Birch Hill Preschool

Birch Hill Preschool Birch Hill Primary School, Leppington, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7WW

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 18 October 2016 24 September 2012

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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 provide exciting and stimulating activities that motivate children to join in. All children, including those who are learning English as an additional language and those who have special educational needs, make good progress from their starting points.  Partnerships with parents and staff in other settings children attend are strong. This joint approach helps to provide consistency in children's learning and development and contributes towards their good progress.  Staff use every opportunity to help children develop their independence. For example, children learn to use knives safely and wash up their plates after their snack.  The manager, committee and staff evaluate the quality of the provision very well. They consider the views of parents and children to improve their practice continuously and to help provide positive outcomes for children.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Sometimes, staff do not extend children's knowledge of number as they play, to further develop their awareness of mathematics.  At times, staff do not make the best use of opportunities to explain to children about the benefits of healthy eating on their bodies, to build on their learning about healthy lifestyles.

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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 opportunities during activities to extend children's knowledge of number more effectively  increase opportunities for children to gain a greater awareness of the benefits of healthy eating as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector had a tour of the areas used by the pre-school.  The inspector observed staff and children during play and completed a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector examined a sample of policies, children's records and other documents, including suitability checks for staff.  The inspector spoke with several parents, staff and children to gain their views.  The inspector held a meeting with the manager and discussed the setting's self- evaluation process.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The manager provides strong leadership for the staff team. She uses self-evaluation effectively to reflect on and guide improvements. The manager regularly monitors children's achievements and progress to check on the quality of the provision. She provides support for staff and coaches them effectively. For example, she identifies relevant training to develop their teaching skills. Safeguarding is effective. The manager is successful in ensuring that staff are up to date in their knowledge to protect children. This includes protecting children who may be at risk from extreme behaviours or views. The management committee undertakes rigorous recruitment and induction procedures to ensure staff are suitable for their role.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff know the children really well. They make accurate assessments of children's learning and provide them with the help they need to close any gaps quickly. Staff offer good support to help children develop their communication and language skills. For instance, they repeat words to expand children's vocabulary and use skilful questions to help them think. Staff have a good understanding of the range of skills that benefit children when they move on to school. For instance, children skilfully use scissors and pencils, and they master tasks such as thoroughly washing their hands. Staff provide a broad range of opportunities for children to develop their awareness of similarities and differences between themselves and others.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff form positive relationships with children. They help children to develop their physical well-being effectively. Children learn to follow good hygiene routines and have daily opportunities for exercise and fresh air, for example, in the outdoor play area and when on outings with staff. Staff work closely with parents to identify children's starting points and interests. They use this information effectively to plan activities that interest children from the outset. Children enjoy the activities and make choices in their play. Staff are consistent in their approach to behaviour management. For instance, they teach children the importance of sharing and being kind to others.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress from their starting points. They develop an interest in early literacy. For instance, they learn to recognise familiar words, such as their names, and they enjoy looking at books. Children develop their imaginative skills well. For example, they role play hospitals and put bandages on staff. Children gain a good awareness of technology. For instance, they learn to use weighing scales. Children begin to form friendships and to respect one another. They gain the skills they need for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY392849 Local authority Bracknell Forest Inspection number 1058898 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 35 Name of registered person Birch Hill Pre School Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 24 September 2012 Telephone number 07547 794 849

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reference number

Birch Hill Preschool registered in 2009 and is situated in Bracknell, Berkshire. The pre- school is open term times only on Monday to Thursday from 9am until 3.15pm and on Friday from 9am until midday. There are nine staff, five of whom hold relevant early years qualifications at level 3. The pre-school receives funding for the provision of free early years education for children aged two, three and four years.

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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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