Sunnymede Pre-School

Inspection of Sunnymede Pre-School Mons Avenue, Billericay, Essex CM11 2HQ

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. They interact warmly with staff and show that they feel valued, safe and secure. Children respond positively to staff and each other, encouraging their friends to join in activities, such as make-believe and dressing up. They spend time playing matching games, sharing ideas and developing knowledge as they sort plastic animals into different groups. Children base their game on farm animals and those they might see at the zoo.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy learning as they engage in familiar activities with enthusiasm. For example, older children thoroughly enjoy circle time. They listen attentively to staff and have fun joining in with familiar songs. Children show that they are beginning to understand how conversations work. They happily take turns to speak and listen to each other. Younger children enjoy learning songs as they begin their pre-school journey. Throughout the setting, children are taught to use sign language, which helps to ensure that every child is heard and understood. Children enjoy opportunities to use larger play equipment, such as ride-on toys, or take part in gardening activities outside. This provides them with fresh air and plenty of exercise. Children have the opportunity to practise and learn how to develop greater control over how their body moves.

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need to do better?

n There is a well-managed key-person system. Staff ensure that they update parents about the progress their children make day to day. Online systems also help to provide further information about child's learning and how parents can support this at home. n Parents speak highly of all staff. They understand there are various policies and procedures that are implemented to help keep their children safe. Parents say that they appreciate the range of outdoor play opportunities that help their children to lead healthy lifestyles. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well. Staff work with parents and other professionals involved in the children's care. This helps to ensure that their needs are understood and met. Those children who speak English as an additional language are welcomed into the setting and supported well. All groups of children make good progress from their various

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need to do better?

starting points. n Staff throughout the setting appreciate that the activities they provide help children to develop new skills and knowledge. They work closely with other professionals, such as those at the primary schools children eventually move on to. Those children moving on to school are prepared well as they take part in activities and discussions. n Staff help children to develop good communication and language skills. This is a

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need to do better?

24 February 2022 consistent strength across the setting. For instance, younger children join in rhymes with actions. They repeat single words as they play and staff encourage them to begin using simple sentences. Staff extend older children's language by using open questions and encouraging them to share ideas with others. Children have very good listening skills and concentrate well. n The provider is exceptionally motivated to achieve high standards of care and learning for all children. She is skilled, very well qualified and has clear vision for the setting. This helps to enthuse and inspire staff, who show commitment and dedication to meeting children's needs. The provider has plans to further develop the garden area to support children who prefer to learn outdoors. n Staff record any accidents children have at home or within the setting. They also check children's attendance. This information is closely monitored for any

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need to do better?

patterns of concern to help protect the welfare of children. Staff make daily checks of all child-accessible areas. They review activities to ensure that the equipment or toys being used are safe for the age and ability of the children taking part. For example, construction toys with small pieces are kept in the pre- school room to prevent younger children being put at risk from choking. n Children have fun and are keen to participate in the varied learning programmes offered. Staff provide topics that ignite children's interests and introduce new experiences to broaden their understanding. However, on occasion, teaching is not focused to promote consistent challenge.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a thorough understanding of local safeguarding partnership procedures. They know how to identify, record and report concerns about children's welfare. Staff demonstrate a wide range of knowledge relating to different areas of child protection. The provider follows robust procedures that help her to recruit new staff safely. All staff benefit from a detailed induction, regular staff meetings and appraisals. These opportunities enable the provider to check their continued suitability to work with young children. Security at the setting is effective. High fencing and padlocked gates prevent intruders gaining access or children leaving unaccompanied.

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should:

n develop staff's understanding of how to sharply focus their teaching during all experiences, so children are consistently challenged.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY401847 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10220000 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 52 Number of children on roll 60 Name of registered person Sunnymede Pre-School Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01277654879 Date of previous inspection 27 February 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Sunnymede Pre-School registered in 2009 and is situated in Billericay, Essex. It employs 14 members of childcare staff. Of these, 10 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. This includes the provider, who holds qualified early years teacher status. Sessions are from 9am to midday on Tuesday and Friday, and from 9am to 3.15pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager and provider, and this has been taken into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The provider and the inspector completed a learning walk of the setting, inside and outside. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the provider, and together they evaluated this. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing at the setting. n Parents and staff spoke with the inspector at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector reviewed relevant documentation, including the suitability checks of all adults working in the setting.

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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 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.

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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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