King Edward VI College

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 13/01/2004 Inspector Name Vanessa Wood

p.1

SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Ditton Church Pre-School Setting Address Ditton Church Centre New Road, Ditton Aylesford Kent ME20 6AG

p.1

REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Ditton Church Pre-School

p.1

ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Ditton Church Pre-School Address 2 The Stream Ditton Aylesford Kent ME20 6AG

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

Information about the setting

Ditton Church Pre School opened in January 2001. It operates from two rooms at Ditton Church Centre in Ditton. The pre school serves the local area. There are currently 37 children from two and a half years to five years on roll. This includes eleven funded three year old children and six funded four year old children. Children attend for a variety of sessions. No children attend who have special needs or children who speak English as a additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term. Sessions are from 09:15 to 12:00 Monday to Friday and from 12:30 to 15:00 on a Thursday. Seven part time and one full time member of staff work with the children. Five members of staff have an early years qualification. Two members of staff are currently on training programmes. The setting receives support from a teacher from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

p.2

How good is the Day Care?

Ditton Church Pre School provides satisfactory care for children. Staff communicate well with the children and offer a warm, welcoming child centred environment where children feel secure. Most staff are qualified and welcome the chance to attend courses to up date their knowledge. A comprehensive operational plan is in place to ensure aspects of care are well organised. The pre school has use of two rooms and an outside play area. Staff are vigilant in ensuring children's safety in these areas and children are supervised at all times. However, a procedure needs to be written for safe evacuation of the premises in the event of a fire. Staff make the most of daily routines to promote children's awareness of the importance of good hygiene practices. Children attending the pre school have access to an extensive range of toys and equipment which offer stimulating play opportunities to meet their developing needs.

p.2

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 All furniture is child size and appropriate. A good programme of activities is planned for the year covering the early learning goals. Staff manage behaviour in a positive way and are sensitive to the individual needs of all children. There is an effective partnership with parents with professional policies and procedures in place. Parents are notified of all events at the pre school through a regular newsletter and parents are encouraged to take an active part in the management of the pre school.

p.2

What has improved since the last inspection?

The pre school now has a written policy on administering medicines and a procedure for sick children. They have made the outside area safe and have evidence that all staff have policy clearance.

p.3

What is being done well?

• A comprehensive operational plan is in place which ensures all aspects of care are well organised. • The pre school maintains a high staff to children ratio and staff are clear about their responsibilities. • Staff plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's learning in all areas. • A broad range of activities is provided which encourage children to investigate and expand their knowledge. • A good working relationship is fostered with parents by providing a good prospectus, up to date policies and sending out regular newsletters. All information is shared.

p.3

What needs to be improved?

• the procedure for evacuating the building in the event of a fire • the provision for children with special needs by the group having a designated SENCO. • the staff's knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities and children with special educational needs.

p.3

Outcome of the 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

p.3

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.

p.4

The Registered Person must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 6 Ensure there is a written procedure to be followed in the event of a fire 19/01/2004

p.4

by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 9 develop staff’s knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities issues 10 ensure that there is a designated Special Education Needs Co-ordinator at the group and that they have access to the current training

p.4

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

p.4

How effective is the nursery education?

The nursery education at Ditton Church Pre School is generally good. The children are making generally good progress in all areas of learning. Children are confident and motivated to learn. The pre school provides a friendly environment in which children are building good relationships with adults and peers. The quality of teaching is generally good. Activities are well planned and resourced. Staff have a good knowledge of the early learning goals. They develop very good relationships with the children and effectively support them in their learning. Activities are generally well organised, but there are weaknesses in large group sessions where organisation and planning could be improved to extend learning for more able children. Observations of children are regularly carried out, although these are not always taken into account when planning future activities. Leadership and management is generally good. The manager is fully aware of the

p.5

How effective is the nursery education?

strengths and weaknesses of the setting. There is a commitment to improving practices and staff development. The staff work well together as a team. The partnership with parents and carers is generally good. Parents are well informed about the setting and the group's activities. They are encouraged to take an active part in the running of the group by joining the committee. They are also invited to help at the pre school through the parents rota system. Parents report satisfaction with the group and find the staff approachable.

p.5

What is being done well?

• Children are confident, interested and able to work independently. They relate well to each other and to adults. • The environment is attractive and a good range of stimulating and exciting activities are provided. • Partnership with parents is very successful. Staff have good relationships with parents and the management committee support the group well.

p.5

What needs to be improved?

• organisation of large group activities, to extended the learning of more able children; • staff's use of observation and assessment records to plan for children's individual learning needs; • opportunities for children to explore technology and understanding of calculating through everyday practical activities.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.6

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are confident, interested and motivated to learn. Children relate well to each other and to adults and clearly enjoy the stimulating variety of activities offered. The clear boundaries set by staff ensure that children generally behave well.

p.7

COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Staff provide excellent support in extending children's use of language. This results in children being confident speakers who engage easily in conversations with each other and with adults. Children are developing a good understanding of the link between sound and letters. There is less opportunity for children to listen and respond during large group sessions.

p.7

MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children effectively use and recognise numbers in everyday activities. Children can explore pattern and shape through a variety of play opportunities. Opportunity for children to solve simple practical problems using mathematics is limited.

p.7

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children talk about the weather and changing seasons with understanding. There is opportunity for children to construct simple structures using bricks and other materials. Children have limited access to information and communication technology on a daily basis.

p.7

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children use the outdoor play space daily. Children also have access to a good range of indoor physical activities, although these sessions are not always planned. Children have good motor skills, they can use large and small equipment competently. A good variety of construction play enables them to develop their fine motor skills.

p.7

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children explore colour and texture using a range of painting and collage techniques. Children are provided with opportunities within role play to express and communicate their ideas. There are opportunities to express themselves in music and dance.

p.7

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 appropriately.

p.7

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

p.8

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.

p.9

WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

• develop children's understanding of calculating through everyday practical activities and ensure there is more opportunity for children to explore technology • ensure that planning takes into account the assessments of individual children's progress • organise large group activities to ensure more able children are fully involved. 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.

p.9

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

p.9

STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.10

STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

p.10

NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

p.10

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.

p.10

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11

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

p.11