Cuckfield Preschool Playgroup

Inspection of Cuckfield Preschool Playgroup Cuckfield Village Hall, London Lane, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, Sussex RH17 5BD

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children arrive at the pre-school excited for their day to begin. They show high levels of confidence and are eager to engage in activities of interest. For example, children enthusiastically roll vehicles down slopes and discover which cars move the fastest. They show good creative skills, build a telescope, and talk about what they might see in the sky.

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The provision is good

Children form strong friendships and play well together. They pretend to be doctors and negotiate their different roles. Children design their own name badges, which supports their early literacy skills well. Staff have high expectations for children. Children thrive on their positive praise, and this helps to build on their self-esteem and confidence.

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The provision is good

Children show a keen interest in nature. They talk to the inspector about the seeds they have planted and explain that they need the sun and water to grow. Children use tools such as spades, to fill up their wheelbarrows with soil. They build on their stamina as they push the wheelbarrow up the slope to their mud kitchen. Children source their own water and learn to think about volume as they top up their pots and pans. All children make good progress from their starting points.

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need to do better?

n Staff regularly assess children. They know what they want them to learn and create inviting learning experiences that ignite children's curiosity. For example, children pretend to make ice cream. They explore changing textures as they add different materials, such as shaving foam, soil and liquid soap. Children build a water run and willingly take turns to catch water as it flows into different containers. Staff are positive role models and get fully involved in their play. However, at times, in their enthusiasm, staff are a little directive in their interactions with children. They do not challenge children's thinking and problem-solving skills as well as they could. n Staff promote children's mathematical skills well. Children make marks with a variety of resources, such as rollers, and talk about the patterns they create. They build towers with magnetic bricks and compare differences in size. n Children who are below expected levels of development are swiftly identified.

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need to do better?

The special educational needs coordinator works well with parents, staff and other agencies. They agree and work on specific learning aims, to ensure gaps in children's learning close swiftly. n Children behave well and are kind and considerate to their friends. They actively find the sand timers and negotiate turn taking with little prompting from staff. Children are patient and wait for their turn to use balance bikes, for example. They negotiate space around them and show an awareness of the safety of

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need to do better?

18 March 2022 others. n Staff effectively encourage children's independence. For example, at snack time, children pour their own drinks, select their own fruit, and butter their own bread. Staff use this routine to teach children about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Children learn which foods are healthy and unhealthy and the affects these have on the body. n Children have wonderful opportunities to explore their local community. For example, they recently took part in a community procession through the village. Children visit the local museum, shops, and local parks. They enjoy outings to the dentist, which helps to build on their understanding of oral hygiene. n Staff promote children's language and vocabulary well. They provide many opportunities for children to develop their love of reading. Children cuddle up with staff in the cosy book area and retell stories, alongside their friends.

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need to do better?

n Partnerships with parents are good. Parents praise the welcoming, friendly and dedicated staff. They say they can see the progress their children are making, especially in their speech, independence and social skills. n Staff comment they receive high levels of support from the manager. They are provided with regular training and feedback on their practice. All staff are committed to improving the quality of care they provide. The board of trustees understands its responsibilities and actively supports the manager and the staff team.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff undertake robust risk assessments to promote children's health and safety. They reduce hazards to minimise accidents, closely supervise children, and ensure the premises are secure. Staff have a strong knowledge of child protection issues. They attend regular training and know the possible signs of concern, including indicators that children may be at risk of being radicalised. Staff are aware of the correct procedures to follow when necessary. The management team follows a clear recruitment process to help assess the suitability of staff.

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should:

n develop staff's understanding of how to improve their interactions with children to deepen their engagement in activities and extend their learning even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY563533 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10194279 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 31 Name of registered person Cuckfield Pre-School Playgroup

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reference number

Telephone number 01444 450438 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Cuckfield Preschool Playgroup registered in 2018. It operates from the Village Hall in Cuckfield, West Sussex. The pre-school operates from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9am to midday on a Friday, term time only. There are 10 staff. Of these, one holds early years teacher status, one holds a qualified teacher status, two hold level 6 early years qualifications and five hold childcare qualifications at level 3. The provider receives funding to provide free early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 carried out a learning walk with the manager. This helped the inspector to understand how the manager organises the early years provision and the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact of this on children's learning. n The manager and inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity. n The inspector spoke with children, parents and staff during the inspection and took into account their views. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager, deputy manager and members of the board of trustees. She also looked at various policies and documents, including those related to the suitability and qualifications of staff .

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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 March 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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