Oakworth Preschool

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 12/01/2004 Inspector Name Helene Anne Terry

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Oakworth Playgroup Setting Address Oakworth Methodist Church Lidget, Oakworth Keighley West Yorkshire BD22 7HN

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Oakworth Playgroup

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Oakworth Playgroup Address Oakworth Methodist Church Lidget, Oakworth Keighley West Yorkshire BD22 7HN

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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

Oakworth Methodist Church Playgroup opened in 1985 at its current location. It operates from two rooms in the church hall in the Lidget area of Oakworth. It serves the families of the local community. There are currently 46 children from two and a half to five years of age on roll. This includes 17 funded three year olds. There are no four year old children currently attending. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting does not currently support any children with special needs or with English as an additional language. The group opens four days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 9:15 to 11:45 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 12:30 to 15:00 Monday and Wednesday. There are five members of staff employed to work in the group on a part time basis, rota parents assist staff at each session. Four members of staff have an early years qualification to level 3. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early

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Information about the setting

Years Development and Childcare Partnership and the Preschool Learning Alliance.

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How good is the Day Care?

Oakworth Methodist Church Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children with some good aspects. The staff team work well together and are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Deployment of staff is very effective within the setting and very good use is made of space and resources available which positively impacts on the children's ability to learn. There are some good polices and procedures in place, which effectively underpin the setting however some are lacking in detail. Staff have a good understanding of risks to children's health and safety. They ensure the physical environment is safe and secure and encourage children's understanding of hygiene through good practice. Detailed attention is paid to children's individual needs, including any special dietary requirements.

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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 A varied and flexible routine is provided for the children, although the setting does not have any available outdoor play area at present, children are occasionally taken out on visits and they have the use of a large hall where large physical activities can be undertaken. Activities are planned and take into consideration the different abilities of the age groups, although planning does not clearly reflect the children's individual assessments. Staff fully involve themselves in children's activities, they listen to what the children say and are interested in what they do. Interaction is warm and secure trusting relationships are evident, which impacts on the excellent behaviour of the children. A good range of resources are available for the children,

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How good is the Day Care?

which address most areas of children's development; some of which represent diversity in society, however provision is lacking in areas of disability. Partnerships with parents are satisfactory. Parents have access to a good range of information about the setting, both in verbal and written form, thus ensuring continuity of care. However parents do not have free access to their child's development records.

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What is being done well?

• Staff are effectively deployed and very good use is made of space and resources available within the setting. Activities are set out in clearly defined areas in the playroom and staff actively engage children in activities within these areas, focusing on specific areas of development. • Staff develop warm trusting relationships with the children, they listen to what children say and are interested in what they do, this is evident in the mutual respect apparent in the playgroup and is reflected in the excellent behaviour of the children. • Health, safety and hygiene are fully considered within the group and the individual needs of the children are effectively addressed. • Healthly nutritious snacks are made available for the children at mid session and indvidual dietary needs are considered.

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What needs to be improved?

• the resources ensuring that they positively reflect images of disability • the procedures for child protection and completion of the register of attendance • parents access to their child's development records.

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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 2 Ensure that the times children attend sessions are recorded 5 Extend resources to positively represent images of disability in society. 12 Ensure that children’s development records are easily accessible to parents for information. 13 Ensure that the child protection statement includes procedures to follow should a member of staff be accused of abuse.

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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?

Oakworth Methodist Church Playgroup offers good quality provision where the children make very good progress in all areas of learning apart from personal, social and emotional development and knowledge and understanding of the world where progress is generally good. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff have a good understanding of the early learning goals. Planning is relatively effective and covers the six areas of learning, however the learning objectives are not quite clear and evaluations and children's assessments are not used sufficiently to inform future planning. The assessments do highlight the stepping stones on which the children are progressing, however there are no observations or comments to support this progress. Staff build very good trusting relationships with the children and challenges set are effective; this impacts on the children's ability to learn. Staff have high expectations of the

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How effective is the nursery education?

children and manage behaviour well. Although there are no children attending with special education needs or with English as an additional language, systems are available to support such children. Resources are good, however need extending in some areas in particular IT and those which positively represent images of disability. Leadership and management are generally good. Staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities and are encouraged to take part in a good training programme, which is reflected in their practice. The monitoring of the provision, including that of the development of staff is not rigorous enough to show what the setting is doing well and what improvements need to be made; this has resulted in the gaps in the planning and assessments. The leader does however, have a good commitment to improving the setting. Partnerships with parents are generally good. Parents are well informed about the

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How effective is the nursery education?

foundation stage, however do not receive enough information about their child's progress, having little access to development records.

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What is being done well?

• Children freely explore colour, shape and texture and use these medium to express thoughts and feelings. • Staff develop warm, trusting relationships with the children and support them in way that positively affects the attitudes to learning that the children have. • The behaviour of the of children is very good, they have an awareness of the boundaries and expectations of the setting, they are familiar with the routine and happily adjust to the days events. • The children are happy and confident, they have established good relationships with each other, which promotes confidence to learn.

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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

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What needs to be improved?

• Planning systems to ensure that the learning objectives are clear and that children's assessments and evaluations are used to inform future planning. • Opportunities for children to use IT to support their learning. • Parents access to their child's assessment records.

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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: Generally Good Children show good levels of curiosity and display high levels of involvement in most of the activities. They work well in groups and share and take turns. Children have a very good understanding of the expectations of the nursery and have strong relationships with the staff, which impacts on the children's ability to learn. Children have little opportunity to develop independence by means of helping staff and other children to complete simple tasks.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children's language is developing well and they speak confidently to adults and each other. They listen, speak and negotiate in small group situations. Children can vocally express real and imaginary experiences and use a widening range of words. They have lots of opportunity to practice scribing for different purposes and more able three year olds practice forming letters of the alphabet to write their names.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children show an awareness of size, shape, position and quantity. More able children can recognise some numerals, can count reliably up to ten and can count objects on a one to one correspondence. They use mathematical language during play such as bigger, smaller and are beginning to sequence size. Children recognise shapes in some everyday objects and can compare two groups of objects and say whether they are the same as they complete jigsaws.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children show an awareness of changes to materials during activities and ask questions and show curiosity. They display interests in how things work and happen and will persevere at tasks to achieve results. Children use construction materials to build, some with purpose in mind, less able children use blocks to balance. Children do not have an opportunity to use IT during play.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move with confidence and good control, coordination and agility, supported by a wide range of resources. They show an awareness of space and safety of their selves and others. Children can handle small tools and equipment with skill and control. Children manipulate materials confidently and shape them to some forms of desired effect, for example making food from dough. Most children are showing a preference for being right or left handed.

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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 confidently explore colour, texture and shape and enjoy singing songs from memory. They effectively use body language, gestures and creative materials to express their ideas through a range of materials such as sand, painting, drawing and malleable materials. Children engage in role play based on their own experiences as they imitate adults using equipment in the home corner.

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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

• ensure that planning has clear learning outcomes for the children and that children's assessments and evaluations are used to inform future planning • improve parents access to their child's assessment records • provide opportunities for children to use IT to support their learning. 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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