Upton St Mary's Pre-School Playgroup.

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 14/09/2004 Inspector Name Jean Evelyn Thomas

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Upton St Mary's Pre-school Playgroup Setting Address The Church Halls Church Road Upton Wirral CH49 6JZ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name St Mary's Pre School Playgroup Committee

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St Mary's Pre School Playgroup Committee Address St Mary's Church Hall Church Road Upton Wirral CH49 6JZ

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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

Upton St Mary's Pre- School Playgroup opened in 1970. It operates form the two church halls. There are toilet and kitchen facilities adjacent to these areas. There are currently 18 children on roll including 7 funded 3 year olds. Children attend a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The playgroup opens 4 days a week (excluding Thursday) during the school term. Sessions are from 9:15 a.m. to 12 noon. Eight members of staff and one volunteer work with the children on either a full time or part time basis. Four members of staff and the volunteer are qualified of whom 4 are pursuing further training.

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How good is the Day Care?

Upton St Mary's Pre School Playgroup provides good quality care for children. The manager has good knowledge of the National Standards and regulatory requirements. There is a commitment for staff to undertake training to enhance the quality of care provided. Staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities and work well together as a team. Staff create a welcoming environment for both children and parents. There is a good range of equipment, including resources which reflect the diversity within today's society, which are used effectively to promote learning in all areas. The children have good opportunities to make independent choices during their free play. The service is well organised. Documents are maintained to a high standard although the layout of the accident recording does not comply with the code of confidentiality. The premises are safe and secure. Staff give priority to keeping children safe

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How good is the Day Care?

through offering a high level of supervision, conducting risk assessments and implementing safety procedures. Staff develop children's understanding of good

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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 personal hygiene practices. Two qualified first aiders are on duty each session. The comprehensive child protection policy is understood by staff. Snack time is a social occasion although the food lacks nutritional content on a regular basis. A range of planned activities are provided that help children to make progress in all areas of their development. There is good interaction between the staff and children. The children are relaxed and confident in their play. Positive strategies are used to encourage children's behaviour as detailed within the policy. Staff present themselves as good role models. There is a commitment to work in partnership with parents. Information is shared either verbally or in written communication. The service values this partnership to

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How good is the Day Care?

enable them to meet the child's individual needs.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

All actions raised at the previous inspection have been met. Staff training action plans have been prepared and staff are currently undertaking training. All staff qualification certificates are available for inspection. The system of recording children's and staff attendance complies with the national standards . Safety issues have been addressed and a new procedure prepared for outdoor activities. Consent is obtained from parents for emergency treatment or advice. Polices and procedures are made available to parents including the amended child protection procedure.

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What is being done well?

• The playgroup's operational plan contributes to the effective organisation of the service. Staff are confident in their roles and have a consistent approach to childcare practice. This is achieved through the preparation of detailed polices and procedures including the appointment of staff, regular staff meeting and the introduction of the appraisal system. • The staff's commitment to develop personally and professionally through the training opportunities available to them. Staff are have a positive attitude to introducing changes using ideas generated from the training to further enhance the quality of care provided. • Documents are maintained to a very high standard, procedures are in place to review these on a regular basis to ensure they are up to date. The records and information is used to ensure the children's individual needs are met. • The children have secure and confident relationships with the staff which is

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What is being done well?

essential for them to make progress in all areas of their development.

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What needs to be improved?

• accident recording system to ensure it conforms to the code of confidentiality • the nutritional content of the snack time food provided.

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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 8 Ensure snacks are healthy and nutritious. 14 Ensure the accident recording system conforms to the code of confidentiality.

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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 quality of nursery education at Upton St Mary's Pre School is good overall with some very good aspects. Children make very good progress in all areas of learning with the exception of knowledge and understanding of the world where progress is generally good. The quality of teaching is good overall. Staff provide a range of interesting activities which promote effective learning in most areas. They lack confidence in developing children's learning about technology which limits children's progress in this area. Staff have warm, positive relationships with children. They effectively build children's confidence and self esteem through good use of praise and the establishment of clear routines. Staff provide a high level of individual support to enable children to make good progress. They effectively question children, encouraging them to think. Staff make very good use of detailed assessments of children's learning to inform future planning.

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How effective is the nursery education?

The leadership and management of the pre school is generally good. The pre school leader gives positive direction and is well organised. She has developed a committed staff team who work well together to plan and teach. There is a strong commitment to improving provision including good emphasis on staff training and development. The pre school regularly evaluates its provision to identify strengths and weaknesses. The monitoring of planning is not fully effective in identifying areas for improvement such as children's learning in technology. Partnership with parents and carers is very good. Parents are well informed about the pre school and its provision through regular newsletters and an informative booklet. They are effectively encouraged to share their knowledge and to be involved in their children's learning. They are well informed about their children's progress through regular chances to see written assessments and informal talks with

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What is being done well?

• Staff have positive, warm relationships with children. • Staff build children's confidence and self esteem well through regular use of praise and the establishment of clear routines. • Staff provide a good level of support for individual children, helping them to make good progress. • Children behave very well in response to staff's high expectations and positive behaviour management strategies. • Staff know the children very well. They make regular assessments of children's progress and use this knowledge to inform future planning. • The pre-school leader and staff are committed to improving the quality of their provision and 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 • There is a strong partnership with parents and carers which has a positive effect on children's learning.

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What needs to be improved?

• Staff awareness of how to develop children's learning about technology . • The monitoring of planning to identify areas for improvement

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The pre school has made very good progress in meeting the key issues identified at the previous inspection. These required the pre school to adapt planning and grouping of children, taking into account the needs of individuals of different ages and abilities. The pre school was also required to structure the activities planned for physical development to show progression, and to employ simple behaviour management strategies. The pre school has effectively adapted the grouping of children for story time and some physical activities to take into account different needs and stages of development. This has had a positive effect on children's learning. The extent to which these changes would meet the needs of children of different ages could not be fully assessed as this inspection relates to the provision for funded 3 year old children only. The pre school has developed the programme for physical development to show

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What has improved since the last inspection?

progression and challenge. Children now make very good progress in this area. The pre school has appointed a member of staff with responsibility for behaviour management. Staff employ positive behaviour management strategies with the result that children behave very well. Staff have also developed an effective key worker system since the last inspection. Staff know children within their key worker groups well. They make regular observations of children's learning which are used effectively to inform assessment records and future planning.

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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 have very positive relationships with staff and each other. They learn to be polite and show care and consideration for each other. Children are becoming familiar with the clear routines of pre school. They behave very well. Children display a high level of independence as they tidy up after snack time and get out the play dough resources. They concentrate well on a gluing activity and show pride as they complete it. Children are developing a good understanding of their own culture.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are effectively learning to express their thoughts and ideas clearly as they share their news and ideas with staff and each other. They listen attentively to stories and instructions for physical games. Children are developing a good awareness of rhyme through participation in daily song and rhyme sessions. They show a good understanding of stories and happily choose books to 'read' to themselves. Children are learning to communicate meaning through use of the writing table.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children show proficiency at counting to five and beyond as they count the number of boxes used to make a model. Many children show the correct number of fingers as they join in a good range of number rhymes. Children display an interest in number problems such as 'How many biscuits do we need for this table?' They are effectively learning to use mathematical language, describing a 'big' box, and making a 'circle' shape with their fingers. Children confidently identify a colour pattern.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children show interest and curiosity as they look at autumn objects. They play close attention to changes in the weather. They find out about their immediate environment as they explore playgroup and talk about their homes. Children are effectively learning to build and construct using a good variety of construction sets and materials. They learn about other cultures as well as their own. Children's progress in learning how to use technology is limited.

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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 move confidently as they travel around the room and use climbing equipment. They show a good awareness of space as they negotiate their way around the hall using wheeled toys. Children show increasing co-ordination and control as they respond to instructions in a physical game. They demonstrate a good level of proficiency as they use scissors and play dough tools. Children are developing a good awareness of the importance of keeping healthy through topic work and discussion.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children express themselves freely using a good variety of different materials and techniques. They effectively explore colour through colour mixing, printing and collage. They express themselves imaginatively in role play, creating a 'boat trip' scenario. Children learn to respond imaginatively as they pretend to be a 'dragon' when listening to Chinese dance music. They regularly use musical instruments to explore different sounds. Children confidently sing a broad range of familiar songs.

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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 staff awareness of how to develop children's learning about technology • develop methods of monitoring planning to ensure that areas for improvement are identified

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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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