Holymoorside Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/04/2004 Inspector Name Joanne Bowman

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Holymoorside Pre-School Playgroup Setting Address Village Hall Holymoor Road Holymoor Road, Holymoorside Chesterfield Derbyshire S42 7EB

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Holymoorside Pre-School Playgroup 206796 1034679

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Holymoorside Pre-School Playgroup Address Village Hall Holymoor Road, Holymoorside Chesterfield Derbyshire S42 7EB

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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

Holymoorside Pre-school opened in 1964. It operates from Holymoorside village hall. The Pre-school serves the local community and surrounding area. There are currently 32 children from two years to four and a half years on roll. This includes nine funded three-year-olds and four funded four-year-olds. Children attend a variety of sessions. The group supports one child with special educational needs and no children currently speak English as an additional language. The group opens four days a week during school term only. Sessions are from 09:00 until 12:30. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Five part time staff work with the children, all have early years qualifications. Non are currently on training. The setting receives support from Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership and Pre School Learning Alliance.

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How good is the Day Care?

Holymoorside Pre- school provides good care for children. The staff communicate well together and organise themselves informally yet effectively throughout the session. Staff make good use of space and use moveable notice boards to display children's work. Resources and equipment are used imaginatively to provide meaningful play opportunities. There are effective records and policies in place to enhance the running of the group. Staff have regard for the safety and wellbeing of children. Good procedures are in place to raise children's awareness of the need for good hygiene and safety practices, although staff would benefit from training in food hygiene when preparing snacks. Children receive a wide selection of snacks and a "mini banquet" is offered during most sessions. Staff have sound knowledge of child protection procedures, however the policy needs to be updated to ensure all relevant information is

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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 All children are treated as individuals, children with special educational needs also receive effective support. Staff liaise well with parents and other agencies. All children are eager and interested in their play, they embrace challenge and skilled staff provide stimulating activities which draw on children's creativity and imagination. Staff use effective methods to manage behaviour. Children respond well to boundaries and know their routine well. Parents are encouraged to work in partnership with staff, many opportunities are available for them to contribute to their children's learning. Parents receive verbal and written information on the setting and how their children are progressing through the curriculum.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the setting was asked to keep a record of significant incidents. The setting has implemented and revised recording of incidents. Incidents are now formally recorded ensuring children are protected and confidentiality is maintained when parents countersign the record.

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What is being done well?

• Staff encourage children to develop their natural creativity and flair through art, craft and drama sessions. Staff capture children's imagination with the use of miniature displays for example "The enormous turnip." Comprising of small play figures pulling out a real turnip from the soil. • Staff promote equality of opportunity well, meeting all children's needs. The children are engaged in meaningful play and behave well. • Staff foster good relationships with parents; many opportunities are available for parents to become involved, parent rota, fund raising and opportunity to become a member of the committee.

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What needs to be improved?

• the staff's knowledge with regard to food hygiene practices when preparing snacks for children • the information contained within the child protection policy with regard to any allegations being made against staff.

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Outcome of the 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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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 Further develop child protection policy to include procedures if an allegation is made against a member of staff. 7 Demonstrate how staff will have regard for relevant food hygiene practices when preparing snacks for children.

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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?

Holymoorside Pre-school provides a happy welcoming environment where children make generally good progress towards the early learning goals. In some areas such as creative, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical and mathematical development, children's progress is very good. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff have sufficient knowledge of the foundation stage curriculum. They plan stimulating activities and children are engaged in meaningful play. Staff collate observations and pieces of children's work to evidence progression within the assessment process, however the assessment does not show how children's learning directly relates to the early learning goal clusters. Good systems are in place for supporting children with special educational needs. Staff form good relationships with the children, promoting confidence and self esteem. However staff do not provide sufficient opportunities for older and more able

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How effective is the nursery education?

children to develop independence and self help skills. Staff promote children's learning through thoughtful questioning. Children are developing a good understanding of mathematical concepts through a variety of activities. However opportunities for children to recognise name and write for different purposes are limited. The leadership and management of the setting is generally good. Meetings keep the staff team up to date on current issues alongside opportunities to share good practice. There is a strong commitment within the group and they are committed to improving care and education for children, demonstrating this through hard work and continuous developmental training; stability has been maintained despite a challenging period and low moral. The partnership with parents and carers is very good. Key workers talk and share information about their child's progress and both contribute to a termly written report.

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How effective is the nursery education?

Parents have many opportunities to be involved within the setting.

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What is being done well?

• Children benefit from effective teaching to help them explore and develop their creativity. They have opportunities to design and create during well planned art and craft activities, staff provide stimulating displays to enhance children's imagination and encourage them to be creative. • Children have opportunity to learn through all senses, tasting activities, visits to the local park and woodlands and themes such as "Life cycles." Children are developing a good awareness of the world around them. • Parents are kept well informed of their children's progress. Displays and

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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 information tables provide a wealth of information for all to access.

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What needs to be improved?

• the recording of children's assessments to demonstrate clear progression through the foundation stage, building on children's previous learning and highlighting next steps in further development • the attention given to raise children's awareness of different purposes for writing and name recognition • the opportunities for children to extend their personal social and emotional development with regard to self help skills and independence for the older and more able children.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Very good progress has been made since the last inspection. The setting provide frequent opportunity for children to explore, use musical instruments and listen, move and respond to a variety of music styles, plan opportunites to help children to develop an understanding of numerical operations such as addition and subtraction, Provide clear systems for all parents to contribute their own observations of their child's learning at home to add to on going assesment records. Children are now provided with a wealth of opportunities to access planned and spontaneous music and movement sessions. Children are keen to play in band sessions and will bring in their own instruments from home to contribute to the activity. Children are showing an awareness of rhythm and beat. Musical appreciation is enhanced through listening to a variety of music styles. Opportunities have been extended for children to learn numerical operations in

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What has improved since the last inspection?

practical activities; children now count sort match using everyday objects. For example counting children at the snack table and they have learnt a variety of counting rhymes involving addition and subtraction. Parents are now given regular opportunities to contribute to children' learning. They discuss children's progress informally on a regular basis and have opportunity to add comments to termly written reports.

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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 are enthusiastic and ready to learn, older children support younger children to complete tasks. Circle time is used effectively to build confidence and develop awareness of others. Opportunities are missed for children to develop independence and self help skills. Children are forming relationships with adults and peers. Children behave well. Children are beginning to make connections between different parts of their life experiences.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children are becoming confident communicators and engage in meaningful conversation, expressing feelings and emotions. They respond well to instructions and ideas are valued. Children enjoy books and read them purposefully. More able children can write their name, however there are limited opportunities to recognise their name and write for different purposes. Rhymes and songs are sung with enthusiasm, many are beginning to distinguish one sound from another.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are interested in number and counting, fingers are used to aid counting and demonstrate quantity. Rhymes are used to explore addition and subtraction. Mathematical concepts are reinforced during purposeful play and routine activities. Children are grasping the skill of measuring with the use of rulers and their hands, they have opportunity to record their findings.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children talk about past and present events in their lives, they frequently visit the local park and woodlands and notice the changes during the seasons. Through topic work on different countries and discussions; children are gaining awareness of diverse faiths and cultures. Older children build and construct with purpose. Some technological equipment is available, less able children are supported.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move confidently in a variety of ways, crawling, climbing, hopping and skipping. Outdoors and indoors is used to promote gross motor skills. All children show some awareness in body change when active, older children discuss this articulately. Children's fine motor skills are well developed, many opportunities to use tools such as scissors, staplers safely. Younger children encouraged to snip and tear to develop manipulative skills.

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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

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children's creativity is developed well, they use their imaginations skillfully in pretending to grow from a seed to a plant in drama sessions. Children enjoy planned " Band" sessions and often bring in their own instruments from home. Children explore, shape colour and texture during planned craft activities. Miniature displays, pictures and real objects are used to aid children's development.

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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

• Improve assessment procedures; to identify how children are progressing through the foundation stage. Ensure the system for recording demonstrates next steps for future development and builds on children's previous learning. • Increase opportunities for children to practice emergent writing, letter and name recognition through different planned and spontaneous activities. • Increase opportunities for children to extend learning within personal, social and emotional development. Ensure older and more able children are having opportunities to improve independence and self help skills.

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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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