. Children enjoy stories and books they explore new words and extend their vocabulary with enthusiasm, however children are not always encouraged to enjoy books in an informal situation.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children count with confidence up to ten and most are able to count up to 20, many are able to recognise written numerals up to and beyond nine. Staff provide a good range of planned activities to reinforce number, subtraction, addition, shape and size. Children are confident in recognising and comparing groups of numbers and are offered many practical and fun opportunities to extend this knowledge for example, register time comparing the number of staff to children.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Children talk with confidence about personal events in their lives and many are able to convey this information to large and small groups. Planned activities enable children to use their design and making skills, however there are missed opportunities to further develop these with a wider range of materials for example dough, clay and sand. Children are beginning to be aware of their own cultures and beliefs, but there is little evidence to show that other cultures are included in the planning.

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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: Generally Good Children are confident and capable when undertaking routine activities and show a good awareness of personal hygiene. The activities planned do not always allow the children to use tools and equipment for themselves for example scissors, pens, brushes. Children have developed good co-ordination skills and an understanding of space this is reinforced through music and movement sessions. Children move with confidence around the nursery building.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Significant Weaknesses Many children are able to express themselves through the use of role play, stories and music, however planning does not allow the children to freely choose the resources they wish to use or explore a variety of media and materials throughout the sessions. Children respond with enthusiasm to familiar and new experiences and are confident in expressing their thoughts and feeling for example song time and the music activity.

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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 that the routines and planned activities are not too structured for the younger age range of children attending • ensure children are able to further develop their independence skills through opportunities to choose the resources they wish to use and assist in everyday activities • provide opportunities for children to develop their understanding and knowledge of the cultures and beliefs of others • develop staff's awareness of the Foundation Stage and children's progression through the stepping stones towards the Early learning Goals.

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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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