Stepping Stones Pre-School (Harrow)

Stepping Stones Pre- School (Harrow) 17 Harrow Scout Group Roxborough Park, Headquarters Rear of Catholic Church, Roxborough Park, Harrow-on-Hill, Middlesex, HA1 3BA

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 1 February 2018 4 February 2014

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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 Outstanding 1

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This provision is good

 The key-person system is exceptionally strong. Staff know children very well and support their individual needs highly effectively. Children form warm and trusting relationships with the caring staff. They are happy and flourish in confidence.  Staff plan a broad range of stimulating activities that reflects the interests of the children and their next steps in learning. Children are continuously well engaged and demonstrate enthusiasm and motivation for learning.  Staff and the manager regularly monitor children's development to ensure good progress for all children. They work closely with other professionals and swiftly provide extra support where needed. For example, small-group sessions focusing on communication and language have made a significant improvement to children's development.  Staff and the manager form strong partnerships with parents. They regularly share information about children's learning and find a wide range of ways to involve parents

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This provision is good

in their children's learning. Parents speak extremely highly about the pre-school and the care and learning that their children receive.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Occasionally, during creative activities, staff miss opportunities to encourage children to make independent choices and freely explore their creative ideas.

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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

 enhance opportunities for children to make their own choices and develop their imagination further, as they engage in creative activities.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children's learning experiences indoors and outdoors.  The inspector held discussions with the managers and staff, and spoke to the children.  The inspector spoke to parents and considered their views.  The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager and discussed the findings with her.  The inspector sampled a range of documents, including children's development records and staff suitability checks.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff are confident with the signs and symptoms to be aware of and how to act on concerns about a child. They have an up-to-date knowledge of current safeguarding concerns and legislation. The manager supports the professional development of staff, for example, through regular training opportunities. Staff use their training effectively to improve their practice and enhance children's learning experiences. For instance, they have recently enhanced the learning provision for boys. The manager continually evaluates her practice, taking into account the views of parents, children and other professionals. She makes improvements that benefit children's outcomes and is highly committed to delivering a high-quality practice.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The dedicated staff team is knowledgeable about how children learn and supports them sensitively to progress their learning. Staff observe carefully and listen attentively as children play, providing suitable challenges and asking questions that encourage further thinking. For example, when children find a feather in the garden, they discuss with staff where it could have come from, demonstrating excellent thought process. Staff support children's literacy skills particularly well, providing a wide range of opportunities to develop their skills. For instance, children practise early writing as they take food orders during play. They access books to widen their knowledge and enjoy a regular story time. Children demonstrate good listening skills and enjoy reading.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Staff support children's independence exceptionally well. Children have many responsibilities within the pre-school and this helps to develop their confidence and self- esteem to a very high level. For instance, children delight in helping out at register time and confidently lead the group, calling out names and giving out tasks to their friends. Children understand the class rules very well. They confidently discuss the importance of respecting one another and their environment. Behaviour is excellent. Staff place a very strong focus on promoting children's physical well-being. For example, they have recently worked with parents to help improve children's oral hygiene practice. Children enjoy daily exercise sessions and outdoor games which challenge their coordination skills excellently.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress, including those who speak English as an additional language. They develop key skills needed for their future learning and for school. Children are confident communicators and form good friendships with their peers. They enjoy mathematical challenge as they play, such as while exploring natural resources. Children learn to write their names and explore phonics as they listen to stories.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY277182 Local authority Harrow Inspection number 1068690 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 - 5 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 29 Name of registered person Stepping Stones Pre-School (Harrow) Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 4 February 2014 Telephone number 07952 204022

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reference number

Stepping Stones Pre-School (Harrow) registered in 2004. It is located in the London Borough of Harrow. The pre-school is open each weekday from 8.55am to 1pm, during term time only. The pre-school receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged three and four years. It employs six members of staff, including the manager. Of these, four staff hold appropriate early years qualification at level 3.

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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

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

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