Vicarage Lodge Preschool Community Playgroup

Vicarage Lodge Preschool Community Playgroup 1a Highlands Road, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 4PS

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Inspection date 30 October 2018 Previous inspection date 15 January 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 Outstanding 1 Outcomes for children Good 2

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The provision is good

n The manager is motivated and has ambitious plans for the setting. Rigorous self- evaluation drives the setting forward. The manager regularly seeks the views of staff, parents and the committee to further improve the quality of the service. n The key-person system is effective. Staff know each child exceptionally well. The nurturing environment supports children to develop confidence and self-esteem. n Staff talk to parents about children's home life, development and interests. This helps to ensure that planning closely follows children's interests and children become fully engaged in their learning. n Children behave exceptionally well. Staff use a wide range of positive strategies to help children understand their emotions and how to behave. Children thrive in the calm atmosphere at the setting and develop exceptional skills for learning. n The special educational needs coordinator is excellent. She engages exceptionally well

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The provision is good

with wider partnership agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children in her care. n Partnerships with parents are very strong. Parents comment about the excellent relationships with staff. Staff use effective methods to share information with parents and support children's learning at home.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n Staff do not consistently provide children with sufficient challenge to support them to make rapid progress in their learning. n Staff do not consistently give children a reason to count or use mathematical language during everyday activities.

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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 provide children with greater levels of challenge so that they make rapid progress in their learning n consider ways to support children's mathematical experiences, in particular during everyday activities and play.

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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 completed a joint observation with the deputy manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke to some staff, children, committee members and parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Regular training and robust policies ensure that all staff have a good understanding of how to ensure children's welfare. The manager has implemented effective management systems to supervise staff and ensure that each child's individual needs are met. Professional development is extensive. Staff are provided with rich opportunities to follow their interest in attending further training. The manager closely monitors the progress of different groups of children to target any gaps in development. Funding for disadvantaged children is effectively targeted and monitored. Staff are deployed effectively to ensure children are well supervised and can freely move between inside and outdoors.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff use their knowledge to plan effective and immersive activities in response to children's interests. Staff skilfully engage children's natural curiosity through effective use of thought-provoking resources. For example, children are invited to discuss which magic key will open a door to the fairy house. Children are provided equally rich opportunities to learn outside. They demonstrate good levels of engagement in their chosen activity. Staff regularly exchange information with parents about their child's development. Parents speak enthusiastically about waiting for the latest information on the progress of their child.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Children develop incredibly strong and secure attachments with all members of staff. The secure attachments support children to develop as confident, independent learners within the environment. Staff have highly effective partnerships with other settings, which ensure children receive the best continuity of care. Children are exceptionally emotionally well prepared for the transition to primary school. Transition programmes are carefully planned for individual children, and staff dedicate additional time to aid this process. Children demonstrate excellent hygiene practices and confidently meet their own self-care needs. Children are encouraged to choose healthy food options and are given excellent opportunities to be involved in physical exercise.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children, including those in receipt of funding, make good progress from their starting points. Children with special educational needs are exceptionally well supported to make progress. Children learn to be independent as they wash their hands and faces at meal and snack times. They develop literacy skills as they listen to stories. Children are well prepared for the next stage in their learning, such as school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 303489 Local authority Halton Inspection number 10072787 Type of provision Full day care Registers Early Years Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 28 Number of children on roll 36 Name of registered person Vicarage Lodge Preschool Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 15 January 2016 Telephone number 01928 500004

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Vicarage Lodge Preschool Community Playgroup registered in 1965. It opens from Monday to Friday, during term time only. Sessions are from 9am until midday and 12.45pm to 3.45pm. A lunch club operates between midday and 12.45pm. The setting employs six members of staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The setting provides funded early education for two-, three- and four- year-old children.

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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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