St John's Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/01/2005 Inspector Name Kaldip Kaur Chaggar-Brown

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St John's Playgroup Setting Address Fieldhead, Leymoor Road Golcar Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD7 4QQ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of St John's Playgroup

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St John's Playgroup Address Fieldhead, Leymoor Road Golcar Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD7 4QQ

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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

St John's Playgroup has been registered since 1984. It is managed by a voluntary management committee which is made up of parents of children at the playgroup. The playgroup operates from St John's Infant and Primary School in Golcar, near Huddersfield. It has use of two playrooms and the school hall. An enclosed courtyard is used for outdoor play. It is registered for 20 children and is open term time only, 09:00 till 11:30 and 12:45 and 15:15. There are currently 58 children aged between 2 years and six months to 5 years on roll. Of these 42 receive funding for nursery education. Children attend from local areas. The playgroup supports children with special needs and English as a second language. The team of four staff all hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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How good is the Day Care?

St John's Playgroup provides good quality care overall for children. Premises are welcoming to both children and parents, with good information displayed on notice boards. Space is well planned with activities and resources set out appropriately which children access easily. A good range of toys and play equipment promote children's all round learning. A detailed operational plan is in place, which ensures staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Records kept are detailed and stored appropriately, although there are two minor weaknesses. Exact times of children's attendance is not recorded and the induction procedure for staff is limited. Very good systems are in place to keep children and staff safe. Controlled access to the building ensures unwanted visitors do not enter. The clear health and safety policy is implemented well by staff. Children develop good hygiene skills as they can confidently use the bathroom facilities. Healthy snacks and drinks are provided for

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How good is the Day Care?

the children. Staff promote the equal opportunities policy through good use of resources and discussion with parents. Children join in with all activities and their needs are met effectively. Staff have a good understanding of child protection.

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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 Staff spend their time directly with children ensuring that they are well supported. A very interesting and stimulating range of activities is provided which children enjoy taking part in. Equipment is used appropriately and imaginatively. Staff are very skilled at developing and extending children's language, mathematical and imaginative skills. They have a good understanding of children's individual needs which include special needs and English as a second language. Very good methods are used to manage children's behaviour. Children understand what is expected of them. Parents receive regular newsletters about themes to be covered. There are effective arrangements to share records with parents.

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What is being done well?

• Children make choices about what they want to do next and independently choose a drink and snack. They develop their independence in a safe environment. Excellent use of space allows children to take part in activities including those which develop their physical skills. • Children understand how to use everyday objects appropriately and share toys with each other. They are interested in resources that are stimulating and challenging, with both natural and artificial resources used well to develop children's imagination. Children are able to put toys away safely. • All staff are appropriately qualified and have undergone relevant additional training including first aid and infection control training. Staff are very enthusiastic in their roles. They understand how children learn. Good information is exchanged regularly between staff and parents.

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What needs to be improved?

• induction procedures • attendance registers.

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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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Improve induction procedures to ensure that new staff are fully aware of the policies of the playgroup. 2 Improve recording details of children's attendance.

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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?

St.John's Playgroup provides very good education for children. Children make very good progress towards the early learning goals in all six area's of learning. The quality of teaching is very good. The staff have a very good understanding of the foundation stage and the six area's of learning and this enables them to plan an effective educational programme for all children. A point for consideration is identified. Their interaction with the children is excellent and they take time to talk with children and listen to what they have to say. Children's behaviour is managed well and time is taken to ensure that the children understand what is expected of them. Resources are well presented and support children's learning in all area's. Leadership and management is very good. There is a strong commitment to training which enables the staff to further their professional development and to keep up to date with current practices. The system used to monitor and assess the educational

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How effective is the nursery education?

provision clearly identifies area's for development and is used to inform planning. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are provided with clear information regarding all aspects of the playgroup and the progress their children make. Good relationships have been developed and opportunities are available for parents to share what they know about their child.

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What is being done well?

• Children's behaviour is very good, they listen when adults speak to them and respond positively when they are asked to do something. They are eager to help with daily tasks and know their routines well. • Children's independence is being well developed and encouraged. Children can select their own resources and manage and contribute towards routines for personal hygiene. • Looking at books and listening to stories are enjoyed by the children, they want to share stories together and also enjoy looking at books during quieter moments alone. • Number and addition are successfully incorporated into everyday activities and children respond well to counting familiar objects, and during activity songs. • Musical activities are received enthusiastically by the children. They all want to participate and are eager to demonstrate that they know a range of songs and action games. • The staff manage the children's behaviour well. They are skilful at promoting

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What is being done well?

a positive approach and have developed methods which are easy for the children to understand.

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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 • The staff are committed to the ongoing improvement of the educational programme and use a system which clearly helps them to identify any strengths and weaknesses. They use the information when planning the curriculum to ensure that area's for development are addressed. • Interaction with the children is excellent. The staff have good relationships with the children, they are animated in their discussions and are particularly skilful at encouraging the children to talk about their interests and idea's.

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What needs to be improved?

• the availability of information technology equipment for younger children.

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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 are involved in all activities, they spend lengths of time at activities of their choosing and are independently able to select their own resources. The children are well behaved, they understand their boundaries and what is expected of them. All children have well developed independence skills. Children can manage and contribute towards their own personal hygiene.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident speakers, they interact well with the adults and with their peers and are able to describe their wants and their interests. They enjoy looking at books and are able to handle them carefully. Children are beginning to recognise familiar words. Children are beginning to understand that marks carry meaning. They use writing during every day activities and use writing as a means of recording.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Most children use number and addition during every day play. They can name numerals and most children count confidently to ten. They are beginning to be interested in shape, they recognise shapes of familiar objects and are able to match some shapes.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children show an interest in the natural world, they talk about what they see and what is happening. They examine objects to find out more about them. Most children are able to use a range of techniques to construct and use tools and materials safely. Older children are developing an interest in information technology, they know how to operate equipment and attempt simple programmes. Younger children do not yet show an interest in information technology.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good All children are able to negotiate space safely both indoors and outdoors. They can balance and climb and are developing control and co-ordination. Children are able to use a range of tools and materials. They are able to manipulate materials to effect change using a variety of resources. Children are developing a good understanding of health and bodily awareness and are beginning to understand about keeping healthy.

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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 Children use their imaginations well. During role play they introduce a story line, adopt roles and bring resources into their play. They enjoy musical activities particularly action songs and join in with enthusiasm at their favourite parts.

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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 that the equipment for information technology is more frequently available for younger children.

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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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