Tenacres Littlefolks

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 08/07/2004 Inspector Name Ann Doreen Burford

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Tenacres Little Folk Playgroup Setting Address Quibery Close Winyates East Redditch Worcs B98 0PB

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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

Tenacres Little Folk Playgroup opened in 1979. It operates from two rooms in the community rooms attached to Tenacres First School in Winyates East, Redditch. The group serves the local community. There are currently 65 children from 2 years and 6 months to 4 years on roll. This includes 24 funded 3-year-olds and 34 funded 4-year-olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting has procedures to support children with special educational needs, and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 08:50 until 11:45 and 12:30 until 15:10. Eight staff work with the children on a rota basis. Over half of the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ 2 or 3. The setting receives support from a teacher/mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Tenacres Little Folk Playgroup provides good care for children. The premises are well organised to meet the needs of the children. There is a good range of resources that support children's care and education. The procedures to protect children from persons that are not vetted are effective. The group implements a policy of maintaining high staffing ratios and effectively groups children to support their development, however occasionally staff deployment is not always effective in preventing incidents. All the required documentation is in place to support the successful running of this group. Staff are safety conscious and encourage the children to play safely. Staff and children follow good hygiene procedures. The group provides a choice of healthy snacks and drinks. Snack time is well organised and children have opportunities to taste new foods. Staff have some knowledge of child protection procedures, but the

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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 written policies are not clear about all procedures. The extensive range of activities are stimulating and fully support the children making good progress. Although there is limited use of the outdoor play area, the group ensures that children participate in an excellent range of physical activities. Children's individual needs are known and met by staff. There are sufficient resources to promote equal opportunities, however, activities about the diverse community are limited. Children with special needs are able to participate fully in the activities. Children are encouraged to be well behaved in a variety of appropriate ways. The procedure for the arrival and departure of children ensures that staff are able to

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How good is the Day Care?

have an individual conversation with all of the parents. Parents are provided with good information in identifying infectious diseases such as chicken pox.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection, the group agreed to improve safety and address operational issues. The premises have been made safer for the children by ensuring all low-level sockets are covered and the introduction of risk assessments that are regularly reviewed. Fire safety has been improved by ensuring the fire extinguisher is safely stored and regular emergency evacuation is practiced. There is now an operational plan in place to ensure the smooth running of the group. It has all the required policies and procedures, including the recent introduction of a policy on lost or uncollected children.

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What is being done well?

• Staff are motivated to attend on-going training to maintain their own knowledge and to continue to raise the high standards of care and education in the group. • Staff plan and provide an interesting, imaginative room that instantly catches the child's imagination. The careful explanation of any special activities ensures that the children's attention and enthusiasm is engaged. • Children have a wealth of experiences that are fully supported by the wide range of appropriate resources. The toys are well chosen and used to give maximum benefit to the children. • The procedures for the arrival and collection of children is well organised to keep children safe. Security of the premises is very good. Parents enter through the school entrance, monitored by school staff, and rooms used by the group are kept secure. • Children with special needs are valued members of the group, and when necessary activities are adapted to enable them to participate as fully as

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What is being done well?

possible. Parents are given good support and procedures are put in place to

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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 ensure the child's needs are met.

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What needs to be improved?

• staff deployment and roles and responsibilities in managing children's behaviour • activities that promote equal opportunities and enable children to learn about diversity • the child protection statement to be in line with the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures.

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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 staff deployment is adapted to enable staff to be more pro-active and positive in managing children’s behaviour to ensure safety. 9 Improve opportunities for children to explore issues of diversity through play. 13 Ensure that the child protection procedure for the playgroup complies with local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures.

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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?

Tenacres Little Folk Playgroup provides good quality nursery education overall which enables children to make generally good progress towards the early learning goals. Some aspects of learning are very good. The quality of teaching is generally good. Most staff have a clear understanding of the Foundation Stage curriculum and how children learn, although some lack confidence in interpreting the stepping stones. All staff have good relationships with the children and high expectations of children's behaviour. They manage challenging behaviour well. The room is well organised to create a stimulating child-friendly environment. Children are able to participate in a balanced range of activities although some areas are not emphasised sufficiently. Staff regularly assess and record children's progress towards the early learning goals and use this information to plan daily activities. Children with special educational needs are very well

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How effective is the nursery education?

supported. The leadership and management of the playgroup is generally good. Clear and appropriate aims for children's care and education are achieved in practice with most staff sure of their roles and responsibilities. The person-in-charge effectively manages the day to day running of the group. A new committee are just starting to develop their partnership with the staff. They support staff training and development to maintain and improve the standards within the group. The partnership with parents and carers is generally good. Parents are involved in decision making about their own child once they have started at the group, but are not encouraged to share their knowledge about their child. There is a good settling in procedure which works well and is adapted to the child's individual needs. The notice board and prospectus keep parents informed about the group. Parents form the management committee, but otherwise are not involved in the nursery education.

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What is being done well?

• Children are confident communicators with each other and adults. They are very expressive, showing their feelings. They recall past experiences, express their ideas and are quick to make suggestions of their own. • The care and education of children with special educational needs is a particular strength in this group. Staff liaise closely with parents and outside agencies to ensure the child's needs are met. The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) and the manager work together closely to provide a range of activities that enable the children to make good progress in identified areas for improvement. • Very good opportunities exist for children to develop their physical skills. Children move well around the indoor space. They can peddle the cars 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 bikes competently as they adjust their speed to manoeuvre around the furniture and negotiate space successfully. Children control their limbs to create differing shapes as they move to familiar rhymes and songs. Most children can climb using alternate feet. • Children have many opportunities to explore a variety of tastes and textures. They leave the adults in no doubt as to their preferences through facial expression and lively comment.

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What needs to be improved?

• the parent partnership, to involve parents in their child's learning and in the initial assessment, sharing what they know about their children • the opportunities for children to give meaning to their mark-making when playing • children's opportunities to show interest in everyday technology and become familiar with its uses.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Very good progress made since the last inspection. The staff have introduced a number of effective measures to improve how they meet the needs of children with special educational needs and involve their parents and carers. This was raised as a key issue at the previous inspection. A member of staff has been identified to be the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) and has completed relevant training. She works closely with the manager to develop Individual Learning Plans (ILP) for any child needing additional support. Parents are involved in decision making and are kept informed about progress. New links have been formed with outside agencies to enable staff to react and adapt activities to meet the needs of the child. Parents are signposted to other local services that may be able to help or advise them.

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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 are starting to show care and understanding of each others needs. They mostly separate from their carer with confidence although those still needing support are given it. Children usually co-operate with each other, share and take turns, sometimes with adult reminders. Children have a sense of pride in their achievements, enjoy new activities and display a sense of wonder. Most children are independent and if they need assistance they quickly find a staff member to help them.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children enjoy having detailed conversations with adults and their peers. Four-year-olds are very good at linking sounds with letters. They can identify some letters and some children know the name of the letter as well as the sound. They recognise their own written name. Children have limited opportunities to give meaning to their mark making through their play. Children enjoy looking at books and attempt to tell stories themselves.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children spontaneously and accurately use mathematical terminology in their play. They recognise numerals correctly and effectively count to 10 with some four-year-olds counting to higher numbers. A few four-year-old children know what happens if there is one more or two more as they start to calculate. Children can identify simple shapes by name and link the shape to a familiar object, such as a door is a rectangle. They use size language appropriately.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children help to plant seeds and learn how to care for them. They are fascinated by how things change such as dough rising when bread making. Children enjoy designing and making their own constructions from a variety of materials. They show an interest in past events and talk about their experiences with enthusiasm. They have limited opportunities to learn about the diverse community through their play. Children do not have many opportunities to use or play with items of everyday 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 All children move safely with confidence and enjoyment. Children imitate animals with their movements when pretending to be lions or other animals. They are starting to show a preference for left/right hand. Children can use a variety of tools, for example, they use knives, under supervision, to spread butter and make sandwiches. Most children are developing a sense of space and can negotiate themselves into small confines, such as when sitting together on the mat for group story.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children can sort by colour and show a preference for their favourite colours. They enjoy painting as it is readily available every day. They enjoy joining in ring games and can follow the rules. Children sing together in groups, some confidently singing familiar nursery rhymes as a soloist. Children imitate adults as they develop their own roles when playing imaginatively together.

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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 the involvement of parents in their child's learning and in the initial assessment, sharing what they know about their child • increase the opportunities for children to give meaning to their mark-making during their play • develop opportunities for children to use and become familiar with everyday technology.

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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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