Mulberry Preschool

Mulberry Preschool Mulberry Road, Marchwood, Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 4WB

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 20 March 2015 11 June 2009

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 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

 Children form good relationships with the staff. Staff meet individual children's physical and emotional needs very well, which helps children to feel settled and secure.  The quality of teaching is good, especially the focus on activities about understanding the world. Staff provide a varied range of learning opportunities for children, inside and out, so children are motivated and eager to explore.  Staff are very aware of what children need to learn next and plan activities around children's interests to advance their learning and development, so they make good progress.  Leadership is strong with sound understanding of different aspects of teaching. Leadership checks how children progress, and has priorities to improve that will enhance children's learning and development.  There are good partnerships between parents. Conscientious staff keep parents well informed about their children's progress by using a range of media.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff miss opportunities to encourage children to think critically and predict results, so to promote development with older and more able children.

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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

 provide a range of activities which ensure that children are challenged to solve problems and think independently.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching and the impact this has on children's learning both inside and outdoors.  The inspector spoke to a number of parents during inspection day and took account of their views.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager of an outdoor activity and discussed the outcome.  The inspector checked evidence of the suitability and qualifications of staff working with the children and the pre-school policies.  The inspector spoke to members of staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection and met with the manager of the pre-school to discuss aspects of provision including future development plans.

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who attend. This is good

Staff plan the environment to provide a good range of activities, ensuring coverage across required areas of learning. The recent introduction of a room dedicated to younger children means that staff meet their needs well. All children are skilfully supported by experienced and knowledgeable staff. Staff develop children's speech and language, including those with individual needs. They use opportunities throughout the day to promote communication skills, including in a planned language group. Children enjoy an excellent variety of outdoor opportunities with a covered area, planting and digging areas, as well as space to use the variety of ride-on toys. This develops a positive attitude to outdoor activity and exercise. Staff are fully aware of what each child needs to tackle to make progress, so children develop in-line with expectations for their ages. Staff know about any gaps in learning. Older children gain skills suited to their move to school.

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good

Good arrangements mean staff help children to settle quickly and play well together. Easy access to resources helps children to develop independence. At all times children behave with respect for each other and for the adults present. The environment is kept safe because staff carry out daily checks and have a thorough understanding of how to safeguard children. The pre-school is active in safeguarding children in its care. Staff collect 'About Me' information from parents before children start, so they know and meet children's preferences and requirements. Each child has a special designated person to help them settle and to be a point of contact for parents. The pre-school works effectively to support children with individual needs ensuring they make suitable progress.

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provision is good

The manager has a full understanding of how children learn and develop, and meets the early years requirements. She determines strengths and weaknesses of activities. She knows how to bring about improvements to teaching to promote better outcomes for children. The leadership team has fully addressed recommendations from the previous report. This has led to the staff managing children's behaviour consistently, so improving the provision. The leadership team is constantly seeking to update staff practice with attendance at courses. They pass on information received to other staff, with the result that staff are consistent in their teaching, and remain enthusiastic and keen.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 511344 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 842395 Type of provision Sessional provision Registration category Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 2 - 5 Total number of places 29 Number of children on roll 39 Name of provider Mulberry Pre School Committee Date of previous inspection 11 June 2009 Telephone number 02380 660354

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Setting details

Mulberry Preschool opened in 1991 and registered with Ofsted in 2001. It operates in Marchwood, near Southampton. The pre-school opens five days a week in school terms with daily sessions from 8.30am to 3.30pm. The pre-school is funded to provide some early education to children aged two, three and four years. There are 11 staff and seven of these have relevant early years qualifications.

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Setting details

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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Setting details

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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Setting details

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Setting details

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

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