Little Lambs Pre-School

Little Lambs Pre-School Christian Gray Hall, Albert Road, Belvedere, Kent, DA17 5LJ

p.1

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 1 February 2017 1 May 2013

p.1

This inspection: Inadequate 4

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Inadequate 4

p.1

This inspection: Inadequate 4

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Inadequate 4

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Inadequate 4

p.1

This provision is inadequate

 The provider has failed to ensure that the safeguarding policy and procedures are up to date and in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance. She has not ensured that all staff understand and implement the safeguarding policy and procedures effectively. Children's welfare and safety are compromised.  The provider does not ensure that the manager and staff know what to do in relation to any allegation being made against a member of staff, and that they are aware of how to report a concern about the practice of another member of staff effectively.  Staff do not have sufficient knowledge of what action to take to report a concern about a child's welfare. They have some understanding of the indicators of concern, but do not know the possible signs that a child may be at risk from extremist views.  The provider does not monitor the ongoing suitability of staff effectively. Staff do not

p.1

This provision is inadequate

know the importance of declaring relevant information that may affect their ongoing suitability to work with children. Self-evaluation does not identify all weaknesses.  The manager fails to maintain all required records. She does not ensure staff obtain prior written parental consent to administer medication, placing children at further risk.  The provider fails to ensure all staff, including the manager, have appropriate support and supervision to reinforce their understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

p.1

It has the following strengths

 Children make good progress and have a varied range of learning opportunities.

p.1

What the setting needs to do to improve further

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage the provider must:

p.2

Due Date

 ensure that the safeguarding policy and procedures are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and that these include what to do in the event of an allegation being made against any member of staff, and the procedures for staff to follow to report any concerns about another member of staff's practice to the appropriate authorities 17/02/2017

p.2

Due Date

 train all staff to understand and implement the safeguarding policy and procedures effectively, including the appropriate steps to take to report any child protection concerns, and ensure that all staff have an up-to-date knowledge of protecting children from any emerging safeguarding issues, including extremist views 17/02/2017

p.2

Due Date

 implement effective systems to ensure the ongoing suitability of staff, making sure that all staff know they must share any information that may affect their suitability to work with children, and that this takes into account disqualification by association 17/02/2017

p.2

Due Date

 ensure that the policy relating to administering prescribed and non-prescribed medicines to children is clear about which staff members are permitted to administer medication; and ensure that all staff understand and follow the medicine procedures effectively, including obtaining written parental authorisation for each particular medicine before administration 17/02/2017

p.2

Due Date

 implement effective supervision arrangements for all staff who have contact with children and families, including the manager, so that each member of the staff team receives appropriate support and coaching to ensure they are clear about their roles and responsibilities to maintain children's safety and well-being at all times. 17/02/2017

p.2

Due Date

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

p.2

Due Date

 make effective use of self-evaluation to identify all weaknesses in practice, close gaps in professional knowledge and rectify all breaches in requirements to improve the quality of the provision.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector talked with the manager, staff, parents and the children at various times during the inspection.  The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector sampled a range of documentation, including records relating to children and staff, and other relevant documentation.  The inspector undertook a joint observation of a planned activity in the outdoor area with the manager.  The inspector had discussions with the manager and her deputy about policies, procedures and methods of assessing and planning for children's progress.

p.3

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is inadequate

Safeguarding is ineffective. Staff understand some of the signs and symptoms of concern for a child's welfare. However, they are not clear about how to report a concern or the possible indicators that a child may be being exposed to extremist views. The provider does not ensure the safeguarding policy is up to date and includes an explanation of what to do in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff. Staff are not clear about the safeguarding procedures or how to report a concern about another member of staff. The provider makes appropriate checks to assess staff's suitability to work with children, which includes obtaining Disclosure and Barring Service checks and verifying their identities. However, the provider does not monitor staff's ongoing suitability for their roles. She has not informed staff that they must declare any changes that may affect their suitability, including becoming disqualified by association. The manager does

p.4

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is inadequate

not ensure staff adhere to the medication policy, in relation to administering prescribed and non-prescription medicines to children. She has failed to ensure staff obtain prior written parental consent before administering any medicine to a child. This places children at risk from an additional or incorrect dosage and fails to support their well-being adequately. The provider does not monitor the quality of the provision effectively to identify and remedy all weaknesses in practice. She does not ensure all staff, including the manager, have appropriate support and supervision to reinforce their understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The manager and deputy oversee the delivery of the educational programme effectively. They monitor children's progress and support staff to undertake appropriate training to enhance their teaching skills and improve outcomes for children.

p.4

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff complete accurate observations and assessments and use these effectively to plan for and support each child's learning. Children practise their early writing skills. They handle and use pens and pencils with growing confidence. Children develop their creative and imaginary skills enthusiastically. For example, they pretend to cook, dress up and build habitats for their jungle animals. Staff support children's communication and language skills effectively. For example, staff explain how some words rhyme and are similar in their pronunciation. Children take part in story sessions, confidently handling props as they get involved and contribute to telling the story.

p.4

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are inadequate

The weaknesses in safeguarding mean that children's welfare and safety cannot be assured. Children behave well, learn to respect others and are kind to each other. They settle well and form secure attachments with their key person and other staff. Children enjoy being physically active in the fresh air and receive nutritious snacks. Partnerships with parents are established. Parents express the view that their children are happy to come to the pre-school and that they find staff are welcoming and approachable.

p.4

Outcomes for children are good

All children, including those who have special needs, are well prepared for their next stage in learning and for school. Children's literacy skills develop well. For example, older children recognise the letters that form their name and register their own attendance each day. Children learn to concentrate and develop their mathematical skills. For example, they count the bricks they need to build and construct towers.

p.5

Setting details

Unique reference number EY390474 Local authority Bexley Inspection number 1062260 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 40 Number of children on roll 72 Name of registered person Louise Murphy

p.6

reference number

Date of previous inspection 1 May 2013 Telephone number 07551711042

p.6

reference number

Little Lambs Pre-School re-registered in 2009 and is located in Belvedere, Kent. The pre- school is open term time only from 9.15am to 3pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and from 12.30pm to 3pm on Tuesday. There are nine members of staff employed; of these, eight staff hold relevant early years qualifications ranging from level 2 to level 5. The provider is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

reference number

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/, write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.7

reference number

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our website for news, information and updates at www.ofsted.gov.uk/user.

p.7

reference number

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

p.7