Dollymixtures Pre-School

Dollymixtures Pre-School Methodist Church Hall, Middlefield Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 9ED

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 28 September 2016 21 March 2016

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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 management and staff have worked hard along with local authority support to make significant improvements to the service they deliver. Staff ensure that all children are appropriately challenged and supported well to make effective progress in learning.  Children show good hand-to-eye coordination and sustained concentration. They focus intently as they carefully dip their glue sticks into pots to load them with glue. Children excitedly explore a wide range of interesting textured papers and materials. They independently select which ones they would like to stick onto their paper.  Children and families using the pre-school are provided with a calm and welcoming environment. Children clearly demonstrate that they have formed firm bonds with their key person and other staff. This helps to support their emotional well-being.  Effective, ongoing risk assessments are carried out regularly by staff. The swift

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This provision is good

identification of risks and implementation of safety measures means that the pre-school environment remains consistently safe for children to play in.  The staff team liaises well with parents in response to other professionals' involvement with children outside of the pre-school. Parents report that staff are approachable and friendly.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not consistently make best use of detailed initial information from parents about their children's capabilities and development in order to build on initial skills more precisely.  Parents are not always offered further guidance or ideas about how to more actively promote their child's learning at home.

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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

 use the detailed information gained before children start, about what they know and can do, in order to plan more precisely for their immediate learning needs  provide parents with more ideas and guidance about supporting and building on children's learning at home.

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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 evaluation of an activity with the deputy manager.  The inspector held discussions with the managers, children and staff. She looked at relevant documentation, such as self-evaluation and evidence of the suitability of those working in the setting.  The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views through the feedback they provided.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff know how to identify the signs of abuse and are aware of what action to take should they have concerns. The management team has completed specific safeguarding training required for the lead practitioner. This ensures that there is always a senior person on hand to give staff guidance and advice if needed. The well-qualified staff team is regularly supported by management to reflect upon and improve working practices. This ensures that a consistent quality of teaching is maintained. Daily discussions with parents and children give staff some feedback about the service they provide. This useful information is used by managers to plan for continued improvements. Children's progress is monitored. This helps staff to identify and quickly put in place measures that effectively help to close any gaps in their learning where necessary.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff carry out regular observations and assessments of children's ongoing development. They know children well and use a wide range of teaching methods to help engage and sustain their attention in learning. For example, staff pay close attention to what children are doing, supporting them sensitively to lead their own learning. Children are encouraged to think through their own ideas. They work out how to make the shape of a circle from glue as it spills on to their paper. Young children are developing good communication and language skills. Staff listen attentively to children, showing them that they value what they have to say. Children clearly demonstrate their understanding and show that they are able to follow directions. Children excitedly take part in group games that help them to build their knowledge and understanding of mathematics. Children have lots of fun as they develop physical skills using large play equipment and craft materials.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Behaviour management is good. Children are gently reminded to share. They eagerly take part in games that help them to learn about taking turns. Staff promote children's independence and encourage them to make decisions about their play. For example, they can choose to play indoors or outdoors. Children are able to easily choose from a wide selection of good quality toys and activities. Equality and diversity are supported, helping children to learn about their own and other cultures and traditions. Older children are aware of the reason for washing their hands before eating. They explain it is to wash off the germs so that they do not get sick. Children are provided with a balanced range of snacks. Staff hold discussions with children to help them to learn about healthy lifestyles.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children are making good progress in their learning, relative to their starting points. Older children initiate and join in with conversations, showing that they are aware of when to speak and listen. Children have plenty of opportunities to develop early writing and mathematical skills. For example, young children enjoy playing with and making marks in flour. Children, including those who speak English as an additional language, develop the essential skills to ensure that they are well prepared for their move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY269836 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1044902 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 28 Number of children on roll 35 Name of registered person Betty Jones & Susan Male Partnership

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 21 March 2016 Telephone number 01992 461426AM

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reference number

Dollymixtures Pre-School was registered in 2003. The pre-school employs 10 members of childcare staff. Of these, eight hold appropriate qualifications at level 2 or above. The pre- school opens Monday to Friday, during school term time. Sessions are from 9.30am until midday. There are also sessions on Monday and Tuesday, from midday until 2.30pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children and supports children who speak English as an additional language.

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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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