Vassall Road Pre School

Vassall Road Pre School Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 144069 Inspection date 16/11/2011 Inspector Ray O'Neill

p.1

Setting address 62a Vassall Road, London, SW9 6HY

p.1

Telephone number 0207 735 4925 Email Type of setting Childcare - Non-Domestic 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 you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the setting

Vassal Road Pre-school has been registered since 1993 and operates from the ground floor of a purpose built building with its own entrance and enclosed outside play area. The group is registered to provide care for 20 children under eight years of age. The opening times are from 9.30am to 12.30pm, five days a week during term times only.

p.4

Description of the setting

The pre-school is registered on the Early Years Register and also both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently 11 children on roll and of these, a number receive free early years funding. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The pre-school currently supports a small number of children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities and a small number who speak English as an additional language.

p.4

Description of the setting

There are three members of staff and all hold appropriate early years qualifications. The group is affiliated to the Lambeth Pre-School Learning Alliance and it is run by a management committee.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Staff recognise the unique needs of each child and support their welfare and learning effectively. Children play and learn within a well-resourced and safe environment, with some minor areas for improvement regarding the display of children's work. Staff are well informed of children's starting points, obtained through discussions with parents and focussed observations. Staff plan effectively for children's future learning and development across each of the six areas of learning the majority of the time. The very strong engagement with parents and carers ensure continuity of care and development for children is given a high priority. The setting has developed highly effective and successful liaisons with other settings and agencies. The self-evaluation system identifies strengths and weaknesses and action is taken and monitored to promote the good capacity to improve.

p.4

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

p.4

further?

 improve further children's opportunities to develop their ideas and use their knowledge to solve mathematical problems through their play  improve further the indoor environment to reflect the value placed on children's work and to promote their creativity, originality and expressiveness. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

All staff support that the safeguarding of children is a top priority by implementing highly effective policies and safety procedures. Staff are very well trained in child protection issues and clearly understand the procedures to follow if concerns are raised. The setting's well-established and experienced team are systematically vetted; further promoting children's welfare is safeguarded. Practising effective evacuation procedures enables all staff and children to have knowledge of how to keep safe in an emergency. Staff conduct extensive risk assessments of the premises, off-site visits and of equipment that children may come into contact with, ensuring children's welfare is highly maintained at all times. All of the required documentation that supports children's health, safety and well-being is in place.

p.5

the early years provision

All staff working in the pre-school are committed towards the on-going improvement and all of the recommendations set at the last inspection have been fully addressed. Good working relationships between staff and regular staff meetings promote appropriate provision for all children. Staff have a good understanding of each child's welfare and learning needs and value them as unique individuals. Resources are well organised throughout, promoting children can safely and easily access toys and equipment to initiate their own play and move freely around the pre-school. The pre-school promotes equality and diversity exceptionally well by planning for the individual child, celebrating festivals, arranging visits and developing highly effective partnerships with external agencies and parents. For example, children develop their understanding of different cultures by attending workshops at a museum during "Black History" month and

p.5

the early years provision

celebrate their own and other's heritage at the annual International day.

p.5

the early years provision

The manager is ambitious and has a clear sense of the pre-school's priorities. The staff team are knowledgeable, experienced and work well together to maintain high standards and to drive improvement. A thorough evaluation process occurs through canvassing views from staff, the management committee, parents and children on the quality of provision to meet learning and development needs. Effective plans are implemented to address identified weaknesses through past inspections and support visits from the local authority. For example, the development of the outdoor area ensures children have more opportunities to develop as active and inquisitive learners. All staff have a very professional and caring attitude towards the pre-school, ensuring capacity to improve is strong and that outcomes for children are continuously promoted.

p.5

the early years provision

The pre-school has established many highly effective links with other settings and professional agencies. Staff have an excellent understanding of the systems in place to liaise with other professionals such as, local authority advisers, health professionals and feeder primary schools, ensuring learning, development and welfare needs are successfully promoted for all children. The importance and value of parent partnerships is very strong throughout the pre-school. Parents comment on how highly effective the provision is in meeting their children's needs. Parents This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 contribute exceptionally well to children's learning, sharing knowledge and resources from their own backgrounds. Staff plan interesting visits to places such as the zoo, farm, local sports field and areas around London for families and staff to enjoy together. This demonstrates an exceptional commitment to engagement

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in their environment and confidently move around the pre-school choosing from the accessible resources. The outdoor area is particularly popular with the children and provides a stimulating, well-resourced and rich learning opportunity. However, the indoor environment does not reflect children's creativity, originality and expressiveness through the materials displayed. Children enjoy a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities that cover all areas of learning. Plans are closely linked to children's individual learning patterns, interests and achievements. The learning intentions of what the children are expected to learn in all six areas of learning are made clear.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Staff have a clear respect for the children and they make learning and development for the individual their key focus. Children are inquisitive thinkers, asking staff and visitors questions and are eager to show their achievements to all. They enjoy participating in all activities, particularly role-play and imaginative games. Children become engrossed and actively contribute in group discussions led by staff. For example, when discussing health during snack time children effectively communicate their understanding of the benefits of and preferences for fruit, vegetables and water. Staff promote children learn to take turns, listen and to question other children's comments.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy listening to stories and have access to a wide and diverse range of books, which they demonstrate great interest in. Staff effectively question children to assess their understanding. For example, during a carpet session children respond to questions on the ''Mouse Moves House" story relating their interpretation of events and character preferences. Children are provided with many opportunities and resources to develop their writing skills and some older children are beginning to correctly form letters. Children progress well in their understanding of number and shape, by singing number rhymes, counting pieces of fruit and recognising common shapes. However, opportunities for children to develop their ideas and use their knowledge to solve mathematical problems through their play are not consistent. Children have daily use of some technology using electronic devices such as, computers, cameras, telephones, electrical toys

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's well-being and good health is encouraged throughout the pre-school. They wash their hands after toileting and prior to eating under staff supervision. Children enjoy eating tasty snacks, which are prepared fresh each day and help themselves to fresh drinking water. They make good progress in their physical development and enjoy using a rich variety of equipment to try their skills in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 climbing jumping and balancing. Children are extremely well behaved. They share and collaborate with each other in their play exceptionally well. Staff are very good role models to the children, not only offering them praise and encouragement, but also encouraging them to support each other. Consequently, children of all abilities feel self-assured and enthusiastically participate in the activities on offer. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 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

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.8

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.8

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9