Ysgol Y Gorlan

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 26/05/2004 Inspector Name Dawn Bonica Brown

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Embsay Children's Centre Setting Address Pasture Road Embsay Skipton North Yorkshire BD23 6RQ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The partnership of Caroline and Simon Midgley

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Caroline and Simon Midgley Address Pasture Road Embsay Skipton North Yorkshire BD23 6RQ

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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

Embsay Children's Centre opened in 1992. It is privately owned and operates from a converted chapel in Embsay village. It serves the local area and wider community. They are currently caring for 76 children of which three year-olds and four year-olds are in receipt of nursery education funding. Children attend for a variety of sessions and the setting provides full day care for children aged from eight weeks to five years, and out of school and holiday care for school-aged children. The setting currently supports a number of children with special needs. The nursery opens five days a week all year, except for one week at Christmas, and opening times are from 08:00 until 18:00. Eight part-time and five full-time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ 2, 3 and above. Two members of staff are trained teachers. Four staff are currently working towards a recognised early years

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Information about the setting

qualification. The setting receives support from the Local Authority.

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How good is the Day Care?

Embsay Children's Centre provides good quality care for children in a warm, welcoming environment. Staff and resources are used effectively to help children to feel secure and the accommodation is appropriate in most areas. The premises are well maintained and resources are of a high quality, kept in good condition. Documentation is very well maintained and policies and procedures are understood by all staff and reflected well in practise. The setting has a high level of awareness of the risks to children's health and safety. Good hygiene procedures are followed carefully and children's nutritional needs are well met. Staff understand children's individual needs and treat them with respect. Children with special needs are well cared for. Child protection procedures follow the correct guidelines and staff are aware of them.

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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 have good relationships with children and support their involvement in a broad range of stimulating activities. They are positively encouraged to respect each others feelings and to establish friendships. Children's behaviour is appropriately managed; staff follow clear guidelines that emphasise positive strategies and encourage children to make their own decisions. The setting has good relationships with parents. They are listened to, and their different needs are taken into account. Parents are well informed about the setting and their children's progress.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure that appliances and fittings conform to safety requirements and do not pose a hazard; to ensure that parental permission is requested to seek emergency treatment or advice; to ensure that parents give written permission to administer medication; and that the child protection statement follows the Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Children's safety has improved with annual PAT (portable appliance tests) completed. Prior written parental permission is appropriately obtained to seek emergency medical treatment, together with written permission to administer medication; and the child protection statement correctly follows Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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What is being done well?

• Good use is made of staff and resources; children are well grouped to support their progress and to help them to settle in easily when they move into older age groups within the setting. • All children, including babies and school aged children, are offered a wide range of activities. They use the garden effectively to explore and to investigate insects, plant vegetables and care for animals. They participate in outdoor activities in all weathers, wearing appropriate clothing, so that they are knowledgeable about how to keep themselves warm and dry. • Resources are stimulating and well maintained. Children select toys and choose activities freely and engage in spontaneous role play using a wide range of toys and equipment. • Strong emphasis is placed on children's health and safety. Staff know the safety procedures and risks are carefully monitored. Good hygiene procedures are consistently observed and children who are ill are very well

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What is being done well?

cared for. • Staff are knowledgeable about nutrition and children's allergies. Recommendations from Environmental Health are routinely followed, such as keeping utensils separate for children with allergies. Children are offered a wide variety of food. • Children are positively encouraged to respect each other and are well supported to resolve conflicts through sensitive discussion and the skilful use

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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 of appropriate resources. • Staff are friendly so that parents feel comfortable sharing information about their children with them. Parents are well informed about all aspects of the setting and about their children's activities and progress.

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What needs to be improved?

• the use of space in the pre-school room to ensure that children can move freely at all times. • the books to ensure that all children can select them easily. • the resources reflecting positive images of disability.

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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 4 Organise the space in the pre-school room to ensure that children can move freely at all times. 5 Organise the books to ensure that all children can select them easily, and continue to develop resources reflecting positive images of disability.

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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?

Embsay Children's Centre provides very good quality education where children progress towards the early learning goals through a wide range of practical activities. Children make very good progress in communication, language and literacy, mathematics, knowledge and understanding of the world, personal, social and emotional, physical and creative development. Teaching is very good; staff understand all aspects of the early learning goals and plan effectively to cover the curriculum over time. Children's self esteem is consistently well fostered. Staff help them to make good progress with stimulating activities and provide sufficient support for them to pursue self chosen activities that help to maintain their concentration. Meaningful assessments indicate how to include appropriate challenges for all children. Staff have good relationships with children; they listen to them and help them to resolve conflicts so that they are

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How effective is the nursery education?

confident and trusting. They help children to think logically and speak clearly through skilful open-ended questions. Children are well-behaved and respond suitably to clear explanations of what is right and wrong.There are two points for consideration relating to the organisation of activities and use of opportunities at meal-times. Effective leadership successfully retains staff and encourages them to attend relevant training. The strengths and weaknesses of the setting are assessed objectively and realistic plans for development are made. The setting has a strong commitment to improvement of the care and education for all children. Partnership with parents is very well developed; parents find staff approachable and friendly so that they are able to contribute to their children's development effectively in writing and verbally. They are involved in the setting and are well informed about their children's activities and progress.

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What is being done well?

• Children's interest in creative activities is very well nurtured through stimulating craft activities that keep them involved and maintain their concentration effectively. • Children are highly involved in outdoor pursuits and use this space productively to investigate and observe living things. • Some children's understanding of mathematics is highly developed and appropriate challenges are provided to maintain their enthusiasm. • Children's writing skills are promoted extremely well. They write spontaneously in solitary play and in friendship groups, recognise letters reliably, and many children write their names using well formed letters in the correct order.

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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 time taken between activities so that children are appropriately engaged in activities • the encouragement for children to use cutlery to enhance the development of hand-eye co-ordination and the use of tools.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Good progress has been made in addressing the point for consideration identified in the previous inspection report. This required the setting to encourage children to develop their imaginative play more independently. The introduction of a clothes rail in the imaginative play area has successfully encouraged many children to use the dressing up clothes to enhance their 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: Very Good Children are interested in events and ask relevant questions. They are confident, display good self esteem and have sound friendships. Four year olds are independent in personal hygiene. Three year olds show developing independence and follow routines well. All children are highly involved in their activities and most have good concentration. Most children are well behaved however,long periods of waiting between a few activities sometimes fosters inappropriate behaviour.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good All children take advantage of excellent opportunities to write using a variety of materials throughout the setting. Most children speak clearly, they all listen to stories attentively and three year-olds select books for adults to read to them. They relate favourite stories accurately and coherently using the pictures and handle books well. Many children write recognisable letters and four year-olds write several words including their own names.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Most children count reliably up to 10 and some have a good concept of numbers well beyond 10; a four year-old writes the correct date on the calendar and accurately counts a large group of children remembering to count himself. Children learn maths through practical activities and use numbers, measurements and quantities, including simple addition, in their games and every day routines; a four year-old correctly calculates the pieces of toast needed at snack time.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children have a good understanding of modern technology and use programmable toys in spontaneous play. They investigate the outdoor environment productively to plant vegetables, collect fruit, observe the care of animals and use magnifying lenses to look for mini-beasts. They understand how living things change as they observe tadpoles turn into frogs and watch eggs hatch. They design and make their own creations using real tools and learn about cultures and beliefs in practical ways.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children's physical development is well supported through good use of the outdoor space, suitably clothed, in all weathers. This helps them understand how the weather and activity affects their bodies. All children move confidently and with good control. Three year-olds use scissors and other tools effectively; four year-olds kick footballs and catch them extremely well, and all children use wheeled toys skilfully. However, children are insufficiently encouraged to use cutlery.

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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 explore the properties of a wide range of materials in self chosen activities. They mix colours correctly to achieve a range of skin tones for self portraits. They participate in stimulating creative activities such as printing techniques, collages, box modelling and blow painting. All children use musical instruments, keeping a good rhythm, to accompany their own singing. Most children express their ideas well through role play and through a variety of artwork.

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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 the following: • reduce the length of time that children are kept waiting between some activities. • provide consistent encouragement for children to use cutlery appropriately. 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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