Vicarage Lodge Preschool Community Playgroup

Vicarage Lodge Pre-School Community Playgroup Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 303489 Inspection date 19/10/2010 Inspector Michele Villiers

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Setting address 1A Highlands Road, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 4PS

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Telephone number 01928 581150 Email Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as

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you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

Vicarage Lodge Pre-school opened in 1965 and is managed by a committee. It operates from one room in a building leased from St. Michael's Church in Runcorn, Cheshire. The pre-school provides sessional care and is open each weekday from 9.00am to 12.00pm and 12.45pm to 3.45pm, during term time only. The children have access to an enclosed outdoor play area.

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Description of the setting

The setting is registered on the Early Years Register. A maximum of 26 children aged over two years may attend the pre-school at any one time. There are currently 39 children on roll, aged from two years and nine months to under five years. Of these, 29 children receive funding for nursery education.

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Description of the setting

The pre-school employs six staff, all of whom hold appropriate qualifications.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

All children make significant gains in their learning and development. The educational programme is extremely well organised and good systems are in place to monitor the children's progress. The playroom is vibrant and stimulating and children receive excellent support from staff. Close partnerships with parents and other professionals help ensure the children's individual needs are consistently well met. The children display high levels of confidence and sense of belonging as they play in a safe and inclusive environment. The management successfully embeds continuous improvement and uses rigorous evaluation systems to identify future plans.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 building on the systems used for obtaining initial information about the children's abilities when they first start through regular two-way flow of information with parents.

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the early years provision

Safeguarding children is prioritised. Comprehensive policies, strategies and procedures are followed and two designated staff members oversee child protection issues. The rigorous recruitment procedure and ongoing training ensure all staff are suitable and qualified. Excellent standards of hygiene are maintained to help prevent the spread of infection and risk assessments minimise any potential hazards. The children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging and an excellent This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding of behaviour, following rules and boundaries with little prompting. They learn to take responsibility for their own safety through play opportunities. For example, they have to devise their own safety strategies when playing with a large cardboard box and negotiate how children may play at any one time.

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the early years provision

The staff work extremely well as a team and have an exceptionally good understanding of how children learn. They create a welcoming environment and utilise the play space well with good deployment of high quality toys and interesting activities. This clearly has a strong impact on the quality of the provision and outcomes for children. The manager closely monitors the provision and is highly committed to promoting an inclusive practice. All staff attend ongoing training in order to provide optimum support for all children.

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the early years provision

There is a robust evaluation process that involves the views of staff, children and parents, helping to ensure ongoing improvement. The recommendation from the previous inspection has been successfully met and an effective safeguarding policy is now in place. The manager is proactive in forging links with other early years provisions that children attend and other professionals, to ensure good continuity of care. Extensive information is provided for parents about the setting and the children's activities. There are many opportunities for parents to contribute their views and family involvement is very much encouraged. Regular parent evenings and meetings are organised and "mini play sessions" with invitations to the extended family to participate.

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and outcomes for children

The children thoroughly enjoy their play. Staff use good planning and provide an excellent balance of play opportunities. The children's independence is promoted particularly well. On arrival they help themselves to toys and throughout play they continue to collect items, resourcefully contributing to their play. For example, during craft activities, children help themselves to various materials, such as, glue, scissors, paper, cardboard and plastic to create models. At snack time children collect their plates, help themselves to food, pour their drinks and tidy away afterwards.

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and outcomes for children

The children demonstrate a keen desire to participate in all activities. They play well alongside each other, taking turns on the computer and sharing the role of shop keeper. The environment reflects diversity, helping children learn to respect each other and accept differences. Posters and pictures are displayed throughout, along with books, toys and resources reflecting positive images of race, culture, gender and disability.

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and outcomes for children

Excellent strategies are in place to provide additional support to children. For example, small group sessions are organised to help the children's communication and concentration skills. Staff introduce simple Makaton signing, giving children a tool for communication and picture images to make connections. The children thoroughly enjoy looking at books, listening to stories and singing songs. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 During play children become competent at counting and calculating. They discuss size and shape, recognise numerals and learn about volume. During water play they explore full and empty containers and when baking they weigh the different ingredients. Excellent activities foster the children's knowledge of the world. They explore and examine bugs and autumn leaves. Parental involvement is encouraged and at home they help their children identify leaves and trees and log their

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and outcomes for children

information. The children show an exceptional understanding of how to adopt healthy lifestyles because of the promotion of personal hygiene, healthy eating and physical exercise. They know when to wash their hands and understand the importance of hygiene. Picture images are displayed above sinks to reinforce their learning.

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and outcomes for children

At snack time children tuck into a variety of sliced fruits, including plums, strawberries and grapes and these are replenished throughout the session. A basket of fruit is available on the table and they help themselves to healthy breakfast cereals. Outdoor play is part of the continuous provision, and they play outside in all weathers, benefiting from the fresh air. The outside area is creatively organised and includes an imaginatively used shed where children access various resources, including construction toys, books and gardening tools. They peddle large wheeled toys and comment on how strong their legs are becoming and competently balance on narrow beams.

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and outcomes for children

The children's progress is monitored through rigorous assessment. Extensive information is documented about their achievements and identified next steps. Parents receive guidance on the children's 'Learning Journey' and may review their child's reports at anytime. The staff use observation of the children to build upon initial profiles. Parent questionnaires are also completed when children first start. However, these do not clearly identify the children's abilities in their areas of learning in order for staff to use the information in the start up profiles. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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