Down In The Woods Pre-School Ltd

Inspection of Down In The Woods Pre-School Ltd Merley Community Centre, Wimborne BH21 1XE

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children at the pre-school are happy, settled and have secure attachments with staff. The provision is specifically for two-year-olds, and staff focus on children's emotional needs particularly well. Children show developing confidence in learning to do things for themselves, as they are reassured that a familiar adult is close by. Staff help children learn how to manage their behaviour and recognise what makes them unique.

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The provision is good

Staff link closely with parents to gather information about children's individual abilities. They use this information, along with what they know about the children, to identify and plan for children's next learning steps effectively. Staff implement an effective curriculum to help children make good progress in their learning and development. They promote children's communication skills well. For example, staff listen carefully to children and are skilful at introducing new vocabulary to help develop their language further.

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The provision is good

Staff continually reflect on the provision to help them identify areas to improve. For example, they have changed their routine to access the toilets to make it safer for the children. Children generally have the same key person when they move to the main pre-school, which helps them feel emotionally secure and ready for the next stage in their development.

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need to do better?

n Children come into the group happily. Staff are sensitive to the children's needs, which fosters their security and emotional well-being effectively. Children build warm, trusting relationships with staff and show that they feel safe and secure. n Staff provide a consistent and age-appropriate approach to managing children's behaviour. For example, they provide children with gentle reminders to use 'kind hands' in their play. Children are gaining an understanding how to manage their behaviour and feelings. For example, staff teach them the importance of sharing and taking turns with others. Children listen and respond positively to staff as they line up to go outside. They receive regular praise from staff, which helps to boost their confidence and self-esteem. n Children enjoy a broad range of activities based on their interests and individual learning needs. They enjoy exploring the different textures of objects in the

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need to do better?

sensory baskets, manipulating the play dough and building with the blocks. Staff interact positively to extend children's learning. For example, as children build with the blocks, staff count and say 'higher and higher' to introduce the children to early mathematics. However, some planned activities, such as learning about shapes, are not well organised. Staff do not always take account of children's differing abilities and, as a result, some children soon lose interest.

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need to do better?

25 November 2019 n Children have access to indoor and outdoor play areas. Staff provide opportunities for some outdoor play experiences to ensure that children get regular fresh air and exercise. However, they do not make the most of opportunities to encourage children to move their bodies in different ways, to further support children's physical development. Children enjoy books. Staff make good use of props to engage children's interests. For example, children listen to a story about the importance of cleaning your teeth and pretend to clean the soft toy's teeth. This helps them gain an understanding of keeping themselves healthy. Children have fun as they join in familiar rhymes and songs. n The manager and staff link closely with external agencies. They identify any children who may need additional help, so they get the support they need to catch up. Staff are supportive and work effectively with parents. They

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need to do better?

continually share information to maintain a consistent approach for children's care and learning. Parents are kept well informed about their children's development. n The manager shows good leadership and supports staff well. She identifies staff training needs and encourages their ongoing development. For example, some staff attended specific training on working with two-year-olds to help them in their roles. The manager is mindful of the main pressures on the staff team. For example, staff get allocated time to complete assessments on their key children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff know the signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. They understand their responsibilities to keep children safe and how to identify and report concerns. The manager ensures staff keep their knowledge up to date, for example through training and discussions at staff meetings. There are clear safeguarding policies and procedures in place. The manager follows thorough recruitment and vetting procedures to help keep children safe. She makes sure that new staff are suitable and have the skills for their role.

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should:

n improve the organisation of group activities to increase children's engagement and involvement, to help all children reach their full potential n widen the opportunities to encourage children to practise their movement skills, to further support their physical development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY546714 Local authority Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Inspection number 10129992 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care Age range of children 2 to 3 Total number of places 18 Number of children on roll 5 Name of registered person Down In The Woods Pre-School Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07787 954387 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Down In The Woods Pre-School Ltd opened in 2017. It is privately owned and operates from the community centre in Merley, Wimborne. The pre-school provides care for two-year-old children, who then move up to the main pre-school building when they reach the age of three. The pre-school is open Monday and Wednesday from 9am to midday, during term time. It receives funding for free early education for children aged two years. There are two members of staff, including the manager. Both hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector and the manager completed a 'learning walk' across the pre- school to understand how the early years provision is organised. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector spoke with staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at a sample of the nursery's documentation. This included evidence of staff suitability and training.

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Inspection activities

25 November 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

25 November 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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