The Mulberry Preschool

The Mulberry Preschool The Mulberry Centre, 12a Calais Gate, London SE5 9LP

p.1

Inspection date 10 September 2018 Previous inspection date Not applicable

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Not applicable Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1 Outcomes for children Good 2

p.1

The provision is good

n Children enjoy a wide range of activities. Staff provide a highly impressive learning environment inside and outdoors that stimulates children's interest, curiosity and excitement. n The manager is enthusiastic and provides strong leadership. She has high expectations for the provision. She works alongside the extremely motivated staff to develop the provision and offer good outcomes for children. n Children show high levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. Very young children learn to manage risk and take responsibility for themselves particularly well. For instance, children spontaneously wait at the edge of the park until the pathway is clear and staff confirm it is safe to enter. Children behave extremely well. n The quality of teaching is good. Gaps in children's learning are quickly identified and addressed. Strong relationships with parents and outside professionals ensure that support is accessed to close the gaps in children's learning and help them to catch up.

p.1

The provision is good

n Parents comment that the menus provided are exceptional. Children are extremely independent and enjoy eating the fruit and vegetables they have grown. They develop a good understanding of how to recycle and use the compost heap. Children are supported to lead healthy lifestyles and receive healthy nutritious meals and snacks.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

n The manager does not make the best use of the information gained from analysing the progress made by different groups of children.

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

n build further on the arrangements for comparing the progress made by different groups of children and check that all groups receive the support they need to increase the potential for all children to achieve at the highest possible levels.

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector spoke with staff and children during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector looked at the relevant documentation, such as policies and children's records. n The inspector spoke with a number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

p.2

Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The manager uses effective systems to improve the quality of staff practice. For example, by organising relevant training and holding daily feedback meetings to discuss staff development, individual children's needs and safeguarding. Staff have a secure understanding of child protection and how to keep children safe. The manager and staff have robust policies, procedures and risk assessments in place for on- site and off-site activities to support children's safety. They know the early years foundation stage well and work effectively to promote consistency in children's learning inside and outdoors. Staff attend extra training to strengthen their skills. For instance, the outdoor mathematic s and literacy area has been developed to engage children who spend more time outside. The manager reflects on her practice to continually make improvements.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The key-person system is established. Staff provide an exciting and stimulating range of activities that helps to motivate children to play and explore. They support children's language development effectively. Very young children are happy to speak in group situations. Children share their experiences and contribute ideas. They listen well and follow instructions carefully. Staff provide good opportunities for children to develop their hand-to-eye coordination and physical skills. This is demonstrated when children confidently cut grass from the garden and cut strips of paper to make sunflowers. Trays are set up outside with clipboards, pencils, brushes and buckets of water to encourage independent mark making. Staff use books and natural objects to broaden children's understanding of the world and help them develop their language skills. Staff make the most of these opportunities to talk to children. They encourage children to solve

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

problems, ask them questions and allow them time to think and answer.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Staff get to know the families and children extremely well. There is an extensive range of highly stimulating resources which is carefully chosen for the differing age groups. Children feel safe and secure, and settle in quickly and easily. Mealtimes are very calm and sociable occasions. Children's understanding of their welfare is exceptional. This is evident during snack time when the children remind each other that when the whistle blows, they need to go to a member of staff to keep safe. Children are highly motivated to try new food and discuss the appearance and textures. They use their senses to develop their knowledge and understanding of different food. For example, studying the head of a pineapple and eating the seeds from the centre of the sunflowers they have grown. Children create large-floor books recalling recent activities through mark making, drawing, photographs and taking samples from nature.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

All children, including those in receipt of funded education and children who speak English as an additional language, make good progress in relation to their starting points. All children are developing the skills that they need for their move on to school. All children have a positive attitude to learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY536978 Local authority Lambeth Inspection number 10076922 Type of provision Full day care

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 2 - 8 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 24 Name of registered person Smallwood, Claire Marie

p.4

reference number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 07788584687

p.4

reference number

The Mulberry Preschool registered in 2016. It is based in Myatts Park in Camberwell, London. It has an urban nature ethos. The pre-school is open from 8.30am to 12.30pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. It is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm on Monday and Wednesday during term time only. There is a stay-and-play session for the community on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 1pm. After-school sessions run all week. There is also a school holiday camp for school-aged children. There are currently two members of staff working with the children, both of whom hold a level three qualification in childcare.

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.ofsted.gov.uk . 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.5

reference number

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 monthly newsletter for more information and updates: www.ofsted.gov.uk/user .

p.5

reference number

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

p.5