Grove Bridge Education

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 18/11/2003 Inspector Name Claire Elizabeth Johnson

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name St Mary's Playgroup Setting Address Friends Meeting House Horse Fair Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 0AE

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of St Mary's Playgroup 1038744

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name St Mary's Playgroup Address Friends Meeting House Horse Fair Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 0AE

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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

St Mary's Playgroup opened in 1971. It operates within one room of the Friends Meeting House in Horse Fair in Banbury town centre. The group is open between 9:15 am and 11:45 for five days a week and from 12:15-2:45 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The group operates during term time only. The group is registered to provide care for a maximum of 24 children aged 2 to 5 years and there are currently 43 children on roll. The group is registered to take funded three and four year olds. At present there is currently one child attending with English as an additional language and none with special needs. There is always a minimum of three staff on duty. Over half the staff are qualified or are working toward completing a recognised childcare qualification. The setting receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare partnership.

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How good is the Day Care?

St Mary's playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. Staff provide a warm and welcoming environment. The hall is well organised each day with a good and balanced range of age appropriate resources for children. The playgroup has a professional approach to the care of the children and provides a comprehensive set of policies and procedures to underpin the day to day running of the group. Staff regularly update their knowledge of childcare by attending available training courses. Staff ensure children are aware of hygiene and safety issues. Children are given regular reminders of good hygiene practices and procedures to follow in the event of emergency evacuation from the premises. However, ways to improve hand washing procedures is under review. Medical and contact details are carried when leaving the premises but permissions relating to the seeking of emergency medical treatment are not in place.

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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 Children are interested in the available activities, they play well together and make choices in their play. Staff monitor activities visited by children and encourage them to visit activities relating to all areas of learning. Children are well behaved, the group has a good behaviour policy and keep parents well informed about any incidents. Staff provide an inclusive environment for children. Additional resources have been purchased to support all children from other cultures and ethnicity, however insufficient detail is held to enable appropriate care to be given. Parents are kept well informed about the daily programme of activities their children are engaged in. Policies are accessible to parents and newsletters provide regular

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How good is the Day Care?

updates. Parents report being satisfied with the quality of the provision and the care their children are receiving.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The last inspection was transitional, therefore, this section does not apply.

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What is being done well?

• Policies are comprehensive. They state what the policy is and how it is applied in the group. Policies are constantly reviewed and updated. • Staff are committed to improving their knowledge of child care. Two staff are working toward a recognised child care qualification and all staff attend short training courses in child care. • Staff constantly update the children's knowledge of health and safety in the group. Fire drills are held regularly and are planned to ensure children from all sessions are aware. • Staff encourage children to visit the range of available activities by monitoring activities visited by children each day and urging them to try different things. • Children play well together and are interested in available activities.

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What needs to be improved?

• the procedures for hand washing to minimise the risk of cross infection • the recording of details relating to children's individual needs to ensure appropriate care and support can be given • permissions from parents to obtain emergency medical treatment.

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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 2 ensure children’s times of arrival and departure are recorded when different to routine hours. 6 make sure that poisonous plants are inaccessible to the children. 7 obtain parent’s permission to seek emergency medical treatment. 7 continue reviewing hand washing procedures to minimise the risk of cross infection. 9 ensure staff are aware of religious denomination of children to enable appropriate care to be given. 10 ensure records are in place to support the identification of any children with Special Needs in the group. 12 include contact phone details for Ofsted on complaints procedure.

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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 nursery education at St Mary's playgroup is generally good. Children are making generally good progress in most areas of learning and very good progress in physical development. The quality of the teaching is generally good. Staff deploy themselves well in the group, they sit with the children and ask open-ended questions to extend the children's learning. The supervisor takes overall responsibility for the curriculum planning and staff contribute to the weekly plans resulting in staff awareness of the learning outcomes of any activities. The key worker system works effectively with staff having time daily to get to work with their children in small groups, however overuse of whole group speaking results in some children losing attention and makes it difficult for staff to assess what individual children know. Leadership and management is generally good. The committee are very involved in the day to day running of the group and support the staff. Staff training needs are

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How effective is the nursery education?

being identified and an ongoing programme is being followed by most staff. The staff work extremely well together and are committed to the improvement of the group. An appraisal system for staff is being established and the chairperson is to attend appraiser training. The group have recently appointed a designated person for Special Needs, however the process for identifying any Special Needs is not yet in place. Partnership with parents and carers is generally good. The parent rota has been terminated but parents are welcome to stay during sessions to support their children. Information available to parents in the hallway is informative about the daily management of the group and the areas of learning the children are covering each day. Profiles are being kept to monitor progress made by the children, however, at present there is no formalised system of sharing these with parents.

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What is being done well?

• Staff work well together as a strong team. They plan together and are all aware of the learning outcomes of the activities provided for the children. • The key worker system is effective. Key workers use snack times each day to get to know the children, to share books and to provide the children with the opportunity to discuss and foster an interest in stories. • The planning for physical development is very good. Children are provided with daily opportunities to develop their physical skills and to develop control and co-ordination. Indoor music and movement or similar will be carried out if children are unable to use the outside area. • Children are developing confidence and self esteem. Activities organised contribute to the quiet and calm management of the children when moving

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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 around the hall.

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What needs to be improved?

• the children's use of reference books and the book corner to develop their knowledge of using books for a variety of purposes; • the opportunities for children to use addition, subtraction and to link numbers to numerals; • the process by which parents are kept informed of their children's progress; • the organisation of whole group activities to ensure children's individual abilities can be identified; • the system for identifying any children who may have Special Needs.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This is the first inspection since receiving funding, therefore, this section does not apply.

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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 are interested in available activities and are motivated to learn. They are developing high self esteem through the promotion of numerous confidence building activities. Children can concentrate, however not all children can sustain this for the expected time. Resources have been purchased to promote knowledge of other cultures, children are starting to familiarise themselves with them. Children are learning a sense of right and wrong.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children are fostering an interest in stories through shared book reading sessions. They are learning about text directionality and involve themselves in stories, however, use of reference books is limited and the book corner is rarely used. Children are provided with opportunities to practice handwriting, however name cards are an under-used resource. The home corner is well organised to develop the children's imaginative play. There is limited opportunity for children to speak individually.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are confidently counting, using numbers beyond 10. Children use weighing in play and have daily practice at matching and threading, however there are missed opportunities to develop children's learning in simple addition, subtraction and number recognition. Children are learning to name shapes but not describe their properties. Activities are provided each day where children can explore mathematics in practical situations.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Generally Good Children are learning about the world they live in. They are curious and explore making close observations of living things and the natural world, however this could be further developed to allow more independent learning. They are learning about features from other cultures and are making links with their own beliefs. Staff ask open ended questions to extend and develop children's understanding of the way things work. Children make good use of available Information Technology.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Staff plan for and deliver a balanced curriculum for physical development. Daily opportunities are provided for children to develop a sense of space and to increase their control and co-ordination. When outdoor play is not available space is made to carry out dance or similar physical activities. Children are learning about healthy foods and ways to stay healthy. Children handle a wide range of tools and materials.

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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 are exploring texture and colour. Staff provide children with resources where they can develop their senses both independently and with adult support. Staff ask questions of the children to encourage a variety of responses and to develop language describing their feelings. Children use musical instruments and sing songs from memory, they also express themselves through music and movement.

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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

• increase children's knowledge of using books for a variety of purposes and increase interest in the book corner; • provide increased opportunities for children to use addition, subtraction and to link numbers to numerals; • develop the system to share children's progress with parents; • develop and implement the system for identifying and managing any children with Special Needs; • increase opportunities for children to speak as individuals in large group situations.

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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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