St Benedict's Catholic Primary Academy

Bancroft Pre-school Small Meeting Place, 29 Hadrians Drive, Bancroft, MILTON KEYNES MK13 0QB

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Inspection date 19 September 2018 Previous inspection date 3 October 2017

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Previous inspection: Requires improvement

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Effectiveness of leadership and management Requires improvement Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Good 2

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The provision requires improvement. It is not yet good because:

n The manager has made progress since the last inspection. However, although supervision with staff takes place, she has not identified all areas to support the deputy in her role. This does not have any significant impact on children's welfare. n Self-evaluation is not fully robust. The manager does not always reflect effectively on the quality of provision and staff knowledge to identify breaches in requirements and to improve and achieve good-quality practice overall. n On occasion, staff miss opportunities to encourage children to understand fully the consequences of their actions. For example, explaining why toys should not be thrown. n Children's independence and self-care skills are not fully promoted. For instance, during mealtimes staff pour drinks for the children.

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It has the following strengths

n Staff make use of everyday opportunities to support children's mathematical and literacy development. Children show a keen interest in counting and practising their early writing skills. n Since the last inspection the manager has prioritised improvements at the setting. For example, she has strengthened partnerships with parents and carers to ensure there is a consistent approach to children's learning. n Children are happy and settled. They behave well and form close relationships with the staff. For instance, they seek adults for comfort when they begin to feel tired.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage and Childcare Register the provider must: Due date ensure the deputy has the skills and knowledge to take charge in the manager's absence 20/11/2018

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

improve supervision processes so that all staff are confident in their role and fully understand their responsibilities. 20/11/2018

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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

n use self-evaluation more effectively to clearly identify any breaches in the requirements and areas for development to benefit children n make the most of opportunities to encourage children to fully understand the consequences of their actions n provide more opportunities for children to enhance their independence and self-care skills.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed children's activities indoors and outdoors. n The inspector undertook a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector had discussions with the children, staff and the manager. n The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day of the inspection. n The inspector looked at a range of relevant documentation relating to safeguarding and staff suitability, as well as policies, procedures and children's progress records.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management requires improvement

The manager has made some improvements since the last inspection. For example, the setting has strengthened its communication with professionals at other settings children attend by the introduction of communication books. However, she does not evaluate the deputy manager's skills and knowledge effectively to ensure she is competent to take on the manager's role in her absence. This does not have a significant impact on children because the deputy has an understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children and knows the procedure to follow if she has a concern. The manager is fully aware that the deputy manager needs to have more training to understand her role and responsibilities. Recruitment and induction procedures are robust to ensure that staff and committee members are suitable to work with children. Safeguarding is effective. Staff attend child protection training and are clear about the action to take if they have concerns. Staff

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Effectiveness of leadership and management requires improvement

have positive partnerships with parents and inform them of the progress and achievements their children make. This supports parents to extend their children's learning at home.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff find out about children's needs and interests as soon as they join. They talk to the parents and children to gain a good understanding of how best to support them. Staff plan activities that children enjoy and are eager to take part in. The indoor and outdoor environments offer a wealth of learning opportunities that children excitedly explore. Staff play alongside them, asking questions to help support their thinking. Children use their mark-making skills to create pictures and patterns using different materials. This helps to support their literacy skills and imaginations. The staff promote children's mathematical skills effectively. For instance, they encourage children to compare sizes and objects. They draw around their feet using chalk and compare the different sizes of feet.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children are well behaved and play cooperatively. Children's staggered admission is effective and tailored to meet their individual needs. Children eat fresh fruit and play outdoors in the fresh air, which helps to promote their well-being. They follow suitable hygiene routines and staff encourage them to wash their hands regularly. Children demonstrate enthusiasm and confidence as they ride on bikes and kick balls. This contributes to supporting their physical development and enables them to take appropriate risk in their play.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress in their learning. Children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported through effective, tailored development plans. Children gain confidence in their own abilities and in group activities. For example, during water play the older children show younger children how to use the funnels. Children enjoy their time in the pre-school and their social skills are well promoted. They are curious and willing to try out their ideas. They acquire the skills that will support them in their future learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 141812 Local authority Milton Keynes Inspection number 10077375 Type of provision Full day care

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 60 Number of children on roll 42 Name of registered person Bancroft Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 3 October 2017 Telephone number 01908 322502 or 07761 802393

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reference number

Bancroft Pre-school registered in 1985. It receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The pre-school opens on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 3.15pm, and on Monday from midday until 3.15pm, during term time only. Children have the option to stay for lunch and to undertake a full day. The pre-school employs eight staff, six of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 3.

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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.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.

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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 .

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

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