Maulden Lower School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 01/03/2004 Inspector Name Clare Hanson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Nutley Pre-School Playgroup Setting Address Nutley War Memorial Hall High Street,Nutley Uckfield East Sussex TN22 3NL

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of The Management Committee

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name The Management Committee Address Nutley Pre-School Playgroup Nutley War Memorial Hall,Nutley Uckfield East Sussex TN22 3NL

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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

Nutley Pre-school Playgroup operates from a large hall in the Memorial Hall in the centre of the village. There is an extensive outdoor play area. The group serves the local community with very good links to the local primary school. The group is open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday to Friday with an afternoon session on Tuesdays. There are four staff, two of whom are qualified with two working towards a qualification. There is a mix of three and four year olds for whom funding is provided. The provision caters for children with special needs and children with English as a second language.

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How good is the Day Care?

Nutley Pre-school Playgroup provides good quality care for children. The staff have a clear understanding of their responsibilities. There is a range of policies and procedures; the child protection policy needs expanding. Space is well organised and staff work hard at creating a welcoming environment. Children access the wide range of toys and equipment easily. Children are occupied and interested in the activities provided. Staff are vigilant and supervise children well. Children learn about hygiene practices from staff guidance and daily routines. The children's health is promoted with healthy snacks. Children are welcomed, differences are respected and individual needs met. The security of the building and outdoor area is good which provides a secure area for children to explore safely. Good planning creates a busy and interesting environment where children play and learn together. They are involved in a range of activities that help them develop in all

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How good is the Day Care?

areas. All children are involved and keen to learn. Children are responsive to requests and well behaved, with staff using positive methods of management. Parents receive good information about their child's progress. There is a strong sense of community within the group enhanced by the well established staff team. The strong relationships between staff and children provides a safe environment for

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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 children to develop.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Policies and procedures have been revisited and updated accordingly.

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What is being done well?

• There is a very good relationship between the staff and children. Children are secure in these relationships which allows them to be independent and encourages them to make their own decisions. • Staff are aware of each child's individual need and respond accordingly. Children are able to develop their own identity with positive encouragement from the group. • The partnership with parents is strong and parents feel safe that their children are receiving the best possible care. • There is excellent use made of the outdoor area and surrounding countryside to develop children's understanding of the natural world.

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What needs to be improved?

• the knowledge of action to be taken if an allegation of child abuses is made against a member of staff

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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 13 ensure that the child protection policy for the playgroup reflects the procedure to follow if there is an allegation of abuse against a member of

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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 staff.

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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?

The provision is acceptable and is of high quality. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals in all six areas of learning. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff plan a well balanced curriculum which is delivered using an imaginative range of interesting and stimulating activities. Activities are linked to topics which fire children's imagination and help them to develop positive dispositions and attitudes to learning. Careful monitoring ensures that all children have access to a variety of experiences to support the different aspects within the six areas of learning. Assessment is used well to identify children's needs. The leadership and management of the setting is very good. Staff are well supported and the staff team work well together. They have a range of opportunities to extend their knowledge through training and to specialise in areas that interest them. There

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How effective is the nursery education?

is an effective line management arrangement in place. Staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities and are committed to improving the service that they offer to children and their families. The partnership with parents is very good. Parents are kept well informed about the subjects that their children will be studying and are given ideas about how they can support their children's learning. Parents do not always have the opportunity to contribute to their child's learning. The setting provides information to parents on a regular basis about their children's progress.

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What is being done well?

• The provision of a wide range of interesting and stimulating activities that help children to make progress in all areas of learning. • Staffs use of their individual knowledge of the children in the setting, to motivate and encourage them in ways that make their individual needs, and learning styles. • The provision of a wide range of resources, effectively used to support children's learning. • The relationships developed by the staff with the children which result in children feeling settled, happy and confident while in the nursery.

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What needs to be improved?

• opportunities for parents to contribute more fully to their children's learning

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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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What has improved since the last inspection?

Children are able to develop better understanding of the different cultures and beliefs through planned sessions. Activities have been developed to enable children to develop ways to solve mathematical problems. This has enabled children to develop a fuller knowledge in all ares of learning.

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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 settle quickly and are relaxed on arrival. They are motivated to learn and show excitement at being able to demonstrate their knowledge. Children concentrate well, particularly on activities that interest them. The children build positive relationships with each other and staff. They are happy and enjoy the activities offered, they cope positively with changes in activities and are supported well in developing their independence.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are confident speakers. They initiate conversation and take account of what others say. They are beginning to use talk to resolve disagreements. The children enjoy joining in with repeated frames and anticipate key events and important phrases when being read familiar stories. Children use speech to explain what is happening and anticipate what might happen next. Most children ascribe meanings to marks, many confidently identify letter sounds, some are able to form recognisable letters.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children show an interest in numbers and counting, they use some number names and number language spontaneously. Most will confidently attempt to count an irregular arrangement of up to 10 items. They are able to say with confidence the number that is one more than a given number. Children observe and use positional language and are able to find items from positional clues. Most children can order at least two items by length or height and are able to select a particular named shape.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children investigate objects and materials using all their senses. They show interest in why things happen and how things work. The children build and construct with a wide range of objects, selecting appropriate resources. They know how to operate simple equipment and show an interest in ICT. The children are beginning to differentiate between past and present. They show an interest in the world in which they live and are beginning to gain an awareness of the cultures and beliefs of others.

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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: Very Good Children respond enthusiastically to rhythm, music and story by means of gesture and movement. They are able to adjust their speed or change direction to avoid obstacles and negotiate space successfully when playing racing and chasing games with other children. The children show increasing control over clothing and fastenings. They persevere in repeating some actions when developing a new skill and understand that equipment and tools have to be used safely, and use them with care and control.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children devise and create constructions, collages, paintings, drawings and role-play using their imaginations. They are beginning to build a repertoire of songs and will often sing to themselves and can make up simple songs. Children's imaginations are well developed and they use one object to represent another; even when the objects have few characteristics in common. The children show interest in what they see, hear, smell, feel and touch and make intelligent comparisons.

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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 key issues as a result of this inspection however a point for consideration is to consider ways in which parents could contribute more to their children's learning

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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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