Acre Wood Pre-School

Acre Wood Pre-School Mount Nebo, Brickwall Farm, Queen Street, Sible Hedingham, Halstead CO9 3RH

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Inspection date 3 October 2018 Previous inspection date Not applicable

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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

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The provision is good

n All staff are highly skilled and sensitive in helping children form secure emotional attachments. They provide an exceptionally strong base for children's developing independence and exploration. n The indoor and outdoor spaces are stimulating, inviting and exciting for children. Children develop their skills and understanding across all areas of learning. They make good progress in relation to their starting points on entry to the pre-school. n Staff work very closely with other professionals. This helps to ensure children experience continuity of their learning and care needs. This is highly effective for children who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities. n The manager and staff have an accurate overview of each child's learning and development. Effective systems for observing, assessing and monitoring children's progress are in place. This means that no child falls behind in their learning.

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The provision is good

n Children's independence is fostered extremely well. Staff have very high expectations of all children's ability to be independent learners. For example, children freely access a kitchen area. They choose recipe cards and the appropriate ingredients as they engage in cooking activities with enthusiastic staff.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n Staff sometimes overlook opportunities to extend children's thinking skills to the highest levels.

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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 focus more precisely on providing greater levels of challenge that help children make even more rapid progress.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities 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 spoke with staff and children during the inspection. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the pre-school manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the pre-school managers. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through reading the written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The manager and staff have a good understanding of safeguarding procedures and child protection issues. The manager evaluates the pre- school very well and continually makes effective improvements. For example, staff have explored different ways of communicating with parents to ensure that all families, including those who speak English as an additional language, are engaged in their children's learning. Staff are dedicated and committed to the continuing improvement of the pre-school. They are motivated well by the manager, who ensures that there is a comprehensive and ongoing programme to support their professional development.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff know the children well and have a good knowledge of how children learn. They use their observations and assessments to plan effectively for children's next steps in learning. The quality of teaching is consistently good throughout the pre-school and is a particular strength in the baby room. Staff support children's communication skills well. They ask children questions and give them the time they need to consider their answers and respond fully. They teach children new words to increase their vocabulary. These are some of the many ways that staff support children's language development.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Children thrive in this highly stimulating and exceptionally inclusive learning environment. Their personal, social and emotional needs are exceedingly well met. Staff are extremely nurturing and calm. They set very clear and consistent boundaries and children know the rules. Behaviour is exemplary. Children manage their own play exceptionally well. Staff are extremely skilled at helping children to learn how to take manageable risks. For example, children identify the risks involved in their outdoor learning sessions. They confidently identify that they need to stay away from stinging nettles and stay within the marked boundary area that they help to create. Children have access to superb outdoor facilities. They benefit from invaluable visits to the on-site forest area where they explore the natural environment and observe the wildlife. Staff skilfully support children's transitions within the pre-school. Well-established routines,

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

combined with the excellent layout of the pre-school, help promote even the youngest children's independence and self-esteem to the highest level.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children achieve well and make good progress from their starting points. Children who have SEN and/or disabilities make excellent progress. Children enjoy good relationships with the staff and each other and develop good social skills. They are active and independent learners and are inquisitive to try new things. All children acquire the skills and attitudes that promote future learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY537583 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10076818 Type of provision Full day care Registers Early Years Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 0 - 3 Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 53 Name of registered person Acre Wood Pre-School C.I.C.

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reference number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 07551543482

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Acre Wood Pre-School re-registered in 2016 when it moved to new premises. The pre- school employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3 or above. The manager holds early years professional status. The pre-school is open during school term time. Sessions are from 8am until 3.30pm each weekday.

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

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