Potters Cross Pre-School Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 28/04/2004 Inspector Name Permjit Tanda

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name POTTERS CROSS PLAYGROUP Setting Address METHODIST CHURCH HALL ENVILLE ROAD,KINVER STOURBRIDGE WEST MIDLANDS

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Potters Cross Playgroup

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Potters Cross Playgroup Address Methodist Church Hall Enville Road, Kinver Stourbridge West Midlands DY7 6AA

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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

Potters Cross Playgroup opened in 1970. The group operates from the church hall in Kinver in South Staffordshire. They have use of the hall and two additional rooms. There are local shops, a park and school within walking distance. There are currently 42 children on roll. This includes 11 funded three-year-olds and 9 funded four-year-olds. Children attend a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and currently there are no children attending who speak English as an additional language. The group is open five days a week term time only. Sessions run from 09:15 to 12:00. Seven staff work directly with the children, of whom six hold an appropriate Early Years Qualification and the other is working towards an appropriate qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Potters Cross Playgroup provides good care for children. The group is well organised and there are good routines in place which help make children feel secure. There is a comprehensive written risk assessment carried out regularly on the premises to ensure the safety of the children. Staff are vigilant about the children's safety and children show an awareness of potential hazards. Staff adopt good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection and children learn about personal hygiene. Staff plan well and provide a broad range of exciting activities which help children make progress in all areas of development. Staff group the children according to their age and ability and therefore meet the children's individual learning needs effectively. Staff skilfully make good use of all learning opportunities throughout the session and children show an interest in their play and are motivated to learn.

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How good is the Day Care?

Assessments of the children's development are clear and are used to plan for the children's next steps of learning. Children are very well behaved they respond well to behaviour boundaries and staff

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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 use effective strategies to manage their behaviour. Partnership with parents and carers is good. Parents receive good information through daily contact and written records. Staff have a clear understanding of policy, procedure and their responsibilities. A record of accidents is maintained but it is insufficiently detailed. The record of fire drills and the complaints procedure needs to be further developed. There is an extensive range of well written policies and procedures in place which are regularly updated

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What is being done well?

• Staff prepare and plan well for the programme of activities delivered to all two, three and four-year-olds. Staff especially encourage the children's exploration and investigation skills through a range of meaningful activities and experiences. • The key worker groups work well, staff spend much of their time working directly with the children and staff are attentive and provide well for their individual needs. • Staff manage the children's behaviour well and have high expectations of behaviour. They are positive and help children understand what is expected of them. Staff are consistent in their approach and children respond well to behaviour boundaries. Staff make good use of the information provided about the children's family circumstances and other factors which may influence the children's behaviour and deal with incidents in a sensitive and supportive manner • Parents receive good information about the setting and comprehensive

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What is being done well?

written policies. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their children's learning through contributing to current nursery themes and the creative use of a nursery bear that children can take home and on holiday. There is constant communication and parents are regularly informed of their children's attainment and progress.

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What needs to be improved?

• the recording of fire drills to include the number of children and adults and the evacuation time • the record of accidents to ensure the detail of injury and description of accident is included in full • the complaints procedure to ensure it includes the name and telephone number of the regulator.

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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 6 Further develop the written record of fire drills. 7 Ensure the record of accidents includes the detail of injury and description of the accident in full. 12 Further develop the complaints procedure to include the name and telephone number of the regulator.

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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?

Potters Cross Playgroup offers high quality provision overall which helps children make very good progress towards the early learning goals. They especially make very good progress in their personal. social and emotional development and their knowledge and understanding of the world. Teaching is very good. Staff have a secure knowledge of the foundation stage and a solid understanding of how young children develop and learn. The educational programme is very good and all six areas of learning are covered. Staff achieve a good balanced programme and give priority to personal and social development, language and literacy and mathematics throughout the session. Staff challenge the children well and expect the most from them, they make skilful interventions to make them think. Staff help children understand what is expected and children respond well to behaviour boundaries. Staff make effective use of time and resources and

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How effective is the nursery education?

provide an inviting environment that is well organised . Assessments of the children's learning are systematic and clearly link to the stepping stones and early learning goals. Staff provide opportunities for children to demonstrate what they know and understand. There is a good support system in place to help support children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. Leadership and management is very good. The management team is consistent in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the care and education throughout the group. Staff are provided with opportunities for further professional development and there is a commitment to build on existing good practice. The partnership with parents is very good and parents are well informed about the nursery ethos and educational curriculum.

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What is being done well?

• Through repetition and a broad range of interesting activities and experiences, staff ensure children have regular opportunities to count and explore simple number problems and calculation. They provide opportunities for children to explore, describe and compare shape. • Children have many opportunities to investigate and explore objects, materials and the natural world. Staff make available various objects and items of interest for children to explore and manipulate independently, they learn about their use and function. • Staff provide good opportunities for children to link sounds of letters and name letters of the alphabet. They encourage children to think and organise and explore real and imagined experiences, ideas and feelings.

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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 • There is a well established routine and children respond well to change. Staff have high expectations of behaviour and are consistent in their approach. Children are happy, confident and demonstrate a good understanding of behaviour expectations. • The setting provides good quality information about the provision and parents are well informed about their child's achievements and progress. Parents are encouraged to become involved in their child's learning through their support in contributing to the current theme. The creative use of a nursery bear further establishes links with home and playgroup. • The person in charge gives good direction for the care and education of the three and four-year-olds. There is a strong team spirit and staff have well

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What is being done well?

established systems to review and develop the provision for nursery education. •

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What needs to be improved?

• the opportunities children have to use writing for various purposes during play.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The setting has made very good progress since the last inspection. The programme for physical and creative development has been further developed. Staff provide regular opportunities for children to use a range of materials and various tools. Children extend their manipulative skills through taking part in woodwork activities and are provided with a range of mediums such as clay and natural materials to express their creativity. The programme for knowledge and understanding of the world has been further developed in many ways. Children take part in more scientific investigations, including observing changes whilst making jelly and the melting of snow. They have been involved in investigating why things happen such as growing cress seeds in different places without light and without water. Children show an interest in why things happen and ask questions to find out more about things. Staff have increased the range of resources to enable children to learn about the

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What has improved since the last inspection?

wider diverse society. There is now a good range of play materials and resources promoting positive images of race and culture. Children have access to various types of dressing up and have been involved in celebrating various festivals including Chinese New Year and Diwali.

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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 Children make very good progress in their personal, social and emotional development. Children show a sense of belonging and adapt well to changes. Children show high levels of involvement in activities and demonstrate an increased independence in selecting activities and self help skills. They show concern for others and express their feelings appropriately with an awareness of set behaviour boundaries. Children take initiatives, learn to negotiate and manage tasks independently.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children confidently interact and talk in groups. Children are beginning to use more complex sentences and use a wide range of words to express and elaborate ideas. They respond well to stories and learn to describe story settings and characters and learn print carries meaning. Older children write their names and copy familiar captions. Although staff provide opportunities for children to use writing during play sometimes it is limited due the lack of access to writing equipment.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children show a real interest in numbers and counting through the use of action number rhymes and are beginning to solve number problems with interest. They develop an awareness of number comparison and calculation through valuable planned activities and through the use of daily situations. Children enjoy a variety of practical activities to compare shape and size and are beginning to sequence and recreate patterns.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children investigate and explore living things and natural objects to find out more about them. They observe changes in the environment and describe and explore changes in the weather. Children show an interest in the computer and learn to use its features. They independently build and construct with a range of materials to create models. They recall past and present events and show an interest in other cultures and beliefs.

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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 make very good progress in their physical development. Children develop spatial awareness, move confidently and safely. Children use a range of large and small equipment with increased skill and confidence. They learn to co-ordinate their body to create intended shape through music and movement. The have an understanding of personal hygiene and learn about the importance of healthy eating. Children independently use tools and demonstrate an increased skill in the construction of models.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children make very good progress in their creative development. Children easily differentiate between colours and confidently to explore texture and shape. They respond in a variety of ways to what they see, hear and touch and communicate their own ideas through a good range of art materials. Children use their imagination during role play and use expression through dance and movement. Children show an interest in music and enjoy using percussion instruments.

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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: • There are no significant weaknesses to report, but consideration should be given to improving the following: • the opportunities children have to use writing for various purposes during play.

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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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