Knottingley St Botolphs C of E Academy

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 24/03/2004 Inspector Name Susan Mary Rolfe

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Activity One Nursery Setting Address Scout Association: 2nd Uxbridge Scout Group (St. Margarets) 2 Gatting Way Uxbridge Middlesex UB8 1ES

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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

Activity One nursery have been registered since 1986. There are a total of 31 children on roll with 20 attending on the day of the inspection. There are currently 2 funded 4 year olds and 8 funded 3 years olds attending the setting. Families using the nursery come from a wide geographical area and children attend a variety of sessions. The registered premises is a scout hut, situated a short distance from Uxbridge town centre and the A40. The site has parking facilites. The areas used for child care are the main hall, small rear room, outside play area. The premises are used in the evening by a scout group. The nursery is open 48 weeks a year, closing for 2 weeks in August, 1 week at Christmas and another at Easter. In addition, the nursery closes for 2 staff training days. The nursery is open from 08:00 a.m. - 17:45 p.m. There are 6 full time staff and a National Vocational Qualification Level 2 trainee

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Information about the setting

caring for the children. The manager and deputy have a level 3 qualification; 2 staff are qualified to level 2 and are completing their level 3 qualification. In addition, 2 staff are completing the diploma in child care and NVQ level 3. An additional staff member is employed to cook the main meals and to clean the premises. One staff member speaks Portuguese. The nursery supports children who have special needs. There are links with the Early Years Day Care Partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

Activity One nursery provides satisfactory care for children. The premises are safe and secure and offers a good amount of play space. There is

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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 large garden available to children. Not all areas used by the children are cleaned to a good standard. This is particularly noticeable in the rear room. However, the kitchen and bathroom areas are maintained to an acceptable standard. Children have access to a wide range of play provision. Some activities however, are not presented in a way which best promotes children's interest. Art work is very much adult led and children are not always given the opportunity to follow their own direction. The children have obviously understood and enjoyed several main topics and are clearly able to recall these and relate them to everyday situations. The staff child ratio is high and the majority hold the level two qualification. Although

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How good is the Day Care?

staff have regular 'in house' training they are limited in access to external training courses that would offer them a greater opportunity to share the experiences and expertise of other experienced or qualified childcare workers. Staff have a warm, caring relationship with all children and their parents. Ofsted are not informed of staff changes at the earliest opportunity. Children's individual needs are well recorded and in general adhered to. Medication and accident records are well maintained and parents sign to acknowledge the information. Staff support children with special needs and work well in partnership with outside agencies to extend children's progress. In general children are happy and well settled. Good behaviour is positively encouraged by staff. There is a good partnership with parents who provided much positive written and verbal feedback on the provision. Parents are given clear information about their child's time at the setting.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the previous inspection the nursery were asked to identify a designated staff member who would have responsibility for behaviour management and child protection procedures. The manager has the main responsibility for both of these areas. Training has been attended and by the manager in child protection. Behaviour manager training has been attended by a staff member who has cascaded this information to others. The strategies learnt at this time have been implemented within the setting. This has resulted in children taking more responsibility for certain routines within the nursery such as tidy up time. The nursery were also to ensure that children could play safely when in the garden area. A wire fence is now in place. This ensures that children cannot access the rear of the building, which is used after nursery hours by the scouts association.

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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 • The premises are kept secure. The garden gates are locked whilst this area is used by the children. Risk assessments are completed on all areas used. There is clear written information relating to safety and each employees responsibility to this. • Children's behaviour is managed in a positive way. Behaviour management training has been accessed by staff and theories passed onto others. Strategies have been adapted within the nursery setting and have received a positive response. • There is a strong partnership with parents. They are made feel welcome within the setting. Regular news letters and verbal feedback from staff ensure that parents are fully informed of their child's time at the nursery.

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What needs to be improved?

• the notification of significant changes to Ofsted, • the systems to ensure that activities are presented in a stimulating way, • the range of the staff training opportunities, • the procedure to ensure that children's health care requirements are adhered to at all times, • the effectiveness of the cleaning rota.

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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 must take the following actions by the date shown

Std Action Date 1 Notify Ofsted of changes, in any persons working on the premises at the earliest opportunity. 25/03/2004

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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 3 Devise a system that ensures staff gain a greater understanding of the ways in which children learn and the purpose of equipment provided. Activities should be presented to children in a way in which encourages their participation and extends learning opportunities. 7 Ensure that children’s health care requirements are adhered to at all times. This is particularly important in relation to allergies. 13 Ensure that all significant events are maintained and recorded within a reasonable time scale.

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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?

Activity One Nursery provides a varied programme for children, they are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals. The children's behaviour is good, they are able to share and take turns, and are interested in the activities offered. The children are making generally good progress in all the areas of learning. Children would benefit from having increased opportunities to use programmable toys and equipment such as tape recorders to listen to stories or record their own voices. Whilst the setting has extended the equipment to enable the children to climb and balance, they need more opportunities to make use of it, the balancing equipment could be used indoors. The quality of teaching is generally good, staff provide good role models for the children, they plan interesting activities for them and interact in a positive and caring manner, however staff need to ensure that they question children and engage with

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How effective is the nursery education?

them during activities so that they have opportunities to experiment within the activities offered and extend their learning further. Staff would benefit from gaining further knowledge of the early learning goals and how children learn. Leadership and management of the setting is generally good, staff are set positive examples and role models. The nursery has good systems in place for the recruitment and induction of staff, regular staff meetings are also held. The manager has formed good professional relationships with parents and other agencies who visit the setting. The nursery works closely with parents who are provided with useful information about the setting and are kept informed of their children's developmental progress. Parents gave very positive comments when interviewed.

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What is being done well?

• Children's behaviour is good, staff provide positive role models and interact well with the children. • Children sit quietly and listen to stories, they are able to carry out simple instructions • Children have opportunities to observe change through gardening and cooking activities • Partnership with parents is very good • The manager is supportive of the setting and provides positive role models to the staff

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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?

• ensure that staff increase their knowledge of the early learning goals and how children learn • ensure that staff provide more challenges through the teaching strategies and activities • the opportunities for children to experience programmable toys and equipment. • the opportunities in physical play for children to balance and climb

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The planning of the curriculum has been adapted to suit the interests of the children, they are provided with a potentially interesting range of activities. Assessment procedures are in place which means that staff are recording children's observed developmental progress and they are able to give parents informed, current progression reports.

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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's behaviour is good, they are able to work as part of a group, to share and take turns. Children are developing friendships with their peers and are making appropriate relationships with the staff. Through various planned projects and activities children are learning about cultural, religious events and customs of countries throughout the world.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children speak clearly and confidently, they enjoy listening to rhymes and stories, they are aware that print carries meaning and is used for different purposes. Children are able to match sounds to letters. Children have some opportunities to write, some are able to write their names legibly, although materials and activities are not always presented in a manner that makes them inviting to the children.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children show interest in counting and have good opportunities to sing number rhymes, they use mathematical language such as bigger and smaller than. Children would benefit from having an increased display of examples of written numerals and using every day items in number work. Staff need to provide more challenges for the children and question them to encourage their thinking processes.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children have opportunities to explore living things and to observe growth and change through planting seeds and cooking activities. Children have opportunities to construct using a variety of materials. Through planned activities children learn about the area where they live and the natural environment. Children lack opportunities to use programmable toys and equipment, whilst staff plan well to cover this area, they need to ensure that children are provided with activities that challenge.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children move around the room confidently, they show an awareness of space and others and are able to negotiate obstacles when riding pedal toys. Children use small tools with increasing control and handle malleable materials well. Children have limited opportunities to use large climbing and balancing equipment. Staff need to ensure that the plans for the outside play area are properly implemented so that children use all the equipment to it's full potential

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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: Generally Good Children have opportunities to explore colour through art and craft activities which are well planned and thought out but are mainly adult directed. Children need more opportunities in the area of creativity for self expression. Children sing as a group and listen to music and make musical instruments, they need more experience of singing on their own and making their own music. Lack of teaching skills mean that children's creative development is not fully fostered.

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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 staff increase their knowledge of the early learning goals and how children learn • Ensure that staff provide more challenges to children through the teaching strategies and activities. • Improve the opportunities for children to experience programmable toys and equipment. • Improve the opportunities in physical play for children to balance and climb 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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