Openwoodgate Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 20/11/2003 Inspector Name Susan Riley

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Openwoodgate Playgroup Setting Address St Marks Church Hall Openwoodgate Belper Derbyshire DE56 0SD

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Openwoodgate Playgroup 1040737

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Openwoodgate Playgroup Address St Marks Church Hall, Openwoodgate Belper Derbyshire DE56 0SD

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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

Openwoodgate Playgroup is a committee run group that opened in 1967. It operates from St Marks Church Hall in Openwoodgate, which is on the outskirts of Belper. The children access the large hall, toilets and a enclosed outdoor play area. The playgroup serves both the local and wider communities. There are currently 48 children from two and half to five years on roll. This includes 22 funded 3-year-olds and 11 funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group is able to support children with special educational needs and for those who speak English as an additional language. The playgroup opens for five days a week, during school term times. Sessions last from 9:20 until 11:55. Five staff work with the children. Four staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 3 and one staff member to level 2. The playgroup are members of the Pre-School Learning Alliance and receive support from the Derbyshire Early Years

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How good is the Day Care?

Openwoodgate playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. Staff are well qualified and experienced, and they have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. They deploy themselves well around the setting to ensure that sufficient staff are working with the children at all times. Staff make good use of the space and resources to promote children's independence and development. The premises are clean, well maintained and welcoming to all. Most records are in place and kept in good order. Records are accessible, stored securely and in a confidential manner. Staff maintain good supervision of children and show a good awareness of safety issues around the setting. Staff promote most aspects of good hygiene practices

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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 with children. Staff are aware of children's individual dietary requirements and provide a good variety of foods at snack times. All children are valued and included and have access to appropriate toys, resources and equipment. Staff provide a good range and balance of activities for children to help them make good progress in all areas of their development. Children are happy and eager to play and learn. Staff are very interested in the children, in what they do and say, they listen to them, ask question to make them think and actively play with the children. Children are well behaved, and staff promote good behaviour by offering lots of positive praise and encouragement. Relationships between parents and staff are very good and parents state they are

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How good is the Day Care?

very happy with the care their children receive. Parents help in many ways towards the smooth running of the pre-school.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group agreed to three actions. They have devised a system that records if a child arrives late or leaves early, but no times are recorded. This is carried forward. They now have a fire log book in place and all fire drills are appropriately recorded. This enables the group to evaluate their systems and procedures. All accident records are signed by parents at the end of each session. This ensures that parents are kept up to date and fully informed.

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What is being done well?

• Staff's interaction with children is very good, they allow children to make decisions, have free choice of resources, play and companions. Children are confident and happy within the setting. • Parents take a very active part within the pre-school, and a very good relationship with staff is in place. Parents form the management committee, they regularly help on a parents rota and they support with fundraising. • A good range of toys and experiences, are readily available for children to freely access, encouraging their independence, all appropriate for the children's age and stage of development.

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What needs to be improved?

• documentation, to ensure there is a system for registering children's attendance on a sessional basis, showing hours of attendance • documentation to ensure procedures are in place to obtain written parental permission to be requested, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • documentation to ensure that the behaviour management policy is in line with

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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 National Standards • documentation to ensure that all parents are provided with the address and telephone number of the regulator • documentation to ensure that the child protection statement complies with the National Standards • hygiene practice, with reference to the communal towels in the toilet areas.

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

Std Action Date 14 Ensure that records and documentation which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision are maintained. 05/01/2004

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 7 Ensure that good hygiene practice is followed in order to prevent the spread of infection.

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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 Openwoodgate Playgroup offers a generally good educational programme in a friendly and stimulating environment. The quality of teaching is generally good. The staff have a good knowledge of the early learning goals and they have a clear understanding of how children learn through play. A balance of activities are planned to cover the six areas of learning. At present children's individual needs are not used to aid planning. The space and equipment is well used to support and extend children's learning and maintain their interest. Extra resources are not set at activities for children to choose from which limits opprtunities to extend their own learning. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour and encourage this through positive praise and encouragement. Staff demonstrate a good knowledge of children's individual abilities and stages of development. Although there are currently no funded children with special needs,

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How effective is the nursery education?

there is an effective support system in place. Leadership and management of the setting is very good. Staff and committee are very committed to the inclusion of all children and to improving the care and education within the setting. Staff regularly attend training to improve their knowledge and understanding which enables them to improve the care and education of the children. The staff work very well as a team, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all. Staff and committee meetings are held regularly to assess current strengths and weaknesses of the provision and develop ways to constantly enhance practice. The partnership with parents and carers is generally good. Parents are provided with good quality information about the setting and curriculum. They are well informed about their child's achievements and progress through daily discussions with staff. Currently the staff are developing a system to ensure parents have termly written

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What is being done well?

• Children's personal, social and emotional development is very good and a great strength of the setting. Children are confident within the group and are motivated to learn. Staff do put a great emphasis on this area of learning. • The daily sessions around the letter of the week, is a very good all-round learning experience for children, they learn well about the phonic sounds, linking sounds to letters and words, raising their self-confidence to speak in large groups. • Staff have a clear understanding of the importance of the partnership with parents and carers, which has a positive impact on children's development and learning.

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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 • The weekly sessions for physical education for the 4-year-olds, develops the children's personal independent skills as well as their all round physical skills. Children are able to change into their P.E. kits and take responsibility for their personal belongings.

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What needs to be improved?

• the sharing of information and records, between staff and parents • opportunities for children to freely select and choose additional tools and resources on a daily basis • to use the children's individual developmental records to aid the planning of future activities

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection in 1999 very good progress has been made. The whole of the assessment process has been developed, observations of children are completed and all staff record the information daily. They have looked at how they group children and now provide opportunities for small and large group activities. Permanent displays of upper and lower case letters of the alphabet are now in place.

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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 show good levels of concentration, they are able to sit and complete chosen tasks. They have good relationships with staff and peers, definite friendships groups are in place. Children demonstrate an awareness of the rules; they show respect for one another, by taking turns and sharing. Behaviour is good and manners are used. Children are actively involved in their learning, they show independence when selecting and carrying out activities. Their self-care skills are very good.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are very confident with language; they listen and respond in the group discussions and the 'show and tell' times. Their writing skills are developing well. Some children can write their own name. Children use the phonic sounds and can link the sounds to letters. They use books correctly and handle them with care, and they understand that print carries meaning and can recognise their own name.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children's counting skills are developing well, but opportunities are missed for developing further. They are confident with numbers and count reliably up to 10 and beyond with everyday objects. Children are learning well about shape and size, they can name two and three dimensional shapes and demonstrate that they can compare size and shape through the practical activities provided. They are developing mathematical ideas and methods to solve practical problems through their play.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children are given opportunities to investigate and explore objects and materials. Their design and making skills are developing well, they are able to construct with purpose, using a variety of resources. Children's computer skills are developing very well. They have a good sense of time and place, which they demonstrate through discussions about their lives. They are developing an awareness of their own culture and beliefs and those 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 move confidently and in safety around the setting and are progressing well in activities requiring fine manipulative skills and hand-eye co-ordination. They are able to use a range of small and large equipment with purpose. Children display a good awareness of personal space. They are encouraged to be active and for the 4-year-olds a physical education time is organised. Children are learning well about the changes that happen to their bodies when they are active.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are given opportunities to explore colour, texture, shape, space in two and three dimensions. They use their imagination well, within their art and design work and role play situations. Children competently sing songs and rhymes from memory. They are given good opportunities to respond in a variety of ways to what they see, hear, taste, touch and feel. Children are able to express and communicate ideas, thoughts and feelings through imaginative play.

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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 termly progress reports for parents • provide opportunities within the activities for children to freely select and choose additional tools and resources • to use the children's individual developmental records to aid planning 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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