Stepping Stones Pre-School

Inspection of Stepping Stones Pre- School Leverington Cp School, 104 Church Road, Leverington, WISBECH, Cambridgeshire PE13 5DE

p.1

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

p.1

The provision requires improvement

Children are happy and enjoy their time playing and learning. They have strong, trusting bonds with staff. Even those children who are reserved when they first arrive soon settle and show confidence in their surroundings. Children join in with group activities and remember they need to have 'listening ears' and 'looking eyes'. Children follow instructions well, and this is especially evident as they undertake stretching exercises to help prepare them for a busy and active morning.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Children are imaginative, drawing on experiences they have had elsewhere. For example, they pretend to make cakes and serve customers in a bakery shop. Children's mathematical skills are promoted well as they recognise differences and similarities during sorting activities. They talk about the difference in the size of cutlery used during snack, accurately using mathematical language. Children's communication skills are boosted effectively by staff who skilfully model good interactions and give children the time they need to respond. Children benefit from the stimulating activities available both inside and outside. They learn about the natural world during regular activities in a local woodland and by observing creatures and growing plants in the pre-school garden.

p.2

need to do better?

n Ofsted has not been informed of all individuals who form the management committee. Some have been in post for a considerable time. While Disclosure and Barring Service checks have been completed, the failure to notify Ofsted means that further background checks have not been undertaken. Therefore, the suitability of these individuals has not been fully established. The risk to children is minimal as these individuals do not have unsupervised access to children and are not privy to confidential information. n Children are busy and active learners. They enjoy the company of staff as they play, and benefit from the good level of teaching interaction. Children can choose their own playthings. However, they are not always confident enough to find resources and organise themselves, for example at the craft table. Therefore, some children miss opportunities to be independently creative and explore different materials, such as paint.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff provide a well-planned and stimulating environment. They continually refresh what is on offer, but ensure some aspects remain the same so children feel secure in their surroundings. Staff help children become independent in their self-care and are skilled at supporting their growing awareness of appropriate behaviours. Children are learning to share and take turns. n The manager shows great enthusiasm for her role and this has a positive impact on the staff team. Together they continually reflect on their practice and strive to provide the very best early years experiences for all children. The manager

p.2

need to do better?

28 November 2019 supervises staff well and gives clear guidance to help them improve their skills. Teaching is consistently good. n Staff have very good procedures to help children settle in the pre-school. Children are familiar with key staff prior to starting and can be sure of finding playthings of interest when attending for the first time. This is because staff are diligent in gathering plenty of information from parents about children's interests and what they already know and can do. n Partnership working is embedded in practice. Staff work collaboratively with other professionals and this means children's development and well-being are promoted effectively. n Staff have a good knowledge of how to support children's development through play. They have a carefully considered curriculum and know how to prepare children for their next stage in learning. Children's communication skills are particularly well enhanced during planned activities, sparking delightful

p.2

need to do better?

interactions and conversations. n Staff have a high regard for children's safety. They review risk assessments and make changes to the environment when necessary.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff have a good understanding of child protection matters. They know how to recognise and report any concerns about children in their care. Staff receive regular training and discuss wider safeguarding issues during staff meetings. Effective recruitment procedures are used to ensure only the most suitable staff are employed to work with the children. Staff ensure the environment is safe and secure for children. They are particularly vigilant as children leave the pre-school, to ensure they only leave in the company of known adults.

p.3

Due date

inform Ofsted of all members of the management committee in a timely manner. 01/01/2020

p.3

should:

n enhance opportunities for children to explore their imagination and express their ideas.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 509754 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10113224 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 16 Number of children on roll 22 Name of registered person Leverington Pre-School Committee

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01945 467576 Date of previous inspection 24 November 2015

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Stepping Stones Pre-School registered in 1996. The pre-school employs seven members of childcare staff. All hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The pre-school opens term time only. Sessions are from 8.30am to 12.45pm on Monday, and from 8.30am to 3.15pm on Tuesday to Friday. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector had a tour of the pre-school with the manager and discussed how the curriculum is organised. n The inspector spoke with staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector observed staff's teaching and their interactions with children. n The manager and the inspector observed and evaluated an activity together. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of the committee members, the manager and staff.

p.4

Inspection activities

28 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

28 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.

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