Chalk Hill Pre School

Inspection of Chalk Hill Pre School Bushey And Oxhey Methodist Church, 77 Chalk Hill, Watford WD19 4DA

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Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children of all ages demonstrate they feel happy at this friendly pre-school. They are excited to arrive and join in the many stimulating activities which are available. Children have close bonds with the nurturing staff. They seek affection when tired and cuddle up to them for stories in the quiet reading area.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They are incredibly sociable and engage well with other children, staff and visitors. Children cooperate extremely well in activities and understand the need to take turns. For instance, they use egg timers to independently resolve conflicts over resources. Children demonstrate consistently high levels of respect and kindness towards one another. They show genuine concern when others become upset and approach them to offer help.

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The provision is good

Staff skilfully adapt learning opportunities to meet the needs of all ages of children who attend. For example, young children develop basic number identification skills in the office role-play area. Older children explore more complex learning opportunities in the same activity. Children demonstrate high levels of confidence and curiosity in their play. For example, they are motivated to find out more information about the features of spiders. Staff support children's developing knowledge by asking age-appropriate questions. They allow children plenty of time to respond and encourage them to discuss their ideas.

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need to do better?

n Staff understand the needs of all children in their care. They form close relationships with families from the start. Parents provide detailed information about children and their early experiences. This allows staff to provide diverse learning opportunities which children may otherwise not receive. n Staff are knowledgeable about how children learn. They construct a sequenced curriculum which prepares children well for school. For example, staff provide age-appropriate activities to develop children's finger strength. This supports children's emerging writing skills. n Parents speak highly of staff and the positive impact they have on children's development. Staff work hard to establish strong relationships with families. Parents and carers are invited to share their knowledge and experiences of diverse cultures and festivals. Children are learning to celebrate the characteristics which make them unique.

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need to do better?

n The enthusiastic staff are excellent role models. They take every opportunity to demonstrate good manners and respect to children. For example, staff have lunch at the table with children. They support them to wait until everyone is seated and to use cutlery correctly. n Children talk confidently about the rules in the pre-school and why they are in

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need to do better?

24 September 2021 place. They understand that they must not run indoors. They explain that they might fall over the toys and hurt themselves or their friends. n Children learn about healthy lifestyles in the pre-school. They enjoy nutritious meals, which are provided by specialist nursery caterers. Children grow their own fruit and vegetables in the garden, which they enjoy for snacks. Experienced staff engage children in regular exercise, including yoga sessions. Staff demonstrate equal concern for children's emotional well-being. They help children to practise breathing and mindfulness techniques. n Children demonstrate high levels of motivation in their play. They have a positive attitude towards challenging activities. This is supported by staff, who display exceptionally high levels of enthusiasm and encouragement. For example, staff use positive language and lots of praise when children struggle to use a

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need to do better?

spiraliser to make snacks. n Staff make effective use of assessments. They have secure knowledge of the children. They are aware of their abilities and their future learning goals. Parents are kept well informed of children's development through regular electronic updates. However, feedback from parents is not always monitored and used to benefit the children's learning. This means that opportunities for parents to extend children's progress at home are not always supported. n Staff use their knowledge of children's prior learning and development well. They engage with children during activities, to help them to achieve their next steps.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and staff regularly undertake safeguarding training to support their knowledge on how to keep children safe. They demonstrate a good understanding of the signs and symptoms which could indicate that a child is at risk of harm. The manager and staff are clear about referral processes to follow if they have concerns about a child in their care. Staff supervise children well in all areas of the pre-school. They have robust measures in place to monitor where children are at all times. Staff conduct regular risk assessments of all aspects of their practice to ensure that children are safe during their time at the pre-school.

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should:

n reflect more thoroughly on feedback from parents and use this information to further support children's learning at home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY554364 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10174144 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 21 Name of registered person Breakwell, Jessica Bunny

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Telephone number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Chalk Hill Pre School registered in 2018. The pre-school employs six members of staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications from level 2 to level 6. The pre-school is open from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 7am to 7pm. The pre-school 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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the pre-school. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to children and staff at appropriate times during the inspection. She also held a meeting with the manager. n The inspector spoke to several parents and took account of their views. n The inspector checked documents relating to staff suitability and qualifications, including safeguarding and first aid.

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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

24 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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