Somerford Kindergarten

Somerford Kindergarten Quinta School Grounds, Ullswater Road, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4LX

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 25 April 2017 29 June 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

 The quality of teaching is very good. Interactions between the well-qualified staff and children are used effectively to promote all areas of children's development. Challenging learning experiences support children's next steps for learning and interests. As a result, children are making good progress.  Staff are supported well. Regular performance management and continuing professional development opportunities ensure that the quality of teaching is consistently strong or improving.  An effective key-person system ensures that children form close relationships with staff. Staff have an excellent understanding of children's individual needs. They work closely with parents to ensure children's care and education needs are met.  Children are developing the skills, knowledge and attitudes to learning that prepare them well for starting school. They can write their own names, identify letters and numbers and use them confidently in their play.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not effectively use the information taken from their accurate assessments of children's learning to fully update parents about their children's current level of development and progress.  Links with other settings children attend are not developed enough to support as much continuity in their learning and development as possible.

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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 parents with more detailed information regarding their child's current level of development to keep them better informed about their child's progress  build on the links with other settings children attend to support greater continuity in their experiences.

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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 held a meeting with the kindergarten manager. She looked at relevant documentation, such as children's developmental records and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the kindergarten.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the kindergarten manager.  The inspector spoke to a small number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff are clear about their role in protecting children from harm. They know how to identify possible signs that may cause concern and are fully aware of what to do should they have any concerns about children's welfare. Thorough self- evaluation takes into account the views of staff, the committee, parents and children. Partnerships with parents are good. Information about children's skills and abilities are gathered on entry to support initial assessments. Parents are complimentary about the setting. They engage in stay-and-play sessions to build on shared learning experiences to support home learning. Tracking and monitoring of children's progress is used well to identify potential gaps in the learning opportunities available to children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff have a very good understanding of how children learn and provide them with fun learning experiences that motivate them to engage. They support children's early literacy and mathematical skills extremely well. Children are encouraged to draw graphs to record the number and different objects they find in their environment. Monetary value is introduced through role play experiences. For example, staff challenge children about how much three scoops of ice cream will cost if each scoop costs one pence. Gaps in children's individual learning are identified quickly and staff are proactive in seeking additional support so that targeted interventions can be sought.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children's emotional well-being is supported well. They show empathy and concern for others and demonstrate this if friends hurt themselves. Staff are good at promoting children's independence and self-care skills. For example, children serve themselves drinks throughout the day and manage their personal hygiene needs appropriately for their age. Children are developing a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. Staff engage them in regular discussions about healthy food choices and a balanced diet. Daily opportunities to be active in the spacious well-resourced outdoor areas help to promote their good health and physical well-being.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress in their learning from their starting points, including those in receipt of funding. Children access resources independently to extend and enhance their interests and play. They show good problem-solving skills and persevere during tasks to achieve a desired goal. Children are motivated and eager to learn. They are well behaved and well mannered and are clear about the expectations of the kindergarten.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 305306 Local authority Cheshire East Inspection number 1090602 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 22 Number of children on roll 43 Name of registered person Somerford Kindergarten

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 29 June 2015 Telephone number 01260 221638

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reference number

Somerford Kindergarten was registered in 1982. It operates within the grounds of Quinta County Primary School, Congleton. The kindergarten employs 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, eight hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The kindergarten is open Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 9am to 11.30am and 12.30pm to 3pm. A lunch club operates from 11.30am to 12.30pm, providing extended sessions or a full day session for those children who require it. The kindergarten provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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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