Stepping Stones Community Pre-School

Stepping Stones Community Pre-School Court de Wyck Primary School, Bishops Road, Claverham, BRISTOL BS49 4NF

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Inspection date 19 September 2018 Previous inspection date 16 November 2015

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This inspection: Inadequate 4

Previous inspection: Outstanding 1 Effectiveness of leadership and management Inadequate 4 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Inadequate 4 Outcomes for children Good 2

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The provision is inadequate

n The committee has failed to ensure that Ofsted are notified about changes to its members. This means that suitability checks have not been completed. n The committee does not ensure that staff are appropriately vetted prior to working with the children. n The designated lead for safeguarding does not have the relevant skills and knowledge to carry out her role effectively. n The committee does not ensure that all staff understand and implement the safeguarding policy, especially if an allegation is made against a member of staff. n The committee does not ensure that the manager receives the necessary support and guidance to help her develop her knowledge and skills to lead and manage a team.

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It has the following strengths

n The quality of teaching is good. As a result, children have a 'can do' attitude, are eager to learn and make good progress in their learning and development. n Children have good attachments to staff. They settle quickly and happily join in with activities.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

The provision is inadequate and Ofsted intends to take enforcement action: We will issue a Welfare Requirements Notice requiring the provider to: Due date ensure that people looking after children are suitable to fulfil the requirements of their roles 19/10/2018

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

implement robust recruitment procedures to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children 19/10/2018

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

ensure the designated lead for safeguarding has the relevant knowledge and skills to carry out their role effectively and provide support, advice and guidance to staff 19/10/2018

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

ensure all staff understand and implement the safeguarding policy and procedures, which are in line with the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board; especially if an allegation is made against a member of staff 19/10/2018

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

ensure the manager receives appropriate support, coaching and training so that they have the necessary knowledge and skills for their role. 19/10/2018

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspection was carried out following concerns raised about the committee's ability to meet the requirements of registration. n The inspector observed the range of activities provided for children in the pre-school. n The inspector spoke with children, staff, the manager and the chair of the committee at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector reviewed a range of documentation including policies and procedures, evidence of staff suitability, safeguarding information and children's assessment records. n The inspector took account of the views of parents. n The inspector observed interactions between staff and children throughout the inspection.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is inadequate

Safeguarding is not effective. Ofsted has not been notified of changes to the committee, which is a requirement of registration. As a result, we have been unable to carry out checks to ensure the suitability of committee members. The committee, designated person for safeguarding and staff do not know the action to take if an allegation is made against an adult working in the pre-school. The committee does not ensure that recruitment procedures are effective. Staff who work with children are employed before disclosure and barring checks have been completed and references sought, which puts children at risk. The committee does not ensure that the new manager is provided with the necessary support and guidance she needs to fulfil her role. As a result, she is unable to meet the welfare requirements. This combination of failures puts children at risk of harm. The manager does not have an accurate view of what works well and what

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is inadequate

needs to improve. However, she has made changes to the procedures when parents collect their children to ensure children cannot leave the pre-school on their own.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The quality of teaching is good. Staff know the children well and plan exciting activities for them. Staff provide an array of high-quality and interesting resources that capture children's imagination. For example, children learn about shape and size by using chalk to draw around each other in the outdoor play area. Children have the opportunity to practise their knowledge of mathematics, by for example, counting steps in the game 'What's the time Mr Wolf?'. Staff skilfully engage even the youngest children in activities and make sure they are well supported and can join in. For example, all children enjoy singing, being read to and using sign language to communicate. Children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well and fully included in all activities.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are inadequate

Children's safety is compromised due to weaknesses in safeguarding. The committee does not ensure that all of the safeguarding and welfare requirements are met, which puts children at risk. Children sit with staff at lunchtime in a relaxed and social environment. Staff encourage positive conversations but do not do enough to teach children about the importance of balanced and nutritious food to help them stay healthy.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress in their learning and development. Children share, take turns and show respect and consideration for others. They have lots of opportunity to be physically active and use their imagination in the large, exciting and well-resourced outside area, all year round. For example, they thoroughly enjoy their 'Gruffalo' adventure in the woods pretending to meet the different animals that might eat the mouse. Children are encouraged to be independent at managing their own needs and are prepared well for the next stage in their learning and their move to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY429428 Local authority North Somerset Inspection number 10078720 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 30 Number of children on roll 24

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Name of registered person

Stepping Stones Community Pre-School Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 16 November 2015 Telephone number 07977 808132

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Stepping Stones Community Pre-School registered in 2011 and is run by a committee. The pre-school operates from a building on the grounds of Court de Wyck Primary School in Claverham, North Somerset. The pre-school opens Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3.30pm, term time only. The pre-school provides funded early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are six staff, of whom three hold a relevant level 3 qualification.

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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

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