Freebrough Academy

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/02/2004 Inspector Name Kanwal Sonia Lobo

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care, Full Day Care Setting Name Gan Kinneret Setting Address Edgware United Synagogue Parnell Close Edgware Middlesex HA8 8YE

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

Gan Kinneret nursery has been registered since 1989. It is a privately owned nursery which shares premises in Edgware Synagogue. The group offers care between 9.30 am to 2.30 pm from Monday to Thursday and 9.30 to 12.15 on Fridays. The areas of the nursery used by the group are three base rooms in which children aged from two to five years are grouped according to their age, the kitchen area, toilets and the outdoor area. It currently offers care to children from the local community aged from two years to five years. At present there are 19 children receiving funding for nursery education in the group and 4 of these children speak English as an additional language.

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How good is the Day Care?

Gan Kinneret provides a satisfactory standard of care. The staff team work well together to meet the needs of the children and support each other in all aspects of the running of the nursery. They interact effectively with the children allowing them to play and learn independently, explore freely their surroundings and initiate their own activities. There is time for activities which need more support and direction from staff to which the children respond well. However the responsibilities of the key worker are not met at all times and therefore the care of the children is at times not consistent and continuous. Activities are organised well and children are provided with play and learning opportunities that support their language and mathematical thinking. They are encouraged to problem solve, respond through their senses, and express their imagination and creativity.

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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 There is a wide and varied range of play provision that is easily accessible to the children and materials are labelled so that children know where to get things from and return them to their original place. This contributes to a stimulating environment. However the physical environment does not have enough natural light, the cross ventilation is not adequate and cleanliness of the carpets is poor. The staff have a commitment to children's safety but there are no plans in place to demonstrate how safety is reviewed. Some of the policies and procedures that are in place are not up to date and do not contain the information required by the National Standards. There are positive strategies in place for the management of children's behaviour

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How good is the Day Care?

that are applied consistently and are in line with the children's level of understanding and maturity. The children are encouraged to take responsibility such as putting things away and participate in activities so that they are kept well occupied. Good behaviour is rewarded with praise and recognition.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, five actions were raised. Of these four have been met. It was agreed that hazardous substances would be kept out of reach of children, that children would be prevented from accessing the store room, to ensure that information regarding medication dosage is provided by parents and recorded, to update the complaint's procedure to include details of Ofsted, and to develop an awareness of child protection procedures. Hazardous substances are inaccessible to children. The store room is kept locked. Information regarding medication dosage has been obtained from the parents and is recorded. The complaint's procedure was updated but does not include the correct details of the Regulator. The group has developed an awareness of child protection issues.

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What is being done well?

• The staff meet the required qualifications criteria and there are effective procedures in place for staff appointments and induction. The staff team work well together and support each other in all aspects of the daily running of the nursery to ensure that the needs of the children are met. • The level of staff interaction with the children is balanced and takes account for the need to allow children to play and learn independently, explore freely and provide support and direction when needed. • Activities are organised well to support children's language, mathematical thinking and creativity. The staff provide children with learning opportunities that help them to recognise colour and shape and encourage children to problem solve.

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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 • A wide and varied range of play provision and resources are available that are stored at a level which children can reach and materials are organised and labelled so that children know where to get things from and where to put them away. • There are positive strategies in place for the management of children's behaviour that are applied consistently and are in line with the children's level of understanding and maturity. The children are encouraged to take responsibility and participate in activities so that they are kept well occupied. Good behaviour is rewarded with praise and recognition.

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What needs to be improved?

• the role of the key worker when meeting the individual needs of the children consistently and continously • the plans to review safety within the nursery and to meet the recommendations made by the • environmental health officer with regards to systems to monitor the temperature of the fridge • the environment of the nursery and children's access to natural light, cleanliness and effective ventilation • the record keeping and availability of some documentation.

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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 2 Make sure that the role of the key worker is effective to ensure that children are offered continuity and consistency of care. 4 Make sure that the environment is well ventilated, clean and has

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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 adequate natural lighting for the children. 6 Undertake risk assessments to ensure that safety within the nursery is reviewed and meet any recommendations made by the environmental health officer. 14 Improve record keeping to ensure that it is comprehensive and meets the requirements under the National standards.

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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?

Gan Kinneret provides children with a stimulating environment which helps children to make generally good progress towards the early learning goals. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals in the areas of personal, social and emotional development and in communication, language and literacy. They are making generally good progress in mathematical development, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical and creative development, although there are some weaknesses in these areas. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff are keen to support children's learning and use both planned and naturally occurring opportunities to foster children's learning to introduce new concepts. Good systems are in place to support children with special educational needs. Very good support is offered to children learning English as a second language. There are weaknesses in the planning and

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How effective is the nursery education?

the assessment of children's learning. Some activities are very well planned. They have clear learning objectives and they offer children challenge. However, this is not consistantly so. Staff record observations of children but the records do not show how children are progressing and what the next steps in learning could be. Leadership and management is generally good. Staff are supported through regular access to training and development. However the monitoring and evaluation of the setting is less effective and the weaknesses in planning and assessment have not been identified. The partnership between staff and parents is generally good. Information about the themes planned and what children have done are communicated through discussion with parents and through display. Parents are invited to contribute to the planned themes. However, they do not receive regular written information about their children's achievements. Parents are able to take home games that have been

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How effective is the nursery education?

played with children in the nursery so learning can be continued at home.

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What is being done well?

• Staff involve themselves in children's play to extend and enrich children's experiences, this results in children being confident, very focussed in their play, able to choose activities purposefully. • Children have very good communication skills, they are able to and express their ideas and experiences clearly in group discussions. • Very good support is given to children learning English as an additional language. All children are taught songs in their own and each others' languages and staff use the languages they speak to help children. This support is raising children's self esteem and they are becoming competent bi-lingualists.

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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?

• planning and assessment of children's learning • the range and presentation of art and model making resources and the tools made available to support this.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Very good progress has been made in addressing the key issues raised at the last inspection. Children listen to and have opportunities to move to a range of music now. There are good opportunities for children to exercise and to practice and refine large muscle skills every day. Calculation is included in routines times, imaginative play as well as in planned activities.

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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's personal social and emotional development is very good. Children are confident, able to make choices and are very focussed in their play. They are keen to try new activities and to learn new concepts. They have very good self help skills. Children's behaviour is very good and there is a high level of co-operation at tidying up times. This is fostered very effectively by the confidence staff have in children's abilities.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children are making very good progress in this area. They have very good communication skills. and express their ideas and experiences clearly in group discussions. Children are able use books and spend time in the cosy book corner sharing books with each other and with staff. Children are able to read their own names and many know the names individual letters and letter sounds. Children are beginning to write their names on drawings, to write receipts and book appointments during role play.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are making generally good progress in this area. They count, recognise and use numbers competently in games, in imaginative play, during snack time and when tidying up. Children are encouraged to do simple calculations at such times too. This is supported by some very well planned group activities. Children know the names of 2D shapes and can compare size, quantity and weight. However, they have limited opportunities to recognise and recreate patterns and learn 3D shape names.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children are making generally good progress in this area. Children use magnifying glasses to look closely at objects. They learn about different cultures and languages, particularly well through songs. Children learn little about past events and how people used to live. They have few opportunities to try different methods of joining and making things. Children are learning about the jobs people do through projects and visitors to the nursery and are enjoying learning to use a computer.

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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 are making generally good progress in this area. Children are move confidently and safely around the nursery. Their movements are well co-ordinated in circle games and when playing with balance bars and stepping stones and children are able to catch and throw accurately. Children are learning about their bodies and how to keep safe and healthy. A recent project focussed on dental hygiene. However, the range of tools available is limited lack challenge for more able children.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are making generally good progress in this area. Children's imaginative play is particularly well developed. There is a high level of co-operative play as children devise and act out stories in the home corner. Music and song is a strong feature of the nursery. Children sing in different languages and put on concerts for parents. Songs are accompanied by the head teacher on the accordion. The range of resources and the way art and model making is set out limits children's creativity.

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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

• Develop the planning and assessment systems. Plan more specifically what children can learn from activities and how these can be extended for more able children. Identify how children are progressing and what the next steps in their learning might be. Make these records of children's achievements available to parents. • Develop the presentation and range of tools and resources available for art and model making in order to promote children's creativity more effectively, provide challenge and develop their skills in using a wide range of tools.

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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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