Denny Primary School Nursery Class Day Care of Children Denny Primary School 40 Duke Street Denny FK6 6NW Telephone:

Transcription

1 Denny Primary School Nursery Class Day Care of Children Denny Primary School 40 Duke Street Denny FK6 6NW Telephone: Inspected by: Mary Soutar Type of inspection: Unannounced Inspection completed on: 11 October 2012

2 Contents Page No Summary 3 1 About the service we inspected 5 2 How we inspected this service 7 3 The inspection 11 4 Other information 23 5 Summary of grades 24 6 Inspection and grading history 24 Service provided by: Falkirk Council Service provider number: SP Care service number: CS Contact details for the inspector who inspected this service: Mary Soutar Telephone enquiries@careinspectorate.com Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 2 of 25

3 Summary This report and grades represent our assessment of the quality of the areas of performance which were examined during this inspection. Grades for this care service may change after this inspection following other regulatory activity. For example, if we have to take enforcement action to make the service improve, or if we investigate and agree with a complaint someone makes about the service. We gave the service these grades Quality of Care and Support 5 Very Good Quality of Environment 5 Very Good Quality of Staffing 5 Very Good Quality of Management and Leadership 5 Very Good What the service does well Children are well cared for within a rich learning environment where their individual needs are recognised and supported. Staff work very effectively in partnership with parents to support their children's learning. As a result parents are very pleased with the service and show a high level of trust and confidence in staff. The enthusiastic and committed staff and supportive management team work well together for the benefit of children and families using the service. What the service could do better The service should continue to build on the existing very good practice established over the year the nursery has been operating. What the service has done since the last inspection Not applicable, this is the first inspection of this service. Conclusion Overall, we found that Denny Primary School Nursery provides a high quality service for children and families. Staff and managers are committed to ongoing evaluation and improvement of the service. They work in partnership with parents and other agencies to support positive outcomes for families. Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 3 of 25

4 Who did this inspection Mary Soutar Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 4 of 25

5 1 About the service we inspected Denny Primary School Nursery class is a Local Authority service based in the heart of the town, providing pre-school and ante pre-school care and education for a maximum of 30 children per session. The nursery was a welcome addition to the school in Children from the age of 3 years attend either morning or afternoon sessions which operate during the following hours: mornings am to am and afternoons pm to 3.00pm. The aims of the nursery include the following: to provide a safe, happy and stimulating learning environment which promotes successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. An ethos of support, challenge and encouragement which allows all to reach their full potential as individuals while raising and maintaining levels of achievement. Develop a relevant and challenging curriculum for all using a wide range of learning and teaching strategies, while promoting collegiality and distributed leadership amongst all. Foster an ethos of achievement and self-discipline which values effort and celebrates success. Develop effective partnerships with parents and the wider community Promote an understanding and respect for all others in our evolving and diverse society As a health promoting school we take a holistic approach to healthy living through all aspects of school life. The Care Inspectorate regulates care services in Scotland. Prior to 1 April 2011, this function was carried out by the Care Commission. Information in relation to all care services is available on our website at This service registered with the Care Inspectorate on 14 November Requirements and recommendations If we are concerned about some aspect of a service, or think it needs to do more to improve, we may make a recommendation or requirement. - A recommendation is a statement that sets out actions the care service provider should take to improve or develop the quality of the service based on best practice or the National Care Standards. Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 5 of 25

6 - A requirement is a statement which sets out what is required of a care service to comply with the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 ("the Act") and secondary legislation made under the Act, or a condition of registration. Where there are breaches of Regulations, Orders or conditions, a requirement may be made. Requirements are legally enforceable at the discretion of the Care Inspectorate." Based on the findings of this inspection this service has been awarded the following grades: Quality of Care and Support - Grade 5 - Very Good Quality of Environment - Grade 5 - Very Good Quality of Staffing - Grade 5 - Very Good Quality of Management and Leadership - Grade 5 - Very Good This report and grades represent our assessment of the quality of the areas of performance which were examined during this inspection. Grades for this care service may change following other regulatory activity. You can find the most up-to-date grades for this service by visiting our website or by calling us on or visiting one of our offices. Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 6 of 25

7 2 How we inspected this service The level of inspection we carried out In this service we carried out a low intensity inspection. We carry out these inspections when we are satisfied that services are working hard to provide consistently high standards of care. What we did during the inspection This report was written following an unannounced inspection. The inspection was carried out by inspector, Mary Soutar on 11 October 2012, between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00pm. Feedback was provided to the Head Teacher, Depute Head Teacher and staff on 11 October As requested by us, the service sent us an annual return. The service also sent us a self-assessment form. We issued a total of 24 care service questionnaires to families using the service, 18 of which were completed and returned before the inspection. During this inspection, we gathered evidence from various sources, including relevant sections of policies, procedures, records and other documents, including: Attendance Records Welcome/information Brochures School Improvement Plan Planning, monitoring and evaluation documentation Health and safety records Registration Certificate Children's learning journals Individual Learning Plans Accident and incident records Completed questionnaires distributed by the service with feedback and actions taken Comments from parents with feedback provided Care Standards Questionnaires Displays and other examples of children's work. Newsletters Discussion with various people including: The Depute Head Teacher Senior Early Years Officer Early Years Officer Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 7 of 25

8 12 children 10 Parents/Carers. We observed how staff worked with the children in the nursery. We also examined the environment and the equipment used in the service. Grading the service against quality themes and statements We inspect and grade elements of care that we call 'quality themes'. For example, one of the quality themes we might look at is 'Quality of care and support'. Under each quality theme are 'quality statements' which describe what a service should be doing well for that theme. We grade how the service performs against the quality themes and statements. Details of what we found are in Section 3: The inspection Inspection Focus Areas (IFAs) In any year we may decide on specific aspects of care to focus on during our inspections. These are extra checks we make on top of all the normal ones we make during inspection. We do this to gather information about the quality of these aspects of care on a national basis. Where we have examined an inspection focus area we will clearly identify it under the relevant quality statement. Fire safety issues We do not regulate fire safety. Local fire and rescue services are responsible for checking services. However, where significant fire safety issues become apparent, we will alert the relevant fire and rescue services so they may consider what action to take. You can find out more about care services' responsibilities for fire safety at Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 8 of 25

9 The annual return Every year all care services must complete an 'annual return' form to make sure the information we hold is up to date. We also use annual returns to decide how we will inspect the service. Annual Return Received: No Comments on Self Assessment Every year all care services must complete a 'self assessment' form telling us how their service is performing. We check to make sure this assessment is accurate. The Care Inspectorate received a completed self assessment document from the provider. We were satisfied with the relevant information they gave us for each of the headings that we grade them under. The service provider identified what they did well, some areas for development and improvements they planned. Taking the views of people using the care service into account Children present during the inspection were confident and relaxed in their surroundings and in their relationships with staff. They were fully occupied in a wide range of activities and some happily shared with the Inspector their favourite activities and learning journals. Comments included, 'I like playing on the pirate ship with my friend.' 'I know my numbers...see I can count the buns!' 'I am taking the wood over there 'cause I'm building with my friend...i've got my tools' 'I like the teachers...they are nice and they help me.' Taking carers' views into account Of the parents who participated in the inspection by completing questionnaires, 15 of the 18 who responded were very happy overall with the quality of service their child receives. The remaining three were happy overall. Parents who spoke with us during the inspection were without exception very satisfied with the all aspects of the service. A number of them were particularly complimentary about the staff and the support they provide. Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 9 of 25

10 Comments include; ''I have been very impressed with all aspects of the nursery and school. I have been kept informed about my child's progress and how this relates to the Curriculum for excellence. The teachers are excellent and very willing to share information at any time. I am delighted with my child's development since starting nursery and all my interactions have been positive.' 'The Head Teacher and Depute Head Teacher are very visible and approachable...and the school and nursery has a real sense of identity and I am proud to be part of it.' 'My child has had problems settling...key worker has been fantastic...helping us with ideas for home. Great teacher really approachable.' 'This nursery is great my child really enjoys it. They learn a lot.' 'A terrific start to the new nursery. I only have positive things to say about the nursery and staff.' 'I am very happy with my child's progress... staff are approachable and helpful and my child has developed a great and positive relationship with all the staff. I also appreciate that parents are involved in activities (where possible and appropriate) e.g walks to the woods.' 'Since opening in October 2011, Denny Nursery has provided a safe and stimulating environment for my child. I have seen him become more confident in himself and her really enjoys his time with the staff.' 'I am kept well informed at all times. The staff are all very friendly and helpful.' 'The staff are very enthusiastic in teaching the children and giving them a wide range of activities and experiences. They have taken on board lots of comments from parents/carers and built the quality of the service. They are open with parents who have problems or queries about their children and are always happy to help.' 'Overall highly impressed!' Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 10 of 25

11 3 The inspection We looked at how the service performs against the following quality themes and statements. Here are the details of what we found. Quality Theme 1: Quality of Care and Support Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of the care and support provided by the service. Service strengths We found that the nursery has a very good approach to involving children and families in assessing and influencing the quality of care and support provided to their children, the environment in which they are cared for, the staff who look after their children and the overall management and leadership. We saw a range of methods being used to share information and gather the views of both children and parents. This includes, A range of written and verbal information provided during the enrolment process and on the school website. Daily informal contact with parents during which information is routinely shared. Regular telephone calls to parents unable to attend the nursery on a daily basis. Displays sharing a wide range of information about the work of the nursery, children's learning and the ways parents can be involved. This includes, plans for activities and outings, current topics and photographs of children at play with comments made by them. Monthly newsletters with a range of relevant information such as feedback on consultations and action taken as a result of feedback from parents. In addition a parent's page suggests activities they may enjoy with their child that link to topics being explored within the nursery. Open days, parents evenings, meet the teacher evenings and coffee groups. A well used Comment Box with written feedback on actions taken. Parent Council and Parent Teacher Association Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 11 of 25

12 Digital photographs in the reception area allowing parents to see photographs of their children at play. Parents tell us that having this variety of ways in which to be involved gives them choice and enables them to participate in a way which suits them. Parents are very complimentary about the nursery and the support from staff. They tell us the nursery has an 'Open Door Policy' and they are always made very welcome. They also say they are fully involved in the development of the service and that their ideas and opinions are welcome and valued. They gave us examples of how they influence practice. This included, making suggestions about the organisation of welcome time and contributing to the development and revision of policies and procedures such as the Enrolment and Settling in Policy and Procedure. Comments include: 'I have used other nurseries but feel really involved here, it's brilliant! ' 'I love it - the staff are so approachable!' 'They really value what we have to say!' 'The information they give us is really useful and they always make you feel very welcome.' Staff routinely consult with children using a variety of methods including mind mapping, talking tubs, floor books and discussions. This helps stimulate children's thoughts and interests. Through effective questioning they find out about the children's knowledge and identify what they would like to know about their chosen topic. Children also participate in developing the snack menu. Staff use this opportunity to help children understand the value of healthy eating and lifestyles. Areas for improvement Staff plan to continue to develop opportunities for children and families to contribute to the ongoing assessment and development of the nursery. It is also the intention of nursery staff to take over responsibility for updating their area of the school website to keep it current and informative for parents. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Inspection report continued Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 12 of 25

13 Statement 3 We ensure that service users' health and wellbeing needs are met. Service strengths Inspection report continued The quality of care and wellbeing provided for children is very good. The shared values of the staff team promote a high quality caring and learning environment. During the induction process the nursery gathers comprehensive information about children including personal and medical details, interests, likes and dislikes. Staff also consult new parents and obtain permission for a variety of activities, events and outings, such as the weekly outing to the woods. Having key workers helps the formation of relationships between staff, children and parents during the introductory period. Families tell us they have established very positive relationships with staff and can talk with them about any concerns they may have. One parent said 'the staff have gone above and beyond' and 'have been fantastic' in supporting her and her family. Another parent told us how well staff have got to know her children individually, recognising their different personalities and needs. Effective record keeping helps staff highlight and support children's developmental needs and achievements. This assists in identifying and supporting their next steps in learning and any barriers which may exist. This contributes positively to the children's experiences when at the nursery. For example, staff are developing visual timetables for some children to help them make better use of all areas of the nursery. Other children are benefiting from weekly CHAT sessions run by staff with the support and guidance of the Speech and Language service. This helps staff identify children who would benefit from individual support from this service. Management and staff have established effective partnerships with a range of agencies to enable families to get any individual support they may require. This means children have access to the support they need to make progress and achieve learning targets. Staff within the nursery are taking the lead on outdoor learning for the school. They recognise and value the place of active learning in children's development and well being and provide daily learning and development opportunities outdoors. They use these opportunities effectively to extend learning on current topics such as pirates. Children's portfolios are shared with parents regularly through formal and informal meetings, written reports and transition records. Parents confirm staff work effectively with them and value their opinions. This provides further evidence of staff commitment to working in partnership with parents to achieve positive learning outcomes for children. Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 13 of 25

14 Policies, procedures and guidance are in place to support the administration of medication and the recording of accidents. Records and discussion with staff confirm they follow these closely to support the health and wellbeing of children in their care. A comprehensive child protection policy and procedure is in place and parents are informed of this through the information booklet. The Head Teacher is the Child Protection Co-ordinator and staff are clear about their role and responsibilities with regard to protecting children. Staff accessed training on Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC), a Government initiative. They are familiar with the details that support this approach and are using this model to help them support children and their families. All of the parents who completed our Care Standards Questionnaires indicated that they agreed or strongly agreed and are confident that staff will protect their child from harm, abuse, bullying and neglect. This was also reflected in our discussions with parents, all of whom had a high level of trust in staff. Areas for improvement Staff plan to involve parents further in the day to day work of the nursery by involving them in the daily tooth brushing programme. Having developed the 'Golden Rules' with children, staff plan to work with children and parents to develop a Positive Behaviour Policy. Plans are in place to extend and develop the areas available to children for outdoor learning. They also plan to purchase additional resources to support physical activity both indoors and out. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 14 of 25

15 Quality Theme 2: Quality of Environment Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of the environment within the service. Service strengths We found that both children and parents have very good opportunities to be involved in assessing and improving the quality of environment and resources. Parents tell us they are able to make suggestions about all aspects of the nursery including the environment and resources. One parent told us that her suggestion for reducing congestion at dropping off time resulted in a change in practice. Children are encouraged to learn about and care for their environment. They are encouraged to learn caring for the environment and recycling. They are encouraged to be helpful and responsible within the nursery environment. They took care of their toys and equipment and tidied up at different points in the day. Staff involve children in choosing resources and equipment through discussion and taking account of individual interests. They provide suitable resources to extend learning taking account of children's views. Further evidence for this statement is included under Quality Theme 1, statement 1. Areas for improvement Please also refer to areas for improvement within Quality Theme 1, statement 1. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 15 of 25

16 Statement 2 We make sure that the environment is safe and service users are protected. Service strengths Inspection report continued We sampled a range of evidence that included policies, procedures and records. We looked around the play area and observed how staff and children use the space and resources. We found that overall performance in this area is very good. We found that children benefit from being cared for within a bright, warm, welcoming, safe and secure environment. Their art work is attractively displayed within the playroom and reception areas. This promotes children's sense of belonging in the nursery and shows them their work and achievements are valued. Staff monitor children's use of the play areas and adapt and add resources to support children's interest and learning. The creation of a pirate ship was proving a particular favourite during the inspection visit. Space is used effectively to enable children to play individually, or in small or larger groups. This helps them to develop confidence in different play situations and to share common interests. Very good arrangements are in place for managing the security, safety and well being of children attending, for example, A framework of policies and procedures which staff follow and implement Records of attendance and fire drill A series of risk assessments undertaken annually by the Head Teacher and Janitor help ensure that ongoing safety precautions are monitored and effectively managed. Staff risk assessments for outings Evidence that staff follow good practice in relation to infection control, including food preparation, toileting and the management of illness. Children are encouraged to learn about hand washing and being safe and healthy. The above systems are used effectively to support children's safety and well being while in the nursery. Areas for improvement Although staff have access to warm water within the kitchen area, both staff and children would benefit from having access to warm water at the playroom sinks. The Head Teacher tells us this is in their plan for improvement. Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 16 of 25

17 As previously highlighted the nursery is promoting outdoor learning. They therefore plan to develop an outdoor classroom for children. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 17 of 25

18 Quality Theme 3: Quality of Staffing Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of staffing in the service. Service strengths We found that overall performance in relation to this statement is very good. Parents tell us they are very happy with the quality of staff in the nursery and would have no hesitation in discussing any issues with any member of the staff team or the management. Parents have the opportunity to participate in assessing and improving the quality of staff in the ways mentioned in Quality Theme 1, statement 1. Areas for improvement Within the self assessment the service identified their plan to evaluate the use of staff including supply staff with parents, children and outside agencies. Please also refer to areas for improvement within Quality Theme 1, statement 1. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of recommendations: 0 Number of requirements: 0 Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 18 of 25

19 Statement 3 We have a professional, trained and motivated workforce which operates to National Care Standards, legislation and best practice. Service strengths Inspection report continued The service demonstrates very good methods to ensure that staff are professional, trained and motivated. We found that children are very well cared for by an enthusiastic, experienced, professional, trained and motivated staff team. They use their skills and experience very effectively to support positive outcomes for children. Staff are registered with the Scottish Social services Council and are supported to access relevant ongoing professional development. They regularly attend in service and twilight training courses to support them in their work. Being an integral part of the school gives nursery staff the opportunity to participate in whole school initiatives and in some instances take a lead role. For example the Senior Early Years Officer is leading on the development of Outdoor Learning for the school. Staff are well supported by the management team, visiting specialists and the support for learning teacher to further develop their knowledge and expertise. They are fully involved in the development and review of Individual Education Plans where it has been identified this will be of benefit to children. Staff attend regular meetings which provide them with the opportunity to undertake planning, discuss operational matters and share best practice. They are enthusiastic about new initiatives and participated in the pilot of Learning Journals within Falkirk Council. As a result they make effective use of this tool to support children's learning and development. Staff work effectively as a team, supporting both children and students to achieve positive outcomes from their placement. Staff have established very good relationships with children and their families. Parents tell us that staff work with them to provide advice and support in relation to children's welfare, development and learning. They tell us that staff welcome their suggestions and act on them. Parents were without exception very complimentary about staff and their commitment to working with them and involving them in the work of the nursery. They describe staff as 'fantastic' and 'so helpful, caring and understanding'. Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 19 of 25

20 Areas for improvement Since the nursery opened last year, staff have not participated in a formal review or appraisal. This is due to changes to the system being rolled out within the authority. A pilot project is currently underway involving senior staff. However, the Depute Head Teacher tells us it is their intention to carry out formal meetings with staff over the coming term to provide them with feedback on their work and discuss their continuing professional development. Staff say they are routinely provided with informal feedback by both the Head Teacher and the Depute Head Teacher. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 20 of 25

21 Quality Theme 4: Quality of Management and Leadership Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of the management and leadership of the service. Service strengths Nursery parents are able to participate in assessing and improving the quality of management and leadership through involvement in the Parent Council and/or Parent Teachers Association. In addition they can participate in the ways documented within Quality Theme 1, statement 1. Areas for improvement Within the self assessment document the service identified their intention to distribute a questionnaire to enable parents to comment specifically on the quality of management and leadership. Please also refer to areas for improvement within Quality Theme 1, statement 1. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 21 of 25

22 Statement 4 We use quality assurance systems and processes which involve service users, carers, staff and stakeholders to assess the quality of service we provide Service strengths Inspection report continued The Head Teacher has overall responsibility for the nursery with management support and curriculum guidance routinely provided by the Depute Head Teacher. This includes ongoing involvement in planning and evaluation of children's learning. The Head Teacher is well known to the children through his regular visits to the nursery. This allows him to observe the interaction between staff and children and monitor the ongoing work of the nursery. From discussion with senior staff and examination of records we consider the nursery has very good systems for ongoing monitoring, audit and evaluation. This includes, regular monitoring of children's learning journals monitoring of the school improvement plan questionnaires, review sheets and parents comments routinely used to improve the service ongoing self evaluation using Child at the Centre 2, National Care Standards and nursery self evaluation pack. Information gathered through quality assurance processes is routinely used to inform and develop the service. As a result parents are very happy with the quality of the service and feel staff are genuinely interested in their views and suggestions. Parents tell us they would not hesitate to speak with nursery staff, the Head Teacher or the Depute Head Teacher if they had concerns as they are all 'very approachable'. However parents were very keen to tell us they have 'absolutely no complaints' and are 'very happy with the service'. Areas for improvement The Head Teacher and Depute plan to further develop systems for the ongoing monitoring of the work of the nursery. This includes monitoring the development of specific areas such as outdoor play, staffing, leadership and management. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 22 of 25

23 4 Other information Complaints No complaints have been upheld, or partially upheld, since the last inspection. Enforcements We have taken no enforcement action against this care service since the last inspection. Additional Information N/A Action Plan Failure to submit an appropriate action plan within the required timescale, including any agreed extension, where requirements and recommendations have been made, will result in SCSWIS re-grading the Quality Statement within the Management and Leadership Theme as unsatisfactory (1). This will result in the Quality Theme for Management and Leadership being re-graded as Unsatisfactory (1). Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 23 of 25

24 5 Summary of grades Quality of Care and Support Very Good Statement 1 Statement Very Good 5 - Very Good Quality of Environment Very Good Statement 1 Statement Very Good 5 - Very Good Quality of Staffing Very Good Statement 1 Statement Very Good 5 - Very Good Quality of Management and Leadership Very Good Statement 1 Statement Very Good 5 - Very Good 6 Inspection and grading history All inspections and grades before 1 April 2011 are those reported by the former regulator of care services, the Care Commission. Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 24 of 25

25 To find out more about our inspections and inspection reports Read our leaflet 'How we inspect'. You can download it from our website or ask us to send you a copy by telephoning us on This inspection report is published by the Care Inspectorate. You can get more copies of this report and others by downloading it from our website: or by telephoning Translations and alternative formats This inspection report is available in other languages and formats on request. Telephone: enquiries@careinspectorate.com Web: Denny Primary School Nursery Class, page 25 of 25