Cygnets Pre-School/Nursery

Cygnets Pre- School/Nursery Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council, Council Offices and Hall, The Grove, Swanscombe, Kent, DA10 0GA

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 8 December 2017 22 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

 Children make good progress from their starting points, including those who have special educational needs (SEN). Any gaps in children's learning or development are identified quickly and interventions put in place to stop them falling behind their peers.  Staff know the children well. They know what children can do and what they are interested in. They plan stimulating activities that engage them in their learning and prepare them well for school.  The manager shows a commitment to improvement and continually focuses on how she can improve the pre-school.  Staff work closely with parents to help them understand how well their children are doing and how they can best support their learning and development at home.  Children develop trusting relationships with key staff. They behave well and confidently share their thoughts and ideas. Staff listen and respond appropriately to their plans and their excitement during play.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The manager does not make the best possible use of parents' and children's views when considering how to further improve the setting.  Sometimes, large-group activities do not fully involve all children. This means some children do not benefit as much as possible from the learning opportunities available.

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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

 extend the evaluation of the provision to include parents' and children's thoughts and views more effectively  support staff to adjust their teaching when needed during group activities, to help all children to fully participate and extend their learning as much as possible.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching and children's learning, inside and outside.  The inspector held a meeting with the manager.  The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector spoke with children and all staff. She spoke with parents and took account of their views.  The inspector viewed a range of documentation, including children's records, development plans, complaints, recruitment records and policies and procedures.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff are knowledgeable and fully understand the procedures to follow if they are concerned about a child's welfare. The manager works well with other professionals to help identify children who have additional needs. For instance, the pre- school works closely with external agencies to develop teaching strategies that support the communication and language of children who need extra help to catch up with their peers. The manager provides regular feedback to staff and supports them to improve the quality of their teaching. They have opportunities for professional development through ongoing training. Suitable recruitment and vetting arrangements are followed to 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.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff observe and assess children and plan interesting activities and experiences based on the next steps in their learning. Key staff understand how children learn and are skilful in supporting and challenging children of different abilities. Staff support children to interpret their ideas and experiences during creative activities, such as when they make Christmas pictures with a range of items, including feathers. Children's interest in literacy is supported well. For example, children develop their vocabulary as they join in with familiar stories and recite poems together. Staff provide children with opportunities to develop their early writing skills, such as trying to write their names. Children learn about mathematics in their play. For instance, staff introduce language such as 'more than' and 'how many' as they play alongside children.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children who have recently started at the pre-school settle in quickly. A visual timetable is used during registration, which helps to remind children of the routine of the session. Staff support children to develop independence. For example, children decide when they are ready to eat a snack and they hang up their own coats. Children behave well as staff give them clear guidance on what is expected. Staff get to know families well and talk with children about their home life, which helps them to feel valued. Staff recognise and praise children's efforts. Children develop their confidence and express themselves clearly, supported by staff who are considerate and thoughtful. Children learn about the lives of others and recognise similarities and differences between themselves and others. They enjoy plenty of opportunities for fresh air and physical exercise.

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Outcomes for children are good

Older children are well prepared for school. They know the days of the week and confidently find their name card on arrival to put onto the self-registration board. Children are engaged in their learning and spend long periods of time focused on an activity. Children are sociable and chatty, and develop good friendships with their peers.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY350289 Local authority Kent Inspection number 1093027 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 - 5 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 38 Name of registered person Cygnets Pre School Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 22 June 2015 Telephone number 077788 66051 or 01322 386111

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reference number

Cygnets Pre-School/Nursery registered in 2007. The pre-school opens during term times, Monday to Friday from 8.45am until 11.45am and from 12.30pm until 3.30pm. There are six staff who work directly with the children, all of whom have appropriate early years qualifications at levels 2 or 3. The pre-school 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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