The new integrated inspections aim to simplify and rationalise the inspection process by co-ordinating visits from the Care Commission's inspectors and HM Inspectorate of Education (News, 12 September 2002).
Providers' annual inspections will cover provision of both education and care in relation to the national care standards. HMI does not intend to increase the frequency of full-scale, education-led inspections, which have been carried out every five years.
The pilot inspections focused on six of the national care standards for early education and childcare (see table) and related quality indicators, and the reports are structured accordingly, with a section given to each standard followed by a consideration of key strengths and recommendations for improvement. The pilot inspections included both state and private nursery provision, and the reports on the settings were generally positive.
Hozier Nursery School in Uddingston, North Lanarkshire, was praised highly for its support and links to families. The report said that 'parents were encouraged and supported to take an active part in the nursery and their children's learning.' This included a scheme for children to borrow bags of books and games to take home. The inspectors commended 'the high quality of children's experiences with staff providing very good programmes in the key aspects of development and learning'.
Children at Erskine Community Nursery in Renfrewshire 'were highly motivated and concentrated well during their play'. Staff were praised for their teamwork and commitment. Inspectors said the programme for emotional, personal and social development was very good and noted that children were learning about healthy eating and simple hygiene rules.
Inspectors also praised the support given to children and families at First Nursery, Peebles, in the Scottish Borders. The nursery keeps daily files on all children under two which parents are able to access easily. The report said, 'The nursery offered good continuity of care and handled children's transition from stage to stage sensitively.' Key strengths were 'the very good programmes offered by staff in emotional, personal and social development, communication and language and expressive and aesthetic development.'
Inspectors at Torry Nursery in Aberdeen found that the accommodation and outdoor play area 'provided a safe, clean and stimulating environment' and that children took part in 'regular energetic play' inside and in the nursery garden. Staff provided a variety of activities to develop children's natural curiosity and awareness of the local area.
The manager of Four Seasons Nursery in the city of Glasgow was commended for her leadership. Inspectors said, 'She was strongly committed to the nursery and shared her vision for its future development clearly with nursery staff.' The report commended the communications and language programme and said that the children talked confidently with other children and with adults.
Full reports are available to view at www.hmie.gov.ukand www.carecommission.com.
National Care Standard Child at the Centre Quality Indicator
2 a safe environment resources
4 engaging with children development and learning through play
5 quality of experience curriculum; children's development and learning
6 support and development support for children and families
12 confidence in staff ethos; resources
144 well-managed services management, leadership and quality assurance
