All Saints Blackwell Pre-School

Inspection of All Saints Blackwell Pre- School All Saints Millennium Centre, Ravensdale Road, Darlington, County Durham DL3 8DT

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive at this lovely pre-school. They demonstrate high levels of independence and confidence and show that they thoroughly enjoy their time at the pre-school. Staff know children extremely well and plan exciting activities that ignite their curiosity. For instance, children show fascination as they watch caterpillars, using their magnifying glasses. Children's behaviour is impeccable. Adults set clear expectations for children's behaviour. They model respectful relationships excellently. Adults are very responsive to children's emotional needs and children make strong bonds with adults. Children thoroughly enjoy playing together. Close friendships are evident throughout the pre-school. Children take turns, discuss their ideas and work collaboratively. For example, children work together to hold a pirate flag up in the wind and say, 'Let's hold it up. Three, two, one!'

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The provision is outstanding

Children benefit from adults who have a deep understanding of each child's needs. Children who need additional support receive this is quickly and effectively. For example, plans are put in place so that all staff know how to help children to make progress and referrals are made to other services for support, such as speech and language therapy.

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need to do better?

n The very experienced and well-qualified team of staff plan an ambitious curriculum for children across all areas of learning. They gather information from parents to understand what children can do when they join the setting. Staff plan exciting experiences for children. For example, they watch caterpillars turn into butterflies, use a fire hose during a visit from the fire service, and grow and cook potatoes. n Children's emotional well-being is supported superbly. Staff are nurturing and offer children reassurance and encouragement. Children snuggle in with staff when they are feeling unsure and stroke their hair for comfort. As a result, children feel safe and secure and can continue with their play and learning. n Staff use gentle encouragement and praise skilfully to help children to build confidence. When children struggle with the obstacle course outdoors, staff reassure, guide and praise them. This means that children develop great

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need to do better?

determination even when they find something difficult. This builds their resilience. Furthermore, children show immense pride in their achievements and staff share their delight. n Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. They explain these consistently to children. Consequently, children know what adults expect of them. For example, they put on aprons before painting without adults directing them to do so.

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need to do better?

13 May 2022 n Staff have an excellent understanding of the ways in which young children learn. They interact with children skilfully. They know when and how to contribute to children's play. They know how to ask questions to extend children's thinking skills, such as how to think critically and solve problems. n Leaders reflect and identify areas in which practice can improve. For example, leaders recognise that story times are not beneficial for all children. They make changes to the way they organise story times, and staff complete storytelling training. The superb reflection means that children enjoy a curriculum which is tailored to meet their individual needs. n The experienced team of staff plan an ambitious curriculum. They gather information from parents to understand what children can already do when they join the pre-school. Staff plan exciting experiences for children to learn through. For instance, they participate in adventures in the outdoor area, such as visits to

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need to do better?

their pretend train station. n Parents speak highly of the pre-school. They state that staff are kind and caring. They receive regular information about their children's development. They regularly receive suggestions of how they can support their children's learning at home. This means that children's learning is well supported in the pre-school and at home. n Children's communication and language skills are very well supported. Staff model language, repeat words clearly and introduce new vocabulary. Children speak articulately and use impressive words in context, such as 'praying mantis'.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Leaders ensure that the health and safety of children is of the highest priority. They continually train staff to ensure that they are aware of the pre-school's policies and procedures. Staff have an excellent knowledge of a range of safeguarding issues and can identify signs that a child may be at risk of harm. They are extremely confident in what procedures to follow if they are worried about a child's welfare. Staff know what to do if they have concerns about a member of staff. All staff hold a current paediatric first-aid qualification. They are highly vigilant and responsive to children's needs.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY319495 Local authority Darlington Inspection number 10234988 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 25

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Name of registered person

All Saints Blackwell and Salutation Church Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07376242679 Date of previous inspection 8 March 2017

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Information about this early years setting

All Saints Blackwell Pre-School registered in 2006. The pre-school employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including one who has an early years degree. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 8.45am to 11.45am and 11.45am to 2.45pm. An early drop off is available from 8.30am. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four- year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the pre-school 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 pre-school. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Children spoke to the inspector and talked about their favourite things at the pre-school. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the manager. n Parents shared their views with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the

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Inspection activities

suitability of staff working in the pre-school.

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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

13 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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