St Alphonsu's RC Infant School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 27/10/2003 Inspector Name Susan Jennifer Scott

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Meopham Day Nursery Setting Address Wrotham Road Meopham Gravesend Kent DA13 0JW

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Kinder Groups Ltd. Address Tovil Business Centre Burial Ground Lane Tovil , Maidstone Kent ME15 6RJ

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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

The Nursery and Out of School Club is one of a chain of provision in the Kinder Group in Kent. It is situated on a large site which is shared with a secondary school, a leisure centre and a medical centre in the village of Meopham. The Nursery is situated in a block of classrooms belonging to the school, and opens from 8am until 6pm Mondays to Fridays. The Out of School Club is situated in a large room in a separate school block and opens from 8am to 6pm during school holidays and 3.30pm until 6pm during term time. At present no children have English as an additional language, and none have Special Educational Needs, although some have attended in the past. Babies and children are organised into different groups according to their ages and needs. The Nursery Supervisor and two Deputies hold level three qualifications and are long serving members of staff; there are 24 other members of staff who work a

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Information about the setting

variety of hours between them. The Out of School Club is supervised by a staff member who holds a level three qualification.

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How good is the Day Care?

Meopham Day Nursery and Out of School Club provide good care for children. Regular meetings, appraisals and staff expertise enable the staff to work effectively. Good records, evaluations and assessments are kept which support planning and learning for all children. There are varied and interesting activities offered to children inside and outside. A range of equipment available although the babies would benefit from some domestic chairs for feeding times and access to a wdire range of books. Staff respond to children's needs in a sensitive and skilful way, managing their behaviour well. They give priority to ensuring the safety of children both inside the Nursery and outside when using the large grounds. Hygiene routines are good. A

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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 cooked meal is offered each day and healthy food is provided for snacks and tea. The Out of School Club have use of a large room on the upper floor of a block of classrooms within the school grounds and there is also access to a large field and playground areas. Staff are vigilant in these areas to ensure the safety and supervision of the children although the stairway has very widely spaced banister rails. There are clear routines and children respond positively. The children attending the Out of School Club have access to a range of toys and equipment. Art and craft activities are offered in the building and a varied sports activities outside in the grounds. There are good relationships with parents; a good variety of information is provided

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How good is the Day Care?

from parents and staff work closely with them to deliver individual care, particularly for the babies. This ensures that children are secure, have appropriate routines and enables them to progress in their development. Staff welcome and include all children successfully. Documentation is thorough: clear and helpful information is recorded in the policies and procedures to enable good practice advice is also available from Head office to support and guide staff.

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What is being done well?

• There are good policies and procedures in place and advice is available from Head office to support and guide staff in their work. An operational plan has evolved from practice and is subject to review and changes by senior Nursery staff within the Kinder group. • Organisation of the care and activities for the babies and children who are cared for in five areas and have plenty of space inside and outside which is utilised well for a variety of planned activities. • Security and supervision is good and staff make children's safety inside and outside a high priority. • Staff work closely with parents to ensure their preferences and individual needs are met, especially in the way in which they allow babies to adapt to the nursery routine at their own rate.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

Staff are calm and positive in their management of behaviour; they negotiate and reason with children well, providing support and helping them to resolve conflicts and increase their independence.

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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 provision of domestic furniture for use with the babies, so that staff can comfortably feed and hold babies • the books available to younger 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 4 provide some domestic type furniture for use in the baby rooms so that staff can feed and sit with young babies comfortably. 5 ensure there is a sufficiently attractive and suitable range of books for the younger 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?

The provision for nursery education at Meopham Day Nursery is very good. It enables children to make very good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of development. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff plan a variety of practical activities, both in and out of doors, and understand what children learn from them. Resources are of good quality, plentiful and well organised to increase children's independence. Staff are skilled at providing for children's development and progress. They maintain a dialogue with them and ask questions to encourage them to find things out and talk about what they are doing. Group activities for the funded children are presented in an enthusiastic and lively manner, though occasional spontaneous conversations could be extended to provide further challenge in language development. Staff plan, observe and keep good records of children's learning in each of the six

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How effective is the nursery education?

areas. Their assessments are evaluated against the stepping stones and early learning goals. As a result, they provide a good basis on which to plan the next steps in children's leaning, and a clear picture of progress to share with parents. The leadership and management of the day nursery is very good. The supervisor has been particularly effective in developing a committed staff team who have a collaborative approach to all aspects of their work. Staff are supported effectively and the Head Office provide accessible training, as well as staff to advise on, monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching, and the systems for record keeping. The partnership with parents and carers is generally good. Parents regularly spend time talking informally with staff about their children and are informed about activities the children participate in at the nursery. A weekly diary informs parents of activities, a quarterly assessment of children's learning and an annual report is provided.

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What is being done well?

• Physical Development: the outdoor environment is accessed frequently and children are offered an excellent variety of activities that are both structured and spontaneous or informally organised. • Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of the Early Learning Goals and Stepping Stones, enabling them to promote children's learning and development effectively by careful assessment and good observations of children's progress. • Regular music and drama sessions are provided as an optional extra and encourage children to use their imagination and experience a different environment and adults in different roles.

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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?

• Point for consideration: Children's opportunities to extend their use of language during both planned and spontaneous activities.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection there was one point for consideration suggested: to enhance good provision by extending opportunities for children to recognise names and simple words with more emphasis on named displays and information on the front of children's work. This has been achieved by naming many of the accessible resources, organising "prompt cards" for children to use to perform duties during the sessions and displaying a variety of information about activities. Children have good opportunities to explore and use written language during their play through increased provision of imaginative writing materials.

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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 confidence and self-esteem is effectively encouraged by staff who are sensitive to their needs and know them well. They learn to be independent and to persist with difficult tasks. They choose between activities, select resources for themselves, and learn to take care of their personal needs, such as dressing themselves, washing their cups and putting away equipment. Children behave very well. They are encouraged to share and take turns, and be polite and considerate to others

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children use language with confidence and enjoyment: they listen to stories, enjoy sharing stories with staff and making their own books. However, they are not always sufficiently encouraged to discuss language or the sounds of letters and words. Children recognise their names and are beginning to write these correctly with well-formed letters, they have access to a variety of imaginative materials to encourage writing for different purposes.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children benefit from good individual support to help them count to 10 and to recognise shapes, colours and sizes. Their understanding of numbers is reinforced as they take part in routine tasks such as working out the date, or laying the table for lunch or snack-time. They learn about capacity by using a water tray various tools: funnels, pourers, sieves, cups, and a shute into a shallow paddling pool. Children are able to predict quantity and use numbers during everyday routines and play.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good The outdoor area is used well to stimulate children's interest in the natural world and features of the locality. They collect leaves, observe the weather and talk about familiar sights. Activities help them understand changes that occur, for example when the hamster comes out or the fish respond to feeding. Children can make models from construction kits and are able to explore using glue, tissue and other recycled materials. They have opportunities to explore some technology.

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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 Outdoors children are set challenges: an excellent variety of activities that are both structured and spontaneous are organised. Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of the children's abilities and plan for physical development effectively. Good opportunities are organised which encourage children to use their skills and imagination indoors and in the outside environment. Children move confidently and safely at their own pace and use small tools competently and with independence.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children can participate in specialist drama and music sessions and they enjoy action rhymes. They have access to musical instruments and tapes and a radio during free play sessions. Children use their imaginative skills well and enjoy role play activities that are varied and interesting. They learn to apply paint in different ways, exploring colour and texture through a variety of media.

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Children's spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is fostered

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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OUTCOME OF THE INSPECTION

The provision is acceptable and is of high quality. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals. The next inspection will take place in three to four years time.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

There are no significant weaknesses to report, but considerations should be given to improving the following: • There are no significant weaknesses to report, but consideration should be given to improving the following: • provide opportunities to extend language development for children during both planned and spontaneous activities.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

The provider must draw up an action plan within 40 working days of receipt of this report showing how the key issues detailed above will be addressed. The action plan must be made available to all parents and to the Local Authority if required. An evaluation of the action taken will form part of the next inspection of funded nursery education.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

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STANDARD 2 - ORGANISATION

The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

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STANDARD 3 - CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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STANDARD 4 - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

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STANDARD 5 - EQUIPMENT

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.

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STANDARD 6 - SAFETY

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

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STANDARD 7 - HEALTH

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

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STANDARD 8 - FOOD AND DRINK

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.

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STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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STANDARD 11 - BEHAVIOUR

Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

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STANDARD 12 - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.

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STANDARD 13 - CHILD PROTECTION

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, or to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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