Tolleshunt Knights Cooperative Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 09/12/2003 Inspector Name Susan Catherine McGarry

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Tolleshunt Knights Co-operative Playgroup Setting Address Tolleshunt Knights Village Hall Top Road,Tolleshunt Knights Maldon Essex CM9 8ET

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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

Tolleshunt Knights Co-Operative Playgroup opened in 1971. It operates from the village hall in Tolleshunt Knights. The playgroup serves the local area. There are currently 36 children on roll. This includes 11 funded 3 year olds and 10 funded 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting currently supports a small number of children with special needs. The group opens four days a week during school term times. Sessions are either from 09:30 until 12:00 or from 09:30 am to 13:30. Seven full and part-time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Tolleshunt Knights Co-Operative Playgroup provides a good standard of care for children. There are very good staffing levels including a key worker system so that children are provided with a secure and reassuring environment. There are effective arrangements in place for the induction of new staff and a well managed approach to training opportunities for them all. Neither the supervisor or deputy at the present time hold a level 3 childcare qualification. The environment is warm and welcoming and there is a good range of resources and equipment for children to access. Records, policies and procedures are readily accessible within the operational plan although additional material is required. These are stored securely and confidentiality is observed. Most of the procedures ensuring children's safety and security within the setting are in place including a risk assessment. There is an effective procedure to follow when

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How good is the Day Care?

protecting children when they are ill however the procedures for administering

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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 medication and for accessing emergency medical treatment are not reflected in the current policy. The child protection policy also requires updating. Children's dietary needs are requested and met.

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How good is the Day Care?

There is a broad range of activities provided including the use of a secure outside area. Children relate well to each other and are provided with opportunities to make decisions about their play and learning. Children's behaviour is valued and encouraged by the staff and the children are involved, interested and enjoy their play. They are supported by adults who respond to their individual needs and interests. Praise and encouragement is provided by the staff. There are clear procedures in place to support children with identified special needs and effective working relationships in place with other professionals including a 1:1 support worker. There is a clearly established partnership with parents and they are well informed about their children's progress.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the setting agreed to provide an action plan to outline how the supervisor would access suitable training to achieve a level 3 childcare qualification and to meet the 50% requirement of half of the staff to gain a level 2 childcare qualification. The supervisor is in the process of accessing an APEL course to upgrade her qualification and there are now over half of the staff holding a level 2/3 qualification. It was agreed to appoint a deputy. This has been achieved but at the present time she does not hold a childcare qualification however, there is a committment to commence the relevant training. The setting agreed to update its policies in line with the National Standards, these have all been done although further reviews are required for both child protection and health (which now includes written permission from parents regarding accessing emergency medical treatment). It was agreed that staff details and those of the committee would be kept on the

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What has improved since the last inspection?

premises and that an operational plan would be developed and made available to the parents. Most of the operational plan is in place although further additions are required.

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What is being done well?

• There are very good staffing levels in place which includes an effective key worker system. This enables a good level of interaction between staff and children at all times and parents are kept fully informed about their children's progress and development. • There is a positive and proactive approach to meet children's individual needs through the effective use of key workers, the SENCO and other professionals in contact with the setting. Children are supported by adults who respond to their individual needs and interests and provide praise and encouragement for them. • Children are provided with opportunities to make decisions about their play

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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 whilst engaged in a broad range of activities and play experiences. • There is a warm, welcoming and safe environment for both children and their parents. Space is used effectively so that children can move freely and safely.

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What needs to be improved?

• the policies for child protection, administering medication and accessing emergency medical treatment • the register to include times of arrival and departure • the operational plan to include further details regarding the staff job descriptions, roles and responsibilities and the induction programme.

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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 Ensure that your arrangements for registration show when children, staff and visitors are present and include times of arrival and departure. 2 Include within the operational plan the induction programme for new staff and an outline of how the staff (with job descriptions and roles) is deployed within the setting. 7 Review and update the health and hygiene policy regarding the administration of medication and accessing emergency medical treatment. 13 Review and update the child protection policy and identify some training for the staff.

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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 Tolleshunt Knights Co-Operative Playgroup is generally good. It enables children to make very good progress in their creative and physical development and generally good progress in all other areas of learning. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff make good use of the accommodation and resources available to provide activities and experiences to support children's learning. Children behave well in response to the expectations and sensitive support from the staff. Confidence and independence are nurtured to provide children with good levels of self esteem and there is effective support in place for children with special needs. The planning includes clear evidence of learning intentions within each of the early learning goals but does not identify enough challenge for three and four year old children and the information recorded on the stepping stones for each child is not

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How effective is the nursery education?

used effectively enough yet to plan for their individual needs. Leadership and management is generally good. The staff are working together and meet regularly to plan the topics for each week. They are committed to accessing relevant training and upgrading their qualifications and clear supportive links have been established by a strong and active committee. The use of a monitoring and evaluation process is limited within the planning of the curriculum however the committee actively seek the views of the parents regarding the quality of care being provided. Partnership with parents is very good and parents are well informed about the setting through newsletters and brochures produced by the committee. Staff are responsive to parents when approached. The key worker system works well. Parents share observations about their children with the staff and in turn are given on-going information about their child's learning and progress. There are

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How effective is the nursery education?

opportunities for parents to become involved with the playgroup through the parent rota.

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What is being done well?

• Children's physical development is very good. They are provided with many opportunities to practice and develop skills of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement using a good range of tools, resources and equipment. • Partnership with parents is constructive and informative and this is valued by both staff and parents. They are provided with good quality information about the setting, encouraged to share their views with the committee and are provided with a supportive environment in which they can become involved in their children's 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 • Children's spoken language is promoted effectively through the opportunities provided by the staff for self expression during their role play; negotiating with each other during small group activities and during 1:1 interactions through effective questioning which encourages their language for thinking. • There are very good relationships between the children and staff which results in children demonstrating that they are confident, motivated and independent. There is very good support for children with special needs. • Children's creative development is very good. They have many opportunities to explore the use media and materials along with using their imagination within art and design, music, role play and stories.

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What needs to be improved?

• the planning cycle to include more effective short term planning and providing more challenge and adaptation of activities and experiences for 3 and 4 year old children respectively • the assessment records to include a clear identification of the next step of learning • the monitoring and evaluation of the quality of teaching that has taken place • more regular opportunities for children to develop their reading skills.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There has been generally good progress made since the last inspection. There was no action plan available from the last inspection but 2 key issues were identified. The system of assessment and record keeping was required to be extended to cover the activities provided at the lunch time sessions so that liaison was maintained between the staff from the morning session and a complete picture of each child's attainment and progress was obtained. Information gained from the assessment records was then to be used to ensure that future plans addressed specific individual learning needs. Records were kept by the staff covering the lunchtime sessions on a chart these have subsequently been replaced by the "stepping stones stepped". The second key issue was to ensure that staff were fully familiar with the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs and to implement its guidance. The supervisor has completed the SENCO training and

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What has improved since the last inspection?

there is clear evidence that the Code Of Practice is being fully implemented by the setting to effectively support those children with special needs who are currently attending.

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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 immediately engage when they arrive at the setting and approach, select and use the provision with motivation and interest. Children respond positively to the staff and their behaviour is very good. Their confidence, personal independence and self esteem are nurtured through the organisation of resources, daily routines, activities and experiences and they have positive and reassuring relationships. Opportunities to develop their understanding of other cultures and beliefs is limited.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children's spoken language is developing well. They use it effectively to express their feelings and imagined experiences through role play situations, when communicating with others and when using language for thinking. Children's reading skills are being encouraged, they read their names but access to written text is limited other than through books. They link sounds to letters on a regular basis and are provided with opportunities to engage in writing and handwriting activities.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children use number in everyday situations and can count reliably up to 10 and beyond. They are able to recognise and are beginning to write numerals. They learn to compare shape, size and quantity through a range of practical activities such as messy play and when interacting with staff whilst playing games. Staff provide some opportunities for children to experience calculation but do not provide sufficient challenge for more able children to extend their mathematical skills in this area.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children enjoy exploring and investigating objects in a wide range of activities both inside the setting and when playing outside using their senses. They have opportunities to acquire a sense of time and place which is presented to them through planned topics and with access to objects made available for them from their local environment. Children confidently use a wide range of tools and materials to cut, join and build using 2 and 3D objects. They have access to information 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 Children use a wide range of equipment both indoors and outside. The staff plan activities which offer the children opportunities to practice and refine their skills, handle tools and objects effectively and with safety. The children's large physical skills are developing well. They move confidently, showing an awareness of space and others during games and activities such as music and movement and when using equipment. Children have some knowledge of their own health and bodily awareness.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children respond to experiences using, expressing and communicating their ideas. They are encouraged to use their imagination through their role play and other activities including music and movement. Many practical opportunities are provided for the children to engage in musical activities such as singing and music making. Media and materials are used and explored by the children using their senses when they engage in messy play and creative activities.

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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 planning cycle to improve the short term planning and use of assessment to clearly identify the next step of learning for each child and to provide more adapted challenges for 3 and 4 year old children • introduce a more rigorous system to monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching • provide children with more regular opportunities to read a range of familiar words and simple sentences through written texts and labelling along with access to books.

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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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