Hobbyhorse Pre-School

Hobbyhorse Pre-School London Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK11 1JH

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 10 May 2016 Not applicable

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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

 Children have fun and particularly enjoy learning when playing outdoors. Children make good progress in all areas of learning.  The staff are very clear about their role and responsibilities as a key person. Parents develop trusting relationships with staff to support their children both in the pre-school and at home.  The manager monitors individuals and groups of children's progress effectively, to help children make at least good progress.  The committee plays an effective role in shaping the pre-school's direction. Its members are very committed, and have a good understanding of the pre-school's strengths and areas for development.  Self-evaluation is effective and includes the views of staff, parents and children. Staff build well on the existing strengths and have a clear vision for the future.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Parents do not fully share what they know about their children's development when children first start, to help staff plan next steps for learning as effectively as possible.  The manager does not monitor staff performance precisely enough to raise the good standard of teaching even higher.  Staff do not always make the best use of resources and plan enhanced challenges for more able children, particularly during their free-choice play.

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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

 gain even more information from parents about their children's learning when they first start  monitor the teaching skills of staff more precisely to raise the quality of their teaching even further  plan further challenges for more able children and make even better use of resources across the activities provided.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities across the indoor and outdoor play areas.  The inspector had discussions with children, parents and staff.  The inspector undertook a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector looked at observation files, tracking systems, the self-evaluation form, and a selection of policies and children's records.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. All staff undertake safeguarding training and have good knowledge of child protection procedures to safeguard children. Staff effectively risk assess the environments used by children, so they can play safely and securely. Robust suitability checks are completed for all staff and committee members. Staff have good opportunities to develop their personal skills through professional development. They put what they learn into practice to benefit the children. For example, staff have extended children's sensory play experiences. Partnerships with parents and other providers are good. Effective communications keep everyone up to date about children's individual needs, which are met well.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff closely observe and assess children's play. The information gained is shared with parents and used to plan children's next steps for learning. To successfully extend children's learning and play experiences, the staff use good teaching. For example, they teach children new words, and good speaking and listening skills. During the inspection, children listened attentively to stories, and staff encouraged them to explore ideas about what might happen. Staff help children to develop good creative skills and imagination, for instance, through craft activities, role play, and in the woodland area where they create houses with natural materials for animals.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children develop close attachments to their key persons and other staff, who all nurture their emotional well-being. Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. For example, they talk about the pre-school's 'golden rules', which include teaching children to be kind and respectful towards others. Children make friendships, and they learn to share and take turns as they make choices about what they want to do. Staff promote healthy lifestyles effectively. For example, they model good hygiene practices and make sure that children can help themselves to tissues. Children learn about healthy foods and enjoy nutritious snacks.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are eager to learn. They develop practical skills that prepare them well for school, such as learning to dress and undress. Children gain good coordination; for example, they thread beads and balance on apparatus. Children develop their early writing and reading skills, for example, they explore letters and their sounds, and recognise their own name. Children learn to count and to solve simple problems.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY478846 Local authority Milton Keynes Inspection number 1032670 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 32 Number of children on roll 60 Name of provider Hobby Horse Pre-School Committee Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 01908307585

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Setting details

Hobbyhorse Pre-School re-registered in 2014 at different premises. The pre-school is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm, during school terms. The pre-school is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The pre-school employs 11 staff and of these, eight hold relevant qualifications to level 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

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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