Trafalgar School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 18/11/2003 Inspector Name Dorcas Elizabeth Forgan

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Bradwell Common Playgroup Setting Address 125 Bradwell Common Boulevard Bradwell Common Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK13 8DY

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Bradwell Common Playgroup 1031336

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Bradwell Common Playgroup Address C/o Rosemary Worrall 46 Arbrook Avenue, Bradwell Common Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK13 8BL

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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

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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

Bradwell Common Playgroup opened in 1984. It operates from one room in the community meeting place on Bradwell Common. The playgroup serves the local area. There are currently 37 children from 2 to 5 years on the roll. This includes 23 funded three-year-olds. Children attend a variety of sessions. The group supports children with special needs and those who speak English as an additional language. The group opens 5 days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09:30 until 12:00 every day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays there are also sessions in the afternoon from 13:00 until 15:00. Five full time staff work with the children. All have early years qualifications. The setting receives support from a teacher and mentor from the Early Years Development and Childcare partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Bradwell Common Playgroup provides good care for children. The group is managed by a committee of volunteers who are parents. All of the staff hold relevant childcare qualifications, the training programme is on-going. The documentation forms a clear operational plan that is effective. There is a key worker system for each child. The main area used by the group is a large hall that is pleasant, well maintained clean and light. They are also able to use the large, fully enclosed gardens that has both grass and slabbed areas. The playgroup has an excellent range of equipment toys and activities. There are clear policies and procedures for safety, health and hygiene. Formal risk assessments are not carried out in the play area. The fire equipment is in place and evacuations are practiced regularly. The children are encouraged to become independent in personal hygiene. Snack time is a positive experience, with a wide

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How good is the Day Care?

variety of nutritious , healthy snacks on offer. The staff understand their

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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 responsibility to protect the children in their care. The child protection policy is incomplete. All children are treated with equal concern for their individual needs. The children are able to settle into the group at their own pace, they make good relationships both with adults and peers. They are offered a wide range of activities which stimulate their development and allow them to investigate and experiment. The key workers provide support for the children and carry out regular assessments of their progress. The staff have realistic expectations of the children and use positive strategies to encourage good behaviour. It is recognised that parents are the initial educators of the children, they are encouraged to take part in the group. They are given information both written and

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How good is the Day Care?

verbal. The parents who are on the rota are not always given clear guidance of their responsibilities. Documentation is in place and is effect

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What is being done well?

• The staff work well as a team and are interested in all the children as individuals. They are aware of their responsibilities and are responsive to all that is going on in the playgroup. This is helped by the good ratios of adults to children. Children receive valuable individual attention. • The activities are presented in an attractive way that looks very inviting. It is a stimulating environment where the children are offered many choices. They are able to make their own decisions about what to play with and to take their time. Children are becoming confident and are able to concentrate. • Snack time works well. The children are able to choose when they wish to have their snack and who with. They are encouraged to choose and pour their own drink and to decide what they would like to eat, they are gaining independence and learning new skills. • The staff have realistic expectations of the children's behaviour, and take into

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What is being done well?

account each child's different abilities to understand. The children are learning the difference between right and wrong and are gaining self control. • The committee and staff understand the need to work in partnership with the parents and to involve them in their Childs extended learning environment. The parents are encouraged to take part in the playgroup and to exchange information and to pass on their knowledge. Children feel valued.

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What needs to be improved?

• safety, risk assessments to be devised and carried out regularly that will include collection of children • information, for parents carrying out parents rota

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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 • documentation, a procedure to cover actions to be carried out by committee in the case of accusations being made about a member of the playgroup abusing or neglecting a child

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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 6 conduct a risk assessment on the premises identifying actions to be taken to minimize identified risks. 13 ensure that a procedure is developed in the case of an allegation being made against a member of the group of abusing or neglecting a child.

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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 of nursery education at Bradwell Common play group is good. It enables children to make very good progress towards the early learning goals in personal, social and emotional development, communication, language and literacy and also knowledge and understanding of the world and generally good progress in all other areas. The quality of teaching is generally good. Staff work well as a team and support each other. Plans are devised by all the staff and are comprehensive. Staff have a secure knowledge of the early learning goals and ensure that all children are challenged in most areas. The children are learning to express their own feelings especially through role play and free painting. Resources are good quality and well organised to increase the children's independence and to ensure that they receive appropriate support and encouragement. The staff are skilled at asking questions and listening to the answers attentively, they also encourage the children to reflect

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How effective is the nursery education?

on past experiences. The children's own art work is not always displayed. The key worker groups enable staff to form good relationships, and to carry out effective assessments that are then used to plan future learning goals, making each activity relevant and challenging. These records are then shared with the parents. The leadership and management of the play group is generally good. The committee has only been in place for a short while. They do see training as a priority for everyone. Paid time is available for daily feedback and evaluation of the session, and weekly planning. The group have not carried out any evaluations of their own services yet. The partnership with parents and carers is very good. Parents are given clear information about the setting. Parents are invited to take an active part in the group as parent's rota, to help celebrate festivals and to share their skills. Information is

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How effective is the nursery education?

offered to them daily and in written reports annually.

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What is being done well?

• Children's personal social and emotional development is very good. The children enjoy their time in the playgroup, they leave their carers confidently and are eager to see which activities are available. Children have made friends and are often seen at activities together, the children also help each other and relate well to the adults. • The planning of activities and monitoring of each child's progress is well organised and very effective, it is all linked to the stepping stones. • The key worker system enables the staff to track and monitor each Childs development and to ensure that their needs are met in the activities.

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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 • Good use is made of the room and resources, they are well planned. Interesting opportunities are offered to the children. The group are not able to use sand or water in the hall, imaginative substitutes are provided.

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What needs to be improved?

• displays of the children's art work to enhance their feelings of achievement and pride • guidance for the parents as volunteers in the group, to enable them to help the children achieve the aim of the activity and ensure that more able children are challenged • planning the use of the outside area so that all children are challenged • evaluation of own services

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The playgroup has made good progress in addressing the points for consideration raised at the last inspection. Planning has been developed well, they do indicate what the child is expected to learn from each activity. the staff do now use methods to gain the children's attention including ringing a bell before register time and playing music at snack time. The children are able to join in singing songs and rhymes at the end of each session, this includes relevant songs for the season or festivals.

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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 The children enter the group confidently. Children are eager to see what activities are on offer and to make their choices. Children are becoming self-motivated, and are given time to explore and complete tasks. Concentration is good. Children are helped to relate well with adults and their peers, and display caring and helpful attitudes towards others.Children are learning to take care of their personal needs. The children are aware of the boundaries and expectations.Children behave well.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good The children speak confidently with peers and in front of the whole group.Children enjoy stories and respond enthusiastically, they are eager to join in. The children like looking at books, and making their own, such as one showing other countries and cultures. Some of the more able children are able to recognise the majority of letters and know the sounds that they make.Children are starting to write their own names. There are some opportunities to make their own writing activities.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good The children use numbers in every day situations confidently. There are many occasions during the session when they are encouraged to practice these skills, such as counting the days in the month. Several children are able to recognise numerals up to ten this is reinforced through games. The children are beginning to solve problems and to calculate especially with the use of construction activities like the marble run. There is a very good maths trolley that the children do not use often.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good The garden and nearby area are used very well to stimulate children's interest in the natural world, this has been extended to growing plants and bulbs both inside and outside. Children discuss the weather each day and interesting pieces of news. The computer is used regularly so that children are becoming proficient; other items that need less adult supervision have not been introduced. The children are introduced to other cultures and festivals in an interesting and imaginative way.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good On most days children are given opportunity to use the outside area, which often involves using the bikes and cars, peddling, manoeuvring and calculating space. More challenges and learning opportunities could be initiated. Children are able to use tools with increasing skill. Children handle pencils, paintbrushes, scissors and rolling pins; they use teaspoons adeptly when eating yogurts and are able to pour their own drinks. Children are learning to care for their own bodies.

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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 The children are very creative and enjoy expressing themselves through role-play, and make good use of the dressing -up clothes. Children are able to use paint in a variety of ways and explore mixing the colours. Their own work is not displayed. The children are able to experiment with various different materials and media as they are unable to use water or sand, a tray of oats proved very popular. Children are allowed time to develop their own ideas and to use equipment of their choice.

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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

• There are no significant weaknesses to report but consideration should be given to the following; • display more of the children's own art work, to improve their feelings of achievement and pride • guidance for the parent volunteers to enable them to help the children achieve the aim of the activity and ensure that more able children are sufficiently challenged.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

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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