ABC Pre-School

Inspection of ABC Pre-School Irchester Village Hall, 36 School Road, Irchester, WELLINGBOROUGH, Northamptonshire NN29 7AW

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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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children enthusiastically explore their environment, indoors and outdoors, at this well-organised pre-school. They show positive attitudes towards their learning by actively taking part in activities that follow their interests. For example, children enjoy finding 'dinosaur bones' in a large sandpit. They wiggle their toes in the sand as they use tools to clean the bones. Staff extend children's vocabulary by introducing new words, such as 'archaeologist'. Children develop their physical skills and spatial awareness as they learn to ride bikes confidently by navigating around cones in the garden.

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The provision is good

Children have strong relationships with staff. They behave well and show care and concern for each other. For example, a child lies down on a rug as they are tired. Their friend goes over to check on them, asking if they are 'okay'. Management and staff recognise that since the COVID-19 pandemic, some children need more support to develop their independence skills. Staff provide opportunities for children to butter their own bread and pour their own drinks at snack time. Children shout, 'It's an emergency!,' as they take part in a planned fire drill. Staff teach them to hold hands to keep safe as they walk to the fire evacuation point outside the pre-school.

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need to do better?

n Children make good progress in their development. Staff plan activities that meet their key children's needs and interests. They carry out assessments to plan how they can help children to move forward in their learning. The manager uses early years pupil premium funding appropriately, and children who have additional needs are supported well. n Staff extend children's learning well during activities. For example, children take part in making a volcano. Staff ask children to predict what 'reaction' will happen when they add vinegar to bicarbonate of soda. Children excitedly say, 'It will explode.' They giggle with delight as they watch it fizz over into a tray. n Children learn new words as staff read them a story during group time. Staff teach them what a 'moon crater' is and introduce the word 'gravity'. Children read along with staff, shouting out parts they know well. For example, they confidently count down from 10 to one, shouting 'blast off!' as the rocket heads

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need to do better?

into space. This supports children's communication and language development. n Parents report that staff are 'wonderful'. They appreciate being able to take part in settling-in sessions now that the COVID-19 restrictions have eased. Staff invite parents into the pre-school to share pictures and observations about what children have been doing. However, staff do not consistently give parents enough information about their children's development and how they can support children's learning at home.

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need to do better?

20 May 2022 n Staff are good role models to children. They encourage them to use manners, such as saying 'please' and 'thank you'. Staff teach children how to share. For example, children learn how to take it in turns on the bikes in the garden. Staff use an egg timer to show children visually that when the sand runs out, it is time to swap with their friends. Staff use appropriate strategies to quickly calm children who struggle to regulate their own behaviour. n Children are friendly towards visitors, eagerly telling them about food they have in their lunch box. They say, 'I eat my sandwiches first as they are healthy. Lots of chocolate isn't healthy.' Staff support children to make positive choices about the food they eat. n Staff report that they feel supported by the manager. She provides regular training for staff, enabling them to refresh their knowledge and learn new skills. The manager works alongside her team, giving daily feedback on their practice.

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need to do better?

This enables staff to reflect on their practice and learn from each other. The manager is passionate about providing care for the children in the community and has strong links with the local school. This enables staff to support children's transitions well when they move into Reception Year.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a good knowledge of the different types of abuse, including how children can be drawn into extremism. They are aware of who to report concerns to about children and staff, and know to record these. The manager gives staff regular opportunities to refresh their safeguarding knowledge by providing training and discussing topics during staff meetings. The manager follows a safer recruitment policy, making sure staff are suitable to work with children. Staff have a good awareness of how to keep children safe while in their care. Ratios are maintained and children are well supervised at all times.

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should:

n enhance systems for sharing information with parents about their children's learning and development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY463770 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10138497 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 39 Name of registered person Horrell, Nicola Kay

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reference number

Telephone number 07906086995 Date of previous inspection 11 July 2014

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Information about this early years setting

ABC Pre-School registered in 2013. It is situated in Irchester, Northamptonshire. The pre-school employs 10 members of staff, nine of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above, including two with qualified teacher status and one with early years professional status. The pre-school is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.50am until 3.20pm and on Wednesday from 8.50am until 11.50am, term time only. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. It supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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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 manager and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector and the manager observed activities in the indoor and outdoor learning environments used by children. The manager talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Children spoke to the inspector throughout the day. n Parents shared their views with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector carried out a joint observation on an activity with the manager. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector talked to staff, discussing their practice and knowledge. n A sample of relevant documents were viewed by the inspector, including the checks for two-year-old children and safeguarding policies.

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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

20 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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