Leaside Under Fives Kindergarten

Leaside Under Fives Kindergarten Leaside Church Hall, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 9BT

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 21 November 2016 19 November 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

 Ongoing risk assessments are consistently carried out in the areas used by children. Staff identify any potential risks and swiftly put in place safety measures. This helps to ensure that the kindergarten environment remains safe for children to play in.  The quality of teaching is good. Young children are encouraged to talk with staff about numbers that are important to them, such as the age of their siblings. They learn in context as they enthusiastically count how many fingers a member of staff is holding up.  Parents are encouraged to give their views about the service provided through daily discussions, annual questionnaires and the committee's parent representatives.  Children enjoy a balanced range of snacks. Staff involve them in discussions that help them to learn about healthy lifestyles.  Staff successfully reflect on their practice and feel confident to share new ideas. These contributions help the manager make informed decisions about how to effectively plan

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 At times, some staff step in too quickly during children's activities to redirect their learning. This does not allow children sufficient time to persevere at tasks and develop their own ideas.  The manager does not fully promote effective strategies to encourage parents to share information about their children's achievements at home. This does not help staff to develop a broader understanding of the children's abilities.

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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 children with more opportunities to link their thoughts during adult-led activities and to develop their perseverance and own ideas  extend the good communication with parents, exploring ways for them to share information about their children's learning and development 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 manager.  The inspector held discussions with the provider, 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.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff complete regular child protection training. They recognise the signs of abuse and know what action they must take if they have any concerns. There is always a designated person available to provide support and advice to staff if needed. Staff teaching practice is monitored by the manager, who provides written feedback to help support their ongoing professional development. The manager and her staff monitor children's progress and identify when action is needed to close any gaps in learning. Parents report that their children are happy in the kindergarten. They also think that the staff are cheerful, friendly, approachable and open.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Children are provided with a wide range of interesting activities that they can independently get involved in. Children show creativity as they play with sand. They make a bed for their dinosaur figures and then lay them down to sleep. Children are learning to use tools and objects with increasing control. They use very good hand-to-eye coordination and develop small muscles as they methodically cut up fresh vegetables, as part of their role play. Children demonstrate their growing communication and language skills. They use descriptive words as they tell staff what they are doing and explain that some vegetables are harder to cut than others. Young children learn simple mathematics. Children enjoy looking at books, discussing the text and pictures with their key person. Staff follow procedures for observing and assessing children on a regular basis. They take children's stage of development and interests into account when planning stimulating

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children are well behaved. They relish the positive praise received from staff and are eager to share some experiences with them. Staff effectively support children to learn about how to keep themselves safe. During outdoor play, they talk to young children about being careful as they climb large play equipment. Children respond well to this and adjust their actions, waiting until the child in front of them has used the slide, before they attempt to climb on. Children confidently explain that washing their hands stops them getting 'bugs' and a 'tummy hurt'. Children enjoy a balanced range of snacks. Staff involve them in discussions that help them to learn about healthy lifestyles. Many children show good independence as they competently pour water from a jug into a cup.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children, including those who speak English as an additional language, are making good developmental progress. Children show good concentration skills during self-chosen activities. They skilfully propel small wheeled toys along using their feet and are able to safely steer around equipment in their path. Children make firm friendships and like playing games and spending time together. They are effectively acquiring the key skills needed to move on to the next stage of their development or school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY446779 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1060213 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 38 Number of children on roll 37 Name of registered person Leaside Under Fives Kindergarten Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 19 November 2012 Telephone number 01920 485502

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reference number

Leaside Under Fives Kindergarten was registered in 2012. The kindergarten employs 13 members of childcare staff, of these 10 members of staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The kindergarten opens Monday and Wednesday from 9am until 3pm and Thursday and Friday from 9am until midday during term time only. The kindergarten provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. It currently supports a small number of 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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