Romsey Mill Pre-school (Hemingford Road)

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 10/05/2004 Inspector Name Emma Louise Bright

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Romsey Mill Playgroup Setting Address Hemingford Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB1 3BZ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Romsey Mill Playgroup 3556721 1069905

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Romsey Mill Playgroup Address Romsey Mill Playgroup Hemingford Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB1 3BZ

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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

Romsey Mill Playgroup was established in 1980. The group is a run by a voluntary organisation. It operates from one of the main halls at Romsey Mill in Cambridge. The group serves the local area. There are currently 43 children from 2 to 3 years on roll. This includes 21 funded three-year-olds. Children can attend for a variety of sessions. The group currently supports a number of children with special needs, and children who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:15 until 11:45. There is one full time and two part time members of staff working with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. There is one member of staff currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from an Early Years Mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) and the Pre-School Learning

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Information about the setting

Alliance (PLA). They have recently been awarded the accreditation 'Aiming For Quality' by the PLA.

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How good is the Day Care?

Romsey Mill Playgroup provides good quality care for children. The staff are very experienced and qualified and children benefit from being cared for by a well organised staff team. They provide an attractive and welcoming environment for the children in their care and children have access to a very good range of stimulating activities and resources. This ensures children are interested and active throughout the session. All documentation is in place. It is clear, detailed and implemented by the staff, which helps to underpin the good practice and ensures children's safety and well-being. However, there is one small detail missing from one of the policies.

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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 The staff demonstrate a very sound awareness of safety issues and security is very good. Staff are vigilant in ensuring that children are safe during their play. Children are encouraged to learn about good hygiene practice through the daily routine. Staff provide children with a well-balanced range of snacks and drinks to help children to understand about healthy eating. The staff have a good knowledge of child protection and effective procedures in place, which help to ensure children are kept safe. The staff promote an inclusive ethos and enable children to learn about other cultures and beliefs. Children have access to a good range of resources, which reflect our diverse society. The staff are supportive of children with special needs

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How good is the Day Care?

and help them to participate in all activities. Staff use praise and encouragement help children understand about good behaviour. The staff interact well with the children, they talk and listen respectfully to them and support the children well in their activities. The group develops particularly good relationships with the parents. Comprehensive information is both gathered and shared with the parents so that children feel secure within the group. Parents are kept well-informed about the planned activities and are encouraged to approach the staff at any time.

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What is being done well?

• The group provides a bright and colourful environment, with a good range of resources and activities. This ensures that children are encouraged to explore their environment and extend their growing skills. • Very good safety arrangements are in place and clearly implemented. The staff are particularly vigilant and help children to understand about the dangers, which means children can play safely at all times. • The staff are committed to equality and they meet the children's individual needs well; the variety of resources reflect this. Children learn to respect others and they play happily together. • The group maintains very good records and documentation, which is regularly reviewed and updated. This enables the staff to care for the children appropriately and keep them safe.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The very good partnership with parents and carers ensures that children are cared for according to parents wishes. Parents are given excellent information so they know about their child's progress and are they are actively encouraged to participate in their child's learning. Standard 12.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

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?

• documentation, to ensure the child protection policy includes clear procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation made against a member of staff.

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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 Ensure the child protection policy includes clear procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation made against a member of 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 Romsey Mill Playgroup is of high quality. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals. Teaching is very good. The staff have a clear understanding of the Foundation Stage curriculum and how children learn through practical, meaningful activities. They use this knowledge to deliver fun, interesting and varied opportunities for children to experience. Assessments are in place for each child and are used to identify children's strengths. Staff interact exceptionally well with the children, supporting them in their play by using good questioning skills to extend their learning. Staff have clear expectations of the children and manage their behaviour well; children respond to their consistent and positive behaviour management. There is an effective system in place to support children with special educational needs. Leadership and management is very good. The Under Fives Coordinator is an

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How effective is the nursery education?

effective leader and committed to providing a high quality learning environment. The staff have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and work well together as a team. With the good support of the organisation committee, it ensures the smooth running of the setting. An ongoing training programme ensures that staff's practice continues to develop. The partnership with parents is very good. This is the highlight of the setting. Staff have very good relationships with parents; they ensure that parents have regular opportunities to discuss their child's progress with them. Parents receive good information about the setting, it's provision and aims for children. Regular notices and newsletters keep them informed about the curriculum and the playgroup's daily activities. Parents are encouraged to take part in their child's learning through a variety of opportunities and are welcomed into the group to share their traditions or

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What is being done well?

• Planning is very good. It is based on a secure knowledge of the Foundation Stage curriculum and makes clear what children should be learning from the activities; this enables staff to offer stimulating and exciting pre-school experience for children. • Children have good opportunities to paint, draw and make marks in a range of play situations, so that their early writing skills are developing very well. • Children are happy and motivated to learn and are developing good attitudes to independent learning. The staff carefully nurture their confidence and self-esteem. • The staff form very good relationships with the children and their families. They show a genuine interest in what children say and do, treating their

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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 comments and opinions with respect. Adults provide good role models, showing children how to be respectful and caring towards one another.

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What needs to be improved?

• increased opportunities for children to link letters and sounds • further improve systems to monitor assessment of children's progress.

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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 confident, independent and motivated to try new experiences. They concentrate well, persevering with tasks and seeking help appropriately. Children are learning to share resources and cooperate with each other and are beginning to form good friendships. Staff use praise and encouragement effectively, which means children are developing good levels of self-esteem. They respond well to the positive messages given to them and their behaviour is good.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children's language skills are developing very well; they speak confidently to a familiar audience and initiate conversations with staff and other adults. They enjoy listening to well-read stories, joining in enthusiastically. They show a great interest in books, following the text and using books correctly. Children enjoy mark making in a range of activities; their fine motor and early writing skills are developing very well. However, children have less opportunities to link letters and sounds.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are beginning to show an understanding of numbers and use number names in a variety of songs and rhymes. Staff develop children's understanding of simple calculations through everyday activities. Children enjoy using resources to group, match and re-create simple patterns and recognise shape and size, using the appropriate vocabulary. They are beginning to use mathematical concepts to problem solve. Simple positional language is used in context by children.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children have good opportunities to observe and explore their environment and the natural world. Regular visitors to the group and outings to the local area further support learning and foster a sense of community. Children build and assemble using a range of materials and tools. They are beginning to show an interest in how things work. Children have regular opportunities to use information technology and are competent users of the computer.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move confidently during large play showing an awareness of space and demonstrating good coordination to pedal and steer tricycles. Staff plan good opportunities for children to develop their climbing and balancing skills. Children use small tools and equipment in a variety of activities with increasing control and have good opportunities to develop their designing and construction skills. They are developing a good awareness of healthy practices, particularly healthy eating.

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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 lots of good opportunities to create their own individual artwork and are clearly encouraged to express their imagination through a range of media and materials. They explore shape, form and design, selecting their own resources, to create collages and models from 'junk'. Children enjoy listening and moving to music, and explore sound and rhythm through musical instruments. They make good use of the role-play area and enjoy re-enacting scenarios and familiar stories using puppets.

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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: • consider ways to offer further opportunities for children to link letters and sounds to extend their emerging skills • continue to develop the system of assessment to ensure it is complete. 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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