St. Oswald's Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 19/07/2004 Inspector Name Rita Cruddos

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St Oswalds Playgroup Setting Address St Oswalds Primary School Padgate Lane,Padgate Warrington Cheshire WA1 3LB

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REGISTERED PROVIDER 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

St Oswald's Playgroup opened in 1991. It operates from and has sole use of a self contained, extended class room adjoining St Oswald's Primary School. It is situated in Padgate on the outskirts of Warrington and serves the local area. There are currently 29 children from three to four years on roll. This includes 15 funded three year olds and 14 funded four year olds. The breakfast club is not operating at the time of this inspection. The setting is able to support children with special needs and who speak English as an additional language. The group opens five days a week during school term time. Playgroup sessions are from 9:00 until 11:30 and from 12:30 until 3:00. Breakfast Club sessions are from 08:00 until 08:55. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Four full-time staff work with the children. More than half the staff have early years qualifications to level 2 or 3. Three staff are currently working towards additional

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Information about the setting

recognised early years qualifications. The setting receives support from the Sure Start Partnership and is a member of the Pre-School Alliance.

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How good is the Day Care?

St.Oswald's Playgroup provides good quality care for children. A well motivated staff team provide a warm and welcoming environment for children and organise space and resources to meet children's needs effectively. Very good relationships are developed with the children, who are happy, confident and secure within the setting. All staff have good practical skills in caring for children and undertake regular training to improve and build on these. Records and documents are well organised and most are complete. The setting has a good awareness of safety and takes positive steps to promote safety and prevent accidents. This includes a risk assessment of the premises. Some of the staff have undertaken first aid training. Good hygiene practices are encouraged and healthy, nutritious snacks are provided.

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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 The playgroup offers a very good range of activities indoors and outdoors which help children progress in all areas of their development. Children can reach toys independently and enjoy their play. Children are well stimulated and interested in all that the setting provides for them. Staff interact with the children very well, they talk and listen to the children, ask appropriate questions which challenges the children's thinking and enable them to make decisions. The staff team manage children's behaviour well with consistent use of praise and encouragement. Staff have good relationships with parents. Children are cared for according to parent's wishes and parents are kept well informed about daily activities. A Parent's

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How good is the Day Care?

Pack is provided and information is displayed throughout the setting. Regular feedback is sought from parents regarding all aspects of care the children receive. Parent's questionnaires indicate that they are happy with the care their children receive.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection it was agreed that the hours of the children's attendance be recorded, a copy of gas electrical safety certificates be provided, one member of staff to hold a current 1st aid certificate that includes training in first aid for infants and young children and that medicine would be made inaccessible to children. Hours of attendance are now recorded, the gas and electrical certificates are held by the school, electrical appliances have test stickers applied, one member of staff has an appropriate first aid certificate and medication is kept in a locked drawer or fridge, a fridge lock is fitted. These completed actions increase the safety of the children attending the playgroup.

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What is being done well?

• The organisation and deployment of the committed staff team is effective. Staff training needs are identified and there is a commitment to enable staff increase their knowledge and skills through further training. • Regular risk assessments and checks cover all areas ensuring children can play safely. • Good use is made of space with clearly defined areas for play. Toys and equipment is stored at child level. Provision of low storage units ensures children can access toys freely. A wide range of toys, equipment and activities are available within the setting. These promote equality of opportunity and enable the children to gain experience of the world around them. • Good relationships are maintained with parents. They have a set of policies and procedures given to them at registration. They also have regular meetings with playgroup staff regarding their child's progress. Information regarding the playgroup is displayed throughout.

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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 arrangements to ensure all policies and procedures are reviewed regularly.

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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 systems are in place for the review of policies and procedures.

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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?

At St.Oswald's Playgroup the provision is of a high quality. Children make very good progress towards the early learning goals in all six areas of learning. They are happy and confident and show a high level of involvement in the wide range of activities and opportunities offered. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff have a secure knowledge of the early learning goals and provide activities which are appropriate and support the children's learning. The broad curriculum is based on the children's needs, knowledge and interests. Staff know the children well and are very good role models who support the children encouraging them and challenging their learning and thinking. Children have time to play and consolidate their learning through the staff's consistent approach to reinforcing and linking areas of learning together in meaningful ways. Resources are stored attractively and are accessible to the children. The

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How effective is the nursery education?

environment is bright, well organised and stimulating. The leadership and management of the setting is very good. Staff work extremely well together, their roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. Management create a positive learning environment for staff and children, through their close involvement and accessibility, a strong commitment to staff's professional development and the productive systems in place to monitor and evaluate the provision for nursery education. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are provided with substantial information about the Foundation Stage and are actively encouraged to be involved in their children's learning. Children's progress is shared regularly through continual discussions, written reports and children's profiles.

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What is being done well?

• Children are happy, confident, well motivated learners. They display high levels of involvement in activities and express their needs and feelings in appropriate ways. • Children form good relationships with each other and the staff team. They understand the ground rules and behave very well. They remind each other of what is right and what is wrong. Staff have high expectations of the children. • The long, medium and short term planning covers the six areas of learning. These include • well thought out themes and continuous learning opportunities for the children. Staff have a good understanding of the early learning goals and make maximum use of the resources, creating a stimulating and rich environment where children 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 • Strong leadership, management and effective teamwork contributes to a successful working environment and ensures high standards.

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What needs to be improved?

• the opportunities for older, more able children to develop their climbing skills • the opportunities for children to use large construction materials.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There were no key issues at the last inspection. A point for consideration was to improve the access of four year olds to balancing apparatus. The setting have purchased some balancing apparatus which can be used in a number of ways thus giving four year olds additional opportunities to gain skills in balancing.

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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, happy and well motivated. They take part in a wide range of activities, behave well and help each other. Each child has a turn to be helper of the day and helps to prepare activities. The helper calls the children four at a time to wash before snack. Children who were last to go at the end of the session were told by another child "You two have been very patient". Children learn about other cultures through celebrations, resources and discussions.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children listen and respond appropriately at registration, story time and during singing sessions. They use the opportunities during role play to act out and talk about events in their lives. The children have very good opportunities to use and enjoy books which they handle well. The mark making area is used well and children write their names and letters, make lists and use the wide selection of one handed equipment.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children count confidently up to 10 and more able children beyond, they recognise and write numbers up to five. Children use very good mathematical language to describe position, size and shape such as 'mine is the biggest', 'this is a triangle and this is a smaller one.' They solve simple mathematical problems when using the role play area. They compare objects e.g. "I went to the big, high, tall church not the little church that is for Sunday".

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good The children have very good opportunities to explore and investigate using a wide variety of objects, materials and living things. They enjoy learning about their environment through outings and their own garden outdoors. They are interested in past and present events. Work is displayed in which the children express their thoughts and feelings, likes and dislikes about a recent trip to a theme park. The children are aware of cultures and beliefs of themselves and others.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move confidently and safely throughout the environment with good control. Children use a wide range of tools and materials skilfully, developing very good fine motor skills. They manipulate and explore malleable materials confidently and competently such as play-dough and gloop. Children are developing large physical skills however challenges for older, more able children are not set and opportunities to construct with large equipment are limited.

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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 enjoy planned and spontaneous activities in which they express their ideas and thoughts. They make very good use of the well resourced role play area and the small world toys to use their imagination and act out situations. Children sing songs and rhymes with enthusiasm and enjoyment. They listen to music and explore the different sounds of musical instruments.

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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; • ensure that older, more able children's large physical skills are challenged • develop opportunities for all children to use large construction materials. 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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