Whickham Parochial Preschool

Inspection of Whickham Parochial Preschool Whickham Parochial Primary School, Broadway, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 5QW

p.1

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children's learning and development are given utmost priority at the pre-school. Staff provide exceptionally high levels of care to all children who attend and provide a curriculum of outstanding quality. They plan highly stimulating learning environments indoors and outdoors, and place children's learning at the heart of everything they do. For instance, children access rope swings outdoors that help to develop the large muscles in their arms. The directors and staff describe confidently how this fully supports children's physical development. It provides a strong foundation for children's early writing skills. Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve the best possible outcomes.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children behave exceptionally well at all times throughout the day. They understand the behavioural expectations that staff put in place and show high levels of respect for one another. For example, when children build a walkway on the veranda outside using large wooden blocks, they wait patiently while other children walk along. They respond well to routine activities, such as tidying up, and place everything in its correct location. Staff take swift and highly effective action to support children with SEND who may struggle with activities, such as large- group times. Children respond extremely well to this and settle quickly. All children demonstrate they are happy, safe and thoroughly enjoy attending this exceptional pre-school.

p.2

need to do better?

n The directors are inspirational. They lead the pre-school extremely well. Their passion and dedication to improve children's achievements are second to none and are reflected in all nursery activities. The staff share the same vision for quality and have the highest expectations for all children. The directors are continually seeking ways they can improve the pre-school even further. They constantly research and identify new ways of supporting children's learning and share this with the staff through highly focused training and support. Staff, including apprentices, say they feel incredibly well supported. n Staff support children's communication and language skills superbly. Highly effective strategies, such as clear modelling of language, help children to build up their vocabulary. Children talk confidently and many use sophisticated language as they play. Staff respond quickly to children's interests and provide

p.2

need to do better?

learning spaces to extend their vocabulary further. For example, staff created an area to extend children's particular interest in the planets. Stimulating images and key words are displayed attractively to extend children's knowledge and understanding even further. n The directors and staff support children with SEND and their families extremely

p.2

need to do better?

28 November 2019 well. Staff act swiftly from the outset to recognise where children may have difficulties and obtain support from key professionals, where appropriate. Parents say they cannot find words to describe how much they appreciate how their children are supported by the whole staff team. Parents are particularly grateful that children with SEND can have their hair cut by a member of staff, who is also a qualified hairdresser. This unique experience is managed extremely well by directors and eliminates the trauma for children that is often caused by this event. n Children are highly motivated and keen learners who are eager to join in with all activities and experiences. They demonstrate this when they decorate pine cones with glitter, ready to decorate the pre-school Christmas tree. Children are keen to tell the inspector how they collected the tree with staff a week earlier. They describe how they carried this back and placed it out on the veranda.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff support children exceptionally well to develop their understanding of emotions and help children to talk about and recognise feelings. For example, staff explain it can be a little upsetting for some children when others put on masks as part of their role play. Children respond well when they are asked to continue their play in other parts of the room. n Children develop superb relationships with staff and each other. Children frequently climb onto the knee of the directors and staff and enjoy a cuddle before moving off and continuing their play. n Children receive high levels of support when they prepare to leave pre-school and move on to local schools. The directors and staff prepare them well. For example, they invite new teachers to visit children and put school uniforms out for children to dress up in. These actions support children's emotional needs extremely well.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff, including apprentices, have a strong knowledge of the signs and symptoms that may indicate possible abuse to children. They know to act swiftly should they have any concerns regarding a child's welfare. Procedures for managing events, such as any allegations made against the staff team, are clear and communicated well. Staff complete daily risk assessments to ensure the learning environment is safe for children to access. Additional measures are put in place. For instance, the time the chickens, who roam freely in the outdoor area, spend on the veranda outdoors is limited. This keeps this space clean for children to access.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY551461 Local authority Gateshead Inspection number 10130857 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 60 Number of children on roll 140 Name of registered person Washingwell Community Pre-School

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 0191 4888 621 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Whickham Parochial Preschool registered in 2017. The pre-school employs 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, nine hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3, including one of the directors who holds early years professional status. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 7.45am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector took part in a learning walk with the pre-school directors. 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 spoke with staff and children during the inspection. n The inspector completed a joint observation with one of the pre-school directors. n The inspector held a meeting with the pre-school directors. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school. n The inspector spoke to parents and carers during the inspection and took account of their views.

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

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