St John's Pre-School

St John's Pre-School St John's Centre, Greenway Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 6HA

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 12 September 2017 5 October 2016

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Requires Improvement

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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 her team have made significant improvements since the last inspection. For example, the manager is fully aware of how and when to notify Ofsted about recent changes to committee members.  Staff provide a warm and welcoming environment. Children are emotionally well supported by the caring and attentive staff who help them to form strong attachments.  The systems for monitoring staff practice are effective to support their ongoing professional development. Management and staff benefit from good training opportunities and they are encouraged to continuously reflect on their practice.  Staff have created an exciting and stimulating outdoor environment. Children develop their understanding of the natural world and how to care for living things. They delight as they look for birds nesting in the bird boxes and insects living in the bug hotel.  Parents speak highly of the pre-school. They comment on the approachable staff and

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This provision is good

about how their children enjoy attending.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not always offer a range of ways to help parents engage more fully in their children's learning at home.  Staff do not make the best use of their assessments to focus even more precisely on what children need to learn next, to help them make even better progress.

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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

 suggest more ways to help parents fully engage in their children's learning at home  make better use of assessments to plan very precisely for children's next steps in learning and increase the potential for them to make even better progress.

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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 nursery manager. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school.  The inspector spoke to a 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 have a clear understanding of safeguarding procedures and are fully aware of what to do should they have concerns about children's welfare. The manager follows rigorous recruitment and induction procedures to help ensure that all staff are suitable for their role. Staff have robust policies and procedures that are in line with current legislation and guidelines to support their good practice. The manager reflects upon the quality of the provision. She actively seeks the views of parents, staff and children. This helps to ensure that the improvements they make have a positive impact on the service and outcomes for children. For example, parents and children were consulted about the new outdoor area.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff plan exciting activities that challenge and motivate children in their play and learning. Staff interact very well with children and have high expectations of their achievements. Children learn good communication and language skills. For example, they constantly comment on what children do, ask them questions and allow children time to process information and give their answers. Older children develop their imagination as staff join in with their role play and develop their ideas. For example, they make black puddings in the mud kitchen and pretend to feed the dolls. Staff plan a range of activities that helps children progress well with their physical development. Children practise their balancing and jumping skills, and concentrate well on tasks, such as filling and pouring with sand and porridge oats.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

All staff have good relationships with children. They greet children and their parents warmly when they arrive. Staff are caring, friendly and act as positive role models for children. This helps them to meet children's care needs and recognise when they require additional support, such as cuddles, reassurance or guidance. They manage children's behaviour well and provide calm interactions. Children behave well and understand the daily routines and expectations. Children learn about and enjoy healthy lifestyles. For instance, they get plenty of fresh air and exercise in the outdoor area each day. They demonstrate their understanding of the benefits of healthy eating. For example, they engage in a lively conversation with staff about the different colours of the fruits and vegetables that they like to eat.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are engaged and motivated to learn. They are confident, independent and sociable. Younger children are developing literacy skills. For example, they listen intently and join in with singing and storytelling led by enthusiastic staff. Older children show good concentration and listening skills. They develop their early writing skills and count confidently to 10 and beyond. Children are very well prepared for the next stage in their learning and for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY245131 Local authority Halton Inspection number 1075411 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 37 Number of children on roll 24 Name of registered person St Johns PCC

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 5 October 2016 Telephone number 0151 420 2942

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reference number

St. John's Pre-School registered in 2002. The pre-school employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, all hold appropriate early years qualifications ranging from level 2 to level 6. The pre-school opens Monday to Friday, from 9am to midday and from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, except for Thursdays, during term times.

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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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