Southminster Pre-School Learning Alliance

Southminster Pre-School Learning Alliance Southminster Primary School, Burnham Road, SOUTHMINSTER, Essex, CM0 7ES

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 16 June 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

 The quality of teaching is good. Practitioners understand how children learn and plan an exciting range of learning experiences. Children are keen, motivated and interested in learning.  Accurate and precise assessment provides key persons with a secure knowledge of each child's progress. Parents are encouraged to view their children's development records and contribute to their future planning.  Children settle quickly into the pre-school learning alliance and form close and caring relationships with their key person. Practitioners skilfully promote children's emotional development, through affectionate interaction and by creating a warm, caring and secure environment.  Children are effectively protected from harm. Practitioners are knowledgeable about the signs of abuse. They have clear policies to follow with regards to referring their concerns to the appropriate authority. Practitioners ensure children remain safe, as they

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This provision is good

conduct thorough and comprehensive risk assessments each day.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Practitioners do not maximise opportunities for children to celebrate a wide range of other people's cultures and beliefs. Resources and activities to promote children's understanding of other people's differing needs are not consistently available.  Opportunities to strengthen children's knowledge of the world and the natural environment are not effectively explored. Children have limited access to natural materials and resources that they can explore through first hand experiences.

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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

 promote children's deeper understanding of other people's cultures and the wider world, for example, by including resources from a variety of cultural backgrounds to stimulate new ideas and different ways of thinking  maximise opportunities to enhance children's knowledge of the natural world, for example, by planning activities based on first-hand experiences that encourage exploration and experimentation and through the introduction of more natural materials.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the Pre-School Learning Alliance building and garden.  The inspector held discussions with the manager, practitioners and children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector looked at records which included children's details, information about practitioners, accident and medication records, written policies, written risk assessments and a selection of other relevant documentation.  The inspector saw evidence of the checks used to assess the suitability of practitioners and committee members.  The inspector held a joint observation with the manager to discuss and observe the quality of teaching.  The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to during the inspection and through written comments shared through parental questionnaires.

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who attend. This is good

Practitioners are knowledgeable about the children in their care. They skilfully capture children's interests and follow their suggestions and ideas in planning. As a result, key persons maintain a firm focus on helping every child to achieve to the best of their ability. Children have fun exploring indoors and outdoors. However, at present, much of the outdoor resources are man-made. Consequently, children have fewer opportunities to develop an understanding of the natural world and to feel and explore natural resources. There are also fewer activities and experiences provided for children that enables them to develop their knowledge of other people's cultures, differing needs and beliefs. Children are well-prepared for school as practitioners work in partnership with reception class teachers to establish an understanding of the skills children require on entry to school. For example, they develop independence, learn to focus on stories and activities and build

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good

Key persons are skilful at helping children to settle into the provision. As a result, children's early experiences of the pre-school are positive and enjoyable. Children flourish in the stimulating and exciting environment. Key persons recognise the importance of promoting children's emotional well-being and give this careful and consistent consideration. For example, practitioners use positive language to praise and reward children's achievements. They are clear about their expectations and share these with children in a calm manner. As a result, children behave well and learn to manage their emotions and feelings positively. Children are provided with a range of resources and activities to promote their physical development. For example, they use tunnels, rocking equipment, balancing beams and climbing resources during a physical play activity. Children enjoy healthy snacks and drinks, which are good for them, during the session.

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provision is good

The Southminster Pre-school Learning Alliance is run by a strong voluntary committee, which supports the manager and team of practitioners well. Management responsibilities are clear and practitioners have set daily roles. As a result, the pre-school runs smoothly and efficiently. All recommendations set at the time of the last inspection have been addressed. Practitioners are well-qualified and strive to further develop their knowledge through appropriate training and resources. Clearly established systems for performance management enables the manager to support the practitioners through regular supervision meetings and appraisals. Effective monitoring of planning and assessment provides the manager with an overview of all children's development. Practitioners are reflective in their practice and constantly review the provision to ensure children receive good quality care and education. Parents spoken to at the time of the inspection share

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provision is good

positive comments about the way in which their children learn and develop.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY379229 Local authority Essex Inspection number 858528 Type of provision Sessional provision Registration category Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 2 - 5 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 43 Name of provider Southminster Pre-School Learning Alliance Committee Date of previous inspection 11 June 2009 Telephone number 07751217419

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Setting details

Southminster Pre-school Learning Alliance was registered in 2008. The pre-school employs five members of childcare staff all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday term time only. Sessions are from 8.45am until 3pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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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