Cranfield University Pre-School

Inspection of Cranfield University Pre- School Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield, BEDFORD MK43 0AL

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy their time at this friendly pre-school. They are excited to arrive and rush to greet the enthusiastic and nurturing staff. Children display high levels of confidence. They engage exceptionally well with staff and visitors and welcome them into their play. Children are excited to show off their water play area. They proudly demonstrate how to turn the taps on and off and how they collect rainwater to feed their plants.

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The provision is good

Children have a strong understanding about different cultures and beliefs. Families and staff form incredibly close relationships and demonstrate high levels of respect for one another. Staff facilitate wonderful learning opportunities, which enhance children's knowledge of other cultures in a truly exceptional way. For example, to celebrate various festivals, families and children prepare meals to share in the pre- school and wider community.

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The provision is good

The pre-school engages exceptionally well with their diverse local community. Children have a rich set of experiences, which supports their understanding and respect of the unique environment they live in. For example, they cheer on sports teams at the various community matches. Children also enjoy visits to the campus runway to watch the aeroplanes.

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need to do better?

n Staff provide numerous, well-planned learning opportunities, both indoors and in the exciting outdoor area. They engage well with children, using their in-depth knowledge to support their learning. However, staff do not always encourage children to explore learning opportunities beyond what has been planned. n The highly qualified staff adapt activities well to meet the needs of all children in the pre-school. They interact well with children and support them in meeting their next steps. For example, children explore various lentils and grains. Younger children count the number of scoops needed to fill containers. Older children use scales to identify numbers and weigh out quantities of grains. n The manager and staff are passionate about their role in supporting children's development. They form exceptionally close relationships with families from the start. Staff are aware of children's early experiences. This enables them to

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need to do better?

provide learning opportunities children may otherwise not receive. n Despite all children speaking English as an additional language, they progress well in this area. Staff are highly skilled at creating a language rich environment. They role model excellent language skills and use new and descriptive words at every opportunity. Children engage exceptionally well in regular story sessions, both indoors and in the outdoor story tent. n Children are kind and well mannered towards one another. Staff support these

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need to do better?

5 May 2022 behaviours by always modelling good manners and respect. For example, when children are collected early, staff and their friends all stop their play to say goodbye. n Children behave well in the pre-school. Staff implement strategies to support them to resolve conflict independently. For example, when there are disputes over toys, staff encourage children to use egg timers, so that they know when to pass the toys on to others. This supports children's understanding of the need to take turns. n Staff support children's confidence exceptionally well. They create an environment where children are proud to share their knowledge and talents. For example, children explore the features of various sea creatures. Staff encourage them to talk about the unusual facts they know with the group. Staff and children show genuine interest and are eager to hear more. n Staff are highly skilled at teaching children how to manage risks. They use age-

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need to do better?

appropriate methods to support children's understanding of how to stay safe. During story time, children explain why they must take water and hats on their 'Bear Hunt' in the sun. Staff also use the story to explore issues such as safety around water. n The manager reflects well on the running of the pre-school. She seeks feedback from parents and other professionals to improve practice. For example, she has introduced an online system to assess children's development and communicate this to parents. This supports parents to continue children's learning at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and staff understand their responsibilities to keep children safe in the pre-school. They recognise the signs and symptoms that could indicate a child is at risk of harm. The manager and staff have a strong understanding of the process to follow if they have concerns about the welfare of a child. Staff supervise children well in the setting. They conduct regular risk assessments to ensure children are safe during their time at the pre-school.

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should:

n support children to develop and use their own ideas in planned, adult-led activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY333038 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10137507 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 26 Number of children on roll 14 Name of registered person Cranfield University Governing Body

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reference number

Telephone number 01234 750 111ex 3603 Date of previous inspection 21 September 2015

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Information about this early years setting

Cranfield University Pre-School registered in 2006. The pre-school employs three members of childcare staff. All members of staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 9am until 12 midday. The pre-school provides funded early education for 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 considered the views of parents by speaking to several during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all staff. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and manager completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with staff about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of several children.

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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

5 May 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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