Heath Barn Preschool

Inspection of Heath Barn Preschool Thrift Road, Heath and Reach, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 0AX

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Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children are provided with a safe and welcoming environment that helps them to settle quickly. They are happy to be at the pre-school and develop strong bonds with their key person as well as their peers. Children have access to a broad range of resources that are easily accessible. Staff give appropriate support when children begin at the pre-school, modelling how to use the many different toys and activities.

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The provision is good

Children learn how to make choices as they play. They become confident in making decisions and self-selecting. Children take part in many mathematical experiences, from filling and emptying containers to sorting different media into types. Staff support children well. They take opportunities to add mathematical language alongside children's play. For example, in the supermarket role play, staff talk about how much the shopping items cost and ask, 'Is this more or less?'

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The provision is good

Staff instinctively share books with children throughout the session. Children enjoy the familiar stories as well as spending quiet time with staff members and their peers in the relaxing book area. They join in enthusiastically with known songs and rhymes, carrying out the appropriate actions to match the words.

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need to do better?

n The pre-school's experienced manager reflects well on practice, taking into account the views of the parents and committee members. She successfully identifies areas for further improvement, helping to continually build on the quality of the provision. n Children have access to some resources that reflect diversity. Parents choose to return to the pre-school as each of their children reach the appropriate age. The local community is reflected well in the setting. However, opportunities to help children understand people and places outside their own community are few. n The highly qualified staff work well together. They know the children well and provide appropriate learning activities that challenge children's individual levels of development. Children are engaged and motivated in their play. n The quality of teaching is good. Staff skilfully adjust their interactions to meet the needs of individual children, including those with special educational needs

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need to do better?

and/or disabilities. They successfully link with other relevant professionals who are providing additional support for children. This helps to provide continuity in care and united support for children's learning and development. n Children behave well and are aware of the expectations of the pre-school. Staff are good role models. They show respect for their colleagues and give guidance to children to help them understand the routines of the setting. n Parents speak highly of the pre-school and give praise about the care their

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need to do better?

16 October 2019 children receive. They are happy with the information that is shared about their children's learning and development. n Children have opportunity for fresh air each day as they use the pre-school garden. The outdoor space is organised well so that children can independently access a range of tools to help them practise many different skills. For example, children dig in the sand, use ropes to pull themselves up a hill, or mix the ingredients together in the mud kitchen. Children gain the physical strength they need to help early writing. n Children are prepared well for their next stage of learning when they move on to school. Staff provide opportunity and encouragement for children to become independent. Children gain confidence and successfully carry out self-help skills. However, more can be done to further develop children's understanding of possible risk when using the internet, to help them understand how to keep

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need to do better?

themselves safe online. n The manager organises regular opportunities for individual staff supervision meetings. This helps identify areas for continued professional development as well as gaining staff views on their role and responsibilities. The manager is mindful of the expectations of the staff workload and their well-being.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff demonstrate good knowledge of what would give them cause for concern about the welfare of a child. They are clear about their procedures and how they would make a referral. The manager ensures that policies are reviewed in line with changes to legislation. These are shared with the staff and committee members. Policies reflect safe use and storage of mobile phones and cameras.

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should:

n provide more opportunities that help children to understand when they may be at risk when they use the internet n build on children's experiences that help promote an understanding of people and places beyond their own community.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY426495 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10074767 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care Age range of children 2 to 4 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 37 Name of registered person Heath Barn Pre-School Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 01525 237172 Date of previous inspection 21 March 2016

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Information about this early years setting

Heath Barn Preschool registered in 2011. The pre-school employs seven members of childcare staff. Of these, all hold qualifications at level 3 or above, including the manager, who has early years teacher status. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday, during term time only, from 9am to 3pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector had a tour of all areas of the pre-school. n The pre-school manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation. n The inspector held discussions with staff, parents and committee members during the inspection. n The inspector looked at a sample of documents to gain evidence about staff suitability and appropriate qualifications. n The inspector held a meeting with the pre-school manager.

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Inspection activities

16 October 2019 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.

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Inspection activities

16 October 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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