Witnesham Pre-School

Inspection of Witnesham Pre-School Witnesham Primary School, High Road, Witnesham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 9EX

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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 Inadequate

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The provision is good

Children are happy to attend the pre-school. They demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. They leave their parents at the door and come in readily. Children lead their own play and learning. They have easy access to a wide range of resources. They confidently make their own choices of what they would like to play with and make suggestions for activities. On arrival, they explore the model dinosaurs and are keen to involve staff in their imaginative play. Staff get down to the children's level and value their ideas.

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The provision is good

Children show that they have positive relationships with staff and are happy to ask for help, when needed. They are familiar with the daily routines and know what is expected, for instance, when it is time to wash their hands before snack. Staff sensitively encourage and support children to understand the importance of following appropriate personal hygiene routines. Children develop friendships with their peers and learn to have regard for each other's needs and feelings. Staff talk to children calmly and model polite manners. They give children lots of praise and encouragement as they recognise their efforts and achievements. This has a positive impact on children's behaviour and attitudes, which are very good.

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need to do better?

n The management committee has a good oversight of the pre-school and, since the last inspection, has worked hard to make effective changes. All staff now hold paediatric first-aid and food hygiene certificates. Staff receive regular supervision meetings and are encouraged to reflect on their own practice. They have opportunities to complete training to further develop their understanding and skills. Staff morale is good, and they report that they are well supported. n Staff continually monitor and evaluate the environment. They make changes to ensure that they continue to meet children's individual needs. They notice what children are interested in and what they like to do. Staff use these interests to help children to learn through play. They have a good understanding of what children can do and what they need to learn next. n Children enjoy opportunities to experiment with paint. Staff reassure children

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need to do better?

who are reluctant to touch the paint with their hands and make small changes, such as by offering paintbrushes instead. Children are proud of their achievements and comment, 'my hand is back to normal now' after washing off the paint. Staff, in the main, support children to think and to solve problems for themselves, such as when building a marble run. However, there are occasions when opportunities are not used as well to challenge or extend children so that they achieve as much as they can from every potential learning opportunity. n Children have good opportunities to develop their communication and language skills. Staff talk to children as they play, ask questions at appropriate times and

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need to do better?

7 January 2022 provide good narrative to describe what they are doing. They introduce children to new words to further extend their vocabulary. Children independently select books and enjoy opportunities to share their favourite story with staff, who read to them using a good tone of voice to help engage the children. n Partnerships with parents and carers are strong. Parents highlight the effective communication from staff. They value the information that staff share about what their children have enjoyed doing at pre-school. n Staff work closely with parents and other professionals involved in the care of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) so that they receive consistent support. Staff include children with SEND in activities well. n Children enjoy a range of fresh fruit and freshly cooked meals as part of a healthy and balanced diet. They like being with each other and talking to the

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need to do better?

staff as they eat their snacks and meals together. These are positive and social experiences and help children to feel a strong sense of belonging. n Staff do not consistently encourage children to complete simple tasks for themselves to further develop their independence skills. n Children learn to respect others who may be different to themselves. Staff help children to learn about equal opportunities for all and use books to help children to understand further.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The management committee ensures that thorough checks are carried out to ensure staff's ongoing suitability to work with children. Staff have a good awareness of their safeguarding responsibilities. They understand their duty to keep children safe and protected from harm. All staff receive relevant child protection training. They know how to identify signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm or is being harmed. Staff are fully aware of how to report their concerns about children's welfare, including any concerns they have about adults who work with children.

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should:

n support staff to challenge and to extend children's learning to ensure that children achieve as much as they can n ensure staff use every opportunity to promote children's independence skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY560862 Local authority Suffolk Inspection number 10210365 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 16 Number of children on roll 13 Name of registered person Witnesham Pre-School CIO

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reference number

Telephone number 01473 784934 Date of previous inspection 6 July 2021

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Information about this early years setting

Witnesham Pre-School registered again as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in 2018. It is run by a committee of trustees. There are four members of childcare staff, all of whom hold relevant early years qualifications at level 2 or above, including the manager who holds a level 5 qualification. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday, during term times. Sessions are from 9am to 3pm. The pre-school also offers a breakfast club from 8am. It provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the provider. n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed their curriculum and what it is that they want their children to learn. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity together. n Parents spoke to the inspector about their children's experiences at the pre- school and the information that staff share with them. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual about the leadership and management of the pre-school. She looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school. n Children and staff spoke to the inspector 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

7 January 2022 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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