Thurston Childcare

Inspection of Thurston Childcare Thurston Church of England Primary Academy, Pond Field Road, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 3FT

p.1

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children thrive at this setting. The staff get to know about children and their home lives. This enables the staff to give highly individualised, expert support to children. For example, during an activity learning why it is important to brush teeth, staff know who each child lives with. They help children count how many toothbrushes they have at home. Children then talk about what their toothpaste tastes like, and which flavours they like and do not like as much. Young children thoroughly enjoy having stories read to them and sharing books together. They show that they are familiar with the story and they confidently complete the rhyming parts that they know.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children benefit from a wealth of new experiences. The leaders and managers fully exploit the potential learning that each opportunity offers. For example, they recognise how children can learn lots of new and challenging vocabulary from learning all about bees, their honey and how they build their hives. Children help to keep chickens, meet members of the community that help them, such as police officers, and can choose to join in with planned yoga sessions. A child proudly celebrates what they can do when they say, 'I can do a tree pose, look.'

p.2

need to do better?

n The recently built setting, in the grounds of its host school, is welcoming, inviting and a hive of activity. Staff expertly use the various areas available to the children to maximise learning and enjoyment. n Highly qualified leaders, managers and staff are extremely knowledgeable about how to offer children excellent early childhood education. They meticulously plan a broad, varied and challenging curriculum. It is informed by their precise, regular assessments of where each and every child is in their development. This helps children to make excellent progress in their learning. n The teamwork between managers and staff is highly effective. They continuously communicate about the activities and teaching, and the organisation of the day. Regular staff meetings support staff in reflecting on practice and making adjustments to all aspects of the setting. Bespoke training plans help all staff to build their skills and knowledge to higher levels. This

p.2

need to do better?

results in a strong ethos of continuous improvement where all strive to provide the best possible care and education for children. n Partnerships with parents are highly effective. Staff help parents to further children's learning at home by emailing and making activities available that link to each new subject or experience that children have enjoyed in the setting. n Where children are not working at the levels expected for their age and stage of development, staff put in place clear, concise and highly effective plans together with parents. All staff understand these plans, and seamlessly incorporate the

p.2

need to do better?

19 May 2022 extra support that children need into their day. n Children are very involved in all aspects of the setting. They keenly bring in their toys and items that interest them from home for 'show and tell'. They listen carefully as other children tell them about their own experiences and interests. Children attempt challenging tasks, while still asking for, and accepting, help where they need it. n Children's bonds with staff are excellently established. They smile and jump with excitement when they talk about their key person. All children benefit from daily time with their key person in their small groups. Their key person gives them highly focused teaching linked to the strong curriculum. n In addition to regular time with their key person, several other short group times are interspersed throughout children's day, for example, to sing or listen to stories. At these times, staff deliver the carefully planned curriculum to

p.2

need to do better?

continually reinforce children's learning. Children keenly recognise the importance of concentrating and focusing on their learning. They understand the purpose of listening to staff and consciously work on developing their skills.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

All those working with children are aware of their roles and responsibilities to safeguard them. Leaders strive to achieve the highest possible standards. They carefully assess and manage any risks in the setting. Leaders and managers carefully monitor any situations that may pose a risk to children. They signpost parents to other organisations and regularly 'check in' with families who they know have challenging home situations. Safeguarding lead practitioners work closely with other agencies to help protect children from harm. Leaders check that staff have the knowledge that they need to be able to recognise any possible indicators of abuse and/or neglect.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2651430 Local authority Suffolk Inspection number 10242874 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 108 Number of children on roll 137 Name of registered person Thurston Pre-School Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01359234993 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Thurston Childcare registered in 2021. It operates from the site of Thurston Church of England Primary Academy. It is open Monday to Friday all year around from 7.30am until 6pm. The setting closes for bank holidays and one week in December. It receives funding for two-, three- and four-year old children. There are 13 members of childcare staff, 12 of whom hold relevant early years qualifications, and the setting also employs an administrator. The manager has a qualification at level 5.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection that the provider received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the setting and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector carried out a learning walk with the manager and a room leader. n The inspector looked at evidence of the suitability of staff members. First-aid training certificates were viewed. n The inspector held joint discussions with the manager. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. The inspector evaluated the experiences of children. n The inspector spoke with parents and considered their views about the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of interactions between staff and children and evaluated the impact that these had on children's learning and development.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

19 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6