Seal Village Pre-School

Seal Village Pre-School C/o Seal C of E Primary School, Zambra Way, Seal, Nr. Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0DJ

p.1

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 19 October 2017 21 June 2017

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

p.1

This provision is good

 The provider and staff have made significant improvements since the last inspection. They have worked closely with the local authority to improve practice. These changes have had a positive impact on children's welfare, safety and well-being.  The manager uses self-evaluation effectively to review practice and identify areas for change. For example, staff have increased the opportunities for children to learn more about the diversity of each other's backgrounds.  Children make good progress in their learning. Staff are quick to identify and support any gaps in children's development to ensure they are well prepared for school.  Staff work closely with other professionals. Together with parents, they plan ways to meet the needs of individual children. All children, including those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not consistently encourage all parents to contribute information about what their children achieve at home, to help provide an even more precise picture of their learning progress.  Children are not consistently able to extend their understanding of the world as the tools and resources provided are at times unsuitable.

p.1

What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

 enhance partnerships with parents to encourage them to share more information about children's learning at home  extend children's experiences to increase their awareness of the wider world.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector looked at children's records, planning documentation and evidence of the suitability of committee members and staff working at the pre-school. She sampled other documentation, including policies and procedures and the setting's self- evaluation.  The inspector spoke to a small number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.  The inspector spoke to members of staff and children at appropriate times and held meetings with the manager, the committee secretary and the local authority adviser.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff have a clear understanding of their responsibility to keep children safe. They know what to do if they have any concerns about a child in their care. Suitable recruitment and vetting arrangements are secure and up to date and help to ensure children's welfare and safety. The provider makes sure that Ofsted is aware of all committee members so relevant checks can be completed. She keeps a record of suitability checks conducted for staff and committee members. The manager supports staff well and encourages them to take up professional development opportunities. For example, they recently attended training which helped them to provide more interesting opportunities for children to improve their understanding of mathematics. Parents comment how happy they are with their children's progress in all areas. They are also full of praise for the caring and approachable manager and staff.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff observe children and assess and plan interesting activities and experiences based on the next steps in their learning. They understand how children learn and are skilful in adapting activities so they interest and challenge children of different abilities. Children's language and communication skills are promoted well and staff engage children in meaningful conversations. Children are encouraged in developing their literacy skills. There is a range of opportunities to support children's early writing skills, such as when they use chalks to draw on boards and make marks in the sand.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children who have recently started at the pre-school, settle in quickly. A visual, interactive timeline helps remind them of the routine of the session. Staff support children to develop independence. For example, they decide when they are ready to eat a snack and select food from bowls. Children develop good physical skills. For instance, they learn how to climb safely in the garden and how to ride tricycles successfully. Children learn about their local community and various locations. They regularly visit an elderly people's home. Children play and interact with the residents, and all those involved delight in how much this contributes to their social development.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

All children thrive in this warm, caring and welcoming environment. They learn to take turns, share and respect each other, making meaningful relationships. Children are confident and independent, choosing the resources they want to play with and where. All children make good progress in their learning. Staff help them to be prepared for their move to school.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY276356 Local authority Kent Inspection number 1108093 Type of provision Sessional 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 16 Number of children on roll 13 Name of registered person Seal Village Pre-School Committee

p.4

reference number

Date of previous inspection 21 June 2017 Telephone number 01732 762 799

p.4

reference number

Seal Village Pre-School registered in 2004 and is located on the site of Seal Church of England Primary School, near Sevenoaks, Kent. The pre-school is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm, during term time only. The provision receives funding to provide free early education for children aged three and four years. There are four members of staff who work with the children, all of whom have relevant early years qualifications at level 2 or above.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

reference number

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/, write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.5

reference number

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our website for news, information and updates at www.ofsted.gov.uk/user.

p.5

reference number

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

p.5