Thorngumbald Preschool

Thorngumbald Pre-School Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 314749 Inspection date 24/11/2011 Inspector Jackie Phillips

p.1

Setting address Village Hall, Main Road, CAMERTON, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU12 9NG Telephone number 07745 081096 Email deniseatthorn@hotmail.co.uk 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.

p.1

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.2

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

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

Thorngumbald Pre-School is managed by a voluntary committee. It registered in 1993 and is well established within the local community. The provision operates from the Village Hall in Thorngumbald, near to Camerton within the East Riding of Yorkshire. Children use a main play room and a smaller, adjacent classroom. Kitchen and toilet facilities are provided. There are enclosed outdoor play areas.

p.4

Description of the setting

The group is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of 37 children under five years. No children may attend that are under the age of two. There are currently 51 children on roll attending for a variety of sessions. Children with special educational needs are welcomed and supported. There are 14 staff employed at the setting the majority of whom hold recognised childcare qualifications. Volunteer helpers often attend during each session. The provision is open between Monday to Friday, term time only from 9am until 12noon. Each Tuesday and Wednesday hours of operation are increased to offer afternoon sessions between 1pm until 3pm. This is a flexible arrangement to include a lunch club if required. The setting is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance.

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

Children make good progress in their learning. This is because they are provided with a varied and interesting range of activities that take place indoors and outside. Their individual needs are effectively met by caring adults who work successfully and in very close partnership with parents and other agencies. Those in charge have an accurate understanding of the strengths of the provision and a positive commitment to tackle areas for improvement. Recommendations raised at the last inspection have been well addressed particularly improving children's safety.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 enhance opportunities for children to make independent choices and decisions regarding the range of resources available  expand ways in which parents are kept informed and involved, particularly regarding daily/weekly activities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Adults and volunteer helpers who work with the children are suitable to do so because they are appropriately checked. The manager makes sure of their continuing suitability through annual appraisals and knowing her team very well. Adults know the action to take if concerns are raised about a child's health or safety as they attend training that includes paediatric first aid and safeguarding children. This is appropriately supported by access to a range of written information that includes designated procedures and contact details of local agencies. Well-established links with other professionals concerned with the welfare and well-being of young children are established. For example, social workers and health visitors. When parents and children arrive at and depart from the setting, robust operational arrangements make certain there is no unauthorised entry or that children cannot leave unsupervised. Risk assessments

p.5

the early years provision

are used to identify potential hazards inside and outdoors. There is a high ratio of adults to children consistently maintained. This effectively supports children's learning but also keeps them safe and secure.

p.5

the early years provision

The main playroom is very well prepared prior to children's arrival. The staff team are all aware of their specific responsibilities contributing to efficient and effective organisation. Parents and children are warmly greeted. Staff are sympathetic to the needs of young children and their parents and help them very well to overcome any anxieties. Parents spoken to at the time of the inspection wholeheartedly comment on the friendliness of the team, their capacity to be extremely helpful and approachable and their tireless support. There is an overall varied range of information available for parents to access helping them keep informed and updated. For example, this includes newsletters, informal discussions and excellent information contained within the settings prospectus. Details about the daily and weekly activities planned and organised for children is available but information is not easy to find. Staff value working with other partners and

p.5

the early years provision

providers making a strong contribution to children's achievement and well-being.

p.5

the early years provision

Interesting pictures, posters and some attractive wall displays contribute very well towards making the environment welcoming and conducive to learning. This is despite the challenges and barriers of the group using a shared facility. Space is used very well and there is a broad selection of good quality resources. Not all are readily available for children, although during teach session there are opportunities for them to make some choices about the toys and equipment they wish to use. Children's progress is closely and effectively monitored on a regular basis. Assessment through a variety of high quality observations is rigorous and information gained used very effectively to guide planning. Teaching is rooted in expert knowledge and a secure understanding of how all children learn and progress. This includes the more and less able children and those who require additional or individual support.

p.5

the early years provision

The provision is long established within the local area serving many families for a number of years. This forms part of the ethos of the group and a strong community spirit is clearly evident. For example, many staff members commenced This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 as volunteer helpers and have progressed to achieve relevant childcare qualifications now recognised as a valuable member of the staff team. Self- evaluation includes the ideas and opinions of staff, parents and children. The group wishes to be the 'best they can be' and have high aspirations for the future. They are confident in what they do well and what they need to do to improve further.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The majority of children enter the setting enthusiastically showing they are pleased to be there. Some younger ones, new to the group, get upset when they separate from their parents but soon adjust and settle. In the main children are familiar with the routine and layout and move around freely and with confidence. Good presentation and organisation of many of the toys, resources and focussed learning areas means children are well equipped to make some informed and independent choices. This helps them feel valued, increases their confidence and self-esteem and promotes a sense of belonging. Children are active and inquisitive learners. They take part in activities willingly and can concentrate for sustained periods of time. For example, when using the programmable equipment, learning to use the controls and observing the direction the car takes along the paper. They correctly identify the names of shapes and find their name cards as they self-

p.6

and outcomes for children

register. Good emphasis is placed on developing children's communication skills through conversation, discussion and using sign language.

p.6

and outcomes for children

On the day of the inspection the adjacent room usually used to provide alternative activities, often for the older children, was not in use. This was because a community group regularly visits the setting providing additional play events. Children are keen to get involved and experience biscuit decorating, physical play resources and observe the different colours of the bubble tube. They celebrate a varied range of festivals throughout the year. For example, Chinese New Year involves tasting authentic food. They practice traditional songs to be sung alongside their parents around the Christmas tree growing in the garden. They particularly like to sing with gusto a favourite part of 'five gold rings' within the Twelve days of Christmas performance. Frequent walks around the local community helps children understand the society in which they live. For instance, they go to see the local alpacas and donkeys. Visitors include professionals and

p.6

and outcomes for children

parents to share their skills and experiences with children. This includes the local community police, fire service, a nurse and a chef. Outings to the local school are arranged and teachers visit the group supporting children as they prepare to transfer to their next setting.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Frequent access to outdoor play in the fresh air benefits children's health and well- being. They are able to practise and refine physical skills as they climb and balance along the super wooden apparatus known as the 'play trail'. They take part in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 growing activities during the better weather and enjoy climbing in the sand box to dig with spades and fill the buckets. Snack times include healthy options such as slices of bread and butter followed by a variety of pieces of fresh fruit. Children sit well at the table and patiently wait their turn. They are beginning to understand and take some responsibility for their own safety. For example, they help to clear away after themselves at tidy time and practice evacuating the building during fire drills. Children are busy, interested, involved and well occupied and because of this

p.6

and outcomes for children

their behaviour is exemplary. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

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 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 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