Hanover Playschool at Priory Heights

Hanover Playschool at Priory Heights Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY426616 Inspection date 12/12/2011 Inspector Seema Parmar

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Setting address Priory Heights, Wynford Road, London, N1 9SG

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Telephone number 07731 303 298 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.

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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

Hanover Playschool at Priory Heights has been established since 2003 and re- registered in 2011 due to a change of premises. The setting is managed by a voluntary management committee. The setting operates from a self-contained premise in the grounds of a housing estate in the Priory Green area of the London Borough of Islington. Children have access to a purpose built environment that is organised to meet the needs of children according to their age groups. Children have access to an outdoor play area. The setting is open between 9.15 am and 3.30pm during term time, offering a combination of part and full time sessions. There are currently 13 children in the early years on roll. The setting supports children with special needs and/or disabilities and also English as an additional language.

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Description of the setting

A maximum of 20 children in the early years age group may attend at any one time. The setting is registered on the Early Years Register. The setting employs four staff, including the manager, all holding appropriate early years qualifications. The setting receives support from the Local Authority advisory team.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The setting provides a warm, nurturing and inclusive environment where children are settled and happy. Generally, staff support children very well to engage and participate in the wide range of activities and resources available. Although children are making good progress in their learning and development, the setting has yet to fully establish effective systems for using key words from children's different home languages, in order to further develop their speaking and language skills. Partnership with parents ensures children's individual needs are met very effectively. The setting demonstrates a strong commitment in continuing to develop practices, by working with the local early year's advisory team to identify priorities for further development, in order to improve outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 review the organisation of staffing arrangements to meet the individual needs of all children, with particular regard during clearing or tidy up times  display of a list of key words from children's different home languages and use this to further develop their language and communication skills. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The setting has in place good procedures to ensure children's safety and welfare. Staff demonstrate good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children including their roles and responsibilities in reporting concerns. Staff are vigilant in carrying out regular risk assessments and daily safety checks to ensure that children are safe in all areas of the setting. Staff supervise children's activities very well and through vigilance and their explanations, help children appreciate the risks that are present in their day-to-day lives. Resources are good, fit for purpose and able to support children's learning and development. The learning environment is rich in signs, symbols, books, pictures, photographs, and a wealth of resources that take into account children's different interests, understandings, home backgrounds and cultures.

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the early years provision

Comprehensive records, policies and procedures are in place which are shared well with parents and reflect current legislation. For example, parents provide written consent for medical emergency treatment, which is essential for the event of any child needing medical attention.

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the early years provision

The leadership and management of the provision is good. Clear communication between management and the staff team means that good practice is shared and encouraged. Ongoing reflective practice enhances children's welfare and results in a highly focused and motivated staff team. The setting has a positive approach towards ongoing improvement of the provision and their self-evaluation reflects the service provided. Equality and diversity are threaded through many activities, so that children are gaining a strong awareness of the needs of others.

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the early years provision

Through discussion, the manager demonstrates a clear understanding of the need to develop effective links with other professionals, when the need arises. This includes the local authority advisory team and local schools to help support children, as they move on from the setting. For example, the setting welcomes teachers from local schools to come and meet the children at the setting, to promote continuity of care and learning.

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the early years provision

The setting works effectively in partnership with parents. Parents are provided with regular newsletters, to keep them well informed about future plans and events. Staff ensure that parents provide detailed written information about their children's individual needs, including special dietary requirements. There are informative parents' notice boards in the reception area, which provide information about the Early Years Foundation Stage, policies and procedures and children's photographs relating to the different areas of learning. Parents are very happy that their children are happy and making good progress; they receive regular feedback on their children's development and say the nursery provides extremely good care for their children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress, in all areas of learning and development and are having lots of fun. Staff structure the day flexibly and make full use of the indoor and outdoor environment, in order to maximise opportunities for children's progress and enjoyment. The quality of planning for individuals is carefully informed through regular observations of children, during play and information sought from parents. Staff progress children on effectively in their learning, through the use of a comprehensive system of observations, reflections and planning. The system of daily planning works well, in following up children's individual interests and next steps, throughout the week. Children with additional needs are supported well, as staff thoughtfully plan activities to encourage all children to reach their full potential.

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and outcomes for children

Staff are very kind and caring. Children form secure attachments with staff, who spend time supporting them. However, occasionally, the daily routine dominates the session and results in some children missing opportunities, to fully engage with the range of activities on offer.

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and outcomes for children

Children's sense of belonging and security is well promoted, as photographs of themselves are displayed throughout the nursery. Children look at books for pleasure, with good support from staff. Children are developing their early writing skills, as they have suitable opportunities to write for different purposes and have good access to a range of writing resources, which they select independently. However, some children miss opportunities to fully develop their communication and language skills, as systems for key words in their home languages are not fully in place. Children learn to build and construct, as they explore and investigate how tools work. For example, they play with 'small world' tools, such as a workbench, using screwdrivers, spanners, nuts, bolts, and hammers, to join and fix things together. Children have great fun, joining with card making activities for the festive season, sticking shiny and glittery bits to a cut out Christmas tree. They have fun

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and outcomes for children

playing with a musical Santa and snowman, with staff joining in dancing and singing, all creating a cheerful and festive atmosphere. Children also engage in a good range of activities and experiences to help support their understanding of diversity, as they celebrate different cultural festivals, such as Eid, Diwali and Hanukkah. Experiences, resources and interaction from the staff help children develop skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning how to keep themselves safe. For example, staff supervise and give gentle reminders to play safely. Children learn how to keep safe in the event of a fire, as they routinely practise the evacuation procedures.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy snacks that are healthy, nutritious and support their individual dietary needs. In the main, children bring packed lunches from home. The setting encourages healthy eating by providing information for parents on the notice board, of what to include in a healthy lunch box. Meal times are a social occasion, as children and staff sit together chatting as they eat. Children have access to fresh drinking water, which they can help themselves to when they are thirsty. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Hygiene procedures are thorough, as everyone entering the nursery remove outdoor shoes, therefore, preventing the spread of infection. Children develop their understanding of personal hygiene and wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Staff have current first aid certificates and are fully informed and aware of the accident and medication procedures. Children have daily access to

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and outcomes for children

outdoor play, for fresh air and exercise. They run, jump, climb and develop their large muscle skills, as they use the various apparatus in the outdoor area. As a result, this promotes children's good health.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is very good and show that they are happy and settled. Children listen to instructions, learn to share, take turns, and build friendships with their peers. Staff continually praise and encourage children, which promotes their self-esteem. 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 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

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Stage

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

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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

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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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