Sparklers Preschool

Sparklers Preschool Basildon C of E Primary School, School Lane, Upper Basildon, READING RG8 8PD

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Inspection date 10 October 2018 Previous inspection date 21 March 2016

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 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 is good

n Leaders have a good understanding of the settings strengths and areas for improvement. Staff are involved in regular evaluation activity, leading to a whole team approach to quality improvement. Recently, they have improved the outdoor area to increase opportunities for children who prefer to learn outdoors. n Staff communicate regularly with parents about their child's development. Parents are encouraged to take an active part in their children's learning. For example, they complete 'All about me' forms and contribute to learning journeys. n The key-person system is well established, staff form strong relationships with children. This allows children to confidently explore new opportunities in a supportive environment, particularly those who are new to the setting. n Staff are good role models and set clear expectations, such as through the use of 'golden rules', which children show they understand.

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The provision is good

n Children are well prepared for starting school, as they develop good language and literacy skills. For example, older children speak confidently with staff and each other about their activities.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n Supervision does not always link professional development opportunities with the aspiration of raising the quality of teaching to the highest level. n Staff do not always make the most of opportunities to allow children to lead their own learning and express their own ideas creatively.

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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 supervision to more precisely focus professional development opportunities on raising the quality of teaching practice n explore greater opportunities for children to lead their own learning.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed a range of activities across the setting, indoors and outdoors. n The inspector carried and out a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector met with the manager and spoke with the local authority representative who was present on the day. n The inspector spoke with a parent and reviewed input into children's learning journeys. n The inspector reviewed a range of children's records and planning documents, policies and procedures, evidence of staff suitability and other relevant documentation.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Staff speak highly of the manager, the support she provides and the opportunities they have to develop their knowledge, such as safeguarding. Staff have been able to access some training that has improved how they support children's language development. Self-evaluation is accurate. This has led to the development of the outdoor learning environment. Children have access to a wide range of activities in which they engage well. The monitoring of children's progress is accurate. The manager engages effectively with other professionals to gain advice and support. For example, in supporting children who learn English as an additional language. Safeguarding is effective. Staff are confident in their safeguarding knowledge and know who to report concerns to about children's welfare.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff provide a welcoming, well-resourced environment. Staff interact well with children, demonstrating good language and behaviour. Children's next steps are identified correctly and discussed with parents. The clear focus on language development across the setting means children are developing strong communication skills. Children have lots of opportunities to develop their mathematical skills, with staff making good use of everyday activities. For example, older children confidently set out the snack session and count out the correct number of chairs, inviting other children to join them.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children's independence is encouraged across all activities. This means that they are able to fully engage with activities and opportunities to further their learning. Children show consideration for others, engaging positively in each other's play. For example, when playing a game, they were able to take turns and support each other to match pictures. Children are supported to learn about healthy lifestyles, such as through physical outdoor play, eating healthy snacks and growing vegetables in the garden. Children have regular access to outdoor activities and a wide range of opportunities to develop their physical skills. They enjoy riding on the tricycles and throwing and kicking balls.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are making expected progress and show enthusiasm for learning. Children engage in a range of well-developed activities with concentration and attentive listening. Younger children enjoy listening to stories and join in enthusiastically with the actions. Children are developing their pre-writing skills through staff's secure knowledge and use of phonics. They demonstrate curiosity in new activities, asking questions which allow them to develop their understanding further. Children demonstrate determination with new tasks which are a challenge, staying with them until they are complete. For example, when using scissors for the first time to cut tape.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 955551 Local authority West Berkshire Inspection number 10066589 Type of provision Sessional day care

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Registers

Early Years Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 2 - 5 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 23 Name of registered person Sparklers Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 21 March 2016 Telephone number 01491671910

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Sparklers Preschool opened in 2001. It is situated in Upper Basildon in Berkshire. The provider employs four members of staff. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, from 9am until 3pm, during term time only, with a teatime club from 3pm until 6pm taking children up to the end of the reception year. The nursery provides funded early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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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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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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