Learning Ladder Pre School

Learning Ladder Pre School Methodist Church Hall, Leagrave High Street, LUTON, LU4 9LQ

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 21 January 2016 4 June 2013

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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

 Staff are motivated to enhance their skills and increase their level of qualification. The deputy manager is studying for a degree in early years education. Staff feel her newly acquired knowledge is having a very beneficial impact upon the quality of teaching at the pre-school.  Staff are acutely aware of local child protection issues. Their vigilance and uncompromising stance on educating families, and placing children's welfare at the heart of their work, are impressive.  Since the previous inspection, staff have improved their observations and assessments of children's development. These now show the good progress that children make. Staff are able to identify children's next steps in learning and activities are well matched to children's individual needs.  Staff place good focus upon helping children to communicate. A high percentage of children who attend the pre-school speak English as an additional language. Staff know

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This provision is good

how to support these children and they quickly develop into confident talkers.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 On occasion, staff do not use their diverse teaching skills and abilities as well during adult-led activities as they do during their spontaneous support for children.  Staff are developing the arrangements for children's outdoor play. The outdoor area has recently been developed. Staff are finding ways for energetic play to be separate from quieter play so all children experience maximum benefit from learning outdoors.

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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 the use of rich, varied and creative teaching methods during small- and large- group activities led by adults  enhance the outdoor area even further so children who want to play energetically and physically do not disturb children who do not want to join in with this type of play.

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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 manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the manager and provider. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the self-evaluation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school.  The inspector spoke to a small selection of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The manager is supportive of staff and very well informed. Staff are happy in their work and committed to driving up standards. They have worked together to address the weaknesses found at the previous inspection. The manager now reviews staff's work and the required programme of learning closely. She uses the information she gathers to evaluate the pre-school and successfully tackles weaker areas. As a result, the pre-school has significantly raised standards for children. Arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff supervise children well. They conduct regular risk assessments of the areas where children play and take action to minimise any risks found. Staff refresh their knowledge through training and further professional development. The manager reviews all aspects of the pre-school and implements changes that incorporate new legislation into practice.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Parents are involved in their children's learning. Staff communicate with them frequently about the progress that children make. Staff are relentless in their quest for engaging families, especially those who are difficult to reach. Diverse methods, such as sharing books, toy bags and inviting parents to the pre-school to play, help parents to support children's learning at home. Children enjoy playing with a range of activities throughout the day. They pour sand into containers and make towers from plastic cogs. Staff help them to understand about colours, length and numbers. Staff explain to parents how to help children to hold pencils and form letters. There are ample opportunities for children to develop their writing skills in differing areas at the pre-school.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff are kind, considerate and caring towards children. They have a deep understanding about children's family lives, cultures and the community where they live. This awareness directly contributes towards the staff's ability to help children to settle at the pre-school. Staff promote children's health and hygiene well. Snacks are healthy and children are able to make choices about what they eat and drink. Parents and children learn about the importance of looking after their teeth and being healthy. Staff encourage children to be physically active and enjoy playing in the outdoors. They support children to behave well and are good role models. Staff teach children to be understanding and tolerant towards each other. The pre-school celebrates differences and similarities and helps children to develop a strong sense of their own identity. All families are made to feel welcome as the pre-school embraces diversity.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress from their individual starting points. Any gaps in their learning close quickly. They learn the important skills that they need to be ready for starting school and to support their future learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY456684 Local authority Luton Inspection number 1028345 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 19 Name of provider Zarina Nahid Ghani Date of previous inspection 4 June 2013 Telephone number 07960322612

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Setting details

Learning Ladder Pre School was registered in 2012. The pre-school employs four members of childcare staff. Of these, one has a foundation degree and all other staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The pre-school opens Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 8.30am until 11.30pm and 12pm 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

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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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