Headstart Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 11/02/2003 Inspector Name Christine Anne Hands

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SETTING DETAILS

Setting Name Headstart Nursery Setting Address The Old School Grantham Lincolnshire NG31 9AB

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ABOUT THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public 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

Head Start Day Nursery has been open since 1991 with further additions over the years and has now combined with an adjacent nursery to provide care for 137 children from the ages of birth to eleven years. The nursery is divided into smaller family rooms equipped for the various ages of the children with a separate club house for the older children. There is an outdoor play area as well as a large new room which can be used for active play or for large group activities. This room is particularly beneficial when children are unable to access the outdoor play area. The nursery is situated close to the centre of town with parking available in the adjoining streets. Head Start nursery is part of a small chain of nurseries within Lincolnshire. The nursery is open from 07.30 until 18.00 daily, except bank holidays and Christmas week. There are at present 253 children on the register, including 30 funded three year olds and 22 funded four year olds. There are three children

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Information about the setting

attending at present who speak English as an additional language. Staff have experiences of working with children who have special needs. The group have close links with local schools and have received support from the curriculum advisor at the EYDCP. There are 16 full time members of staff and 3 part time members. Seventeen of the staff have child care qualifications. Of these staff, nine work with funded children and seven of these have child care qualifications. Two remaining members of staff are working towards a qualification.

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How effective is the nursery education?

Head Start Day Nursery provides a happy, stimulating environment where children make generally good progress towards the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff work well alongside children providing good role models and having high expectations of children's behaviour. Staff plan effectively and have a secure knowledge of the Foundation Stage curriculum providing a stimulating range of practical activities to help children learn. Planning and assessment systems generally provide an effective framework to help children to make progress. However, there are no opportunities for children to fully use information and communication technology and gain the skills associated with this. The leadership and management of the group is generally good. All staff are positively encouraged and supported to undertake training. The manager provides clear direction to the staff team who work closely together. The manager and staff

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How effective is the nursery education?

are enthusiastic and keen to improve standards within the group. The partnership with parents is very good. Staff work well as a team and provide an environment which is welcoming to both children and parents. Parents receive good quality information about the setting and curriculum. Parents are positively encouraged to share in the running of the group and furthering the learning at home.

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What is being done well?

Children's personal, social and emotional development is very good. They are confident and able to express their needs. Children's communication, language and literacy is very good. They are confident and fluent speakers and have well developed listening skills. Children's mathematical development is very good. They are confident in the use of mathmatical language in a variety of situations. Children are developing small hand and whole body skills using a range of apparatus and equipment both indoors and outdoors. Partnership with parents and carers is very good. Parents are provided with information about what their child is learning and how they support this at home.

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What needs to be improved?

Written evaluations to assist with future planning. Opportunities for children to have access to a greater variety of information and communication technology equipment.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The progress since the last inspection is generally good. Staff have replaced their planning with a different system which clearly identifies what children have learned and how to extend their learning.

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children work well both independently and in groups. Children are provided with good role models and have good relationships with the staff and each other. Children have a curriculum planned in order to meet their abilities. Children and staff show enthusiasm with all activities seen.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are able to communicate well, confidently speaking in group activities. They are able to organise imaginative play with their peers asking adult to support when required. Children are encouraged by staff to ask questions. Children use books and writing materials with confidence through a variety of activities.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident in using correct mathematical language in a variety of situations. Children are able to count in sequence to ten and beyond and use number in everyday activities.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children are developing some skills and understanding of communication and information technology. Children are developing a good understanding of their own and differing cultures through a wide variety of activities and resources.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are developing small hand and whole body skills through use of a wide range of equipment and apparatus. Children have opportunities for both indoor and outdoor play to develop these skills.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children express and communicate their ideas, thoughts and feelings through role play, music and dance. Children make independent choices when selecting materials. They explore colour and shape through a variety of play materials and planned activities.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Children's spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is fostered appropriately: Y

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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

Provide opportunities for children to further develop their skills in information and communication technology. Use written evaluations to further develop planned activities.

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