Rowhedge Under 5's

Inspection of Rowhedge Under 5's Rowhedge Village Hall, Rectory Road, Colchester, Essex CO5 7HR

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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 inquisitive and show a love of learning about the world around them. They enjoy exploring sunflower heads with staff. Children look at books about sunflowers and learn about each part of the flower and how it grows. They become totally engrossed in learning new information and apply it to their play. Children learn to care for the pre-school's pet snails and take turns in taking them home for the weekend.

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The provision is good

Children develop secure mathematical skills. They enjoy counting the different colour plastic bears and sorting them into colour groups. Children build on their understanding of concepts, such as heavy, light, big and small. Children develop high levels of independence. They choose when they want to have snack and serve it themselves. Even the youngest of children confidently use the wash basin and paper towels after they have finished eating.

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The provision is good

Children show high levels of confidence and self-esteem. They happily approach visitors and offer to make them meals from the play kitchen. Children have plenty of opportunities for fresh air and physical exercise. They play outside for the majority of each session. Children enjoy using the slide, climbing frame, tree swing, trampoline, basketball hoop, playing tennis and joining in running games around the garden.

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need to do better?

n The management team have effective systems in place for monitoring staff practice. They value staff's individual strengths and what they can bring to the learning environment. Staff are given opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills. They research different aspects of child development that interest them. Staff then introduce new activities to enrich the curriculum further. n Staff have formed an effective relationship with the local primary school. They share detailed information to ensure a smooth move to school for all children. The headteacher comments that children from the pre-school arrive at the school with very good levels of independence and well-developed creative thinking skills. n Parents comment that they are very grateful to the staff. They find their children settle well and really enjoy their time at the pre-school. Staff have formed positive relationships with parents. Their support for parents during the COVID-

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need to do better?

19 (coronavirus) pandemic helped them through a difficult time. Staff created a group on social media where they shared activity ideas. They also uploaded videos of them reading stories for the children to enjoy with their parents. n Staff take the time to get to know children before they start attending. They provide toys and resources that children are familiar with from home. This helps

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need to do better?

15 September 2021 children to settle quickly. They form strong bonds with staff, who show they value them as individuals. n Staff are enthusiastic about working with children. They show they love joining in activities with them. Children scream with delight when staff play a traffic light style game with them as they use the slide and climbing frame. Staff create excitement as they pause before turning the 'traffic light' to green so children can go down the slide. Children learn patience as they wait for their turn. However, sometimes during group activities, most-able children's abilities are not always catered for. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress in all areas of learning. Staff provide a wealth of support for the children and their families. They have created a sensory room to support children to have somewhere quiet to be when they are feeling overwhelmed. Staff effectively

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need to do better?

identify when children need extra support and involve the relevant outside professionals. Funding for specific groups of children is used effectively. n Staff embrace children's individualities and encourage them to develop their confidence in social situations. When children ask to lead circle time they welcome this. They support children to plan their circle time topics and cheer them on as they 'teach' the class of children the activities they have planned. n Children are shown high levels of respect from staff. They ask children if they would like help before stepping in to support them. Staff consider children's emotional needs, especially as they are settling into the pre-school. They explain to children where they are going, especially if they need to leave the activity, and when they will be back to reassure them.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a good understanding of how to keep children safe. They can identify the signs and symptoms of abuse and know the appropriate action to take if they have concerns about a child. Staff have a clear understanding of their responsibilities to raise any concerns they have about each other's practice. They complete risk assessments of the environment to ensure it is safe. Staff allow children to take risks but in a safe and supervised environment. Safe recruitment procedures are in place to ensure all staff are suitable for their roles.

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should:

n help staff to provide further challenge for the most-able children in group activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY489490 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10206712 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 35 Number of children on roll 56 Name of registered person Rowhedge Under 5's CIO

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reference number

Telephone number 07709621636 Date of previous inspection 18 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Rowhedge Under 5's registered in 2015. The setting employs 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, eight hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3 or above. The setting opens from Monday to Friday during term time. Sessions are from 9am to midday Monday and Friday, and 9am to 3pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The setting provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the pre-school received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the pre-school. n The inspector and the pre-school manager completed a learning walk together. The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the pre-school manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the pre-school manager. She looked at the relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of staff and insurance documents. n The inspector spoke to a number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection.

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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.

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Inspection activities

15 September 2021 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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