Apple Tree Pre School

Apple Tree Pre School Thatcham Parish Hall, Chapel Street, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 4JP

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 17 May 2016 24 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

 The manager has addressed the weaknesses identified at the previous inspection effectively. She successfully leads her team in providing good quality care and education and demonstrates a strong capacity for maintaining these high standards.  The manager supports all staff effectively to deliver good quality teaching. She fosters a culture where all staff welcome feedback on what they do to enable them to further improve what they already do well.  The manager and staff closely monitor all children's progress and offer focused support to those children who are not making such consistent progress as others. Children catch up with their peers and make good progress.  Staff are especially effective in supporting children's speech and language development, including those children who are learning English as an additional language.  Children are safe and happy. They thoroughly enjoy their time at pre-school and thrive

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This provision is good

in such a welcoming and positive environment. Staff show a real interest in their lives and offer plenty of praise. Children grow in confidence and self-belief.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 At times, staff do not make the most of opportunities to extend children's mathematical understanding through play and daily routines, such as during mealtimes.  Staff do not always organise themselves well to make sure that new children are cared for by one special person, to offer reassurance and promote their sense of well-being.

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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

 make better use of opportunities to extend children's mathematical understanding  improve staff deployment at key times to further help children new to the setting to settle well and to further promote their well-being.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children and staff, indoors and outdoors.  The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector took account of the parents' views.  The inspector spoke with staff about their understanding of safeguarding, child protection and first aid.  The inspector sampled documentation, including children's records, the provider's policies and staff qualifications.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The manager has made significant improvements to the provision since the last inspection. For example, she has worked with other professionals to improve the use of observations and planning, to more closely meet the needs of each child. She makes good use of her monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure all children make good progress, including those for whom the setting receives additional funding. She notes where the curriculum may not be best meeting the needs of groups of children and involves her team in making improvements; for example, improving opportunities for boys to explore their creativity. Staff are suitably qualified and work well together to share new knowledge from additional training. This shared approach has a positive impact on the quality of teaching. Safeguarding is effective. The provider follows suitable procedures to ensure the ongoing suitability of staff. All staff know what they must do if they are concerned about a child's

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff observe what children are doing and guide their learning with questions, comments and by demonstrating new skills. Children explore concepts such as 'up', 'down' and 'in the middle'. Children listen attentively, for example, as staff describe the characteristics of caterpillars and butterflies. Staff model how to use books to find things out as they look up more information in response to children's questions. Staff value the importance of the outdoors for more active learners and they ensure that there is as inviting a range of resources outdoors as there is indoors. Parents receive regular updates on their children's progress. Staff provide opportunities for parents to 'stay and play' to find out more about their children's time at pre-school so they can further support their learning at home.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff have improved the arrangements for teaching children about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. For example, they provide a suitable range of healthy snacks and offer guidance to parents about lunch box contents. Staff eat with children at mealtimes and lead by example; following the same healthy guidelines. Staff teach children to be tolerant and respectful. For example, children consider the 'golden rules' and remind each other about the need to walk indoors. Children play cooperatively and behave well.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children develop the skills needed for their future learning and are well prepared for school. They learn to recognise and write their name and to explore independently and find out how things work. They learn to listen well and to share their ideas and ask questions. Children discover that learning is enjoyable and that trusted adults will help and encourage them.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY342442 Local authority West Berkshire (Newbury) Inspection number 1028506 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 26 Number of children on roll 25 Name of registered person Apple Tree Pre-School, Thatcham Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 24 June 2013 Telephone number 07709697545

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reference number

Apple Tree Pre-School registered in 2006 and is situated in Thatcham, Berkshire. It operates from 9.15am to 3.15pm on Monday and Tuesday and from 9.15am to 12.15pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, term time only. The provider is in receipt of funding to provide free early years education to children aged two, three and four years. The provider employs four members of staff, all of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 2, 3 or 4.

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reference number

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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reference number

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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reference number

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reference number

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reference number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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