Noah's Ark Pre-School

Inspection of Noah's Ark Pre-School Scout Association, Fourth Harpenden Scouts, Lower Luton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 5EP

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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children enjoy the time they spend at this friendly pre-school. They arrive happily and separate from their carers with ease. The enthusiastic staff welcome children and talk excitedly about what they have brought along for 'show and tell'. Children form close bonds with the nurturing staff. They cuddle up to them at story time and seek out their key person for reassurance when tired.

p.2

The provision is good

Children enjoy a wide range of resources and activities in the pre-school. Staff plan exciting learning opportunities indoors and in the large garden area. Children are learning about the local wildlife. They enjoy identifying the various geese, ducks and heron that live in the neighbouring river. Children also get to explore the local environment with trips out to nearby parks.

p.2

The provision is good

Children demonstrate high levels of confidence. Staff encourage this with numerous opportunities for children to display their talents to the group. For example, children are proud to stand at the front and sing their favourite songs during circle time. Children engage well with visitors, talking confidently to them and encouraging them to join in with activities.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders have clear intent for children's learning. They plan activities based on children's interests and adapt them to meet the needs of individual children. For example, children are developing their mathematical language. Staff support them in building structures and examining the features of the three- and four- dimensional shapes they make. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported in the setting. Staff skilfully adapt activities to ensure all children learn in a way that best supports their needs. For example, some children get overwhelmed by the large group during circle time. Staff are aware of this and swiftly introduce alternative ways for them to share their stories and experiences to a smaller audience. n Children behave well in the pre-school. They are kind and considerate and are learning to take turns in activities. Staff use innovative methods to teach

p.2

need to do better?

children about kind behaviours. For example, they support children to play cooperatively by reminding them of the kind characters they read about at story time. n Relationships with families are strong. Parents speak highly of managers and staff, and the care and support offered to children and families. Staff work hard to establish effective methods of communication from the start. Parents provide comprehensive information about children's early experiences. This allows staff to plan learning opportunities children may not otherwise receive.

p.2

need to do better?

22 February 2022 n Children are growing increasingly independent. They put on their own shoes and coats and wash their hands with minimal support. Children clear away their cups and plates after snacks and meals. This helps prepare them for the routines of school. n Staff use every opportunity to enhance children's knowledge of essential hygiene routines. At story time, children are learning about a crocodile with toothache. Staff talk about the importance of brushing teeth properly. They encourage children to practise themselves with various toothbrushes and sets of teeth. n Managers and staff engage well with other professionals. They are proactive in seeking out medical and developmental advice. They invite professionals into the setting and work together planning activities to support children. This enables staff to support the physical and emotional well-being of all children in the pre- school. n Managers demonstrate integrity in ensuring additional funding is appropriately

p.2

need to do better?

distributed. They involve parents and key staff in the decision-making process. This ensures that children in receipt of funding are fully supported in their development. n Managers have established a comprehensive recruitment and induction process. This ensures that staff are suitable and have received the required training prior to starting in the setting. n Staff supervise focused group activities well. They are aware of children's next steps and interact well with children to support them in achieving them. However, staff do not always provide the same high-quality interactions and teaching in sessions of free play.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Managers and staff have a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms which can indicate that a child is at risk of harm. They are clear about the process to follow in escalating these concerns to the correct authority. Managers have a robust recruitment and induction process in place. This supports staff's knowledge of safeguarding and first-aid procedures from the start. Managers and staff complete regular risk assessments of the setting and when on trips out.

p.3

should:

n consistently support children in meeting their next steps by engaging them in high-quality interactions in all activities.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2519663 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10208002 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 33 Number of children on roll 22 Name of registered person Noah's Ark Harpenden Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07984554536 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Noah's Ark Pre-School registered in 2019 and is situated in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. It is managed by a limited company. The pre-school employs seven members of childcare staff. Of these, six hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday during term time. Sessions are from 9.15am until 12.15pm and from 12.45pm until 3.45pm. There is also an early drop-off session from 8.45am until 9.15am.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 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 inspector observed the quality of education to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector considered the views of parents by speaking to several of them during the inspection. n The inspector and the manager completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all staff. n The inspector and the manager discussed how the early years setting is organised. n The inspector held discussions with the manager and staff about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting, and tracked the progress of children.

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

22 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