Caterpillars Pre-School (Sussex) Limited

Inspection of Caterpillars Pre-School (Sussex) Limited Community Centre, Ditchling Hill, CRAWLEY, West Sussex RH11 8QL

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Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

p.1

The provision is inadequate

Children's safety and welfare is compromised due to significant weaknesses in staff's knowledge and understanding of safeguarding practice and procedures. Although they have completed recent safeguarding training, not all staff understand the action to take if they have a concern about a child who may be at risk of harm. This has a significant impact on children's safety and well-being.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children leave their parents at the main entrance with confidence. They settle quickly and choose where to play in the well-designed learning environment. Staff know the children well and have high expectations for what they can achieve. For example, children enjoy exploring mathematical concepts as they make play dough. They count the cups of flour as they pour them into the mixture. Staff talk to children about quantities as children notice when the cup is full and empty. Children make good progress in preparation for later learning, including school.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children behave well. They learn to share and take turns with each other. Staff support children's behaviour well and focus on meaningful praise. For example, they thank children who show care and consideration for others as they explore the big drum together. This helps children develop high levels of self-esteem, as well as positive attitudes towards their learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider and manager who are the designated safeguarding leads for the pre-school, have failed to ensure that all staff have a secure knowledge of safeguarding practice. n Staff, including the deputy managers who take responsibility in the absence of the manager, were not familiar with the pre-school's safeguarding procedures. In addition, some staff have downloaded the pre-school's online application on their personal phones. They do not understand the safeguarding risks or data protection regulations associated with this. n The newly appointed manager is dedicated to his role. He has a clear action plan in place for the pre-school and acknowledges some of the weaknesses identified at inspection. He has implemented many changes to the curriculum in his short time at the pre-school to improve the quality of education for all children. n Children have plenty of opportunities to be physical. They take part in risky play

p.2

need to do better?

outside as they enjoy running up and down the hills. Other children practise fine motor skills as they use the interactive games on the pre-school computer. n Staff understand how children learn and develop. They have a good understanding of child development and sequence the curriculum well so that children build on what they already know. Staff ensure that children receive effective support in developing their language and communication skills, through

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need to do better?

18 October 2021 activities they are interested in. They encourage children to explore their ideas and skilfully introduce new vocabulary as children play. Staff extend learning for older children and support them to create their own rhymes relating to their interests in wizards. Children delight in telling staff they have seen a 'purpled haired cat'. n Staff provide good support for children with who speak English as an additional language and those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. They target the use of additional funding effectively. Staff work in close partnership with professionals to ensure that children are provided with the support they need to make progress in their learning. n Parents report that their children enjoy their time at the pre-school. However, weaknesses in the key-person system mean that not all parents know who their child's key person is and they are not aware of what their child is learning at the

p.2

need to do better?

pre-school. This prevents parents from building a two-way flow of information to support their children with their care routines and their learning. n Staff are nurturing, kind and caring. They treat the children with respect and ask permission from the children to carry out personal care routines, such as nappy changing and wiping their nose. Staff provide an inclusive environment to ensure that all children feel included and valued. However, weaknesses in safeguarding practice means that children's well-being is compromised.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The provider and manager who are the designated leads for safeguarding have a secure knowledge of safeguarding practice. They have ensured that the safeguarding policy is in line with the guidance and procedures of the local safeguarding partnership. However, staff's safeguarding knowledge is inconsistent. They do not show a secure understanding of the action to take if they are concerned about a child's safety or well-being. The weaknesses in staff's knowledge mean that there may be delays in referrals being made to the relevant agencies in a timely manner. The manager and staff carry out risk assessments of the premises effectively and deploy themselves to ensure children are well supervised.

p.3

Due date

18 October 2021 take action to ensure all staff understand the setting's safeguarding policy and procedures, and have up- to-date knowledge of safeguarding issues, including how to respond to any allegations in an appropriate and timely manner 12/11/2021

p.3

Due date

ensure all staff understand the legal requirements that exist to ensure all information relating to a child is handled and stored in a way that protects the privacy of children in their care and is compliant with the data protection regulations 12/11/2021

p.4

Due date

ensure that arrangements for the key- person system allows a two-way flow of information with parents to support children in their care routines and learning. 12/11/2021

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY496854 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10208811 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 52 Number of children on roll 71 Name of registered person Caterpillars Pre-School (Sussex) Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01293544516 Date of previous inspection 2 March 2017

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Caterpillars opened in 2013 and re-registered as Caterpillars Pre-School (Sussex) Limited in 2016. The pre-school operates from two play rooms in the Southgate Community Centre in Crawley. The pre-school sessions are each weekday from 8.30am to 3pm term time only. The setting also runs during school holidays for all age groups from 8am to 6pm. There are 10 members of staff, seven of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications. The setting provides funded early education for children aged two, three and four years.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 provider. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection to find out their understanding of the curriculum and how they support children's learning. n The manager carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the inspector. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school.

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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

18 October 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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