Kingskerswell Playgroup and Nursery

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/06/2004 Inspector Name Janet Butlin

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Kingskerswell Playgroup Setting Address Church End Road Kingskerswell Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 5LD

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Kingskerswell Playgroup Address Church End Road Kingskerswell Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 5LD

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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

Kingskerswell Playgroup is managed by a committee of parents and has been established for many years. For the past two years it has operated from the Parish Centre on the edge of the village of Kingskerswell. The group is open from 08.30 to 15.00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays during term time and children may attend for any combination of morning, afternoon and lunchtime sessions. The group is registered to care for up to 27 children aged from two to five years and there are currently 38 children enrolled, 12 of whom are four-year-olds and 18 of whom are three-year-olds and in receipt of funding. The group supports children who have special educational needs. There are no children attending who have English as an additional language. A staff of eight support the provision, four of whom are qualified to NVQ level three and three of whom have NVQ level two. The group benefit from additional voluntary help and the ongoing support of the

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Information about the setting

Foundation Stage Advisory Teacher. They maintain contact with the Devon Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Kingskerswell Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. They offer a bright and welcoming environment where children are eager and happy to learn and are well cared for. The children have warm and trusting relationships with staff who are a consistent and well qualified team. The organisation of care is satisfactory. Children are involved in a wide range of interesting activities. The staff give appropriate thought to extending children's development and plan activities linked to the early learning goals for older children. Children are able to access activities as soon as they arrive and receive good support from the staff who are waiting to help them enjoy their play. The outdoor environment is compact but well equipped and secure. The premises are welcoming, light and bright and a good range of toys and equipment are available to support learning. Sound consideration is given to issues of safety with a rigorous record being kept of

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How good is the Day Care?

visitors to the setting, however not all the risks identified in the risk assessments 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 fully addressed and the timing of fire drills is inconsistent. All documentation is in place although some require more detail. Health and hygiene is good and careful thought is given to the preparation and storage of food, however insufficient emphasis is given to ensuring children can access drinks often enough, particularly in hot weather. The group has a very good awareness of caring for children with special needs and has a sound awareness of child protection overall. Children's behaviour is managed satisfactorily. The group ensures that there are opportunities to talk to, and communicate with, parents and to share information about children's activities and achievements.

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What is being done well?

• A bright and welcoming environment is created with attractive displays of children's work. • There is a wide range of suitable equipment which is in good condition. Children are able to access toys and games as soon as they arrive and staff are waiting to support them in their play. • Good attention is given to issues of health and hygiene. • Children with special needs are given good support.

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What needs to be improved?

• children's access to drinks • the content of the child protection policy and staff's awareness of child protection • the implementation of risk assessments and fire drills.

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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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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 6 Implement the recommendations of the risk assessments with particular regard to protecting children from hazards connected to falls from the climbing frame. 6 Ensure that fire drills are undertaken regularly and that they are recorded in a helpful way. 8 Ensure that children are able to access drinks with sufficient frequency. 13 Develop staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and ensure that the child protection policy includes the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation 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?

Kingskerswell Playgroup offers generally good quality nursery education where children enjoy learning through a range of interesting activities. Children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning. Sound emphasis is given to personal, social and emotional development, physical development and creative development. Children are confident, well behaved and show independence. Teaching is generally good. The key strengths are due to the commitment of the staff who work well together as a team and who communicate well. The staff's sound understanding of the Foundation Stage enables them to plan an interesting range of practical activities although there is some inconsistency in the way in which activities are presented and supported which impacts on children's learning. A lack of thoughtful regard to the implementation of the planning means that some activities

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How effective is the nursery education?

lack purpose, are not presented in a meaningful context and do not move at an appropriate pace. This means that some children may become restless, particularly when they are inappropriately grouped. Assessments are regularly done and used in day-to-day planning to informally, yet effectively, support children's individual needs. The nursery has children attending who have special educational needs and there is an effective system in place to provide good support. There are no children attending who have English as an additional language. The setting has a good range of equipment to cover all areas of learning. Leadership and management are generally good. The staff are supported in their professional development. The setting is committed to improvement and maintain contact with the Devon Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and the Foundation Stage Advisory Team. There is a generally good partnership with parents. Helpful information is provided

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How effective is the nursery education?

and they are informed of forthcoming themes and events. Regular communication is welcomed.

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What is being done well?

• Extensive and lively discussion develops children's language and communication skills effectively. • Children have good relationships with staff and each other. • Children's physical development is given good emphasis, particularly their use of small tools and equipment. • Children enter the setting happily and confidently and settle quickly to play. • Imaginative role-play is enjoyed by the children and they are enabled to be

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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 freely creative.

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What needs to be improved?

• the implementation of the planning to ensure that all areas of learning are covered and that appropriate emphasis is given to how the children are grouped to enable effective interaction • ensuring that effective methods are consistently used so that all activities are meaningful to children, that clear explanations are given and that sessions progress at an appropriate pace.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The group have made generally good progress with the key issues arising from the previous inspection. The assessment system has been improved and is the subject of continual review and the staff have developed their awareness of the Code of Practice and caring for children with special needs very well.

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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 enter the setting confidently settling quickly to play happily with their friends. They co-operate well and share popular resources fairly. They concentrate for substantial amounts of time at their tasks and understand the routines of the group. They are polite, saying 'excuse me' and showing care and concern to staff and to each other. They are generally well behaved although a lack of attention to grouping and the planned pace of the sessions means that some children become restless.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Lively discussion develops children's communication skills effectively and every opportunity is taken to extend children's vocabulary. They are encouraged to recognise their names and to freely make marks and write in a variety of situations. Consistent emphasis is given to the sounds that letters make and some activities are planned where children can explore rhyme. However, poor presentation of story time does not develop children's understanding and enjoyment of books.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Good use is made of language to do with position and size and children are encouraged to identify shapes, say if objects are larger or smaller and to think carefully when recreating a pattern or solving problems such as which piece of puzzle fits where. Some activities are planned where children are enabled to work out what happens when a group of objects, or children, are added to or taken away from another. But, staff do not take sufficient advantage of everyday play to develop this.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Good opportunities are taken to enable children to explore the features of living things. For example, the arrival of a spectacular moth in the play area. They look closely at markings and discuss features of its likely habitat. The children enjoy making models from a variety of materials and take part in extensive discussions about their families and past and present events in their lives. Children's awareness of cultural diversity is not developed in a meaningful context.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

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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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children develop their small muscles effectively by using a variety of tools such as scissors, cutting up vegetables for cooking and rolling and manipulating satisfyingly large lumps of play dough. They develop their larger muscles using wheeled toys and enjoy confidently crawling through and over apparatus such as the outdoor caterpillar. However, outdoor play often lacks focus and is largely recreational. The outdoor climbing apparatus lacks challenge for older and more able children.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children enjoy painting and watching the colours of the paint flow and blend. They are able to be freely creative in their artwork. They describe and explore the texture of paint and other materials such as fabric and potatoes in their printing activity and become involved in extensive imaginative role-play. Although children are confident singers, opportunities to enjoy rhythm and sound patterns are not fully explored as music is not always presented in a purposeful context.

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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

• Improve the implementation of the planning to ensure that all areas of learning are covered and that appropriate emphasis is given to how the children are grouped to enable effective interaction. • Ensure that effective methods are consistently used so that all activities are meaningful to children, that clear explanations are given and that sessions progress at an appropriate pace.

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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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