Merton Court School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 23/03/2004 Inspector Name Karen Elizabeth Screen

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Horsley Playgroup Setting Address HorsleyVillage Hall Priory Fields Horsley Gloucester GL6 0PT

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Horsley Playgroup - Village Hall site

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Horsley Playgroup - Village Hall site Address HorsleyVillage Hall Priory Fields,, Horsley Glos GL6 0PT

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Horsley Playgroup is located on two sites and is run by the same voluntary management committee, in the village of Horsley near Nailsworth in Gloucestershire. This site is the village hall. Facilities include an entrance hall with toilets, a kitchen and a separate toilet within the main hall suitable for disabled adults and children. The playgroup use the playing field and the fixed large play apparatus, for outside play. The group serves the town of Nailsworth and several local villages in the area. The playgroup operate on Monday and Wednesday mornings in term time between 09:30 and 12:00. The group operate with three members of staff. One holds a Foundation Course certificate awarded by the Playgroup and Toddler Association, another holds the Childcare and Education Early Years qualification, also awarded by the Playgroup and Toddler Association. Two staff hold first aid certificates and all have child protection training.

p.2

Information about the setting

The group is registered for 24 children aged between two and five years old. There are currently 17 children on roll. Government funding is received for five three-year-olds and six four-year-olds. There are no children on roll with special needs or children who use English as a second language.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Horsley Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. There are good procedures in place for vetting and appointing new staff. However strategies to ensure qualification requirements are met are ineffective. Toys, furniture, equipment and materials are used well, to provide a balanced range activities that promote learning in all areas. However children are unable to access some resources for themselves. Some policies and procedures are very good, others need more attention. Staff deployment is effective. Staff are very aware of potential dangers and take positive steps to promote children's safety. Children are aware of the need to wash their hands before eating and when going to the toilet, however there are

p.2

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 weaknesses in the arrangements for hand washing before eating. Staff are aware of and meet the needs of children with special dietary needs. Staff knowledge and understanding of child protection issues is variable, but staff know who to consult if they have any concerns. The playgroup provide a good range and balance of activities. Children are happy, keen to attend and form excellent relationships with staff and other children. They make confident choices from the activities and are interested and enjoy their play. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged. Staff meet children's individual needs and promote their welfare. The special needs policy is well written. However some staff do not have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the Code of Practice

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

(2001) for the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs. Parents feel involved, valued, able and welcome to contribute to their child's development through the playgroup. Good relationships between children, staff and parents help the children to settle well. Staff make good use of parental knowledge of their child and are available to meet with parents after each session.

p.3

What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group agreed to meet nine actions relating to Standards 1, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13. All have been fully met. However, although the group prepared an action plan to meet the qualification level for supervisors, they have not yet embarked upon any training.

p.3

What is being done well?

• The management of staff, space and resources during transition times such as clearing up for snack time, is very effective. • Good adult:child ratios are maintained above the normal requirements. • Procedures for behaviour management are understood and implemented well by staff and shared with parents. The playgroup's strategies for dealing with difficult behaviour work well, for example children are asked to "remember how to be good". • All staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. All children are valued and included and staff strive to ensure their individual needs are met. Staff promote self-confidence and a positive attitude in all children. • Staff are friendly and approachable and give reassurance, encouragement and appropriate praise.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the qualification level of the supervisors; • the overall staff qualification level;

p.3

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 • hand washing procedures before eating.

p.3

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.

p.4

The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 1 Develop and implement an action plan that sets out how supervisors will achieve a level three qualification. 23/09/2004

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Develop and implement an action plan detailing how at least half of all childcare staff will hold a level two qualification in childcare. 7 Look at ways to improve hand washing procedures before eating.

p.4

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

p.4

How effective is the nursery education?

Horsley Playgroup offers good quality provision which helps children to make generally good progress towards the early learning goals. Teaching is generally good. Staff promote self-confidence and a positive attitude in all children. Senior staff have a secure knowledge of the early learning goals. Discussion with some staff regarding the purpose of activities revealed gaps in their knowledge and understanding. Observations are evaluative and useful. Evaluations of activities are descriptive rather than evaluative and are not very helpful for planning future activities. In-depth discussions with the playleaders revealed a much deeper knowledge and understanding of the children's learning styles and stages of development, than the written evidence suggests. Staff make very good use of time and resources to support children's learning, but provide few opportunities for children to develop their own ideas through child initiated activities.

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

Leadership and management is generally good. Staff work well together and have developed a strong team spirit. The leaders have positive attitudes which motivate and empower the team. Staff work well together to promote good relationships between staff, parents and children. Staff and parent helpers are very clear about their roles and responsibilities. Good use is made of individual staff strengths. Staff evaluate their practice, but do not fully recognise the importance of identifying and meeting their own training needs. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents feel involved, valued, able and welcome to contribute to their child's learning. They feel well informed about their child's achievements and progress. Verbal and written information is shared well and helps to foster good relationships with parents. Good relationships between children, staff and parents help the children to settle well. Parents are encouraged to share

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

their skills and are actively encouraged to become involved in the playgroup.

p.5

What is being done well?

• The group are proactive in ensuring that appropriate action is taken if they suspect a child may have special needs. The special needs policy is very good and easy to understand. All children are valued and included and staff strive to ensure their individual needs are met. • Relationships with children are excellent. Staff provide excellent role models and have reasonable and realistic expectations of children's behaviour. They set and maintain clear, reasonable and consistent limits. Staff promote self confidence and a positive attitude in all children. • Staff, children and parents have high expectations of the care and education provided by the playgroup. Commitment to improvement, has made a significant impact on the quality of the provision.

p.5

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 • Parents feel very well informed about their child's achievements and progress. Good information is given to parents about the foundation stage. Staff make good use of parental knowledge of their child and are available to meet with parents after each session.

p.5

What needs to be improved?

• the organisation of resources, so that children are able to extend more activities for themselves; • some staff's understanding of curriculum planning and early learning goals, including stepping stones.

p.6

What has improved since the last inspection?

There were four key issues raised at the last inspection. 1. Continue to develop opportunities for display in the village hall environment so that children have more exposure to different kinds of text. 2. Increase opportunities for children to have access to technological resources in everyday activities such as role-play and in more investigative activities such as the use of torches and other battery operated resources. 3. Plan more structured physical play sessions aimed at developing specific skills. 4. Plan more opportunities for children to explore sound through musical activities in addition to singing. They have made very good progress since the last inspection. All key issues have been met. 1. The group now have dedicated display areas within the main hall. 2. Children have regular access to technological resources in everyday activities and through investigative activities; for example through the use of resources such as a

p.6

What has improved since the last inspection?

computer, a key- board and a working till. 3. Well thought out and managed physical play sessions provide good opportunities for effective physical development. 4. Staff plan and provide a good range of opportunities for children to explore sound through musical activities.

p.6

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

p.6

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children form excellent relationships with adults and other children and are sensitive towards others. They show a strong sense of self as part of the group and as part of their own family. Children are confident, well behaved, independent and show high levels of concentration, for example listening intently to the leader explain the activities on offer and waiting their turn to plan their day.

p.7

COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children use talk well to connect ideas, explain what is happening and anticipate what is happening next. They accurately link sounds to letters, for example a four-year-old points at the letter 's' on the snake alphabet painted on the tarmac of the playground and says "look 's' for Sam and snack". Children enjoy books and know that information can be relayed in the from of print for example a four-year-old writing a prescription for the 'patient' in the 'vets surgery'.

p.7

MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are beginning to match shapes by recognising similarities, for example matching Easter Eggs of the same colour and pattern. However they tend to match by colour rather than pattern. Many children count objects reliably up to four, for example counting three eggs and adding on one more to make four. Some children show a good understanding of addition and subtraction through practical activities, such as calculating how many eggs are left after the 'hungry hippo' eats one.

p.7

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children comment and ask questions about the natural world. They enjoy using their senses to explore objects and materials in practical activities such as planting pelargoniums. Children confidently select and use appropriate materials for example making 'dens' from blankets, tables and pegs. Children have an excellent understanding of past, present, future and change over time, for example children notice how much the bulbs have grown and remember planting them.

p.7

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children competently use a range of small and large equipment, for example confidently hopping from the centre of one hoop to the next. They adjust speed and change direction to avoid obstacles, such as rolling hoops down the incline of the playground and avoiding bumping into each other. Children confidently use real, child sized tools, to carefully transplant pelargonium plugs into a plant pot situated outside the hall.

p.7

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

p.7

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children enjoy combining different materials, such as adding marbling paint to water and blotting the surface with paper; but are unable to extend some craft activities for themselves. They engage well in imaginative play, such as acting as vets and customers in the 'Vets Surgery'. Children respond positively to new experiences using a range of senses, such as a three-year-old putting his head into a bag of compost, breathing in deeply and likening the smell of the soil, to being in a wood.

p.8

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

p.8

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.

p.9

WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

• continue to improve the organisation of resources, so that children are able to extend more activities for themselves; • ensure all staff are familiar with and have a satisfactory understanding of curriculum planning and early learning goals, including stepping stones.

p.9

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.

p.9

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

p.9

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.10

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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

p.11