The Willows Pre-School

The Willows Pre-School The Berkeley Primary School, Laidon Avenue, CREWE, CW2 6RU

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 17 March 2016 14 July 2015

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Requires Improvement

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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 quality of teaching is good and some elements are outstanding. Staff use very effective observation, assessment and planning systems to help each child achieve their next steps in learning.  Children are encouraged to try doing things for themselves and they respond confidently and enthusiastically to challenges. This contributes towards them developing good levels of self confidence in their own abilities.  Staff are good role models and have high expectations for all children that they care for. Children behave extremely well for their ages and develop positive relationships with staff. They demonstrate good manners and a respect for each other.  Partnerships with parents are effective. Parents speak highly of the staff, activities on offer and how well their children are settled. They are kept well informed about their child's care, learning and development and they contribute towards assessments.

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This provision is good

 The managers provide strong leadership which has led to considerable improvements over a short space of time since the last inspection. There is a clear vision and drive for high-quality provision which is shared by the dedicated staff team.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not give children enough opportunities to build fully on their good understanding of healthy eating and how this can contribute to good health.  Staff do not gather children's views in order for them to be part of the decision making process or take an active role in driving improvement.

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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 more opportunities for children to develop their growing understanding of healthy eating as part of a healthy lifestyle  use the views and feedback of children to involve them more effectively in decision making and the drive for improvement.

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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 one of the pre-school managers.  The inspector held a meeting with the pre-school managers. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the pre-school's self-evaluation and evidence of the suitability of staff.  The inspector spoke to members of staff and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector took account of the views of parents.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff fully understand their roles and responsibilities in protecting children in their care. Robust recruitment and vetting procedures help to ensure staff and committee members' suitability for their roles. Regular supervision meetings, opportunities to observe others' practice and a focused training programme have helped further strengthen the quality of teaching and improved staff's confidence. Children's progress is tracked to identify any gaps in their achievements and to provide swift and targeted interventions. Actions and recommendations raised at the last inspection have been addressed well. The managers regularly reflect on practice and identify further ways to improve. They are fully aware of the need to inform Ofsted of significant changes or events. Partnership working with professionals and other early years settings children attend helps staff to provide timely support for children who need

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff are well qualified and have a good understanding of how children learn. They know their key children well and plan enjoyable and engaging activities. Children are motivated and active learners. They develop a love of books, listening to and retelling their favourite stories with actions. Staff use their training well. For example, effective teaching strategies create curiosity and excitement within activities to promote younger children's understanding of letters and sounds. There are frequent opportunities for children to practise their writing skills and older children confidently write their name. Children learn to count and recognise shapes during their activities and daily routines. They develop good language skills and are confident communicators. Children enjoy exploring how things work. They have fun playing with programmable electronic toys. The pre-school has introduced a secure, online assessment system. This enables staff and parents to share

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

detailed information about children's progress and achievements.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children are happy and develop positive self-esteem through the frequent praise and encouragement given by staff. Staff provide interesting experiences that help children gain an awareness of their own community and the diversity of the world around them. Children new to the setting are supported well and settle quickly. Children enjoy playing outdoors and benefit from being in the fresh air where they enjoy a wide range of opportunities to develop their physical skills. Children develop their self-care skills and follow effective hygiene routines. They understand about managing risks and keeping themselves safe.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress from their starting points. They are enthusiastic learners why enjoy exploring and achieving well. Staff use early years pupil premium funding to support children effectively and meet their needs well. Children are well prepared for the next stage of their learning, including school when the time comes.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY340293 Local authority Cheshire East Inspection number 1022567 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 11 Total number of places 52 Number of children on roll 175 Name of provider The Willows Pre School Committee Date of previous inspection 14 July 2015 Telephone number 0127 065 0126

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Setting details

The Willows Pre-School was registered in 2006 and also operates before- and after-school care. The pre-school operates Monday to Friday, from 8.50am to 3.10pm and the out-of- school club is open from 8am to 8.45am and from 3.25pm until 6pm, during term time only. The out-of-school club also opens during the school holidays. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. There are 14 members of staff, 12 of whom hold recognised early years qualifications. One member of staff has Qualified Teacher Status. The pre-school supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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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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