Stepping Stones Uppingham

Stepping Stones Uppingham Uppingham C of E School, Belgrave Road, Uppingham, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 9RT

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 8 June 2017 11 April 2013

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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 manager and staff identify ongoing improvements to the pre-school. Recent changes to the garden have increased opportunities for children to extend their learning outside.  Staff support children who speak English as an additional language effectively. They provide one-to-one support to help develop their confidence and use of English. The manager provides information for parents in their home language and English. This helps them to understand the procedures of the pre-school.  The manager and staff have very good relationships with the host school. They take children to use the school facilities and teachers visit them, helping them to be emotionally ready for their move onto school.  Children are confident and freely select resources to support their play. They are independent and do things for themselves. Children competently put on their all-in-one suits to play outside and serve themselves food at lunchtime.

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This provision is good

 Children demonstrate that they feel safe and emotionally secure.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Although the manager monitors staff's practice, she does not yet critically evaluate their teaching skills enough, in order to develop their practice to an outstanding level.  Staff do not consistently encourage parents to share ongoing details about their children's achievements at home.

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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 the monitoring of teaching to critically evaluate staff's teaching skills further and develop their practice to an outstanding level  explore different ways to encourage parents to share ongoing information about their children's learning and achievements 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 spoke with staff and children during the inspection.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the manager. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school.  The inspector spoke to several 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. The manager and staff have attended child protection training and know their responsibilities to keep children safe. Staff talk confidently about signs that would cause them to be concerned about a child's safety. They know where to report any concerns they have. Staff maintain a safe environment for children. They are vigilant to risks and remove these quickly to keep children safe. The manager monitors the progress made by individual and groups of children. She uses this information to talk to staff about how they can continue to support children's good progress.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff use observations and assessments effectively to monitor children's good progress. They plan activities and help children achieve their next steps in learning. Staff talk to children about how to keep themselves safe. For example, they ask children what they wear when walking in the street. Staff promote children's communication and language skills. They ask children a good range of questions and give them plenty of time to think through their answers and respond. Children are confident communicators. Staff encourage children to develop their problem-solving skills and to measure quantity and weight. Children move stones and bricks from one side of the weighing scales to another. They are excited to see what happens and achieve the same weight on both sides. Children demonstrate good mathematical skills.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff provide a warm and friendly environment for children. They promote positive behaviour and talk to children about rules and boundaries. Children tell staff, 'We use our walking feet and our looking eyes'. They behave very well. Staff ensure that children receive regular fresh air and exercise. Children dance to music and move their bodies, stamping and reaching high and low. Parents comment positively about the relationship staff have with children. They say that staff work very well together and are good role models for children. Staff promote children's good health. They find out information from parents about children's dietary needs when they first start and meet their individual needs.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children, including those in receipt of funding, make good progress. They are keen to learn and show a motivation to try new experiences. Children develop good literacy skills. They use a wide range of writing equipment and select paint and pens to make marks on paper. Older children begin to recognise letters in familiar words, such as mummy. Children demonstrate good social skills and work with others cooperatively to build a wall using bricks and sand.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY271344 Local authority Rutland Inspection number 1064484 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 22 Number of children on roll 34 Name of registered person Stepping Stones Uppingham Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 11 April 2013 Telephone number 01572 821879

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reference number

Stepping Stones Uppingham registered in 2003. The pre-school employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and one at level 6. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday during term time. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. It provides out-of-school care for older 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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