Preston College

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 17/05/2004 Inspector Name Bridget Richardson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Dorothy Stringer Pre-School Playgroup Setting Address Stringer Way Brighton East Sussex BN1 6QS

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Dorothy Stringer Playgroup 270262

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Dorothy Stringer Playgroup Address Stringer Way Brighton East Sussex BN1 6QG

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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

Dorothy Stringer playgroup opened in 1973. It operates from a purpose built unit in the grounds of the school. It is located in the Fiveways/Surrenden area of Brighton, and serves the local community. There are currently 49 children from 2 to 5 years on roll. This includes 18 funded 3 year olds and 17 funded 4 year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and whom speak English as an additional language. The group opens for 33 weeks during school term times. Sessions are from 9:00 to 11:30 and 12:30 to 3:00. Nine part-time staff work with the children. Over half the staff have early years qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3. The setting receives support from a mentor from the Early years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Dorothy Stringer Playgroup provides good quality care for children. There is an effective operational plan in place that guides the staff team in their daily practice. Good safety measures are in place and children are safe and well cared for. The playgroup provides a child friendly environment where children are happy and settled. Staff form warm, caring relationships with the children and are consistent in their care. They plan and provide an interesting, worthwhile range of activities and children are making good progress in all areas of learning and development. There is a wide range of toys and resources which are well organised and easily accessible to children. There is an effective relationship with parents and they have suitable opportunities to be involved with the setting and their children's learning. All the relevant paperwork

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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 is in place, however a designated member of staff needs to take responsibility for child protection issues.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the playgroup agreed to develop an operational plan , record any visitors and ensure volunteers and committee member are aware of their roles and responsibilities. A comprehensive operational plan is now in place, visitors are recorded and volunteers and committee members are aware of their roles and responsibilities.

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What is being done well?

• Adults are interested in what children say and do. They talk,listen and ask questions to develop learning. Staff respond to children's interests and provide regular praise and encouragement. • Children are involved in a wide range of activities and play co-operatively. • Warm, welcoming, stimulating environment for children. • Wide range of play equipment which is easily accessible to children. • All staff hold a relevant first aid certificate.

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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 a designated member of staff is identified to take responsibility for

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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 child protection concerns.

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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 Dorothy Stringer Playgroup is acceptable and of high quality. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals in all six areas of the curriculum. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff understand the Foundation Stage very well and work together as a team to ensure plans cover all of the stepping stones. Activities are imaginatively planned and well-resourced. Children are actively involved in their learning and work well independently, take initiative and show high levels of concentration. The learning environment is well set up and children can easily access equipment, however at tidy up time staff are not deployed effectively to make the most of learning opportunities. Staff observe the children on a formal and informal basis to ensure they can effectively monitor their progress. Staff use this information to adapt planning to meet the children's individual needs.

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How effective is the nursery education?

Leadership and management is very good. Clear objectives are set and roles and responsibilities defined. A good staff team is in place, and clear communication allows them to provide a stimulating, well-balanced programme. Informal systems are in place to support staff, however an effective system to monitor and evaluate staffs performance has yet to be implemented. The playgroup is part in an accreditation scheme to monitor and improve the quality of the provision. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are given good information about the policies and procedures and regular information about their child's progress. Parents are also given the opportunity to attend for a session through a voluntary rota system.

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What is being done well?

• Children's personal, social and emotional development is very good. They are confident, have established relationships and play an active part in their learning. • Staff work well as a team to provide an interesting range of activities,act as good role models and offer a harmonious learning environment. • Children's knowledge and understanding of the world is very good. Activities and resources encourage them to explore and investigate. They talk in detail about themselves and the world around them. • Children are confident, work well, take initiative and have high levels of concentration. Their relationship with adults are very good.

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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 • the organisation at tidy up time. • the appraisal system.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the playgroup agreed to renew the range of tools available for children. A wide range of tools are now available for children to use.

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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 actively involved in their learning. They are confident, work well independently, take initiative and show high levels of concentration. Staff have established friendly, positive relationships with the children and use praise and encouragement effectively to make all children feel valued. Well planned activities give children the opportunity to gain a sense of community.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children's language is developing well and opportunities are provided for them to practice writing in a number of situations including imaginative and role play. They are able to recognise letters in their name and are given opportunities through activities to sound out letters of the alphabet. Children enjoy looking at and exploring books. They can re-tell stories to their peers.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children show an interest in numbers and counting and are able to represent numbers in various ways. They have good opportunities to recognise and use numbers 1 - 9 in familiar context. Adults encourage and support all children to ensure that they have the opportunity to extend their learning. Numbers, shapes and colours are displayed around the playgroup.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children enjoy using their senses to explore objects in practical activities. Staff provide activities that encourage them to explore and investigate allowing children to talk about themselves and discover the world around them. Children demonstrate excellent cutting and joining skills. They use appropriate materials and tools competently, for example in craft activities making pocket calculators.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children enjoy using a very good range of outside play equipment and move confidently and safely during outside play. They show good co-ordination and are developing skills in balancing, jumping, throwing and catching. They are aware of their own space and that of others. Adults act as positive role models for promoting the importance of staying healthy and incorporate this when planning activities.

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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 Daily art and craft activities are available and children are able to choose their own materials to create pictures and models, which challenges all abilities. They have a wide range of opportunities to use an extensive range of resources that ensures children are suitably challenged at all times. Opportunities are in place for children to explore music and movement through structured and free play activities.

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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: • Ensure the structure and routine at tidy up time makes the most of learning opportunities and that staff are deployed effectively. • Implement an appraisal system for staff. 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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