Hugglescote Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 25/02/2005 Inspector Name Kate Bryan

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Hugglescote Playgroup Setting Address Grange Road Hugglescote Coalville Leicestershire LE67 2BQ

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Hugglescote Playgroup Address Grange Road Hugglescote Coalville Leicestershire LE67 2BQ

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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

Hugglescote Playgroup was established in 1975 and is run by a parent committee. It operates from a hall and smaller room with attendant facilities in a community hall in Hugglescote. It serves the local area. There are currently 41 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. This includes 35 funded children. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:00 until 11:30 from Monday to Friday and from 12:15 until 14:45 on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. There are seven staff who work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level two or three and one staff member is currently working towards a recognised early years qualification. The setting receives support from the Leicestershire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Hugglescote Playgroup provides good quality care overall for children aged from two to five years. Available space is used imaginatively so that children have access to two large rooms with a range of adult led and child led activities. Rooms are very well resourced and laid out so that children have easy access to resources. Policies and procedures are very comprehensive and underpin practice at the nursery. Most required records are in place although there is no procedure in the event of a child being lost. Arrangements for health and safety at the group are good. Priority is given to maintaining children's safety. A daily premises check ensures that the premises and equipment are safe and staff are aware of child protection procedures. Some staff have first aid qualifications and arrangements for sick children ensure that cross infection is minimised. Hygiene is promoted and children are aware of routines such

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How good is the Day Care?

as hand washing which foster independence and keep them healthy. Fruit is provided regularly as a healthy option for snacks.

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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 spend a great deal of time interacting with children who are happy and engaged. A good range of activities supports learning in all areas. Effective planning and assessments show the progress that children have made and what they need to learn next. Equal opportunities are well promoted by a commitment to inclusion and by valuing the child as an individual. There is a written statement regarding behaviour management which is developmentally appropriate. Children are encouraged to understand the effects of their own behaviour on others. The nursery works very well in partnership with parents and carers. A very good range of information is provided via newsletters, a brochure and a daily diary. Parents are invited to contribute to their child's learning by a parent rota and offer

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How good is the Day Care?

comment on the service provided to children by questionnaires.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the provider agreed to put in place procedures for obtaining a qualification for the person in charge and deputy and for ensuring that half of the staff group were suitably qualified. All staff are now qualified or undergoing training which means staff are able to offer an up to date service to children. The provider also agreed to obtain parental consent for emergency medical treatment, maintain an accurate register, amend the child protection statement, complete a risk assessment and devise an operational plan which is shared with parents. All required records are now in place which has enhanced safety measures and information sharing at the group.

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What is being done well?

• Comprehensive policies and procedures are used to underpin the service delivered to children. Training is supported and all staff are undertaking training to level two or three in childcare in order that children receive an appropriate level of care. • Staff and children have very good relationships which encourages children to be confident to explore their environment and initiate their own activities. The provision of a good range of activities encourages choice and independence. • Behaviour is managed in a developmentally appropriate manner and staff use a good range of techniques to make children aware of expectations. Praise and reward are used to good effect to re-enforce valued behaviour. • Parents are provided with a very good range of information about the setting. A key worker system and daily diary ensures that parent's are made aware of children's progress. Effective measures, such as a parent rota, are in place to

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What is being done well?

encourage parent's to be involved in their child's learning.

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What needs to be improved?

• procedures in the event of a child being lost.

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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 14 Ensure that there are procedures to be followed in the event of a child being lost.

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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?

Hugglescote Playgroup provides good quality nursery education overall which enables children to make generally good progress towards the early learning goals. Provision for their personal, social and emotional development and their creative development is well planned. They make very good progress in these areas. The quality of teaching is generally good and staff use their knowledge of the early learning goals to provide a variety of stimulating activities for children but the layout and planning of the room does not maximise children's opportunities to learn, particularly in the area of physical development. Resources are sufficient to provide children with good learning opportunities except in the area of information technology. Staff have warm relationships with the children and they are encouraged through the use of praise. Staff are enthusiastic in presenting activities to children and use good questioning

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How effective is the nursery education?

techniques to sustain their interest, but the programme for mathematical development and communication, language and literacy does not effectively extend challenges for children. Children's learning is assessed against the stepping stones and early learning goals. Observations are made and assessments completed which enable staff to clearly see what children have achieved and what they need to learn next. Good records are kept of children's progress which are shared with parents. The leadership and management of the group are generally good. The staff team are committed to ensuring that a good quality service is provided to children but more effective evaluation of sessions would improve the delivery of activities. The partnership with parents is generally good. Parents receive an informative variety of information about the setting and have access to policies and procedures but are not informed about progressing their child's learning at home. Staff are

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How effective is the nursery education?

available to be spoken with daily and children's progress is recorded daily.

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What is being done well?

• Relationships between staff and children is very good. Staff are able to sustain children's interest in activities and clearly explain to them what they are encouraged to achieve. • Personal, social and emotional development is very well promoted and children are well behaved and confident. They are fluent communicators and can both initiate conversations and listen effectively to others. • The small, stable staff group work well together as a team, they have a sound knowledge of the areas of learning and are committed to training to improve

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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 their skills. • Creative development is very well promoted and children are able to experience a wide range of activities in this area. The use of props and clothes further encourages children's enjoyment in activities.

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What needs to be improved?

• opportunities for parents to be involved in their child's learning • access to information technology resources to foster children's learning in this area • the planning and layout of the room in order that children's learning is maximised in all areas, particularly in physical development.

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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 very confident to initiate conversations between themselves and adults and can respond to questions appropriately. They are able to work in groups and also independently using resources they have selected. Behaviour is very well promoted and children are routinely reminded of the need to share. Very good relationships are in place with staff and each other and the children are aware of the routine of the day. Personal independence is encouraged and children respond well to this.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children are fluent communicators and can talk about both real and imaginary experiences. They are not yet developing a good awareness of linking sounds and letters. Children are able to sit quietly and listen to other people and enjoy stories. Children are well able to recognise their first names but this challenge is not extended to full names for more able children. Children are able to form recognisable letters by tracing and are beginning to mark make with a purpose.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are well able to count reliably to 10 and older children are beginning to recognise and write numerals. Counting though, is not always used routinely and basic addition and subtraction is not promoted on a regular basis. Children have good shape recognition and are using language to compare quantity and size. They are also developing a good awareness of patterns with some children able to construct in 3D from a 2D representation.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children are learning about their environment and making good progress in recognising the larger world around them. Children's learning in the area of information and communication technology is currently not well supported due to limited resources. A knowledge of other cultures and beliefs is well promoted and festivals are celebrated to enhance children's awareness of the community. Children have a good understanding of their families and their place within these.

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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: Generally Good Children have a good range of small motor skills which they are able to use very effectively to manipulate equipment such a scissors, pencils, spoons. Large motor skills are not as effectively promoted although children can negotiate around their environment and others in safety. Children are also beginning to apply sensible measures to activities such as washing cups and clearing away. Health awareness is well promoted and hygiene is a part of the children's daily routine.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are very creative and have produced work using a variety of materials such as wool and different papers. They have a good knowledge of colours and how these can be combined to produce others. A good range of props, such as puppets, are used by the children to produce stories and they can work together to produce scenarios using story strands such as Peter Pan. Children have a very good repertoire of songs and can match movements to music.

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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 opportunities for parental involvement so that parent's can play a part in their child's learning at home • improve access to information technology resources to support children's learning in this area • plan the layout of activities and the room to ensure that children's learning is maximised, particularly in the area of physical development.

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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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