Manley and Mouldsworth Pre-School Playgroup

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 20/05/2004 Inspector Name Steven Anthony Urry

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Manley And Mouldsworth Pre School Playgroup Setting Address Manley Village School Playfield Mobile Units, School Lane Manley Cheshire WA6 9DU

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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

Manley and Mouldsworth Pre-School operates in a mobile unit on the playground field of Manley Village School. The pre-school has been open since 1972 and has been operating in its current premises since February 1999. The pre school cater for children from the local area and surrounding villages. There are currently 26 children from birth to five years on roll. This includes 12 funded three year olds and five funded four year olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are no funded children who have special educational needs or who speak English as an additional language. The pre school provides four morning sessions a week (closed Wednesday) during term time only. The hours of opening are 09.00 to 12.00. Three part time staff work directly with the funded three and four year olds. Two hold a relevant qualification in child care, with one currently completing NVQ level three. The group are a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance.

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How good is the Day Care?

Manley and Mouldsworth playgroup provides good quality care for children under eight years. There is an adequate level of qualified staff. The environment is warm and welcoming to children and their parents. The space available is sufficient to ensure the different needs of all the children are met. There is a wide range of good quality, stimulating play materials, furniture and equipment. Clear systems are in place for recording information and most documentation is well maintained. Staff actively promote children's safety throughout the playgroup at all times. Risk assessments are in place and steps taken to minimise risks to children and make them aware of potential hazards however, the crash mat for the slide is unsuitable. Children's personal hygiene is promoted at all times although the nappy changing facility requires updating.

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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 good level of planning is in place. Children are confident, friendly and familiar with their routines. They show interest in the stimulating play materials and activities provided, which aides their learning. The playgroup promotes a very happy atmosphere, children and staff alike have fun together. Children relate well to each other and are respectful and well behaved. Partnership with parents is good. Parents are made aware of their child's progress on a regular basis. They is also a very informative notice board for parents that is regularly updated.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

During the last inspection the setting agreed to make changes to the documentation to ensure the written records of medicines administered have been countersigned by parents. The necessary documentation has since been reviewed and the medicine record book is now completed by staff and parents to acknowledge entry by signing.

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What is being done well?

• The management of staff, which ensures additional training is made available to all staff as an ongoing part of their development. • There is a warm and happy atmosphere where staff and children have fun together. • Documentation is consistently completed by staff and overseen by management on a weekly basis. • The planning of play and activities in place ensure that children's stimulation is varied, interesting and enjoyable. Children are encourage to have fun whilst learning. Planning in place is conducive to the children's ages and stages of development and they are approached with flexibility. • The provision provides a range of interesting and stimulating activities which help support children's learning and development. • Children are given opportunities to initiate their own activities and explore freely whilst at other times receive the support and direction of staff. • The group works in partnership with parents to ensure children are looked

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What is being done well?

after according to parents wishes and procedures are in place to keep parents informed about the provision and their children.

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What needs to be improved?

• safety, by ensuring suitable protection is used with large physical play apparatus and a risk assessment of the nappy changing facilities.

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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

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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 4 carry out risk assessment of nappy changing facilities 6 ensure that suitable protection is in place when using large apparatus

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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?

Manley and Mouldsworth Pre School Playgroup provides high quality nursery education. Children are making very good progress towards the Early Learning Goals, in all six areas of learning. Children are happy and confident within the nursery environment and demonstrate a high level of involvement and enjoyment in the activities provided. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff demonstrate a good working knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage. Planning covers all areas of learning. Organisation of staff and resources enables all children to make very good progress. Children's behaviour is well managed at all times. Children's personal independence skills could be further enhanced during the snack time period. Observation and assessment are of a high standard, all staff members are actively involved in the assessment process which is linked to the step by step profile. The Quality of leadership and management is very good. The two managers liaise

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How effective is the nursery education?

closely with staff to ensure the aims and objectives of the Playgroup are achieved. Regular staff meetings and planning clearly identifies individual roles and responsibilities to ensure children's educational needs are met. Staff development and training is ongoing in order to further develop their understanding of the care and education of young children. All staff work hard to maintain a high standard. The partnership with parents is very good. Parents receive comprehensive information about the setting which includes the educational programme. They are kept informed about the activities on a daily basis via staff verbal feedback. There is also a very informative parent notice board which is regularly updated to keep parents fully aware of the playgroups events.

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What is being done well?

• Staff use their knowledge of the Foundation Stage to plan activities to meet children's individual needs. They provide a curriculum that is in line with all areas of learning. They support, encourage and challenge children's thinking and provide a creative and stimulating environment for children to enjoy. • The effectiveness of the leadership and management in assessing the provision for education. • Children are confident speakers. They are able to communicate in individual and group activities. • Children are confident in mathematical skills, they recognise number operation, count everyday objects, and use mathematical language well to describe size, shape and quantity. • Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are provided with detailed

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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 information about the setting and are involved in their child's learning.

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What needs to be improved?

• The development of children's independence at snack time.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The play group has made very good progress towards implementing two areas for improvement made at the last inspection. The Playgroup have developed their special educational needs policy. A named Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator is now in place. The facility has recently had success working with a child with special educational needs. The Registration/information document has been updated to provide parents with full details of the curriculum including the six areas of learning. The planning board also gives details of the education provision.

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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 happy, confident and secure within the setting. They develop confidence, independence and self reliance as they select their own activities. Children demonstrate a high level of personal independence, except at snack time. Children's behaviour is good, staff act as good role models.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good All children communicate well with each other and the staff, using language with increasing confidence and developing skill. They are confident when speaking in both a large or small group. Dialogue in role play is particularly imaginative, as children purchase shopping. Children can recognise their names, they can match sounds to letters.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good The children have many opportunities to use their counting skills, most count to 10 with more able children counting to 16 and beyond. They solve mathematical problems well in planned practical activities. They have a good understanding of addition and subtraction, as they sing number rhymes. Children recognise shape, they use language well to describe size, shape and quantities when questioned and encouraged.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children learn about the environment through observing the immediate surroundings around them. They visit places of interest and are visited by local industry. Children are provided with the opportunities to explore a wide range of objects, materials and living things. They explore similarities and differences. They are also enhancing their awareness of the wider world as they celebrate festivals and local events.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move around the environment with confidence and good control. They show an awareness of space, themselves and others. They have many opportunities to develop strength and balance through using climbing apparatus and challenging obstacles. Children confidently handle small tools such as writing instruments, scissors, brushes and glue with good control.

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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 The children enjoy exploring colour in imaginative ways through art and craft activities. They use many different textures and materials to create pictures, such as twigs, straw, tissue paper and pulses. Children communicate ideas, thoughts and feelings freely. They enjoy imaginative role play in the areas provided.

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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, there are two points for consideration. • provide opportunities for children to further develop their independence skills at snack time • further develop the writing area to allow children to write for a number of purposes and variety.

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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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