Aston on Trent Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 02/07/2004 Inspector Name Ros Church

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Aston on Trent Pre-School Playgroup Setting Address Memorial Hall Chellaston Lane Aston on Trent Derbyshire DE72 2BX

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Aston On Trent Playgroup 1033636

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Aston On Trent Playgroup Address Memorial Hall Chellaston lane Aston On Trent Derbyshire DE72 2BX

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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

Aston-on-Trent Pre-School Playgroup opened in 1966, it operates from the memorial hall in Aston-on-Trent. The group have access to two rooms, kitchen and toilet facilities. The outdoor areas consist of both grass and tarmac. There are currently 52 children on roll from two to five years of age. This includes 10 funded four-year-olds, and 22 funded three-year-olds. Children attend a variety of sessions each week. There are currently no children attending who have identified special needs, and none who have English as an additional language. The group operates term time only, with sessions held daily. Monday 12:45 to 15:15, Tuesday to Friday 09:15 to 11:45. Seven staff work with the children throughout the week. The setting receives support from the Derbyshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Aston-on-Trent Pre-School Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. Staff work well together as a team to provide a warm and welcoming environment, which encourages the children to feel settled and confident in the setting. Staff set out equipment prior to children's arrival, they ensure it is easily accessible to enable children to have a choice of play. Staff attend various short courses to update their knowledge and development, although not all staff qualifications meet the current criteria. Most required policies, procedures and records are in place to support the management of the setting, although some lack necessary detail. The staff have a good awareness of safety, they ensure children have a safe environment in which to play and explore. Effective systems are in place for the arrival and collection of children. They generally provide suitable standards of hygiene, and toys and equipment are well maintained. A variety of healthy and

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How good is the Day Care?

nutritious snacks are provided at a set time each day. Children's individual dietary

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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 requirements are taken into account. A good variety of activities are planned and provided to support the children's learning. Staff interact well with the children at the activities and encourage their development. They show interest in the children and communicate well with them. Children join in with others, take turns and enjoy their play. Children's behaviour is good. Staff work well with the parents, they communicate daily to enable them to meet children's individual needs. Good information is provided regarding the groups policies and procedures.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group agreed to a number of actions, most of which have been satisfactorily addressed. To ensure the safety of children the group have devised and implemented operational procedures for outings. A written no smoking policy is now in place. Medication consent forms have been devised and staff are aware of the procedures for administering. An incident record has been set up and is shared with parents. A number of the staff have completed a recognised first aid course, this ensures they have the appropriate knowledge to deal with any accidents involving children. The complaints procedure now includes details of the regulator and a record of complaints is maintained. However the following actions still require addressing. Hand washing and drying facilities, obtaining written parental consent to the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment, and staff qualifications. An action plan was submitted outlining

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What has improved since the last inspection?

how qualification requirements will be met, however, there has been changes in staffing since the last inspection.

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What is being done well?

• Staff work well together as a team, they plan a good range of activities which take account of the children's interests. • Staff interact well with the children, they communicate with them at an individual level, talk about their interests and experiences, and encourage children to think and ask questions. • Staff manage children's behaviour in a positive way, they encourage children's self esteem and confidence through praise and encouragement.

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What needs to be improved?

• the attainment of qualifications regarding staff members • the hygiene practices with regards to hand washing and drying • the documentation with regards to obtaining written permission from parents for emergency medical advice or treatment

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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 • the updating of the child protection policy • the policies and procedures with regards to uncollected children.

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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 Develop and implement an action plan detailing how at least half of all childcare staff will hold a level 2 qualification in childcare. 7 Ensure good hygiene practices are in place, with reference to hand washing and drying. 7 Request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. 13 Update the child protection procedures to be in line with the Government booklet ‘What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused'. 14 Devise a policy and procedure to be followed in the event of a child not being collected.

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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?

Aston-on-Trent Pre-School Playgroup offers good quality nursery education. It provides a warm and caring environment, where children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals. They make very good progress in mathematical development, knowledge and understanding of the world, and physical development. The quality of the teaching is generally good. Staff work well together as a team, they use the Foundation Stage Curriculum to plan an interesting and varied programme of activities. Staff are currently in the process of reviewing and improving the planning and assessment systems, as these are not effective in identifying the main focus of children's learning, or ensuring that activities build on children's previous learning experiences. Staff work alongside the children encouraging their development and use questioning to extend their thinking. Resources are organised well and enable children to select their own materials to extend their play. Staff have

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How effective is the nursery education?

good relationships with the children, they have high expectations of behaviour and foster this through praise and encouragement. Leadership and management is generally good. There is a supportive committee in place who work well with the staff team. They evaluate the activities and monitor their work through appraisals and staff meetings. They are committed to developing staff's knowledge and the education provision, through accessing support and training from outside agencies. The partnership with parents and carers is generally good. Good quality information is provided for parents, this includes the prospectus, policies and procedures, newsletters and information on the Foundation Stage Curriculum. Systems are in place for staff and parents to share information about children's activities and progress. A newsletter includes the current theme and gives ideas of extending children's learning at home.

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What is being done well?

• Children's spoken language is developing well, they are generally confident in talking to adults and other children about their needs, activities and experiences. • Children behave well, they are co-operative and take turns. They are confident to try new activities. • Children find out about their environment during outings, such as visiting an allotment and learning about the growing of fruit and vegetables. • A good range of large and small equipment are used both indoors and outdoors to encourage children's physical development.

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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 continuing development of the assessment system, to use it to inform planning • the short term planning so that it has clear learning intentions and is based on what children can do, to enable the more able children to be challenged • the opportunities for children to respond, express and communicate their own ideas.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The group have made generally good improvement since the last inspection. They have developed assessment records which relate to the six areas of learning and have identified the staff's role in this. However, assessment records do not reflect the stepping stones. Small group activities have been set up for children starting school the following term, and planning of these activities is based on the early learning goals, although planning doesn't link with the assessments. Parents are informed of children's progress, an open day was organised for parents to look at children's folders and they are able to view and contribute to these as they require. The quality of questioning has improved and children's thinking is challenged.

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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: Generally Good Children settle well into the group, they show confidence and interest in the activities when selecting their play. Children are forming good relationships with adults and peers, many four-year-olds have special friends with whom they share experiences. Children's behaviour is good, they show an awareness of what is right and wrong. Their independence is developing well, although older children do not always use their already acquired independence skills to the full.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children's spoken language is developing well, they learn to listen and speak in small and larger groups. They show interest and enjoyment in stories and learn to handle books confidently, sharing their favourite books with adults and peers. Children are beginning to recognise and write their own names, although this could be extended further for more able children. Children learn to link sounds to letters, distinguishing those in their own names.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children learn about numbers naturally and in the course of their day. Most children count beyond ten and can recognise numerals to nine. Children learn about mathematical language, and are able to describe position, and compare different sizes. During daily routines and practical activities children learn to compare number and solve simple number problems. Children are able to recognise and name shapes such as circle, square, rectangle and triangle.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children explore a good variety of natural objects, using magnifying glasses to look closely at them and learn about living things, such as the lifecycles of frogs and butterflies. During practical activities and local outings they find out about their environment. Children learn how to use everyday technology such as tape recorders and computers. Through topic work and discussion children are gaining an awareness of other cultures and beliefs.

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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 move confidently around the setting. They learn to use a good range of small and large equipment, many children pedal and steer trikes with control and coordination, and are gaining an awareness of space of themselves and others. Children's manipulative skills are developing well through planned activities such as threading, and using tools which include pencils and scissors. They are learning about how to keep healthy, such as through eating fruit and vegetables, and regular exercise.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children explore a good range of media and materials. They respond in a variety of ways to what they hear, smell, see, touch and taste. Although, opportunities to express and communicate their own ideas are not always promoted to best effect. During role play children use their imagination, where they use props to act out their experiences. Children enjoy joining in with songs and rhymes, and learning about the sounds made by musical instruments.

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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

• continue to develop the assessment system and use to inform planning for the future development of individual children • ensure short term planning has clear learning intentions and is based on what children can do to enable more able children to be challenged • provide more opportunities for children to respond, express and communicate their own ideas.

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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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