Stepping Stones Pre-School Group at Knowle Parish Church

Stepping Stones Pre- School Group at Knowle Parish Church St John's Hall, Knowle Parish Church, High Street, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands, B93 0LN

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 6 January 2016 7 December 2011

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1

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This provision is outstanding

 Managers and staff are highly enthusiastic and committed to providing the best care and education for children. A comprehensive system is in place for the safe recruitment and induction of staff and the monitoring of performance is sharply focused.  Staff know their key children extremely well and provide a nurturing approach to their care. Children form very close bonds with the familiar staff team, which helps them feel particularly safe and secure. They settle in with high levels of confidence and self- esteem and are eager to embrace everything the pre-school has to offer them.  Staff celebrate and build on the unique achievements of each child. Teaching is superb and staff know precisely what to do to support individual children in their learning.  There is an exemplary focus on involving parents and families in children's learning. Information about children's abilities and interests are frequently shared. Highly

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This provision is outstanding

successful links are established with childminders, other settings and schools. This excellent partnership working helps to promote a complementary approach across settings and at home.  Staff follow stringent procedures to ensure indoor and outdoor environments are as safe as possible and that routines promote children's well-being. Highly effective teaching about healthy lifestyles is rooted in everyday activities. Children are very keen to show how well they clean their hands, washing away the germs ready for snack or lunch.

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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 opportunities for new or quieter children to make even more choices from the wide range of toys and resources available.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the pre-school manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the pre-school manager. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the pre-school's self-evaluation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school.  The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is outstanding

Managers and staff have a comprehensive understanding of all statutory requirements. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff are vigilant in identifying signs and symptoms of abuse. They know how to record and report any concerns and share this information rigorously with parents. Staff are exceptionally well qualified and experienced. Together, they promote an uncompromising commitment towards improvement and frequently reflect and evaluate all aspects of the provision. Staff identify and attend varied training events and meticulously complete additional research. They share what they learn to inspire others and enable successful developments, enhancing the continued excellence of the pre-school. Staff expertly adapt their practice and outstanding teaching continues to have the very best impact on children's learning and development.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

The extremely knowledgeable staff have an excellent understanding of how children learn. They assess children's progress based on accurate observations and very in-depth knowledge of individual achievements. The comprehensive and inclusive planning is sharply focused yet flexible. Children thrive in a rich and varied array of opportunities that challenge and motivate them. They use great imagination and constantly initiate and extend activities for themselves. Some children sit in large boxes pretending they are in a plane or driving a car. Meanwhile, others push toy trucks and move animals through sand and a gloopy mixture of cornflour and water. Children develop a real thirst for learning and are extremely eager to explore and investigate. Skilful staff involve themselves in the children's play and expertly enrich learning and development. Children sit in wonder as they intently listen to the staff reading stories, who use imaginative props and animated

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Children flourish in this wonderfully caring environment. Staff fully understand the needs of the children and their families. They go to exceptional lengths to make sure that they tailor the provision to meet all individual requirements. A wide range of exciting resources is available. Staff expertly select specific toys and equipment, which helps to extend children's individual interests and learning needs. Furthermore, children who are familiar with the pre-school confidently ask for their favourite items. Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff act as superb role models and support children to try new challenges in a calm and relaxed manner. They use praise meaningfully and help children to learn to listen, share and consider the needs of their friends.

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Outcomes for children are outstanding

All children, including disabled children, those who have special educational needs and those for whom the pre-school receive additional funding, make excellent progress, given their starting points. They are highly motivated, independent and confident. This helps to prepare them for the next stage in their learning and the eventual move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY429354 Local authority Solihull Inspection number 850182 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 42 Name of provider Knowle Parochial Church Council Committee Date of previous inspection 7 December 2011 Telephone number 01564770214

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Setting details

Stepping Stones Pre-School Group at Knowle Parish Church was registered in 2011. The pre-school employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, six hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including one with Qualified Teacher Status. The pre-school opens on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during school term time. Sessions are from 9.15am until 3pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for two- and three-year-old children. They support disabled children and those with special educational needs.

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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

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Setting details

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