Minera Aided Primary School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 22/06/2004 Inspector Name Carol-Anne Shaw

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Wheatcroft Playgroup Setting Address St Michael's Church Hall Filey Road Scarborough North Yorkshire YO11 3AY

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Wheatcroft Pre School Playgroup 1031308

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Wheatcroft Pre School Playgroup Address 23 Wheatcroft Avenue Scarborough North Yorkshire YO11 3BN

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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

Wheatcroft Pre-school Playgroup opened in 1969. It operates from the St Michael's church hall, situated to the south of Scarborough on the Filey road. The children have use of the main hall and a small room. The toilets are on the same level. The group have a secure outside play area with both grass and safety area, there is a garden used for planting and growing. The group is a registered charity managed by a parent committee. The pre-school serves the local and surrounding communities. There are currently 38 children on roll, these age from two years six months to four years nine months old. This includes 20 funded three-year-olds and 10 funded four-year-olds. Children with special needs are welcomed into the group. The group opens Monday to Friday 09:15 to 12:00 term time only. Seven staff work with the children, over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 3. One is working towards a recognised early years qualification. They

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Information about the setting

are members of the Pre-school Learning Alliance. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Wheatcroft Pre-School Playgroup provides good day care for children. The organisation and management of the nursery is good with the required systems, policies and procedures available. Most of the staff working with the children have relevant childcare qualifications. The premises are good, they are organised to meet the needs of the children attending. The children have access to a wide range of appropriate equipment, resources and child size furniture. The required documentation is available, stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. The safety in the group is good with all staff aware of safety issues. The arrangements for health and hygiene are good. There are satisfactory arrangements in place to provide healthy snacks. There is a good awareness of equality of opportunity, with a wide range of resources to support children's understanding.

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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 Staff's knowledge of child protection issues are mostly satisfactory. Children's behaviour is very good, staff promote good behaviour with positive encouragement and praise. The care, play and learning is good, a wide curriculum of play and learning opportunities, linked to the foundation stage are available each day. The group is aware how children learn through play and use everyday activities to enable children to develop and progress in their knowledge and understanding. All children are welcomed into the group, there are systems in place to integrate children with special needs. Children with English as a second language are made very welcome. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents have access to comprehensive

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How good is the Day Care?

information about the group and how their child is developing, this is done both formally and on a daily basis verbally. Information about topics and how parents can support their childs learning is available.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the group were asked to ensure the person in charge had appropriate qualifications, the manager now has appropriate early years qualifications. The group were required to provide procedures to be followed in the event of any allegations being made against a staff member; these are now available in the operations file.

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What is being done well?

• Effective use is made of the available space, both inside and outside the building. • The play opportunities for children are good the staff plan and use equipment and resources well to create a stimulating, environment for the children attending. • The staff meet the individual needs of all children well. This encourages the children to be confident and join in activities with enthusiasm. The parachute games are enjoyed by all children. • Policies and procedures are comprehensive they are shared with parents to enable them to be well informed about the provision, good relationships have been formed with parents to ensure exchange of information so the children's care meets the childs individual needs. Information specific to each child helps staff settle children into the pre-school with ease.

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What needs to be improved?

• the staff's knowledge and understanding of updated child protection issues.

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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

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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 Update staff's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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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?

Wheatcroft Pre-school Playgroup provides good quality nursery education where overall children make generally good progress towards the early learning goals. Children make very good progress in personal social and emotional development, physical development and creative development. The quality of the teaching is generally good. Staff are knowledgeable and work to provide an interesting curriculum. Planning overall is good with the sessions running smoothly. The pre-school provides an environment where children learn through accessing the many play opportunities available throughout the sessions. There is a wide range of resources effectively organised to support children's learning and understanding, they support children's growing independence. The children's behaviour is good. The activities are practical linked to different topics. Assessments are regularly completed by staff and are used to inform future planning, however

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How effective is the nursery education?

assessments for the more able children do not sufficiently identify what the children need to do next. The leadership and management is generally good. The committee and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities, this results in the day to day running of the group working well. The monitoring and evaluating of the provision is very informal and although this enables the group to be aware of areas to improve, it results in improvemnts being made on an ad-hoc basis. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are provided with good information about the curriculum and the topics their child is covering. They are encouraged to share in their childs learning and share what they know about their child. They are invited to view their children's attainment records to be informed of progress.

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What is being done well?

• The staff foster children's personal, social and emotional development very well, children are confident and eager to participate in all activities. • Staff have a very good understanding of the foundation stage. They provide a wide range of interesting play opportunities, linked to topics to support children's development and learning. • Staff use the outside area effectively to support children's learning. • Staff provide lots of well organised opportunities throughout the session for children to practice number and mark making in everyday play situations. • The management of children's behaviour is very good, resulting in children understanding the codes of behaviour, working in a group, turn taking and sharing.

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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?

• the assessment of children's progress in order to effectively plan for the more able children • opportunities for children to access information technology to support learning • the monitoring and evaluation of the provision.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

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

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children show lots of enthusiasm and interest in all activities, demonstrating very good levels of concentration. Children have positive relationships with each other and staff, they are showing concern for each other and are learning about sharing and taking turns. They are developing personal independence and are confident in expressing their needs. Most children are responding and have an understanding of the behaviour codes within the pre-school.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children enjoy books and listening to stories, they are aware books give information about the real world and they use them well. They are extending their range of songs and rhymes. Good opportunities to practise mark making and emerging writing skills are included in the session. Most children are confident mark makers. Play opportunities and activities outside are used to extend children's vocabulary. There are limited opportunities to challenge more able children in their writing skills.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are learning to enjoy numbers through a wide range of practical everyday activities. Children's counting skills, number recognition and early addition and subtraction are being promoted. Three year olds can count to five confidently and four year olds can count to ten and beyond. Planned activities introduce children to shape, pattern and measurement. There are insufficient opportunities to challenge more able children in their mathematical development.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Through a range of practical activities children are being given time to explore and investigate. The curriculum is enriched by topics and visitors to the nursery. Children actively discuss how things work, and use the role play area well to extend their knowledge and experience different places. Children have good opportunities to garden and are learning about plants, fruit and vegetables. They have a lack of access to information technology to support their learning.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children have good opportunities to discover many different ways of moving. All children move confidently round the nursery and have good control of their movements. Children are developing increasing control and skills when using large and small equipment. The outside area is used effectively to support children's physical development. The parachute games are enjoyed by all children.

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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 have very good opportunities to explore colour and texture through a variety of planned activities. All children are confident with a range of songs. Children are developing good imagination, role-play is used effectively to allow children to experiment in a range of roles. Good use of baking stimulates children's interest, they express themselves in what they touch and feel. The creative work is valued and children are confident in using many mediums to represent their imagination.

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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

• ensure children's assessments inform future planning for the more able children • increase the opportunities for children to access information technology • ensure the monitoring and evaluation of the provision is effective. 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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