Skylarks Pre-School Ltd

Skylarks Pre-School Ltd Village Hall, Magdalen Road, Tilney St. Lawrence, KING'S LYNN, Norfolk, PE34 4RF

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 3 February 2015 14 November 2011

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Satisfactory 3 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is good

 The quality of teaching is good. Staff have a secure understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. They provide a wide range of resources and experiences, which they base on children's interests and individual learning needs. As a result, children are enthusiastic, active learners who are keen to explore and investigate.  Children settle quickly as they are happy and relaxed in the warm and welcoming environment. Strong partnerships with parents ensure children's well-being is successfully maintained and their learning is fully supported.  Arrangements for safeguarding children are effective. The clear policies and procedures are implemented well to ensure children are kept safe at all times.  Leadership and management are very strong at the pre-school. There is a clear vision for continuous improvement through very effective self-evaluation. They fully involve

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This provision is good

parents and children in influencing improvements.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The educational programmes for the older and more able children do not always challenge their thinking and knowledge to their fullest potential.  Management do not always maximise the already good monitoring of staff performance to consider in more detail the impact staff practice has on children's learning.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 extend and further develop the already good provision for older children to continually challenge them and maximise their learning  enhance further performance management procedures, to ensure that the good quality teaching continues and that information gained from peer observations is used to shape staffs' professional development in the future.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the play area inside as well as the outside play space.  The inspector spoke to members of staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection and held a meeting with the manager and owner of the pre-school.  The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day of the inspection.  The inspector looked at children's records, planning documentation, evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school and a range of other documentation, including self-evaluation and policies and procedures to safeguard children's welfare.

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who attend. This is good

Staff are enthusiastic in their approach and make the activities they provide fun. They assess and monitor each child's achievements to ensure they are progressing well, helping to highlight any gaps in their learning. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals to support and promote each child's learning needs, ensuring all children make good progress in relation to their starting points. Good arrangements are in place to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language. Children's developing language is well supported; staff engage them in conversation, extending their play by introducing new words and phrases. Staff provide opportunities for children to develop their skills in preparation for school. They practise their early writing skills, count and learn how to listen and concentrate. However, staff do not consistently offer more structured, adult-led activities, to challenge

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who attend. This is good

the older and more able children and promote their learning to the highest level.

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good

Children enjoy their time at this very welcoming and supportive pre-school. New children and parents are well supported by staff to ensure a successful settling-in period that is tailored to the needs of each child and family. As a result, children settle very well, become confident and secure, and successfully move forward in their learning. Staff encourage children's good behaviour, confidence and self-esteem by praising them and recognising their achievements. Children learn about staying healthy as they are provided with healthy snacks. Good hygiene routines are encouraged as children learn why they must wash their hands before eating. Children take part in a variety of activities outside, which supports their physical development and provides them with regular fresh air and exercise. They are encouraged to keep themselves safe through everyday routines and activities, such holding scissors safely and walking, instead of running, indoors.

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provision is good

The manager and staff place high priority on children's safety. They have completed relevant safeguarding training and there are clear policies and guidelines to support them in understanding the procedures to follow should they have concerns about a child in their care. The manager uses her knowledge, experience and skills to lead the staff team and continually enhance their practice. She regularly monitors all aspects of the provision, including staff performance. However, this could be further enhanced by focusing in more detail on the quality of teaching and the impact that this has on children's learning, to support all staff's professional development. Parents speak positively about the pre-school and report that their children are making good progress and they feel well informed. The pre-school has made links with local schools, and staff work closely with them to support children in readiness for their move to full-time education.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY428394 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 870322

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Type of provision

Registration category Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 0 - 5 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 30 Name of provider Sky Larks Pre-School Limited Date of previous inspection 14 November 2011 Telephone number 07887757704

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Type of provision

Skylarks Pre-School Ltd re-registered in 2011 under new management. The pre-school employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and 3. In addition, the manager holds an early years degree. The pre-school opens on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday during school term times. Sessions are from 9.15am until 3pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Type of provision

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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.

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Type of provision

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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