Winterton Primary School and Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/09/2004 Inspector Name Susan Tuffnell

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Goslings Playgroup Setting Address C/O Whitehill School Whitehill Road Hitchin Hertfordshire SG4 9HT

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Goslings Playgroup 1031887

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Goslings Playgroup Address C/O Whitehill School Whitehill Road Hitchin Hertfordshire SG4 9HT

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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

Goslings Playgroup opened in December 1992. It operates from a purpose build building located within the grounds of Whitehill School, Hitchin. They are registered for 26 children aged between 2 and 5 years. There is currently 72 children on roll, this includes 40 funded 3 year olds and 0 funded 4 year olds. Children attend a variety of sessions. There is 1 child attending with special needs and 1 child who speaks English as an additional language. Sessions are Monday to Friday between the hours of 09.15 until 11.45 and 12.30 until 15.00. term time only. The group also offer wrap around care in the form of a lunch club . Goslings employs 8 members of staff who work flexible shift patterns. The group have joint managers and a deputy manager. All staff hold a recognised qualification in childcare and education. The group is committee managed and are members of the PSLA. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare

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How good is the Day Care?

Goslings Playgroup provides good care for children. The playgroup use the premises to it's full potential, giving children access to separate areas of learning. The outside play area is safe, attractive and gives children opportunities for stimulating and challenging physical play. Potential hazards on the premises are taken seriously and there are positive steps to reduce these and minimise risks to children. There are clear policy guidelines for the health and wellbeing of the children, and regular effective routines to encourage good hygiene practises with the children.

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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 staff group are highly qualified, motivated and attend training programmes. Most staff have completed child protection training and there is high staff to children ratios. The staff's relationship with the children is excellent. Children are happy, settled and fully involved in their play. Activities are planned to provide children with a good variety of experiences. There is a stimulating range of good quality play materials within easy reach of children and toys and equipment provide children with opportunities for learning in all areas. The group is pro-active in providing a suitable environment and appropriate care to include children who may have a special need and there are sensitive and thoughtful

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How good is the Day Care?

policies in place that take account of children's individual needs. Consistent and appropriate boundaries in place are levelled at children's understanding of behaviour expectations but there is no statement on bullying. Snacks and drinks prepared by staff are healthy and nutritious and take account of dietary and religious requirements, however there are no procedures in place to inform parents about the food and drink offered to the children. Parents have access to written polices and regular exchange of information. There are positive comments on the Ofsted questionnaire for parents. Documentation is of high quality.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

After a visit to the premises on the 20/07/2004 the playgroup agreed to provide suitable 1st aid resources (with reference to applying cold compresses and covering wounds). Ensure all staff and parents understood the procedure to be followed in the event of an accident to a child and make sure Ofsted is informed of any significant events occurring within the provision. The group have obtained flannel compresses for minor bumps and sterile woven gauze dressings for body fluids. There are new procedures for injuries that require medical treatment and a procedure is in place to inform Ofsted.

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What is being done well?

• Activities are planned to provide children with a wide variety of experiences which include interesting topics and themes that have interlinking activities, for instance road safety was enhanced and enriched by art and craft work on wheel prints, bus and lollipop stop game, zebra crossings, road safety game and information on transport. • There is an excellent range of good quality play materials which are within easy reach of children and provide good opportunities for imaginative play, these include resources that show positive images of the wider world. Topic areas cover festivals such as Chinese New Year with displays of children's work dragons and lanterns.

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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?

• children's independence in creative activities • information for parents regarding food and drink • behaviour management policy which includes statement on bullying

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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 3 encourage children's independence in creative activities 8 ensure that parents are informed of procedures and policies regarding food and drink 11 produce a written statement on behaviour management which includes bullying

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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?

The provision for nursery education at Goslings Playgroup is of high quality. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff have knowledge and understanding of the early learning goals and curriculum planning includes all children and areas of learning. Staff encourage, support and challenge children appropriately to explore, experiment and develop skills, however further opportunities for children to use tools and use shape and positional language in maths development should be included. There is a good balance between adult-initiated and child-initiated activities. Staff are good role models, they show respect and concern for the children which is reflected in the children's concern for each other and self. Staff teach children safety when using equipment and encourage them to be independent, develop a positive self-image by praising and valuing their suggestions and efforts. However,there are

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How effective is the nursery education?

times when children do not effectively express and elaborate their ideas. Leadership and management is very good and has a positive impact on children's progress. There is a motivated staff team with good assessment of children's progress through the key worker system. The joint managers give excellent support and guidance to staff with regular meetings and supervision. Partnership with parents is very good with regular exchange of information. Parents have access to a range of high quality policies and procedures and are given every opportunity to be involved in all aspects of their child's learning and progress. They receive comprehensive child assessment reports.

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What is being done well?

• Children are making very good progress in physical development, they show an increasing awareness of space, negotiate and adjust speed (trikes) and change direction to avoid others and obstacles. • Personal, social and emotional development is excellent, children are making friends and learning about different types of relationships in the home corner. They are beginning to communicate socially as a group, chatting while manipulating playdough and mimicking each other's expressions. • Children show imagination and a strong exploratory impulse in creative development. They use objects to enrich their free play based on past experiences. Two children put on the toy fire persons hats, picked up a large teddy bear, one child holding the legs and the other the head and rushed around the room making ambulance noises.

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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?

• opportunities for children to express and elaborate ideas and to use a variety of tools • children's interest in shape and positional language • using a variety of tools

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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 Staff provide a caring environment and have trusting relationships with the children. The key worker system ensures that children have consistent care and attention and develop a sense of belonging in the group. Children have a good awareness of expected behaviour and care for self and others. Children show pride in their achievements and are joining together in small and large groups to share experiences and activities.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are beginning to communicate well in pairs, asking each other questions and waiting for answers. They are showing interest by use of body language and facial expressions. Children are confident to approach staff and engage other children in conversation. They listen to others and respond to instructions. When children have opportunities to use vocabulary to express and elaborate ideas they use a widening range of words and more complex sentences.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are developing an awareness of numbers, rhymes and counting. Staff use every opportunity to encourage children to count and use maths concepts in games and puzzles. Children have good opportunities to solve number problems and use measuring and weighing in activities, however their learning should be further enhanced in shape and positional language.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Staff arrange activities to give children ample opportunity for exploration and investigation. Children show curiosity exploring building materials, working out why things happen and how they work while using the winch and the construction vehicles. Topics and themes allow children to learn about a wide diversity of cultures and the natural world, stepping into other customs by using dressing-up clothes and trying different foods.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Through regular and frequent activities, children improve their coordination, control and ability. . They are able to run, climb, balance, slide and jump. They are motivated and interested in action rhymes, stories and songs and are showing an increasing awareness of a sense of personal space and respect for other's personal space. They engage in activities that develop their small motor skills and hand-eye coordination but have limited access to using a variety of tools.

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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

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Resources are freely available to allow children to express creativity. Activities are arranged to encourage children to use their senses and explore texture and shape using attractive and stimulating materials. Children respond to creative activities with expression and imagination in role-play situations and join in enthusiastically with clapping, singing, music and movement.

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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; • Ensure children further enhance their learning by having opportunities to use a variety of tools, express and elaborate their ideas and encourage their interest in shape and positional language.

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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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