Wisps Preschool

Inspection of Wisps Preschool Winklebury Infant School, Willoughby Way, Basingstoke RG23 8AF

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Requires improvement

p.1

The provision is good

Children settle well, feel safe and are at ease at the pre-school. They develop good relationships with the staff and enjoy the activities on offer. Children are motivated and enthusiastic learners who enjoy the freedom of where they would like to play, including choosing to play indoors and outdoors. They benefit from activities which support their interests and offer variety and challenge across the curriculum. Children are engaged and well occupied. They have fun exploring and being creative, such as playing with music and sensory activities. Staff have a good understanding of children's achievements and monitor their progress closely. Staff know children's abilities and capabilities well and build on these effectively.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff promote children's well-being effectively. Children develop good levels of independence and staff are responsive to their needs. For example, they teach children to manage small tasks, such as pouring drinks and getting dressed to go outside. Staff warmly communicate with children and promote their understanding and listening skills well, such as through singing and sign language. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those that speak English as an additional language are appropriately supported by staff, who provide an inclusive environment. This helps to narrow any gaps in achievement. Staff support children's behaviour and emotional development securely. For example, they regularly praise children for their efforts, which helps increase their confidence and self-esteem.

p.2

need to do better?

n The nominated person and management team have successfully addressed the last inspection findings and made good improvements. They have ensured all persons connected with the pre-school are known to Ofsted and that appropriate suitability checks have been completed. In addition, the staff have built good relationships with the schools and share information about children's progress successfully. n Children progress well from their starting points and are developing valuable skills needed for their future learning in preparation for school. For example, children benefit from group and circle times, which help them learn about listening and taking turns to speak. However, transitions between these and tidy-up times are, at times, a little chaotic and do not consistently meet all children's needs. Despite this, staff plan for the children well and know accurately what their next steps in development are.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff warmly welcome the children into the pre-school and they settle well. Staff provide a variety of activities that support the children's interests and provide a degree of challenge. For example, as children play with vehicles, staff add construction, which successfully links learning about mathematical concepts.

p.2

need to do better?

25 September 2019 Staff talk and engage with the children well. For example, staff eagerly ask children questions to help gauge their views, which helps to support their communication and language skills. n Children demonstrate that they feel safe. They confidently move around and access resources with ease. Staff help to build children's awareness of safety well. For instance, as children explore on climbing equipment, staff remind them of the importance of drying this before they climb, explaining it might be slippery from the rain. n Communication with parents and other professionals is good. For example, parents receive regular updates that keep them well informed about how their children are learning and developing. Parents speak highly about the staff and their commitment in helping their children progress. n Children's welfare is promoted positively. Children are cared for in a clean environment. Staff and children follow good hygiene routines. Staff support

p.2

need to do better?

children to be active and develop their physical skills. For instance, children excitedly ride on wheeled toys, and enjoy climbing and digging in the allotment areas. n The management team offers staff regular supervision meetings and provides opportunities for professional development. For example, staff have recently completed food hygiene training, which has helped them reflect on and promote children's good health. The management team reflects on what it is offering to children and acknowledges some minor performance weakness in staff, which need refining to enhance the quality and consistency of teaching.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff have a good understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a safeguarding concern. In particular, they know their responsibilities to make referrals very well in the event of any concerns arising. Staff benefit from regular safeguarding training, which helps keep their knowledge and understanding up to date. They are confident about the signs and indicators that a child may be at risk of harm. Staff understand how to identify and manage risks to children within the environment. The management team implements robust recruitment processes.

p.3

should:

n develop the transitions between activities and routines more comprehensively to ensure these meet the individual needs of all the children n build on ways to enable staff to have specific opportunities to be reflective to strengthen their already good teaching skills to an even higher level.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY496945 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10081437 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 2 to 4 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 36 Name of registered person Wisps

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01256 359215 Date of previous inspection 2 October 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Wisps Preschool registered in 2016. It operates from the site of Winklebury Infant School, near Basingstoke, Hampshire. The pre-school is open each weekday from 8.30am until 3.30pm during school term times. It is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three, and four years. There are six members of staff who work with the children. All staff hold relevant early years qualifications. The manager holds a degree and early years professional status.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector observed all areas of the pre-school that the children have access to. n The manager of the pre-school and the inspector carried out a learning walk and a joint observation. n The inspector discussed and reviewed evidence about staff suitability and training. n During the inspection, the inspector interacted with children. n The inspector held discussions with the staff, the management team and parents at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

p.5

Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

25 September 2019 regulates and inspects to 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

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 .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6