Little Acorns Pre-School

Little Acorns Pre-School The Village Hall, Westmore Green, Tatsfield, Westerham, Kent, TN16 2AG

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 19 November 2015 21 June 2011

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 The pre-school works effectively with parents and other agencies to ensure that children's care needs are met and that parents are involved in their children's learning.  Good-quality teaching skills are used by pre-school staff to extend children's thinking and promote next steps in their learning. Children are happy, settled and make good progress.  Staff lead by example in promoting children's positive behaviour. Children understand the expectations of them and their behaviour is good.  The pre-school has good links with the local school, helping to prepare children well for their future move. For example, they take children on visits and discuss children's progress with the Reception Year teacher.  Effective self-evaluation helps managers to accurately identify areas for improvement.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not always make the most of opportunities to encourage children to consider writing for different purposes during their play and activities.  Although children are well supported to mix with others, they do not receive the best possible opportunities to learn about the lives of people and communities beyond their 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

 increase opportunities for children to practise writing  extend further the support for children to learn about and understand different family backgrounds and communities beyond their immediate experiences.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children playing inside and outdoors.  The inspector had discussions with staff, parents and children.  The inspector conducted a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector sampled documents, such as policies, records and suitability checks.  The inspector spoke to parents and read testimonials to gain their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The leadership team has a good understanding of its responsibilities and has effective systems to monitor staff practice and children's progress. Safeguarding is effective. Recruitment processes are robust and staff know how to keep children safe and report any concerns. Leaders and managers are accurate in identifying areas for improvement and take into account the views of children, parents and staff. Staff work effectively in partnerships with parents and external agencies to meet children's individual needs.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The quality of teaching is good. Staff carry out regular observations and assessments in order to plan for children's learning. Where gaps in achievement are identified, staff work effectively to provide suitable activities for children to help develop their skills. Children develop good communication and language skills. For example, they join in with storytelling, rhymes and songs. Mathematical language is part of children's play. For example, staff and children talk about shapes, sizes and numbers when building towers and during art activities. Staff support children to expand their thinking skills. They use a range of methods, including asking questions, to encourage children to think about how and why things happen.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The environment is planned to meet the needs of all children. Staff provide a range of resources and activities to promote learning in all areas. Children are able to explore these resources in a welcoming environment, supported by responsive and caring key staff. Children are able to take carefully managed risks; for example, they enjoy jumping from a low-level beam during physical play. Children's confidence grows as they practise new skills. Staff promote good behaviour at all times; for example, they praise children for their efforts and for making healthy choices.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make at least typical progress from their starting points. Where gaps in learning are identified, staff take steps to move children forward and seek support where needed. Children's confidence is supported by staff's use of praise and by extending children's understanding. Children are ready to learn and are prepared well for starting school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 122751 Local authority Surrey Inspection number 846231 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 2 - 8 Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 46 Name of provider Little Acorns Pre-School Committee Date of previous inspection 21 June 2011 Telephone number 01959 540775

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Setting details

Little Acorns Pre-School registered in 1992. It is based in Tatsfield, Kent. The pre-school is open Monday to Friday, during school term times with sessions from 9am to 12 noon. There are also afternoon sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 12 noon to 3pm. The setting also offers a breakfast club for pre-school children and those attending the neighbouring school, operating from 7.15am to 9am. The pre-school receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are nine members of staff; of whom, seven hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or 3.

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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

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Setting details

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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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