Southfields Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/09/2004 Inspector Name Ros Church

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care, Full Day Care Setting Name Southfields Pre-School Setting Address Old Hall Farm, Screveton Road Car Colston Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG13 8JG

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

Southfields Pre-School opened in April 1999. It operates from Old Hall Farm in Car Colston. The group have access to two playrooms, a kitchen, toilets and two outdoor play areas which includes a walled grassed garden and enclosed yard. The group serves families from the surrounding villages. There are currently 35 children on roll, this includes 20 funded three-year-olds, and 6 funded four-year-olds. There are currently no children attending who have identified special needs and none who have English as an additional language. The pre-school is open during school term-time, Monday to Friday 09:00 to 15:15, with sessions from 09:00 to 12:00 and 12:45 to 15:15. The group also offer a lunch box session from 12:00 to 13:00. Four staff work varying sessions with the children, three staff have early years qualifications, with the fourth working towards one. The setting receives support from the Nottinghamshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Southfields Pre-School provides good quality care for children. Staff work well together to provide a warm and welcoming environment for both children and their parents. The two playrooms are clean and bright, they are used well to meet the needs of the children, providing a good range of easily accessible toys and activities. Children's art work is displayed on the walls. The large outdoor areas provide good space for children to be active and participate in a wide range of physical activities. Most policies and procedures are in place. Records are kept confidentially and up to date. Staff have a good awareness of safety, and follow procedures to ensure children are safe within the setting. Good standards of health and hygiene are followed, and staff encourage children to learn about these during the routines. A good range of healthy

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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 snacks are provided, although water is not always easily accessible. Staff have a satisfactory understanding of child protection, however, the policy has not been updated. A good range of stimulating activities are planned and provided to support the children's learning within both the indoor and outdoor areas. Staff interact well with the children, they show interest in what they are doing, they listen, encourage and extend children's ideas. Children relate well to staff and one another, they learn to take turns and share the equipment. Children's behaviour is managed positively. Staff establish positive relationships with the parents and carers, they communicate daily regarding children's individual needs, and keep parents well informed of

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How good is the Day Care?

children's progress. Good general information is available regarding the setting, policies and procedures.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group agreed to four actions, all of which they have satisfactorily addressed. The system for recording children's arrival and collection now includes times of arrival and departure. An administration of medication policy has been devised and implemented. An operational plan has been developed and is available for parents, this ensures parents are better informed of the provision. To ensure children's security within the outdoor area a board has been attached to the bottom of the gate to reduce the gap.

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What is being done well?

• Staff have organised the rooms well to enable children to have easy access to a range of equipment, with additional resources and activities set out on shelves within the play areas. This enables children to be independent and to make choices. • Staff communicate and interact well with the children. They show interest in what children say and do, they encourage play and learning. • Staff manage children's behaviour in a positive way, they encourage self esteem and confidence through praise and encouragement. • Staff provide parents with good information regarding their child's progress, play and development plans are written for each child, and reports are shared each term.

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What needs to be improved?

• the vetting procedures for persons working on the premises and not looking after children • the accessibility of drinking water • the updating of the child protection procedures.

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What needs to be improved?

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 1 Ensure all persons working on the premises and not looking after children are vetted. 8 Ensure drinking water is easily accessible to children at all times. 13 Update child protection statement to include current information, and procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer.

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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?

Southfields Pre-School offers good quality nursery education. It provides a warm and caring environment, where children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals. They make very good progress in personal, social and emotional development, mathematical development, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical and creative development. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff form good relationships with the children and create a happy learning environment. They work well together and plan an interesting and varied programme of activities using the Foundation Stage Curriculum. However, short term planning does not clearly identify learning objectives and does not always link with children's assessment records. Staff interact well with the children and have some good methods of teaching, such as encouraging children to think and ask questions. There is a very good range of

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How effective is the nursery education?

additional resources which children can easily access, this helps to promote their independence. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour and manage this well through praise and encouragement. Leadership and management are generally good. Staff work well together as a team, and have clearly identified roles and responsibilities. They are encouraged and supported by the manager to undertake further training, although there is no formal appraisal system in place staff have individual training records. They evaluate the activities and monitor their work through staff meetings, however, they do not clearly identify weaknesses. The partnership with parents and carers is very good. Good general information is provided for parents, which includes regular newsletters, policies and procedures, and information on the Foundation Stage Curriculum. Parents are well informed of children's progress, and are able to be involved in their child's learning through play

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How effective is the nursery education?

and development records which are shared termly.

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What is being done well?

• Children use various tools such as magnifying glasses to explore and investigate a very good range of natural and man made objects. • Children's independence is developing very well, they are able to access a good range of resources and activities, they pour their own drinks at snack time, and learn to put on shoes and coats. • Children's physical development is very good. The outside area provides very good space for the children to be active, they learn how to control and co-ordinate their bodies whilst participating in a range of planned activities and using a range of equipment.

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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 partnership with parents and carers is very good. There are good systems in place to enable parents to be involved with their child's learning, through regular reports, play and development plans.

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What needs to be improved?

• the short term planning to clearly identify the learning objectives and link with children's assessment records • the opportunities for children to initiate writing for a purpose during role play.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The group have made very good improvement since the last inspection. They have drawn up an action plan and addressed the key issues. Staff are now deployed effectively and interact well during imaginative play, reading stories and books. Staff have developed children's use of number to include comparing and calculating during a wide range of practical activities. Staff now use open-ended questioning and encourage children to communicate their understanding and ideas.

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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 confident within the setting and are motivated to learn through a good range of planned practical activities. Independence is developing very well, children choose their activities and learn to put on coats and shoes. Children's behaviour is very good, they show care and concern for one another, take turns and share the equipment. Children are forming very good relationships with both adults and peers, many four-year-olds have special friends with whom they share experiences.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children have good language skills and use these to gain attention and initiate exchanges. They listen well during groups, such as during registration and story times. Children recognise their own names and other familiar words and are beginning to write their names correctly with well formed letters, although activities such as role play are not extended to include writing for different purposes. Children link sounds to letters, distinguishing those in their own names.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are becoming confident with numerals and number problems. They are able to count to ten and above, and four-year-olds recognise numerals to nine. They use mathematical language to compare numbers and to describe an object, such as longer or shorter, heavier or lighter. Very good practical activities are provided for children to learn about shape and size, to weigh, measure and to make patterns.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children learn about their local environment, during outings and practical activities such as growing plants and vegetables. Children enjoy investigating a good range of natural and man made materials, using their senses to explore and talk about the changes they observe. They learn to use various communication technology equipment such as computers and cameras. Through topic work and discussion children are gaining an awareness of other cultures and beliefs.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move confidently and demonstrate an awareness of space control and co-ordination as they use the bikes and scooters manoeuvring between objects. Children are competent at using a wide range of tools, such as pencils and scissors to achieve a planned outcome. They have an emerging understanding of healthy practices regarding eating and hygiene, and can contribute to their own well being in these areas.

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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 are able to explore a very good variety of media and materials, where they learn about colour, shape, texture and space. Children draw on their experiences and imagination as they play in the hairdressers. They have good opportunities to draw and paint freely in different ways. Children enjoy using a good range of musical instruments, where they are able to explore sounds and learn about rhythm and pitch.

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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

• develop short term planning to clearly identify the learning objectives and link these with children's assessment records • develop opportunities for children to initiate writing for a purpose during role play.

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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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