Little Dragons Preschool

Little Dragons Preschool Village Hall, Ogbourne St. George, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1SU

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 14 June 2017 7 January 2015

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1

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This provision is outstanding

 There are highly effective partnerships with parents, and communications are excellent. Staff actively seek the views of parents, staff and children to drive improvements.  Staff have an excellent knowledge of the early years foundation stage and cater for all age groups exceptionally well. For example, they are discerning when preparing children for a snack time activity by reading different books about fruit to the different age groups.  Staff use their expert knowledge to deepen learning. They do not rush children and they give them highly effective support to follow their own interests. Children investigate, explore, solve problems and make impressive progress in readiness for school.  The managers track children's progress rigorously. Assessments enable them to identify any gaps and take swift action. Staff and parents celebrate the very good progress the children make and both contribute to building a comprehensive picture of the children's

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This provision is outstanding

achievements.  The experienced staff know the families and children very well. Children are very happy and settle very quickly in pre-school. They quickly become independent and confident and get on well with their classmates. This makes an excellent contribution to their social and emotional development.  Staff are very good role models for children. They speak very calmly and clearly to the children, who develop excellent speaking and listening skills. This has a very positive effect on the way children relate to one another. They learn to listen and respect others.  All staff give excellent attention to children's safety and well-being. Children are willing learners and thrive in a safe and secure environment.

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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

 build on the already very strong assessment practices to help children make even better progress.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities inside and outside, including the quality of teaching.  The inspector talked to the children and held discussions with several members of staff at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector carried out a joint observation of staff practice and discussed it with the managers.  The inspector looked at a selection of documentation, children's assessment information, policies and procedures, and evidence of the suitability and qualifications of staff.  The inspector took into account the views of parents spoken to on the day.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is outstanding

Safeguarding is effective. Staff place a high priority on keeping children safe. They know what to do if there are concerns about a child's welfare. Clear policies, procedures and routines ensure the exceptionally smooth running of the setting. The managers' incisive evaluation of the setting includes contributions from parents, staff and children which identify areas for improvement; for example, the development of the garden. Regular observations of staff practice link well to professional development and lead to very strong teaching. Staff are highly adept at monitoring children's progress. The recent introduction of a computerised assessment programme has enabled staff to analyse data and deepen their knowledge of children's development. It has also strengthened links with parents. Staff are keen to advance their use of technology to improve their practice. Staff are now considering how to build on their excellent assessments to help children make even more

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

Staff know the children very well and use their interests to extend learning. They challenge the children and develop their problem-solving skills exceptionally well. For example, when children create a model on a tablet, staff encourage them to recreate it with construction equipment. Children of all ages have fun together during boisterous play or when sitting quietly colouring, cutting and sticking. Staff skilfully promote language skills and encourage children to talk about what they are doing. They are extremely sensitive and give children time to think before answering. Staff use their excellent knowledge of how children learn in order to plan activities that engage and challenge them.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Children are highly motivated learners who concentrate for long periods. They are confident with visitors, inquisitive and very polite. Children say 'Excuse me' to adults when they need attention. Staff take time to explain why we should be kind to one another, and children's behaviour is very good. Children share, take turns and enjoy one another's company at mealtimes, which are happy social occasions. They learn about healthy choices and deal with their own personal needs. Children build up very strong relationships with adults who are extremely skilful at developing children's understanding of the wider world.

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Outcomes for children are outstanding

Children have the confidence to ask questions and listen to what others have to say. They are enthralled when staff read stories, and older children can talk about their favourite books. Children are highly imaginative and make impressive progress with their physical skills when they play outside. They are keen to learn the letters of the alphabet and the initial sounds of letters. Some children make a good attempt at writing and are exceptionally well prepared for the transition to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 146029 Local authority Wiltshire Inspection number 1089728 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 22 Number of children on roll 33 Name of registered person Little Dragons Preschool Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 7 January 2015 Telephone number 0785 5026083

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reference number

Little Dragons Preschool registered in 1984 and is located in Ogbourne St George, near Marlborough, Wiltshire. It opens each weekday during school term time only. Sessions are from 9am to 3pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 9am to 1pm on Friday. The pre-school receives funding for the provision of free early years education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. Four members of staff work directly with the children. They all hold suitable childcare qualifications at level 3 or above, including the joint manager who holds qualified teacher status.

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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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