Himbleton CofE Primary School and Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 10/03/2004 Inspector Name Maggie Ferris

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Caversham Heights Pre-School Setting Address Methodist Church Hall Highmoor Road, Caversham Reading Berkshire RG4 7BG

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Caversham Heights Pre-School 298720

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Caversham Heights Pre-School Address Methodist Church Hall Highmoor Road, Caversham Reading Berkshire RG4 7BG

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Caversham Heights Pre-School has been registered since 1963. They operate from the Methodist Church Hall and serve the local area. There are currently 45 children from 3 to under 5 years on roll. This includes 25 funded 3 year olds and 16 funded 4 year olds. The setting is able to support children with special needs and children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery is open from 09:30 - 12:00 Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 09:15 - 11:45 and 12:25 - 14:55 Tuesday and Thursday, term time only. 7 members of staff work with the children. 6 of the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and childcare partnership.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Caversham Heights pre-school provides good care for children.The premises provide a warm and welcoming environment for the children and their parents. They are well maintained and secure. The strong staff team work well together and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing training and development. They have a good understanding of child protection and equal opportunities issues. All of the required documentation is in place. Safety is given a priority within the pre-school, staff understand and follow the safety guidelines and routines. Hygienic routines are followed and good attention is given to children's individual routines and needs including children's individual dietary needs. Children with Special Educational Needs are well supported. There is a large range of good quality toys and equipment, appropriate to the children's age/stage of development, they are regularly cleaned and checked for safety. Toys and equipment are accessible to all children. The staff spend time

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

talking and listening to the children, helping them to learn. Staff manage children's

p.2

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 behaviour well, they use positive strategies and praise and encourage children's efforts, they know the children well. The children are polite and very well behaved. Staff have a good relationship with the parents, they regularly exchange information about children and their progress through informal discussion, termly reports and more formal open evenings. Parents are able to help in the pre-school and serve on the parent management committee.

p.2

What is being done well?

• Staff give attention to meeting children's individual needs and to exchanging information with parents. They plan activities in all areas based on the Foundation Stage. • There are comprehensive policy documents and operating procedures which all staff follow. • There is a large range of good quality toys and equipment. These are regularly cleaned and checked for safety. Toys and equipment are easily accessible to the children. • The staff spend time talking and listening to the children, helping them to play and learn. They praise and encourage children's efforts and manage their behaviour positively. • Staff work together as a strong team. They are committed to ongoing training and development and to the improvement of the pre-school provision. They are enthusiastic in their work which encourages the children to participate.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• documentation to ensure daily risk assessments are recorded.

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 develop a system to record the daily risk assessments which are carried out.

p.4

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

p.4

How effective is the nursery education?

The provision for nursery education at Caversham Heights Pre-school is of high quality which helps children to make very good progress towards the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff have a clear knowledge of the Foundation Stage and provide a good range of interesting and appropriate practical activities to support children's learning. They make good use of the accommodation and resources available to them. The use of planning and assessment ensures that children make very good progress towards the early learning goals. Staff are committed to ongoing training and their enthusiastic approach to the activities encourages the children to participate. Leadership and management is very good. The staff work well together as a team and are deployed effectively throughout each session to maintain a calm and stimulating environment. Staff are encouraged through regular meetings and the

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

appraisal system to attend training to further develop their knowledge of early years and the foundation stage. Staff have clear defined roles and responsibilities within the pre-school which allows staff members to have responsibility for specific areas, for example Special Educational Needs. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents receive a prospectus informing them about the pre-school and the education their child will receive, this information also contains details of the policies and procedures in place and how parents can access them. There is a notice board for parents with a variety of information about the pre-school, the curriculum and other relevant items. Information regarding the children is shared verbally at the beginning and end of each session. Parents receive a termly written report on their child's progress and are invited to attend a formal parents evening annually. Parents are able to help in the group and become

p.5

What is being done well?

• Children are confident, motivated and eager to participate in all of the activities. They relate well to each other and adults, are well behaved and able to share the resources and take turns in the activities offered. • Children's spoken language and writing skills are developing well as a result of the good range of planned activities and adult interaction. Most children are able to recognise their names and are beginning to understand that print carries meaning. • Staff provide a good range of activities to promote children's knowledge in number, addition and subtraction, planning ensures that children learn through a range of activities that are fun. Children are able to count

p.5

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 confidently up to ten and many are able to count beyond this. • Children are given opportunities to learn from first hand experiences and have opportunities to use their senses within the activities offered. • Staff's knowledge of the foundation stage is very good, they use consolidation techniques through repetition, questioning and re-visiting topics and activities to enhance children's learning. • Staff work well together as a team and there is a good deployment of staff during sessions. They are enthusiastic in their work and spend time researching for topic work and bring interesting items into the nursery to show the children. Children benefit from this and receive constant support and encouragement throughout each session.

p.5

What needs to be improved?

• No key issues for improvement have been highlighted at this inspection.

p.6

What has improved since the last inspection?

The key issue has been address and planned and unplanned activities ensure that children are becoming aware of their bodily changes when active.

p.6

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

p.6

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children's progress in personal, social and emotional development is very good. Children are confident, motivated, interested and keen to participate in the activities and resources offered. They are able to work independently and in co-operation with others. They are well behaved and show care and consideration to each other within their play. Children relate well to each other and adults.

p.7

COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children's development in communication, language and literacy is very good. Staff's interaction within the activities ensures that their spoken language and writing skills are developing well. The children are confident and engage easily in conversations with each other and adults. Many of the children are beginning to recognise their own names. They listen and respond to stories with enjoyment.

p.7

MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children's progress in mathematical development is very good. Mathematics is effectively planned and everyday opportunities to re-enforce calculation are used effectively. The children confidently count to 10 and beyond and recognise numerals up to 10. Staff provide a wide range of activities to reinforce number, subtraction, addition, shape and size.

p.7

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children's progress in knowledge and understanding of the world is very good. Themes and activities ensure that children are developing their knowledge about other cultures and traditions. Planned activities include visitors from outside the nursery. Children are confident in their design and children have access to a range of construction materials. The children are confident in their use of the computer and other technology.

p.7

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children's progress in physical development is very good. Children use a variety of equipment to encourage physical development and self confidence. They use a range of tools confidently. Children are confident and capable when undertaking routine activities and show a good awareness of personal hygiene. Children have good co-ordination skills and understanding of space, they move with confidence and ease around the nursery building and whilst enjoying outdoor play.

p.7

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

p.7

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children express themselves freely through role play and are given opportunities to use their imagination in both planned and everyday activities. They respond with enthusiasm to new activities and are confident in expressing their thoughts and feelings. Children experience a good selection of resources and activities to explore a range of media for example paint, collage, sand, water, and dough.

p.8

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

p.8

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.

p.9

WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

There are no significant weaknesses to report, but considerations should be given to improving the following: • There is no significant weakness to report but consideration should be given to the following: • Continue to maintain the current high standards by encouraging staff to undertake on-going training and keeping up to date with current childcare practice.

p.9

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.

p.9

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

p.9

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.10

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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

p.11