Newbury Park Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/06/2003 Inspector Name Linda May Marie Willoughby

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Gulval Little Learners Setting Address Gulval CP School School Lane,Gulval Penzance Cornwall TR18 3BJ

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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

Gulval Little Learners Pre-School opened in 1999. It operates from a one room Elliott building situated within Gulval County Primary School grounds. Gulval Little Learners Pre-School serves the local area. There are currently 39 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. This includes 20 funded three-year-olds and 9 funded four-year-olds. Children attend a variety of sessions. The provision supports children with special needs, there are no children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 9am to 12 noon and from 12.30pm to 3pm. Four part time/full time staff work with the children. Two have early years qualifications. Two staff have short course training certificates. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Gulval Little Learners Pre-school provides satisfactory care for children aged between 2 and 5 years. Staff use space and resources both inside and out to ensure children play well together. Children have access to toys and equipment that provide sufficient challenge; and meets the needs of the children, however free movement is limited. Paper work is organised well, but not all documentation is shared with parents. The registered person, that is the management committee do not ensure all staff, committee and regular volunteers complete vetting procedures. The premises is bright and welcoming. Children are kept safe both indoors and out, staff are aware of the need to promote safety, however the procedure for lost or uncollected child does not include outings. Generally good records are kept to promote good health, however not all records kept ensures confidentiality is maintained. Staffs encourage good health hygiene practices. Children are

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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 encouraged to learn about daily routines and personal hygiene. Children are provided with basic snacks and drinks. Staff ensure they have written records of child's dietary requirements. Staff understand and generally plan a good range of activities for all the children. Staff have good happy relationship with children. Staff encourage good behaviour appropriately. Staff show good knowledge and understanding of caring for children with special needs, which is consistent with current legislation and guidance. The partnership with parents and carers is good. Staff and parents generally share relevant information formally at the beginning and end of each session. Generally parents are provided with good written information about the pre school.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the pre-school committee were required to make outdoor play area safe; the play area is developed and made safe. Electrical socket covers are now used in the school hall. Appropriate seating for adults is now provided. Child protection procedure now complies with local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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What is being done well?

• Adults interested in what children do, they praise and encourage the children well, (Standard 3) • Children can access available toys and equipment easily, (Standard 5) • Drinks are provided regularly, (Standard 8) • The needs of all children are met, (Standard 9, 10)

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What needs to be improved?

• the completion of the required vetting procedures, (Standard 1) • the arrangements to ensure food preparation areas conform to Environmental Health and Food Safety Regulations, (Standard 6) • the document records kept shared with parents, (Standard 11) • maintain all records in confidence, (Standard 7) • the use of an effective key worker system (Standard 3) • the naming of a deputy person in charge (Standard 2)

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Outcome of the 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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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 1 Ensure all staff, committee members and regular volunteers under go OFSTED vetting procedures. 01/09/2003

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 introduce a key worker system, 2 provide Ofsted with details of the named deputy 6 ensure food preparation area’s conform to environmental health and food safety regulations 7 maintain accident/incident/medication records in confidence 11 make parents aware of all records kept about their child.

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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?

Gulval Little Learners offers generally good quality nursery education. Children are making generally good progress towards all the early learning goals. Children are confident speakers and make good use of technology in well planned and child initiated activities. Teaching is generally good. Staff's sound knowledge of the Footsteps planning system linked to the stepping stones ensures children are making progress across all six areas of learning. Staff produce detailed plans. Assessments are used well to influence future activities and next steps for children. However, daily routines are not regularly used to re-enforce learning in personal, social and emotional development, literacy and numeracy particularly for older and more able children. Free space within the unit is limited. Children cannot always move freely around activities. Staff use effective questioning to encourage children to think and express their feelings in

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How effective is the nursery education?

words. Children are encouraged to take an interest in their own environment and the wider world. Staff are good role models and children reward them with their good humour. Leadership and management are very good. Much of the success of the setting is due to strong leadership. The manager has sole responsibility for planning and assessment. She sets clear targets for every activity and staff are involved in daily reviews of children's progress. The group does not have a deputy or use a key worker system. The roles and responsibilities are not delegated effectively within the staff team. The group have completed a quality assurance scheme to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Partnership with parents is very good. Staff enjoy good relationships with parents who value the relaxed, informal atmosphere. Parents feel able to raise issues and are kept well informed about their child's progress.

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What is being done well?

• Children have daily access to technology and make good use of it in role play. • Children are learning about their local environment and the wider world through well planned and child initiated activities. • Children speak confidently. They make up their own prayers of thanks, devise clues and explore the meaning of new words and sounds. • Staff make good use of questioning to encourage children to express ideas and feelings in words.

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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?

• the organisation of furniture to enable children to make space for play and move about easily; • the use of freely chosen activities and daily routines to extend and re-enforce children's learning, particularly in personal social and emotional development, literacy and numeracy.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The setting has made generally good progress since the last inspection. Effective planning and assessment systems are now used. Staff record achievements and use records to plan next steps for individual children. Planning now includes multi cultural topic work using a good range of supporting resources. Parents report they are well informed and records show evidence of regular meetings to discuss children's progress and share information. There is a new appraisal system used to monitor strengths and areas for improvment. The pre-school now has accessible drawers and cupboards. However these are not regularly used by children. The group now has a computer with appropriate software and children use technology in role play.

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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's progress in personal, emotional and emotional development is generally good. Children are developing a sense of their own community. They are sensitive to the needs of others, their languages and cultures. However children are not always encouraged to be independent and responsible for their own actions. They do not routinely select their own resources or tidy away. Children have good levels of concentration and speak well. They settle quickly into the daily routine.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children's progress in communication, language and literacy is generally good. Children are very confident speakers. The are able to make up their own clues and prayers. They experiment with sounds and other languages. Daily routines are not used well to encourage children to write their own names i.e. on their pictures or practise their handwriting skills. Children are learning that print carries meaning and moves from left to right. Children are beginning to link letter shapes and sounds.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children's progress in mathematical development is generally good. Children enjoy singing favourite number rhymes and can count to five on their fingers. Children are not confident with number recognition. They do not add or subtract routinely. Children are learning about shape, position, weight and size as they build and draw. The can chose from a range of shapes to make models of correct proportions.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children's progress in knowledge and understanding of the world is generally good. Children are interested in and know the purpose of technology. However, they do not regularly select or use construction materials and tools. They show a keen interest in their home area and the wider world as they plan trips and holidays using maps and brochures in role play.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children's progress in physical development is generally good. Children use tools set out for them with increasing control. They handle nails and hammers well. They do not have control over which tools and equipment they can use. Children have daily activity sessions to develop their physical skills. They move carefully about their playroom.

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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: Generally Good Children's progress in creative development is generally good. They enjoy role play and extend activities using their own ideas. Children enjoy singing songs and making music. They are learning about pitch and rhythm. Children do not regularly select dough and paint to express themselves freely.

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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

• evaluate the organisation of furniture to make space for play and free movement between activities; • use a range of freely chosen activities and daily routines to extend and consolidate children's learning, particularly in personal social and emotional development, literacy and numeracy.

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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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