Stepping Stones Pre- School Ltd

Stepping Stones Pre- School Ltd Jolesfield C of E Primary School, Littleworth Lane, Partridge Green, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 8JJ

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 30 March 2017 13 February 2015

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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 an exciting environment for children to explore. They have a secure knowledge of children's interests and plan activities which motivate them to learn.  All children make good progress in their learning. Staff work continuously to ensure that parents are fully involved in their children's development. Staff use this information to plan next steps and further support children's learning.  The manager supports staff in developing their skills. For example, some staff have received training on how to effectively develop children's communication and language skills. This has had a positive impact on children's outcomes.  The manager and staff strive for continuous improvement. They value the views of parents and children and include these in their plans. For example, parents recently helped staff improve the outdoor area.  Staff have good relationships with other settings that children attend. They actively

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This provision is good

share information about next steps and invite additional key persons to the setting. This helps provide a continuous approach to children's learning.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Occasionally, staff do not provide a variety of resources and equipment to engage children effectively in creative activities.  At times, staff do not organise group times to ensure the youngest children benefit from planned learning opportunities, such as during story time.

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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

 strengthen opportunities for children to engage in and make a variety of marks during creative activities  improve the organisation and suitability of group times to ensure all children, especially younger children, are engaged.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities, staff interactions with children and the quality of teaching indoors and outdoors.  The inspector spoke to children and all staff at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector tracked some children's progress and viewed their development records.  The inspector took part in a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector spoke to some parents to gain their feedback about the setting.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff have a secure knowledge of the procedures to follow if they have concerns about children's well-being. They have a good understanding of their responsibilities in keeping children safe. For example, they complete daily checks of the environment and equipment. Recruitment and induction procedures are effective and ensure the ongoing suitability of staff. The manager holds regular staff meetings, supervision sessions and appraisals with staff. She discusses their practice, training needs and how to improve further. The manager monitors all areas of the provision effectively. For example, she has introduced peer observation which has had a positive impact on staff practice. In addition, the manager oversees all observations, assessments and next steps to track all children's overall progress.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff use their knowledge of children's interests to plan activities which immediately inspire their curiosity. For example, staff arranged large tubes, cardboard and a variety of toy cars for children to explore. Children enjoyed posting the cars and talked with excitement about how fast they were going. Staff encouraged children to measure and asked them to explain which car had travelled the furthest distance. This challenged children to compare and think. Children enjoy role play and use their imaginations to make 'food' for staff. Staff talk to children while they create and ask a variety of questions to further encourage their imaginations and communication skills.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children behave well. They are kind and considerate towards each other and have good manners. Staff involve children in how the setting runs which helps them feel valued. For example, they identified the 'rules' that they must follow. Staff embrace children's individuality and important aspects of their lives. For example, they invite parents into read stories in their home language and celebrate cultural traditions. Settling-in procedures are highly effective. Staff tailor sessions to meet children's individual needs. Key persons spend time getting to know children and build a relationship with them. Children have daily opportunities to gain fresh air and develop their large physical skills. For example, they learn to use climbing equipment, plant flowers and use ride-on cars.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make consistently good progress in preparation for future learning and the move to school. Older children engage well with books and develop an understanding of literacy. Children are independent and learn skills needed for the future, such as putting on their coats. Children play and work well together, they communicate effectively and demonstrate good problem-solving skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY349515 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 1085869 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 20 Number of children on roll 21 Name of registered person Stepping Stones Pre-School Ltd

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 13 February 2015 Telephone number 01405 713505

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reference number

Stepping Stones Pre-School registered in 2007 at the current premises. It operates from a classroom in the grounds of Jolesfield Primary School in Partridge Green, West Sussex. The setting opens every weekday during school term times. Opening times are from 9am to 12.30pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 9am to 3.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. The settings provides funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The setting employs four staff, three of whom hold an appropriate early years qualification.

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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

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

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