Scotby Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 15/07/2004 Inspector Name Andrea, Marie Paulson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Scotby Pre-School Setting Address Scotby Village Hall Scotby Carlisle Cumbria CA4 8PB

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Scotby Pre-School Address Scotby Village Hall Scotby Carlisle Cumbria CA4 8PB

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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

Scotby Pre-School is located in the village of Scotby approximately four miles from Carlisle. The facility has been registered for several years and serves the village and surrounding rural areas. The pre-school operates within the village hall, a multi-use building. The hall is pre-booked for registered sessions and the playgroup has sole use during these times. The sessions take place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 09:00 to 12:00 and Thursday, Friday from 09:00 to 15:00. There are currently 44 children on the register, with 19 three year olds and 11 four year olds with funded nursery education. The children attend for a variety of sessions during term time. Seven regular staff work with the children, most of whom have relevant qualifications and are trained in First Aid. The pre-school group is a member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance and have been awarded the Quality Standards accreditation.

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How good is the Day Care?

Scotby Pre-School provides good quality care for the children. The premises are bright and welcoming, with colourful displays of children's work. The main hall is organised well to provide an extensive range of interesting play areas for all the children to benefit from. The children are able to move easily between the activities and choose from the plentiful and accessible, good quality equipment. The children are able to enjoy playing in a stimulating environment. Staff are deployed well so that the children are effectively supervised at all times. The health and safety standards are good with many safety features in place and good practices followed, so that the children can feel safe and secure. The children are well occupied with imaginative play opportunities, so that they are learning as they play. The children are settled into a familiar routine. The activities 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 well-resourced, well-planned and cater for the age-range. The interaction between the children and the staff is positive with much humour, within a respectful, relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The staff show great interest in the children, to which they respond well. There is much good natured conversation when the children are encouraged to express their ideas and feelings. Appropriate support is given by staff to encourage independence and give help when needed. The children are well-behaved, confident, and learning good social skills. Staff are skilled in managing behaviour. The relationships with parents are strong with several methods of sharing information and working together. The policies are mainly thorough and informative

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How good is the Day Care?

and the recording standards are mostly satisfactory.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Previous actions referred to complying with Fire Safety recommendations and Environmental Health advice. This is achieved so that the premises meets health and safety standards.

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What is being done well?

• Effective organisation of the main hall provides wide range of interesting play areas where children can choose role-play in the 'garden', play with water and bubbles, floor play, art/craft, and various other activities. • Good safety practices are in place so that: the exits are effectively secured at all times, with an alarm fitted and staff monitoring access closely; floor surfaces are mopped as needed; risk assessments are comprehensive; and the use of checklists ensure that the premises are safe each session. The children are able to feel safe within a secure environment. • Several effective methods are used to share information with parents, including home to pre-school books, parent pack, newsletters, notice board. • Staff are effectively deployed and work together well as a team, so that the children are supervised at all times and given appropriate support. • A high percentage of staff members are qualified in childcare, and have First

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What needs to be improved?

• the confidentiality of incident recording

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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 14 Improve the confidentiality of the incident and accident recording

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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?

Scotby Pre-School is a good nursery where children make very good progress towards the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff are experienced, appropriately qualified and have a clear knowledge of the Foundation Stage Curriculum. The short-term, medium-term and long-term plans are well written. Planning ensures that a wide range of age appropriate activities help children make very good progress across the curriculum. Evaluation of activities informs future planning. Staff record children's achievement as it occurs and this informs assessments of children's learning. Staff do not monitor children's chosen activities during periods of freeplay. Available space is well planned. Children enjoy access to a wide range of activities at any one time. Staff generally provide a range of resources to promote children's awareness of other cultures and beliefs. Staff effectively use impromptu opportunities to extend

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How effective is the nursery education?

children's learning. Children enjoy trips to local places of interest and visits from speakers, this develops awareness of the local community and promotes their personal, social and emotional development. Children are well behaved and relationships between staff and children are very good. The quality of leadership and management is very good. Staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities and complement each other well. Staff meet regularly. The committee are supportive and communication with staff is very good. Staff and committee members have a clear vision to develop the nursery further. The partnership with parents is very good. Parents receive written information about the setting in the form of a booklet and exchange verbal information with staff daily. Parents have access to their child's work, information regarding Foundation Stage learning and receive newsletters. Parents receive a home/nursery booklet and

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What is being done well?

• The partnership with parents. Parents participate on the management committee, are involved in their child's learning and have access to written information about the setting. Parents find staff approachable and are confident in the ability of staff to meet the needs of their child. • Relationships between staff and children are very good. Staff take time to listen to and value children's contributions. This promotes children's confidence and self esteem. • Available space is well planned and a wide range of resources are accessible to children. This enables them to make very good progress across the curriculum.

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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 • Children are well behaved towards each other and to staff. • Staff provide an environment that is warm, welcoming and conducive to children's learning. • The short, medium and long term plans are clear and well written. Individual activities are also well planned and their impact upon children's learning is clearly monitored. Evaluation of activities informs future planning. This ensures that children enjoy activities that are sufficiently challenging and this promotes their learning.

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What needs to be improved?

• The range of accessible resources to further promote children's awareness of other cultures and beliefs. • The monitoring of children's chosen activities during periods of freeplay.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Very good progress has been made in response to the point for consideration raised at the last inspection. The subsequent Action Plan has improved the balance between activities the children choose and those which are adult led. This enables the pre-school children to benefit more from staff support and ensure further progress in the 6 areas of learning. Staff plan adult led activities for each session. These adult led activities form part of the whole session and there is a good balance between activities the children choose and those which are adult led. Adult led activities are well planned, cover the 6 areas of learning and the desired learning outcomes for funded 3 and 4 year olds are clearly recorded. This ensures that children are supported in their learning across the curriculum.

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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 enjoy working together and express themselves confidently through discussions and activities for example in the home corner and at snack time. They take turns, share resources and enjoy working together. They demonstrate appropriate self care for example in hand washing. Children are relaxed, interested and motivated to learn. They behave well towards each other and staff. They are aware of the needs of others and have a good awareness of their local community.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children have a good grasp of language and use it appropriately for example, when describing musical sounds. They are learning well for example, using accessible writing and handwriting materials, to write their names, link sounds to letters and form recognisable letters in handwriting. They recognise their written name and confidently talk amongst themselves and to the larger group. Children enjoy listening to stories, respond appropriately and make their own attempts to read to the group.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children recognise numbers and count in familiar context. They access resources and opportunities that extend their mathematical learning across the curriculum for example, in the water and sand trays they use containers to explore concepts of volume. Children compare numbers and show an understanding of simple addition and subtraction. They use mathematical language appropriately and have a good understanding of shape, space and measure for example in knowing which is 'bigger' or 'smaller'.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children access a range of resources to explore and investigate for example when planting bulbs or discussing the texture of fruit. They are learning about other cultures and activities for example in celebrating the Chinese New Year and trying Chinese hand writing. There is a minor weakness in the lack of books on this theme. They have a very good concept of time and enjoy using a range of resources to make very good 3 dimensional models.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children confidently move around the available space and show a good awareness of themselves and others. They use a range of tools and materials to develop their fine motor skills for example in craft activities and using musical instruments. They enjoy activities across the curriculum to promote their physical development for example when marching to music or using large sit and ride toys.

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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 enjoy planned and impromptu opportunities across the curriculum to extend their imagination for example, using musical instruments to interpret other sounds and in the home corner they 'go camping'. They contribute ideas enthusiastically and use a wide range of resources that enables them to express their feelings for example, craft materials, dressing up clothes and physical activity. They take delight in rhythm and song for example, in the concert rehearsal.

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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: • Extend the range of accessible resources to further promote children's awareness of other cultures and beliefs. • Establish a system to monitor children's chosen activities during periods of freeplay.

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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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