Little Stars Pre-School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 20/05/2004 Inspector Name Susan Parker

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Little Stars Pre-School Setting Address CYCD 100 Leagrave Road Luton Bedfordshire LU4 8HZ

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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

Little Stars Pre-School operates from a room within the local youth and community development centre. It has been open since April 2002, offering sessional care during the school term. The pre-school has two full time, qualified members of staff, run by a manager and a management committee oversees all projects within the centre. The premises has its own enclosed, safety surfaced, outside play area. The room is divided into separate activity areas with its own toilets and hand washing facilities. There are currently 32 children on the register who attend either a morning or afternoon session. Sessions run from 09:15 to 11:45 and from 12:45 to 15:15 with a maximum of 16 children attending each session. There are currently 30 children attending for whom English is an additional language, and 2 children attending who have special educational needs. The group is in receipt of nursery education funding for 23 three year old children and 9 four year children.

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How good is the Day Care?

Little Stars Pre-School provides good care for children. Both of the full time members of staff are qualified and they work closely together to ensure that they are consistent in applying all of the systems, policies and procedures which underpin the day to day running of the group. The safety and care of the children is excellent. Staff are active in assessing possible risks or hazards. Children are aware of keeping safe and helping to minimise possible risks. For example, children are encouraged to push their chairs under the tables to prevent other children from bumping into them. Good hygiene practices are promoted by staff and children are active in washing their hands after using the toilet and before snacks. The range and quality of the activities provided are excellent. Children's intellectual, emotional, social and physical skills are well supported through a wide range of

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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 carefully planned activities. All activities are adapted in order to meet the learning and developmental needs of all the children. Children are able to make their own choices and decisions, and access toys and equipment safely. The partnership with parents is good. Staff ensure that all parents can understand their policies and procedures. Information is shared in a variety of languages through newsletters, notices and verbal discussion.

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What is being done well?

• Provision of an extensive range of play and learning experiences for children of all abilities. • Promotion of equal opportunities through provision of appropriate activities and detailed sharing of information. • Extensive policies, procedures and records which promote the care and education of the children in a safe and stimulating environment.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

The pre-school provides a wide range of accessible and educational toys and activities which children can choose and access themselves.

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What needs to be improved?

• Parental involvement - to encourage parents to participate in the group activities and to share their cultural knowledge and skills with the children

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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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The Registered Person should have regard to the following recommendations

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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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 12 Encourage parents to participate in the group activities and to share their cultural knowledge and skills with 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?

The provision for nursery education at Little Stars Pre-School is of high quality. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff have an excellent understanding of the Foundation Stage and the early learning goals. They provide, and use, the resources and accommodation very effectively to provide the children with a stimulating learning environment. Behaviour is managed positively and consistently with emphasis on safety and independence. Planning and assessments are very effective. All six areas of learning are introduced with suitable challenges for more able children. Assessments are effective in enabling children to progress. Efficient use of a variety of teaching methods meet the learning needs of all the children. The leadership and management is very good. The manager effectively supports and guides staff in the group's provision of quality teaching, and effectively assesses

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How effective is the nursery education?

and evaluates any strengths or areas for improvement. Teaching strategies are effectively shared and adopted by staff who are committed to providing high quality care and education to all the children. The partnership with parents is generally good. The staff keep parents fully informed and ensure that information is communicated in different languages. However, input and involvement from parents could be developed further.

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What is being done well?

• Staff have a clear understanding of the early learning goals and the provision of well planned activities which support the children's interests and provide suitable challenges. • Children's confidence and self esteem is excellent. They are interested in the activities provided and able to work independently with a clear understanding of behaviour expectations. • The development of children's language and vocabulary, especially for children for whom English is their second language.

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What needs to be improved?

• further development of parental input and involvement in the education of their children.

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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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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's independence is well supported. They are able to choose their own activities and have the opportunity to develop their personal independence. Their confidence and self esteem is supported through praise and encouragement. Children's behaviour is positively managed. Boundaries and expectations are understood and consistently maintained. The children are developing an awareness of their own needs, views and feelings and have a respect for their own cultures and beliefs.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children's use and understanding of language is developing well. Children are encouraged to develop their vocabulary and explore the meaning and sound of words through carefully planned, stimulating activities. Children are developing their mark making skills and older children can correctly form letters and write their own names or simple words. Imaginative use of books and rhymes stimulate the children's interest in reading skills and their knowledge of the elements of stories and books.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are making progress in their mathematical understanding. They have access to a varied and stimulating range of activities which involve use of numbers, calculations and practical problem solving. Staff use props and rhymes to introduce basic addition and subtraction. Numerals are prominently displayed throughout the setting and used in various play activities. Children's understanding of positioning, size, space and measure are promoted in carefully planned activities.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children who attend the setting bring a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds, religions and beliefs. Activities based on nature themes enable the children to gain an understanding of plant and animal growth, development and change. Resources enable the children to discover information and communication technology and to learn how and why things work. Children explore and investigate different objects. They build and construct by selecting their own materials, tools and techniques.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

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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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children's physical skills are developing well. They are very competent in using a wide range of small and large equipment, tools and malleable materials. They are learning about the importance of maintaining healthy habits and developing an understanding about how their bodies work. When running or using wheeled toys, children move with control, showing an awareness of their own space and avoiding obstacles. They use small tools, such as scissors and cutlery, with confidence and safely.

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children's creativity is actively encouraged. Children are able to mix their own paint, choosing the colour and consistency. Their imaginative play and ideas are expressed using a wide selection of tools and props. Music and dance are used to enable children to move and express ideas, thoughts and feelings. Children are able to explore an extensive range of media and materials of different colour, texture, shape and form.

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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: • Develop and promote a system where parents and carers are encouraged to be more fully involved in their children's learning.

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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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