Northern Pastures Pre-School

Inspection of Northern Pastures Pre- School St. Lukes Church, Wolverton Road, NEWPORT PAGNELL, Buckinghamshire MK16 8JQ

p.1

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children arrive at the pre-school with enthusiasm and quickly begin learning. The curriculum is still developing. However, children make good progress and enjoy their time at the pre-school. Children follow their interests when they take part in creative activities. For example, during the inspection, a rock painting activity provided children with opportunities to explore the texture and feel of paint on their hands. They gain just as much from this sensory experience as they do from the planned activity. Children show high levels of emotional resilience. Some children spend time observing and watching activities before taking part. Other children dive straight in and express their delight for activities. Staff value each child as an individual and support them to develop at their own pace. As a result, children explore with confidence in the welcoming environment.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well and show consideration and care for each other. They are beginning to learn about sharing and taking turns. Children are developing their understanding about learning as part of a group following the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. For example, when children play outdoors, they take turns riding bicycles and scooters. They show a competitive nature as they race balls down drainpipes and observe who has won the race. This all contributes towards their developing personal, social and emotional skills.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children develop their communication and language skills well. Staff engage in easy, continual conversation with them as they play. Children ask questions as they play to help them to develop their understanding. n Staff share information with parents about their children's progress. This helps parents to support their children's learning at home. Staff know their key children well. They find out all about children's home lives and their previous experiences to help them to fully support children's individual needs. n Staff are swift to identify children who need extra support with their learning and development. While children are awaiting formal assessments and diagnosis of their needs, staff work with parents to provide children with extra support and encouragement. n The committee members and manager are still developing the intent of the curriculum. The current curriculum is overly complicated and has numerous

p.2

need to do better?

different strands which focus more on assessing what children can and cannot do. This makes assessing the effectiveness of the curriculum difficult for the committee members. Despite this, children enjoy activities and are making progress in their learning. n Key people take time to work with parents to understand about what might affect children's emotions and behaviour. In turn, this supports them to provide

p.2

need to do better?

1 February 2022 individual care for children. Staff support children when they are beginning to understand their difficult emotions. They offer comfort and reassurance and ensure that children are safe. n Staff respectfully ask children if they are ready for a nappy change. This shows that staff provide care that is sensitive to children's needs and wishes, while maintaining their good health and hygiene. n Children learn about different cultures and countries in their play. Staff plan activities that are sensitive to helping children to understand about differences and similarities between themselves and others. This gives children an insight into the everyday lives of children in other parts of the world. n The committee members have taken immediate and decisive action to address the weaknesses identified at the previous inspection. There is now a new committee that leads the pre-school with a strong sense of direction and high

p.2

need to do better?

ambition. n The committee members have developed their knowledge through training, taking on board all the support offered. There are now clear roles and responsibilities and the committee members demonstrate a good focus and plan for ongoing improvement. n Staff report much-improved supervision sessions and support from the committee members. This has significantly decreased the workload of the manager. Staff discuss their commitment to the setting and their shared vision to improve the pre-school and ensure its sustainable future. In turn, staff are now focusing on improving and developing the curriculum for children.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff and committee members have an extensive awareness of the signs and symptoms that might indicate that children are at risk of harm. The committee members understand about local safeguarding issues and how to report any concerns to safeguarding partners. The committee members have undertaken training, so they are clear about their roles and responsibilities in relation to keeping children safe. This includes the committee understanding about how to recruit staff safely and carry out all required checks. There are rigid policies and procedures in place for the use of technology in the setting. This includes ensuring that no staff or visitors have their mobile telephones in the setting.

p.3

should:

n sharpen the intent of the curriculum so that it can be more easily understood and embedded across the provision, including for the committee members who monitor the overall quality of the curriculum for children.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY445082 Local authority Milton Keynes Inspection number 10212638 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 14 Name of registered person Northern Pastures Pre-School Committee

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07905 450816 Date of previous inspection 5 October 2021

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Northern Pastures Pre-School registered in 2012. It operates from St Luke's Church Hall in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. It opens Monday to Friday from 9am to 12 noon and 12 noon until 3pm, during term time. The setting employs four staff. Three staff hold appropriate early years qualifications, including the manager and deputy who, are degree qualified. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The pre-school supports a number of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

p.4

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 inspector observed the quality of teaching during indoor and outdoor activities, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n A joint observation was completed and discussed with the manager. n During the inspection, the inspector held a meeting with the manager and committee members. She looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at suitable times throughout the inspection. n Parents were invited to share their views with the inspector. Several parents discussed their views during the inspection and the inspector took account of all feedback received.

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

1 February 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.

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