Walkington Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/11/2004 Inspector Name Rosemary Beyer

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Walkington Pre-School Setting Address The Pavillion The Playing Fields Walkington East Ridng of Yorkshire HU17 8SP

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Walkington Pre-School

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Walkington Pre-School Address The Pavillion The Playing Fields Walkington East Ridng of Yorkshire HU17 8SP

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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

Walkington Preschool was originally registered over 25 years ago as a sessional group but changed to full day care in 2001. The group is committee run and meets in the Sports Centre in Walkington village just outside Beverley. Sessions are available Monday to Friday, 09:00 until 11:45 and 13:00 until 15:30, during term time only, but children can bring a packed lunch and stay all day. The group has the use of one room only, which is arranged to meet the needs of the children with different areas designated for different activities. They can also use the sports field, although there is no secure outside area available. The group serves the local community but also has children from further afield. Currently 36 children are on the register, 29 children are funded, six four years olds and 23 three year olds. There are no children with special needs attending at present although the group does have experience of providing care for children in

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Information about the setting

line with the Code of Practice. Children with English as an additional language are made welcome and staff support them and their families to help them settle and learn. Six staff work in the group, most have appropriate childcare qualifications and experience, usually three are present each session depending on numbers. The staff receive support form the local Early Years Teacher Mentor.

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How good is the Day Care?

Walkington Preschool provides good care for all the children who attend. The well qualified, experienced staff provide good support for their play and learning. Although the outdoor area is not secure, the staff ensure the premises are safe, encouraging the children to take care of themselves by the way they use equipment. They provide children with opportunities to learn about good hygiene and health. There are policies in place to ensure the children are protected and those with special needs included, in line with the Code of Practice.

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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 provide a wide range of toys, equipment and activities to meet the learning needs of all the children. Activities are adapted to suit development needs and the Foundation Stage areas of learning. Staff have experience of supporting children with special needs and with English as an additional language. The group works effectively with parents, who are very satisfied with the care their children receive. Parents have the opportunity to be involved in the committee and the rota duties, and are included in their children's education. They find the key workers approachable and value the advice they receive.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection staff have taken steps to ensure: water is available all the time; a risk assessment has been completed for use of the outside sports field; security of the front and cloakroom doors has been improved.

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What is being done well?

• The preschool provides a wide range of interesting activities for the children whatever their stage of development, with sufficient challenge to keep them interested and enthusiastic. • Staff have good relationships with the children who are settled and secure. Staff know them well and they are happy together. They spend their time talking, reading and playing with the children to help them learn. The children are confident to ask for help if they need it. • The staff meet the individual needs of the children, supporting their social, emotional and educational development. • The children behave well, with the staff providing good role models for behaviour and manners. They respond well to guidance and praise, taking part in activities and clearing up afterwards. • Relationships with parents are good, staff and parents work together to ensure the children 's needs can be met and their interests supported. Staff

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What is being done well?

and committee have good lines of communication to ensure the smooth running of the setting. Information provided for parents is clear and easy to understand, being regularly up-dated and the policies and procedures are easily accessible.

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What needs to be improved?

• the provision of a secure outside area in which children can play.

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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 6 Continue to pursue the possibility of a secure outside area for the use of the children.

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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?

Walkington Preschool provides very good nursery education for the children who attend, where the children are making very good progress in all areas towards the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff are well qualified and have a good understanding of the Foundation Stage and early learning goals. They have introduced the key worker system which ensures the children's progress and development are monitored, which helps future planning support further development. The group provides a good range of resources and equipment, most of which the children can access themselves. Systems are in place for children with special needs which reflect the Code of Practice, and staff are willing to support the children and their families. Children with English as an additional language are also welcome to attend. The leadership and management of the group is very good. The staff work effectively as a team, ensuring good supervision and communication, with the group

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How effective is the nursery education?

benefiting from their individual skills and interests. They are keen to undertake training to further their personal development. Partnership with parents is very good and helps children to make very good progress. Information available for parents is clear and easy to understand, in newsletters, notices and the management policies. Foundation Stage information is also available with details of planning and activities to be undertaken. The staff also give suggestions for parents to support their children through activities at home and encourage communication with key workers to ensure achievements are noted. Parents and children bring in resources from home for the colour and interest tables.

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What is being done well?

• Staff have high expectations of the children's behaviour, which is very good. They encourage the children's personal independence, concentration and confidence, by providing a positive environment in which they can learn. • The staff work together effectively and they help the children, who they know well, become settled and valued. They use the available space inside and out, to provide a wide range of activities during the day, which cover all the areas of learning and take account of the children's individual needs and interests. They are aware of the need to ensure all the children have sufficient challenge whatever their ability. Areas of the room are designated for particular activities which helps the children become familiar with the setting and develop confidence. However, more use could be made of natural resources for design and construction activities.

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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 • Relationships with parents are very good. Information about the setting and activities is of good quality and easy to read and understand. Parents are involved in their child's learning through suggestions for activities to be completed at home, and the contact with key workers.

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What needs to be improved?

• There are no significant weaknesses to address but consideration is to be given to the following: • the opportunities for children to develop their design and construction skills using natural materials.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Very good progress has been made since the last inspection. Staff were asked at the last inspection to develop a system to monitor achievements and ensure children were making sufficient progress, to enable children to access resources independently and to develop their IT skills. Staff have show good commitment to developing a successful key worker system which is now well established with achievements and concerns noted to ensure children are making appropriate progress. Opportunities for children to independently access resources have been increased through new shelving and storage. Opportunities are available for children to develop their IT knowledge and understanding through the use of the computer and other programmable toys.

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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, becoming independent and able to take responsibility for their personal care. Their behaviour is very good, with most aware of right and wrong, and able to negotiate. They show good concern for each other and co operate when playing, providing tissues when needed or helping with the computer. They relate very positively to each other and the adults, are keen to learn and interested in the activities provided.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good The children are keen to engage in conversation with staff, visitors and each other. They respond appropriately to instructions and questions. The children are confident in discussing their feelings through role play and discussion. They enjoy stories and books, using them correctly and anticipating what will happen next. They are starting to use writing successfully in their games, such as shopping lists or invitations. Most children can recognise and write their own names correctly.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good The children are developing a good awareness of number and mathematical language which they use in everyday activities and when playing together, such as songs, rhymes and playing with more or less play dough. All can count and most recognise numbers up to 10. Most of the children can accurately recognise simple shapes, discuss and recreate patterns. They can also compare size and number.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good The children are interested in the natural world, they enjoy growing things and searching for mini beasts in the wood. They are curious and talk about things they see, both at the setting and at home, such as their families, the village and the emergency services. They are starting to plan before making models and have made a map of the village showing what they passed on the way to the setting. The children are all able to use the computer, the older ones have very good mouse control.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are able to access tools and mark making equipment which they use with good control, such as when cutting out or using play dough. They are all able to move around the room safely, and use the space appropriately when exercising or moving to music. They enjoy playing on the field every day and they are interested in the changes in their bodies due to exercise. The children are aware of the need to eat healthily, to clean their teeth and protect themselves from infection.

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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 The children are able to use their imaginations well in role play activities such as the birthday party. They enjoy painting and drawing, are starting to be aware of shapes and colours and know how to mix them. The children use a wide range of materials to make models or collages, either independently or as themed activities such as the firework and poppy pictures, clay and junk models. They enjoy singing and music making and are able to keep time when using the sticks.

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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: • the opportunities for children to use more natural resources and tools in design and construction activities.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

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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